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Merc's Pride Scarf
posted in Off Topic
1
#1
6 Frags +

Some of you may remember the Merc’s Pride scarf [seen here:

Show Content

] that was posted on /r/tf2 a few months back. It was pretty popular and generated a lot of interest in being able to purchase one or one like it. At the time, the awesome guy who made it (let's call him Lumbar) wasn't interested in making any for sale.

Each scarf is about 72 hours of work over 2-3 weeks, using materials that cost about $30. You can see the process of making one here. I've talked with him recently and he's considering selling his trade if there's enough community interest. This thread is ONLY to see how interested people are in buying this item. (And possibly infinity scarf Merc's Mufflers in the future.)

He would appreciate your feedback on 2 things:

- Would you like to buy a scarf like this?
- What do you think would be a fair price? (Keep in mind the work time and cost of materials.)

To reiterate: he will NOT be taking orders at this time, no matter how generous the offer. This is simply to measure current interest.

Edit: Gallery link works now.

Some of you may remember the [url=http://www.reddit.com/r/tf2/comments/150cvy/its_not_an_unusual_but_i_still_love_it/]Merc’s Pride[/url] scarf [seen here: [spoiler][img]http://i.imgur.com/Eg1NRxG.jpg[/img][/spoiler]] that was posted on /r/tf2 a few months back. It was pretty popular and generated a lot of interest in being able to purchase one or one like it. At the time, the awesome guy who made it (let's call him Lumbar) wasn't interested in making any for sale.

Each scarf is about 72 hours of work over 2-3 weeks, using materials that cost about $30. You can see the process of making one [url=http://imgur.com/a/S4s5C#5XzAC0B]here[/url]. I've talked with him recently and he's considering selling his trade if there's enough community interest. This thread is [b]ONLY[/b] to see how interested people are in buying this item. (And possibly infinity scarf Merc's Mufflers in the future.)

He would appreciate your feedback on 2 things:

- Would you like to buy a scarf like this?
- What do you think would be a fair price? (Keep in mind the work time and cost of materials.)

To reiterate: he will [b]NOT[/b] be taking orders at this time, no matter how generous the offer. This is simply to measure current interest.

Edit: Gallery link works now.
2
#2
1 Frags +

I probably would. Even if I didn't want it (I do) it'd make an amazing Christmas present for a few people I know. I probably wouldn't pay much more than $60 for it. Not that it isn't worth it that's just over my budget for things like that.

I probably would. Even if I didn't want it (I do) it'd make an amazing Christmas present for a few people I know. I probably wouldn't pay much more than $60 for it. Not that it isn't worth it that's just over my budget for things like that.
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#3
2 Frags +

Amazing. I would say $50 would be a pretty decent price for it, but I wouldn't complain if it were around $55-$60.

Amazing. I would say $50 would be a pretty decent price for it, but I wouldn't complain if it were around $55-$60.
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#4
1 Frags +

Well, I would actually buy it, IF there will be international shipping, :>

Price + Shipping shouldn't get more than 90$ - I hope :(.

Normal price should be around $50-$55-$60, $30 worth of metrial + 72 hours of working on it, and the fact that he should make a profit, I think that should be a fair price.

EDIT: Frogot to mention that it looks like a Harry Potter scarf which is really neat.
And a small question aswell, will he be able to make perhaps some blue ones?

Well, I would actually buy it, IF there will be international shipping, :>

Price + Shipping shouldn't get more than 90$ - I hope :(.

Normal price should be around $50-$55-$60, $30 worth of metrial + 72 hours of working on it, and the fact that he should make a profit, I think that should be a fair price.

EDIT: Frogot to mention that it looks like a Harry Potter scarf which is really neat.
And a small question aswell, will he be able to make perhaps some blue ones?
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#5
5 Frags +

I'd definitely buy it, and considering he puts roughly 3 days of work into it, I wouldn't have a problem in paying around $100 to help the guy out.

I'd definitely buy it, and considering he puts roughly [i]3 days[/i] of work into it, I wouldn't have a problem in paying around $100 to help the guy out.
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#6
11 Frags +

With $30 of wool or what ever he is using, plus the $20/30 extra people are willing to pay it's not really going to be worth his time is it. He would be working for about 30c an hour.

