Sew Wonderful

Santa brought me some fantastic sewing books and a superb sewing machine! I wanted to get a head start on supplies knowing that I would soon have my very own sewing machine so I did some pre-Christmas Etsy purchasing and got this great doll pattern from Dolls and Daydreams.

Then I purchased some adorable fabric from Fabric Shoppe I can't wait for it to arrive so I can start sewing!

Happy Holidays

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy holiday season!

I'm working today and then looking forward to three days off. I know that I have a sewing machine waiting for me under the tree and I'm eagerly awating some adorable fabric to arrive after the holidays so I can start sewing like its 1991 (the last time I sewed anything of substance)

Cheers!

Success by the number

In mid-January my Etsy shop will celebrate one year! It started slowly and I definitely still need a day job but I'm pretty proud of the momentum I was able to gain.

Here is my success in number form:
January: 3 sales
February: 1 sale
March: 2 sales
April: 5 sales
May: 15 sales
June: 9 sales
July: 8 sales
August: 12 sales
September: 9 sales
October: 39 sales
November: 25 sales

In there was a wholesale order for 50 argyle cozies, a bulk order for 45 argyle cozies, and a bulk order for 12 argyle cozies.

Needless to say, I'm running low on stock and looking forward to creating some new designs. I'm also playing with the idea of buying locally sourced hand spun wool and dyeing it myself without harsh chemical dyes. If I could replace commercial yarn with this then I'd be really happy. Just trying to figure out if the added expense of high quality local wool will pay off in terms of sales.

I'm looking forward to what the next year holds and I'll definitely be better prepared for next year's holiday season. This year I was invited to about 6 different local holiday craft shows that I had to turn down because I didn't have enough stock and am trying to work full time in addition to running my etsy shop. I participated in one online holiday craft show but it yielded only a few sales. Honestly, I was just glad to get some more exposure and wasn't looking for a mass amount of sales. This past week I was contacted by RealSimple.com asking me to submit a couple cozies for an upcoming web feature on their site. Sadly, I couldn't get my cozies shipped to New York in time for the deadline and I'm missing out on that opportunity. Either way, I'm super happy with my first year and looking forward to the next one!

Thanks to all who have supported my shop either through browsing or buying or "following" or "hearting". Each and every visitor to my shop has made a difference!

NaNoWriMo

November is National Novel Writing Month and I'm going to give it a shot again this year. Last year was my first time participating and I fizzled out around the 16,000 word mark. The goal is to write 50,000 words in 30 days as that is the standard amount required for a fiction manuscript submission.

I'm attempting to write a cozy mystery with a librarian amateur sleuth as the main character.  I am going to revive the one I started last year and try to revamp and continue it. So far I've only re-read the first chapter and I'm wondering what I was thinking because it is all written in the first person. I'm going to be changing it all to a third person narrative and perhaps I'll like it more. Either way, I'm looking forward to revisiting my long abandoned novel attempt and see where it goes.

Everyone who's ever said to themselves "I could write that" or "I should write a book about this" should take on the 30 day challenge!

Gaining Momentum

October has been a crazy month for me in terms of trying to keep up with my Etsy shop! I've had 36 sales and an item from my shop has appeared on the front page twice! I've been invited to participate in 5 different craft shows. Sadly I had to decline all but one because I just don't have the time to knit enough stock. The one that I am participating in is the Handmade Expo "Handmade for the Holidays" invitation only online expo. It takes place November 12 and 13. I'm looking forward to seeing how much exposure I get from that - so far things look like they are revving up. This is my first holiday season with Etsy so I wasn't sure what to expect in terms of increased sales and traffic. I think I'm going to have to plan ahead for next season starting in March!

Anywho, I'm happy to be busy. I'm still settling into the new job and hoping things become clearer as times wears on. In the meantime I'm drinking a lot of tea and knitting every waking second I'm not at work.

I'm still here

I can't believe it has been nearly a month since my last post!

Well, since my last post the Mister and I have settled into our new home and city. I'm slowly adjusting to working full time again. Part of that adjustment is trying to keep on top of my Etsy shop. That includes filling custom orders and keeping the shop updated. I'm working on some new cozies with a snowy theme and I'm trying to keep myself out there by registering for some upcoming online holiday craft shows/fairs. No matter how hectic my full time job gets, I don't think I could ever abandon Etsy. It has been a great creative outlet in my life for the past year and I don't know what I did before to keep myself motivated...well honestly, I didn't stay motivated.

