Apocalypse is nigh - should I start knitting?

[neadods]

There are so many charity auctions running right now, and all for causes I want to support. I'm starting to think that I should have, I dunno, a pool of things that can be dipped into when disaster strikes.

But what? It would have to be something that could be wholly created or partially assembled in advance or produced very quickly - not something that takes time or thought because to be blunt, I'm not necessarily going to have time or thought to spare when the need strikes. (Japan's pressing need while I'm entirely wrapped up in my own drama is a very timely example.)

Personally, I'm troping toward things like the "rainy day care package" or recipe collection for help_japan (and a box of recipes went for a really high bid for help_haiti)

On the other hand, it seemed like "I live in this place" theme packages were doing really well for Haiti, but the "DC Christmas" basket I offered got a single pity bid.

This is why I'm a suck salesperson. So, I'm crowdsourcing. What kinds of things would get you to *bid* and compete to bid, and at what price point(s)? Because the point here is to raise money for a cause and obviously I don't know how to offer something that does that.

Major skills are knitting, cooking, quilting, and writing (by which I mean technical writing, if anyone wants to bid on having something explained clearly). Gift box assortments can be done, but advice on what items to offer would be appreciated.* Customization for a person or a fandom do-able.

Comments

[redpanda13.livejournal.com]

Speaking just for me (and as someone within handing-off distance), I'd be interested in a bunch of mysteries you thought were good, baked goods --unusual bread, maybe cookies or a pie. Quilts take time, but I once paid out for a quilted landscape wall-hanging; that might not take long to do. Maybe a bunch of themed CDs or DVDs you don't need to keep, excess zines, excess fan art....

[wendymr.livejournal.com]

I saw a LOT of bids on a pair of TARDIS mittens, and lindenharp's Fourth Doctor scarf is currently going for $40. So why not knit something of interest to fandom? How about a Watson-sweater-style scarf?

[jennetj.livejournal.com]

I always thought the baskets you put together for Prepare for Faire sounded cool. I put my two usuals in - a box of Shakespeare and an hour of geek time. No bids for the geek, but Shakespeare's up to $35.

[taffimai.livejournal.com]

Maybe it was the xmas part of the basket that didn't attract the bidders? Maybe try again with postcards?

[dune-drd.livejournal.com]

A recipe box sounds extremely fun! Make it fandom-themed somehow and it could get even more moneys

[fabricdragon.livejournal.com]

either themed recipes...
(maybe baked goods, or "quick for parties" or something)
(os, crock pot recipes are always a BIG deal, as are common ingredient things, like "garlic" or "chicken")

or offer knit items in team colors..

if you can knit a name into something, thats always cool. or words...