With $30 of wool or what ever he is using, plus the $20/30 extra people are willing to pay it's not really going to be worth his time is it. He would be working for about 30c an hour.
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#7
2 Frags +

A fair price would be around the $50-60 area, but I don't think it'd be worth his time like Coleman said. I would understand if he charged more, but the absolute most I would pay would be $100.

A fair price would be around the $50-60 area, but I don't think it'd be worth his time like Coleman said. I would understand if he charged more, but the absolute most I would pay would be $100.
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#8
1 Frags +
AllealI probably would. Even if I didn't want it (I do) it'd make an amazing Christmas present for a few people I know. I probably wouldn't pay much more than $60 for it. Not that it isn't worth it that's just over my budget for things like that.

These are pretty much my sentiments. Would definitely pick one up if they became available for that price.

[quote=Alleal]I probably would. Even if I didn't want it (I do) it'd make an amazing Christmas present for a few people I know. I probably wouldn't pay much more than $60 for it. Not that it isn't worth it that's just over my budget for things like that.[/quote]

These are pretty much my sentiments. Would definitely pick one up if they became available for that price.
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#9
1 Frags +

He could probably jack the price up if he said he would only make a limited number.

He could probably jack the price up if he said he would only make a limited number.
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#10
4 Frags +

This project and every project on etsy is such a rip-off for whoever puts in the time. Any of these home-knit scarves should be worth hundreds of dollars considering how long they take to make. 70+ hours at minimum wage is somewhere around 500 dollars I believe. If he was willing to make them for cheaper though, I'd probably buy one.

This project and every project on etsy is such a rip-off for whoever puts in the time. Any of these home-knit scarves should be worth hundreds of dollars considering how long they take to make. 70+ hours at minimum wage is somewhere around 500 dollars I believe. If he was willing to make them for cheaper though, I'd probably buy one.
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#11
2 Frags +
JackyLegsAnd a small question aswell, will he be able to make perhaps some blue ones?

He could make them in both the red and blue color schemes.

ColemanHe would be working for about 30c an hour.

That's the difficulty in trying to find an adequate price range. We're tossing around some ideas that would cut down on the time to make them and make them more affordable. Purchasing a knitting machine is on the table, but to seriously consider that, he'd have to want to make a business out of this or something.

trogHe could probably jack the price up if he said he would only make a limited number.

That's something we've been considering, too. Making 10-20 and holding an auction. We'd MUCH rather make them widely available, but it's difficult make that happen. Right now there's only the prototype sitting in my closet and the prototype Merc's Muffler he's working on. I'll see if I can upload more detailed pictures later.

QuesAny of these home-knit scarves should be worth hundreds of dollars considering how long they take to make. 70+ hours at minimum wage is somewhere around 500 dollars I believe. If he was willing to make them for cheaper though, I'd probably buy one.

I'm not sure how many people would find it reasonable to pay hundreds of dollars for a scarf like that unless they really, really liked TF2. I mean, come on. It's not even signed.

[quote=JackyLegs]And a small question aswell, will he be able to make perhaps some blue ones?[/quote]

He could make them in both the red and blue color schemes.

[quote=Coleman]He would be working for about 30c an hour.[/quote]

That's the difficulty in trying to find an adequate price range. We're tossing around some ideas that would cut down on the time to make them and make them more affordable. Purchasing a knitting machine is on the table, but to seriously consider that, he'd have to want to make a [b][i]business[/i][/b] out of this or something.

[quote=trog]He could probably jack the price up if he said he would only make a limited number.[/quote]

That's something we've been considering, too. Making 10-20 and holding an auction. We'd MUCH rather make them widely available, but it's difficult make that happen. Right now there's only the prototype sitting in my closet and the prototype Merc's Muffler he's working on. I'll see if I can upload more detailed pictures later.