Stay tuned for some shop updates!

Moving along

This Friday the moving company is coming to pack up all our stuff and move it to Alberta! After a number of interviews I was offered the position of Community Outreach Librarian with the Lethbridge Public Library and so we're leaving the land of unemployment (BC). We're looking forward to moving into our cute little duplex and settling into cowboy country.

Since all of my Etsy stock will be packed away I will be closing the shop for a few days beginning Thursday evening. I think it should be back up by Wed. Sept. 9th but I'll put the details in my shop message.

And the winner is...

Yay! 150 shop hearts! Thank you to all of those who heart my shop!

The winner of this giveaway is randomly generated number #110.


Congratulations to Neil of Beepart You are the winner of a fox button coffee cozy in the colour of your choice!

Time for Another Giveaway!

Wow, that came up fast! Thanks to my brief spot on the front page I'm almost at 150 shop hearts!

I'm only 4 shop hearts away from 150 and when I hit 150 some lucky heart will get a free fox button coffee cozy (your choice of chocolate, rust, crimson, or brick red) I will randomly generate a number between 100 and 150 and let you know who was chosen right here on my blog.

Thank you to all those who heart my shop! I really appreciate it!

Eco Friendly Lunches!

I just purchased these cute reusable snack bags and I can't wait to use them! I love how many there are to choose from on Etsy and they are a great back to school/work must have!

I purchased mine from Cotton Top Quilts but there are other great shops. I also have my eye on a reusable lunch bag from Bebeloosh Mini. I also love the fabric used by Sew Long Ziploc (love the name too!)

Can't wait to start my new job in September so I can use these!

Treasured

One feature I love on Etsy is the treasuries! They are a great way to discover new shops, show appreciation for great crafts and help get more people to notice your own work when you are lucky enough to be included in a treasury. I just wanted to give a shout out to Postscripted for curating a lovely rustic themed treasury featuring my newly listed fox button coffee cozies.

*My laptop screen is small so I couldn't get a screen shot of the full treasury. Make sure you visit the link to get a look at all the beauties featured here!

Link: http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c632fa743776d91184fccb7/rustic

Wholesale...What I learned

Well, I finished my wholesale order this week and sent if off. It was my first wholesale experience and I learned a few lessons that I thought I'd share with other newbies.

Lesson #1: Give yourself a lot of time. They'll wait if they value quality handmade items.
I gave an anticipated finish date to the buyer and then my grandmother died and I had a job interview to prepare for. Granted those are unusual circumstances but I also didn't want to be knitting 24/7 and wanted to have a weekend but I couldn't because I had given a date and I hate it when people change dates on me so I didn't want to push it back too much. I did end up having to push the date back a little and it all worked out but I was a bit stressed and it took more time than I thought it would.

Lesson #2: Limitations keep you sane!
This order was for 50 cozies and I've now decided I can't do any more than 40 per order.

Lesson #3: Don't estimate shipping until you have the box packed.
I unfortunately underestimated the size of the package I would need and really under charged for the shipping. I charged $15 based on the box I thought it would fit into and the box was way too small. Silly me it ended up costing $75! I don't know what I was thinking but I definitely wasn't expecting it to cost so much. I also hadn't thought about tracking and insurance because I don't usually ship with either of those but thought I should for this because it was going so far (Australia) and it was such a big order I'd hate to have it lost.

I did work out a good pricing system for the order that I am happy with and will use again. I will definitely do another wholesale order if the opportunity arises but I have learned what not to do again and I'm happy for that experience.

Giveaway! (round 2)

My first giveaway winner never replied to my message last week so I decided to choose another heart.

The winner is Kimberly of Mailbox Memories - Congratulations! I've sent her a message about the giveaway and hope to hear back from her so I can put one special argyle cozy in the mail.

Thanks again to all of my hearts. I will have another giveaway at some point to show my appreciation.

Knit, knit, purl, knit, purl...

The last couple of weeks have been crazy busy, relatively speaking. I was in Ontario for 5 days and then I had to prepare for an interview. I also have a deadline looming for my wholesale order.

