From Sylvia Connor, Winsted, CT:

I am responding to Joyce Fortune's comments in the April Readers Forum about the low prices paid for crafts and high price of technology. I am one of the knitters who sells hand-made items. I try to keep my prices as low as possible, not because I undervalue my work, but because I realize that most Ziegler readers are not in a position to pay a lot for baby blankets, sweaters and the like. Craft items cannot be sold based on how long they take to make. They are sold mostly on a formula based on how much the materials cost. If I were to charge minimum wage for making a braille afghan, for instance, not only would no one be able to afford it, but it really would not be worth the price.

So, speaking for myself, I enjoy knitting. It is a labor of love. If I can make an item that someone else will enjoy and be able to use, as long as the cost of my materials is covered and I make a small profit, I am quite happy! I also donate many hats, scarves and mittens to charitable organizations. It's my way of trying to give a little back.