[quote=Ques]Any of these home-knit scarves should be worth hundreds of dollars considering how long they take to make. 70+ hours at minimum wage is somewhere around 500 dollars I believe. If he was willing to make them for cheaper though, I'd probably buy one.[/quote]

I'm not sure how many people would find it reasonable to pay hundreds of dollars for a scarf like that unless they really, really liked TF2. I mean, come on. It's not even signed.
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#12
5 Frags +
QuesThis project and every project on etsy is such a rip-off for whoever puts in the time. Any of these home-knit scarves should be worth hundreds of dollars considering how long they take to make. 70+ hours at minimum wage is somewhere around 500 dollars I believe. If he was willing to make them for cheaper though, I'd probably buy one.

I was always under the impression that half of the stuff on etsy is shitty jewelry made out of beach glass and some wire thats made by some 15 year old girl with a tumblr.

[quote=Ques]This project and every project on etsy is such a rip-off for whoever puts in the time. Any of these home-knit scarves should be worth hundreds of dollars considering how long they take to make. 70+ hours at minimum wage is somewhere around 500 dollars I believe. If he was willing to make them for cheaper though, I'd probably buy one.[/quote]

I was always under the impression that half of the stuff on etsy is shitty jewelry made out of beach glass and some wire thats made by some 15 year old girl with a tumblr.
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#13
0 Frags +
AmaryllisQuesAny of these home-knit scarves should be worth hundreds of dollars considering how long they take to make. 70+ hours at minimum wage is somewhere around 500 dollars I believe. If he was willing to make them for cheaper though, I'd probably buy one.
I'm not sure how many people would find it reasonable to pay hundreds of dollars for a scarf like that unless they really, really liked TF2. I mean, come on. It's not even signed.

Nobody would want to pay it, for sure. But that means it's not a worthwhile trade for either party. I agree that the scarf should be pretty pricey considering the time investment and just the cost of materials. Most people aren't going to want to pay more than $50, which adds up to only $20 profit for ~72 hours of work. Fuck that. I wouldn't bother trying to sell if I was the guy, and I encourage him not to unless he really needs money.

[quote=Amaryllis]
[quote=Ques]Any of these home-knit scarves should be worth hundreds of dollars considering how long they take to make. 70+ hours at minimum wage is somewhere around 500 dollars I believe. If he was willing to make them for cheaper though, I'd probably buy one.[/quote]

I'm not sure how many people would find it reasonable to pay hundreds of dollars for a scarf like that unless they really, really liked TF2. I mean, come on. It's not even signed.[/quote]
Nobody would want to pay it, for sure. But that means it's not a worthwhile trade for either party. I agree that the scarf should be pretty pricey considering the time investment and just the cost of materials. Most people aren't going to want to pay more than $50, which adds up to only $20 profit for ~72 hours of work. Fuck that. I wouldn't bother trying to sell if I was the guy, and I encourage him not to unless he really needs money.
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#14
5 Frags +

That's not entirely true #12. See here

That's not entirely true #12. See [url=www.etsy.com/search?q=team+fortress+2&order=most_relevant&view_type=gallery&ship_to=US&ref=auto1]here[/url]
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#15
0 Frags +

If I was in the market for a high quality hand knit scarf, I would not be buying one with a tf2 logo.

You could try posting this to r/malefashionadvice and you'll probably have a few requests for custom scarves from people who are willing to pay what a handmade scarf is worth.

If I was in the market for a high quality hand knit scarf, I would not be buying one with a tf2 logo.

You could try posting this to r/malefashionadvice and you'll probably have a few requests for custom scarves from people who are willing to pay what a handmade scarf is worth.
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#16
1 Frags +
RenhetMost people aren't going to want to pay more than $50, which adds up to only $20 profit for ~72 hours of work. Fuck that. I wouldn't bother trying to sell if I was the guy, and I encourage him not to unless he really needs money.

That's essentially what this thread is about -- testing the environment to see if we want to proceed. He's not looking to make a business from this, at least not at the current rate of production. Even with one or two buyers at an appropriate price, we'd be happy. Hopefully, later down the line we can make them more affordable. We're taking baby steps for now.

ThomasYou could try posting this to r/malefashionadvice and you'll probably have a few requests for custom scarves from people who are willing to pay what a handmade scarf is worth.

He's not looking to make a killing in the custom-ordered scarf market -- just to potentially provide a niche service for the TF2 community. But I'll definitely pass along the information. Thanks!