I'm delighted to be knitting 50 argyle coffee cozies to send to the Black Star Coffee Roastery. This is my first wholesale order and I wasn't sure if it would be worthwhile at first but I'm really happy to have someone interested in my cozies and I think it's pretty awesome that my cozies will be selling on the other side of the world. I have 22 partially done (as seen in the photos) and I'm loving all the colour combinations. Once I send out the wholesale order I hope to add some of these great cozies to my shop.

And the winner is.....

Heart #80

Congratulations Marie of Marie's Cozy Cushions!  I'll be in touch to see what colour you'd like. 

For all those lovely people who heart my shop, I can't thank you enough for your support. I appreciate each and every heart my shop gets!



I'll have another giveaway when I reach another milestone...I'm thinking 150 hearts.

Thanks!

Giveaway!

I have 97 shop hearts and believe me, I appreciate every single one!! When I hit 100 shop hearts I will randomly choose someone and send them an argyle coffee cozy. I hope it's you!!

P.S I will be using Random.org to pick a winner

Back in the Frey

After a couple of months away, I have rejoined the world of Facebook and I have started my shop page once again. Check it out when you have a moment!

Back in Blog Land

Well, after an long and difficult week which unfortunately included flying across the country for my grandmother's funeral, I'm back into the swing of things. In addition I have a wholesale order to finish for the end of the month. Fifty of my argyle coffee cozies are heading to a coffee roastery in Brisbane, Australia. Next week promises to also be hectic as I have a phone interview with the Lethbridge Public Library. I applied for two positions and I'm shortlisted for both! If I'm successful we could be moving to Alberta for the middle of August. I'm looking forward to a new opportunity and to put my library skills to use once again.

In the meantime, I'm offering free shipping on all of my "Aren't You Crafty" charm necklaces as part of the Christmas in July Etsy promotional sale.  Thanks for looking!

Aren't You Crafty!

Introducing my crafty charm necklaces! I looked all over for cute knitting themed charm necklaces and didn't find anything I liked. I then found some charms that I absolutely had to have and decided to make my own necklaces. I've only made 4 so far but I hope they are a hit!

Geek Chic

I just finished listing the first case in my newest line of gadget cases. I love the vibrant colours and I'm pretty happy with how the stitching turned out. Doing geometric shapes isn't the easiest thing for the mathematically challenged such as myself, but with some VERY careful measuring, I think it worked out! I know it isn't gender neutral but I can make this in any colour (custom orders welcome) and hope to add more in the coming weeks (more felt on order). I'd love to know what you think!

Monster iPad Case

I just finished my first felt iPad case! I made it for a friend of a friend and I'm really happy with how it turned out. I don't have an iPad myself so I had to go on measurements alone and I think it will fit perfectly but I haven't tested that theory. Its outside measures 10.2" x 8.7" with the stitching around the edges the opening measures 10" x 8.1". It is made with two pieces of felt on either side (outside blue, inside black) and is entirely hand cut and hand stitched. I'm planning on making another (not a monster) for my Etsy shop.

My Other Blog

Check out my other blog devoted to reviewing books about crafts, hobbies, and DIY culture!

The Crafty Bookworm Reviews

Great Craft Sites

I just wanted to share some great craft sites that I've been visiting lately. They are perfect for anyone seeking inspiration, support, or entertainment.

How2Crafts - UK website featuring wonderful books on all things crafty!
Craftster - great video tutorials!
Ravelry - Wonderful resource for knit and crochet patterns!
Got Craft? - Love this blog for local (Vancouver area) craft events!

Those are just a few I've been watching recently. I'm sure there are hundreds more and I'd love to know what craft websites are inspiring you!

Who doesn't love free shipping?

To celebrate Canada Day and the 4th of July I'm offering free shipping on all of my coffee cozies from June 27 until July 5.

Yesterday I sold all of my bookmarks!! Yay! I'm now up to 36 sales, I can't believe it! I'll be busy this week painstakingly cutting circles out of felt but it will be worth it!

My dear grandmother fell last weekend and hit her head, broke her arm, and possibly fractured her pelvis so she is staying in respite care at the nursing home to get physio and hopefully return home soon. This past week I've been spending every spare moment knitting her a lap blanket and it's finally done! I've never knit an afghan style blanket before but I used a really simple chevron stitch and I really like how it turned out. I'll be mailing it off to grandma tomorrow!

