Yarn Parties: Party Like it's 1899!

So I'd like to get some feedback on an idea I have.

Many of you know that Brynn and I started a small Etsy shop called WellOwlBe. If you didn't know, you can check it out on Etsy at: https://www.etsy.com/shop/WellOwlBe  or on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/WellOwlBe. It started out as mostly hand-stamped metal jewelry and key chains, but has grown and expanded into other things as well including lots of crocheted pieces.

This past fall I decided to try my hand at craft shows. While I learned quite a bit, I only broke even financially (and that's an optimistic assessment of it). Turns out what sells on Etsy is not what sells at craft shows, though the things that sell at craft shows don't sell on Etsy. One thing I heard a lot of from customers, was how *they* would like to learn to crochet. Or refresh their skills. Or learn a new technique.

So here's my idea...

Yarn parties. (I like the idea of calling them Stitch & Bitch parties, but the name is taken by a rather clever series of books).

Think of having a get-together with friends, like a Pampered Chef party or a Scentsy party, but with no obligation to buy anything and no pressure to book another party or take home a catalog. I would travel to your house with all the supplies we need to make the project you choose. At the end of the party (I'd think it would be between one and two hours) everyone gets to keep their crochet hook (that I provide) and the project they made. Folks could stick around longer for snacks, drinks, a movie, whatever you have planned, and I would politely bow out. What do you think?

I'm posting this because I want loads of feedback about it, even if you think it's a terrible idea! Would you host one? Would you go to one? Would you think it was terribly lame?

Here are some further thoughts...

Types of parties: I could offer several projects that would relate to what you would like to learn or make. For example...

- Basic Crochet Stitches: We would make washclothes for everyone to take home. You would learn five basic crochet stitches, which should get you started on almost any project: chain, single crochet, half-double crochet, double crochet, and treble crochet. I would discuss other more advanced techniques, but we wouldn't practice those. Everyone takes home their crochet hook so they can continue to practice.

If anyone's sides turn out this even on their first try they get a gold star!

- Baby/Family Blanket Party: Each guest would make a small "motif" during the party. These are small shapes that then get stitched together into a larger project. I would bring various colors of yarn (for example: lots of pinks or purples for a girl's baby blanket) and each person would make a square. After the party I would take the motifs with me, stitch them together, and return the finished blanket to the party host/hostess. These would likely be very small blankets, but would be nice baby gifts or mother's day gifts.

For a party with beginners our motifs would be very simple and probably squares.

Ruffle Scarf Party: At this party guests would each make their own finished ruffle and coil scarf. You would only learn the technique for making this scarf, not more traditional crochet stitches. Everyone would still get to take home their hooks for making more scarves. I could either bring a mix of colors of yarn or guests could request their favorite color (team/school colors are sometimes available).

These come in loads of colors and can be worn long or infinity style.

 - Arm knitting: This is the only party where guests do not go home with a crochet hook...because this is knitting! But scarves require 2 skeins of chunky yarn, so you still take home a lot of yarn. Everyone leaves with a chunky infinity scarf. Again I could bring mixed colors or guest could request colors beforehand. And since you use 2 strands at once, you could either make a single colored scarf or a multi-colored scarf. It's a great technique and moves along very fast.

This is the FSU version.

Pricing: I could either charge a flat fee for a party of say 8, plus a small charge for each additional guest or I could charge a fee per guest with a minimum of a certain number of guests required. I'd have to cover the cost of transportation, hooks, and yarn (and not cruddy yarn either, working with traditional Red Heart yarn is enough to turn anyone off to crochet). Would you rather see a flat fee or a per guest fee if you were thinking about having a party?

Other questions: Are there other sorts of crocheted pieces or techniques you'd like to learn? What sort of party would you like to have? Would you rather learn in a setting like this with friends (and possibly wine) or would you rather learn one on one with someone? What things am I not thinking about?

I'm certainly not uniquely qualified to do a class like this, but I do think it would be a fun get-together. If you're interested in learning there are books, youtube tutorials, and even classes at craft stores like Michael's. This is a different sort of thing though. It would be a friendly setting, with other people asking questions and making mistakes alongside you. If you think that sounds like a good time, let me know! (Also let me know if you think it sounds terrible, I'm just testing the waters here).