I am one of those people who want something made strictly by hand.  This means that more time was put into this item, and therefore I expect the cost to be higher than something made with a knitting machine or a plastic loom.  This isn't to say that I don't care for knitting machines or looms....I think that they are excellent for working items up very quickly!  I just think there is something about knitting by hand.  It keeps a passed-down art alive and well year after year.

There will be auction listings that state it is handknit.  More often than not this item was created on a knitting machine, not by someone and their pair of knitting needles.  The round plastic looms are fairly new to the scene, so you don't find as many auctions where looms were used.  If you know that the item you are purchasing was not actually handknit going into it, and are ok with it; than all's is well.  However, if you do care then make sure you take the time to inquire of the seller if they know the individual who actually handknit that item.

I also want to mention that there is quite a bit of crocheted auctions listed.  More so than the knit.  The true hand knit items are a rarity, and therefore the price may be justifiably higher.  Just know that there is a great deal of time put into both true hand knit and hand crocheted items, and therefore the price should reflect that.  If you buy something cheaply, than you may end up getting what you paid for.

Another thing to mention is the type of yarn used.  Acrylic is what is most commonly used.  It is inexpensive for the knitter/crocheter to purchase, it is easy to work with, and it washes and wears well.  There are cheaper types of acrylic made and they can be scratchy.  I would hope no knitter/crocheter would even bother to create a wearable item with cheap, scratchy acrylic.  There are yarns that are very costly, and well worth the price.  They are soft and luxiourious, and feel oh-so-good on.  Using these yarns will most definately increase the cost of the finished item. 

Bottom line on yarns...what type is used depends on your budget, what look you are going for, and your personal preferences.  No yarn is the "it" yarn.

And lastly, I encourage everyone to consider purchasing at least one true hand knit / hand crocheted item.  Two or more if you like it!

Beth

PSBB*Designs