Unemployment continues

I ended up getting a phone call from the Port Moody HR department. They wanted to address my concerns about being passed over for an interview as a library shelver. Interesting note - they never received my emails and only knew about my displeasure because of  my blog. I'd like to know how they knew my name from my blog since it isn't on here. Anyway, I guess when I can't pay my rent or my student loans (that I accumulated through 6 years of University) I can say "It's not my fault really, I can't get just any old job because I'm over-qualified" Sounds like an explanation a landlord or a bank would accept, right?

In other job news, I have seven irons in the fire, so to speak. Two application in Whitehorse, three in BC, and I am just about to apply to two jobs with the Lethbridge Public Library. I really hope those pan out because I really like the job descriptions of both positions and Myles could get his MFA at the University of Lethbridge. Overall, I think it would be the best move (aside from staying right here and not having to move at all!)

I'll update you all on the employment saga. Word to the wise...don't go to library school! Visit this site if you don't believe me.

Get Crafty!

There are a few crafty sites that I visit EVERY day! If you have an Etsy shop and you haven't visited Craft Cult then you are seriously missing out! I reluctantly admit that I visit their "heart-o-matic" multiple times a day to see how my shop is doing. It is very addicting!

I've also applied to become a member of the Crafting in Color Street Team. Even if I don't get a membership, it is a great blog to check out some wonderfully colourful Etsy items!

If you're not having the sales you'd like on Etsy there are a number of other online market places that you could check out.
- I don't have any personal experience with Artfire but a lot of etsy sellers also sell there.
- I just opened a store at Cargoh and I love the layout and how integrated it is with Twitter. I've been getting a lot of exposure. More so than Esty because it isn't as saturated. I haven't had a sale yet, but I've only had my shop set up for a few days. Also, it's based in Vancouver, Canada!
- Another that I don't have personal experience with but hear is great is Storenvy. It seems really well integrated with social media. The one thing I find really interesting is their custom merchandising. They offer screen printing of your merchandise. Everything from business cards and buttons to t-shirts and hoodies.
- I stumbled upon Cartizan accidentally and I don't know too much about it except that it's in the start-up phase and was established in Winnipeg, Manitoba to promote local crafts and artizans. If you're looking to support local marketplaces, then this could be worth looking into.

Well that's my two cents...happy shopping, crafting, and selling!

Go to Cargoh!

I finally decided to start a Cargoh store! For those who are saying "what the *&%$ is a Cargoh?" Visit the site and you'll see that it's a rockin' artsy crafty online marketplace. Sure there are lots of other marketplaces out there like Etsy, Artfire, Storenvy....and I could go on....but I really like that this one has an edgy look and was started right here in Vancouver, BC.  I also really like how well integrated it is with Twitter AND check out the mixtape feature! I haven't added any music yet but I plan to. Anyway, I've decided to sell some of my knit wear on there that didn't seem to get any attention on Etsy. Check out my store and give my items a fist bump of support! Thanks!

New Yarn!

I love visiting the local yarn shop, although it is a bit dangerous for my bank account. I managed to restrain myself and only picked up four beautiful balls of Debbie Bliss super soft merino wool. I plan on knitting some super cute fingerless gloves like those already in my shop. Stay tuned!

Wonderful Knit items from Etsy shops

I've collected some really wonderful knit items from Etsy shops with fewer than 50 sales. Check them out!

The Artful Yarn (dish clothes)
Warm Me Up (pink cowl)
Wintergarden (bangles)
Scarf Knitter (beach glass scarf)
Magenta Sky Studio (fingerless gloves)
Friendly Brown (phone cozy)

Neo Blythe "Nicky Lad"

Final Design for Neo Blythe Nicky Lad 
I just love her pink glasses and boots! Love the side part in her hair too...I don't think I have one with a side part. Hmmm....my birthday is in July...*nudge *wink

Android Karenina Review

Tolstoy’s 1877 novel Anna Karenina is a commentary on many facets of society. It explores issues of family, marriage, love, passion, betrayal, and hypocrisy. Fast forward to 2010 and enter Ben Winters, change the title to Android Karenina and you have robots making things all the more complex and interesting.