[quote=Renhet]Most people aren't going to want to pay more than $50, which adds up to only $20 profit for ~72 hours of work. Fuck that. I wouldn't bother trying to sell if I was the guy, and I encourage him not to unless he really needs money.[/quote]

That's essentially what this thread is about -- testing the environment to see if we want to proceed. He's not looking to make a business from this, at least not at the current rate of production. Even with one or two buyers at an appropriate price, we'd be happy. Hopefully, later down the line we can make them more affordable. We're taking baby steps for now.

[quote=Thomas]You could try posting this to r/malefashionadvice and you'll probably have a few requests for custom scarves from people who are willing to pay what a handmade scarf is worth.[/quote]

He's not looking to make a killing in the custom-ordered scarf market -- just to potentially provide a niche service for the TF2 community. But I'll definitely pass along the information. Thanks!
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#17
9 Frags +

Craft numbers?!

Craft numbers?!
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#18
0 Frags +

Also, if I were to spend 200+ on a scarf, I would want him to use much more than $30 in materials. How many of these scarves has he made and is there any time he can shave off the 72 hours through experience/familiarity with the pattern

Also, if I were to spend 200+ on a scarf, I would want him to use much more than $30 in materials. How many of these scarves has he made and is there any time he can shave off the 72 hours through experience/familiarity with the pattern
19
#19
0 Frags +

lol i wouldnt buy this because the method this guy is using to make it should make it cost ATLEAST $455 considering it takes 72 hours to make. too expensive for me. I would consider buying one at a later time for around $50.

lol i wouldnt buy this because the method this guy is using to make it should make it cost ATLEAST $455 considering it takes 72 hours to make. too expensive for me. I would consider buying one at a later time for around $50.
20
#20
4 Frags +
breloomAlso, if I were to spend 200+ on a scarf, I would want him to use much more than $30 in materials. How many of these scarves has he made and is there any time he can shave off the 72 hours through experience/familiarity with the pattern

There's only the Merc's Pride prototype (in my possession) and the Merc's Muffler he's toying around with now. Other than that, he's made a lot of scarves, plushes, and other knitted figures for people.

The method utilized for this scarf in particular is the intarsia method. It's where you have several pieces of yarn that you're working with for different colors as opposed to one. I think this picture says it best.

http://i.imgur.com/oclOUox.jpg

Fucking yarn everywhere. He's still delving into some other methods that may make it easier and less time consuming. But there's really no way to just "knit faster" unless you're a seasoned veteran or have a knitting machine (expensive).

Lumbar says it best:

ᵃᵐᵃʳʸᶫᶫᶦˢ➲: would you say
ᵃᵐᵃʳʸᶫᶫᶦˢ➲: that the knitting is hard for you
ᵃᵐᵃʳʸᶫᶫᶦˢ➲: or does it just take a long time
Lumbar: A long long long long long long time
ᵃᵐᵃʳʸᶫᶫᶦˢ➲: hehe
Lumbar: A LONG LONG FUCKING TIME
ᵃᵐᵃʳʸᶫᶫᶦˢ➲: OKAY
Lumbar: NO YOU HAVE NO IDEA

I have no idea.

[quote=breloom]Also, if I were to spend 200+ on a scarf, I would want him to use much more than $30 in materials. How many of these scarves has he made and is there any time he can shave off the 72 hours through experience/familiarity with the pattern[/quote]

There's only the Merc's Pride prototype (in my possession) and the Merc's Muffler he's toying around with now. Other than that, he's made a lot of scarves, plushes, and other knitted figures for people.

The method utilized for this scarf in particular is the intarsia method. It's where you have several pieces of yarn that you're working with for different colors as opposed to one. I think this picture says it best. [img]http://i.imgur.com/oclOUox.jpg[/img] Fucking yarn everywhere. He's still delving into some other methods that may make it easier and less time consuming. But there's really no way to just "knit faster" unless you're a seasoned veteran or have a knitting machine (expensive).

