For some reason, my friends/family a blown away that I knit (and that I actually don't suck at it).  Most a very cool and recognize the amount of work that goes into it.  Others are a bit oblivious. I'm starting to get some requests to knit for others (I like to do gifts for people but it is different when people ask - especially when they say what I can knit them for Christmas).  A few seem to think that you can knit sweater in a few hours and for a few bucks, no problems.  My standard replies have been:

1)  "Instead of me knitting for you, get some needles and I'll show you how."
2)  "You couldn't afford me to knit a sweater for you." (and then I tell them how long it takes; how much it costs...blahblahblah..their eyes glaze over and/or they don't care).

I don't want to get nasty with them (since it is usually a family member/friend) but there have to be some great responses out there...

I like the first comment and I'll use it...thanks.  

Nicely done!  Based on how many hours it took me to make my first sweater, I'd be rich.  Knitting is truly a labour of love.

Thanks!

I've got it: Your work is so good that they are too in awe to ask.  How's that?  Are you from BC to have the warm Canadian weather. Here  in Ontario, I'm waiting for global warmiing to kick in in January...so far:  nada.

There was an article in the paper about my SnBitch and now I am getting e-mails from people asking us to knit things for money.
One woman had a old fair isle christmas stocking that would have taken about a year to knit.
I wish people would just knit for them selves.

I've offered to teach, but the seem to think it to imposible....People just don't get it. They think it takes nothing to knit.

Theresa

That comment sums up a lot with society:
1.  That people are so used to instant gratification that they expect everything right now and when they want it.
2.  People are so self-depreciating that they give up before they even try.  If we gave up on our first day with the needles, we'd not be accessing this site everyday (and knitting during the other times).

It truly is a great feeling to wear something that you've made for yourself (and even getting a compliment on it) or having someone wear what you've made because they want to...