Imagine a world where you and almost everyone (this isn’t a class free society even with robots) have a personal robot attendant customized to your personality so it knows exactly what to say or do in every situation. All household chores and even your personal hygiene are the work of robots. You can go into orbit or blast to the moon when you feel you need to get away from it all. This is a world where Android Karenina attends to her human companion Anna Karenina with devotion and seeming love not thought possible by robots.

Unfortunately, this world is also a dangerous one where rogue robots threaten your safety and unstable humans get way too obsessed with the power of robots. Are robots going to take over because they want to or simply because they can? Who are the "Honored Guests" and when will they come?

I was curious how androids could be written into the drama and romance of Tolstoy’s Karenina and I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by the seamless incorporation of robots and space travel into 19th century Russia. I especially liked that you could not tell what time period the story took place. It had some hints of 19th century society as seen in the way characters dress and the portrayal of gender roles; but otherwise the futuristic qualities made it seem like a future not far off. I also loved that just when I thought the story was at its most strange, another crazy twist was introduced.

A great science fiction twist to an old classic. A wonderfully interesting and surprising read that captivates in a way that the original can not in 2010.

Thanks irreference for sending me a copy of this fascinating book to review! This review is part of the Quirk Classics Blogsplosion Event.  Visit their site and mention my review/blog to win some sweet prizes!

I love getting mail!

Today the super cute Blythe dress I bought from Jolie Doll arrived! I think the Blythe lounging on the sofa in her pjs wants one too! Check out her website and her Etsy shop for your very own stylish dress!

Slowly but surely...

I listed my first item in my Etsy shop on January 18, 2010. I wasn't at all sure what to expect. Items that I thought would be popular ended up being ignored for the most part and items that I wasn't too sure about became my best sellers. I have to say that I have loved every item I have made and I think I'm improving every week. I've improved my photos but still think I could improve more. I've improved my networking and marketing and I think it is paying off. I knew I'd never be able to live off of knit coffee cozy and bookmark sales but I love making them and even before I had an Etsy store I was always making something. Now I can't imagine not having Etsy as my creative outlet.

May has been my best month yet for sales and I hope it says something that each month my sales increase.
January: 3 sales
February: 1 sale
March: 2 sales
April: 5 sales
May: 15 sales

Now you can see why I say I can't live off of this but I'm hoping May wasn't a fluke and June will see at least double digit sales.

Now back to knitting!

Shopping for Blythe on Etsy

These are a few of my favourite Etsy shops to browse for Blythe fashion

Heavenly Blythe Adorable dresses in fun prints!
Naughty Pixie Love everything!
Blythe Love The detailed jackets are my favourite!
Susa The cute little knit sweaters are my favourite!
Moshi Moshi I especially like the cute pants in this store!
Jolie Doll Just bought an adorable dress from this shop. Looking forward to its arrival!

Next Purchase?

I have loved Natalie Dee's cartoon-y stylings for a few years now and I just discovered that my favorite drawing is available in t-shirt form. Love it!

Check out the Will Knit for Tattoos tee and many more!!

Tulips!

Yay! My felt tulip iphone cozy is featured in the May 25 blog post of the Found Handmade Blog. Thanks so much!

BTW I just became a member and listed 10 items on their website for free. Any place I can promote and reach new buyers and I'm there!

Treasuries

I love making Etsy treasuries. For those of you not wise in the ways of Etsy, a treasury is a collection of items on Etsy that reflect a theme, colour, scent, etc. that strikes your fancy. it's a great way to discover new shops and get in touch with other sellers. Check out my treasuries on Etsy. One of my most favorite collections is partially shown above.

Rainy Days

We've been lucky the past week or so and have had a lot of sunshine and warmth. Today we're back to typical west coast weather with a gloomy rainy day. I don't mind at all though because I usually get more done without the sunshine trying to lure me outside. Today I get to immerse myself in some of my favourite things: felt, thread, and ribbon. I have a few bookmarks ready for assembly as well. I cut all the circles yesterday and had to take a break because my neck was killing me. Today I get to stitch!

Balcony Garden

Well I've had a bit of progress with my dill and I'm finally seeing some wee chives poke through the soil in the other pot. My cherry tomatoes seem to have halted and now I'm moving them around the balcony as the sun shifts so they can get the most sunlight possible. I'm very excited to have added some lavender today! Now I have to keep it alive and perhaps put it in a proper pot.