Lumbar says it best:

ᵃᵐᵃʳʸᶫᶫᶦˢ➲: would you say
ᵃᵐᵃʳʸᶫᶫᶦˢ➲: that the knitting is hard for you
ᵃᵐᵃʳʸᶫᶫᶦˢ➲: or does it just take a long time
Lumbar: A long long long long long long time
ᵃᵐᵃʳʸᶫᶫᶦˢ➲: hehe
Lumbar: A LONG LONG FUCKING TIME
ᵃᵐᵃʳʸᶫᶫᶦˢ➲: OKAY
Lumbar: NO YOU HAVE NO IDEA

I have no idea.
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#21
-3 Frags +

50bux

150bux if you wear it and infuse it with your scent before shipping to me

50bux

150bux if you wear it and infuse it with your scent before shipping to me
22
#22
11 Frags +

Maybe, he could make a single one for the next Tip of the Hats and we auction it, watch as everyone will go so far for it.

Maybe, he could make a single one for the next Tip of the Hats and we auction it, watch as everyone will go so far for it.
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#23
-2 Frags +
MagikarpMaybe, he could make a single one for the next Tip of the Hats and we auction it, watch as everyone will go so far for it.

Not that he wouldn't be willing, but isn't the point of Tip of the Hats to raise funds for others in need? It'd be a delightful opportunity to get exposure and support the community, but wouldn't all or a part of the proceeds need to go toward whichever charity is being supported at the time?

[quote=Magikarp]Maybe, he could make a single one for the next Tip of the Hats and we auction it, watch as everyone will go so far for it.[/quote]

Not that he wouldn't be willing, but isn't the point of Tip of the Hats to raise funds for others in need? It'd be a delightful opportunity to get exposure and support the community, but wouldn't all or a part of the proceeds need to go toward whichever charity is being supported at the time?
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#24
3 Frags +

That's why it's a donation.

That's why it's a donation.
25
#25
0 Frags +
TheJesterThat's why it's a donation.

I realize it's a donation. However, we haven't even gotten off the ground enough to be considering donations to others. It's an idea to consider if we prove to have beginning success, but this early in development it feels a little ambitious.

[quote=TheJester]That's why it's a donation.[/quote]

I realize it's a donation. However, we haven't even gotten off the ground enough to be considering donations to others. It's an idea to consider if we prove to have beginning success, but this early in development it feels a little ambitious.
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#26
0 Frags +

Donating is never too ambitious. You're benefiting the fundraiser regardless of the personal benefit you gain. That being said, I don't think there's anything wrong with wanting some exposure out of it, which is all you are going to get without donating a portion of proceeds as opposed to the full scarf for auction.

I don't think business success with the scarf on his own is going to affect how well an auction would go. He will be dipping into his wallet and free time regardless.

Donating is never too ambitious. You're benefiting the fundraiser regardless of the personal benefit you gain. That being said, I don't think there's anything wrong with wanting some exposure out of it, which is all you are going to get without donating a portion of proceeds as opposed to the full scarf for auction.

I don't think business success with the scarf on his own is going to affect how well an auction would go. He will be dipping into his wallet and free time regardless.
27
#27
6 Frags +

its just a thread to ask what you guys think it would be worth, stop arguing other stuff @_@

its just a thread to ask what you guys think it would be worth, stop arguing other stuff @_@
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#28
0 Frags +
RenhetDonating is never too ambitious.

Saying now that we would donate later is ambitious because we don't know what we'll be doing between now and then. Anything could happen. Erring on the side of caution is best for now so we don't get in over our heads.

All these considerations and ideas are giving us good material to work with, though. Taking it one step at a time.

[quote=Renhet]Donating is never too ambitious.[/quote]

Saying now that we would donate later is ambitious because we don't know what we'll be doing between now and then. Anything could happen. Erring on the side of caution is best for now so we don't get in over our heads.

All these considerations and ideas are giving us good material to work with, though. Taking it one step at a time.
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#29
-3 Frags +
remedyits just a thread to ask what you guys think it would be worth, stop arguing other stuff @_@

who is arguing?

[quote=remedy]its just a thread to ask what you guys think it would be worth, stop arguing other stuff @_@[/quote]
who is arguing?
30
#30
1 Frags +

That looks pretty awesome

That looks pretty awesome
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