A penny for my thoughts (but I'd prefer a dollar for my scarves)

Being a domestick diva (yes, I meant to spell it that way!) is so crazy sometimes, and I really wish it paid for all the time I put into it. If you calculated, I should be making a decent living for all the work I do. I'm a chef, baker, cleaning lady, chauffeur, nanny, nurse, loan shark, tutor, photographer... am I missing anything? On top of that, I "work" an at home business, knit, and take time to remain social with what few friends I have left. While I do try to stretch our dollars out the best I can, I always feel that I can financially contribute more to the family. My husband and I go back and forth about me finding a part-time job, but it always comes down to childcare. Any money I could make would all go straight to childcare, so really, what's the point in getting job if I'd never see a paycheck? I enjoy working my at home business, but I'm not willing to put in the hours OUTSIDE of my home to really make enough to make me feel like I'm helping to support the family. So what do I do now?

Since I began knitting, I have received numerous requests for knitted pieces in exchange for money, but I was nervous about selling something I made from a pattern designed by someone else. Last week, I discovered a conversation on Ravelry about this exact issue. One Raveler said something that made sense. If I made brownies for a bake sale, would I feel guilty using someone elses recipe? No. Its the same sense with knitting. I'm asking for payment for my time and effort, not for the idea of the pattern. So now that my guilt has been lifted, I am open to being paid for what I put into making something for someone.

Which brings me my previous topic. My mom has been telling me for months she would start me off with all the supplies I would need to run my own business, so I decided to take her up on the offer. I have decided to go slow and  dedicate a period of time to exclusively knit things, then put them up for sale. Over time, I'm hoping to receive special requests from people and I will be happy to make them! I have had a few people express concern that my hobby will turn into work, but honestly, I don't mind. I held very few jobs that I didn't enjoy doing, mostly because I enjoy making money. I'd rather get paid to do something that I LOVE, AND still be able to stay at home with my crazy family and domestic duties. I probably won't get rich, but coupled with the money I'm already bringing in, I should be able to feel content that I am contributing enough.