Crafty Plans revisited!

Well, that’s a bit of a longer break than I had expected…  Four months since my last post.  And lots has changed since then, for the better!

I’ve started a new job which is going really well, but it has slowed up my ability to work on my rebranding, so I have put that back to next year.

In the meantime I’ve been working on some new products and also have booked a couple of craft fairs for the Autumn / Winter, so I’ve been busy making some Christmassy pieces as well.

I’ve been collecting some lovely bits and bobs for my new business, at the Vintage Bazaar at the Cheese and Grain and am looking forward to the next one in October!

My new business is having a new name and new focus – which is going to be on affordable luxury accessories.  Can’t wait to get going on it…  But first of all I have to get everything ready for the craft fairs in October and November.  These are some of the pieces that I will be taking with me…

And here are some of the handbags that I have been making for my new business – I have lots of ideas on the designs and just have to focus myself!

Happy crafting!

Etsy Works in Progress

What a busy week, I’ve had a day off this week and spent the whole day preparing my Etsy plans and policies.   I still feel like I’ve got a lot to do but have enjoyed all of the preparations.

Now I’m enjoying myself completing some works in progress ready for the grand opening which I am planning for July!

Here is just a little sneaky peek…  Unfortunately my camera is playing up so I can only use my smartphone camera, which is clearly not up to the job…  The first pairing is the most lovely acrylic – I’m really not a fan of acrylic (except as a mix occasionally with wool) but this yarn is so amazing.  The picture definitely does not do it justice.

The colour scheme is King Cole Magestic and it is rather aptly named.  This scarf is made in pebble stitch which gives a soft, nobbly texture and the colour scheme is what I would term Electric Teal (eel!?) with tinges of blue and turquoise and shots of bright fuchsia and a muted, but bright lime green.  It reminds me of a stormy sea with a bold sunset.

The next project is a range of girls’ headbands in Rowan’s wonderful Wool Cotton 4ply.  This is the loveliest yarn to crochet with and gives a sturdy but soft finished project.  I will be making these in sizes from newborn to adult.  Every time I have made these at craft fairs I have sold out, particularly for the under 5s!  My colour choices for these are Old Rose, White and Lilac.

 

 

These fingerless gloves were made in Debbie Bliss Cotton DK – it holds its shape very well and the buttons are some of my most favourite ones – art deco style, found in a street market in Dieppe in Normandy.  They look rather fabulous and tone in beautifully into the gloves.  I have enough of this yarn left in a bright lemon yellow, I think that would make another fetching pair!  This pattern is not one of my own – it is a free pattern on Ravelry from Adriana Veleda.

 

 

 

Finally I have been working on a granny square bag in Explorer Coast DK – this gorgeous yarn – 55% soft merino yarn mixed with a sturdy but soft 45% cotton.  Although not a fan of granny squares, this one I find particularly attractive.

 

 

So, not long to go until my Etsy shop opens – and more finished projects to be shared soon…

I have really enjoyed having several projects (all very different) on the go at one time – I would love to hear any feedback on how many WIPs other crafters have at one time!

Happy crafting!

 

Lou x

Might as well face it, I’m addicted to yarn!

My stash is growing to ridiculous proportions at the moment, and that’s the way (uh-huh uh-huh) I like it.  OK, so enough with the music puns!

I do try to keep a track on my staff on Ravelry, both in terms of trying at at least partially control my excesses (see my previous post on Curb your Woolly Impulses) and in terms of keeping a track of my spending so that I can plan my costings for my forthcoming adventures into Etsy…

But this adage I found on Facebook just about says it all…

I’m sure like most crafters (especially those knitters and crocheters I have been lucky enough to meet) it is almost impossible to stick to one project at a time.  I need a bit of variety in my crafting life!

I’ve just finished these fingerless gloves, made in Debbie Bliss Cotton DK, which I finished with Art Deco-style buttons which I bought at a little market in Normandy.  I’m going back to France in June so am looking forward to finding some more stylish little trinkets like these…

At the same time I was also working on my Shell Scarf, the first thing I have made for myself…  I’m not 100% thrilled with the way it has turned out, despite following the pattern to the letter, it seems to have been a bit uneven on one edge, so I patched it up a bit.

I have grown to really like the yarn though, Sirdar Americana has certainly grown on me.  It was a bargain-bin buy but looks far more attractive when made up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At the same time as all of these I was finishing Mum’s Infinity Scarf…

 

and had also made a start on a knitted scarf for my cousin…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

as well as starting on my crocheted design for my Etsy shop.  Up until now I’ve had to rely as a beginner on Ravelry patterns (all copyright-free of course!), but I now feel able to begin designing my own patterns.  This V-Stitch pattern I’ve temporarily named V for Victory is my first attempt.  Although I usually only work in natural fibres with the occasional mix of acrylic, this is 100% acrylic – James C. Brett Marble Chunky – but the colours were absolutely gorgeous, so I couldn’t resist!

 

 

 

 

 

I’m not sure the colours come out so wonderfully in this damp overcast light, but they are the jewel colours which I so admire.

Next weekend I’m off to the Knitting and Stitching Show at Olympia, London.  Of course I will add more to my stash, and more projects to run concurrently and keep my interest, no doubt about that!

I’d be interested to hear about your WIPs – how many can you have ‘on the go’ at any one time?

Happy crafting!

Lou x

Exciting Etsy plans

Morning all – just a quick update…

I have made a rather monumental decision – I’m going to open an Etsy shop!

The last few weeks have been a bit of a reflective time – with the cold weather and lack of funds post-Christmas I’ve put in considerable hours considering what path I want to follow to sell my products.

I live in a part of the UK that is not particularly geared up for crafts – I have attended some craft fairs but have found the results to be patchy.  It seems that I get a lot of positive comments, but that doesn’t always transpose into sales.

For some time I’ve been thinking about the different online communities and also how I can back up the route I choose with social media.  There are so many pros and cons of the different options available, it has been quite challenging to finally make up my mind!

Although Etsy is quite big, and I think you can easily get lost there, I have heard lots about the great community and backup from Etsy UK.  I’ve also decided to rationalise my makes into mainly accessories – hand knitted and crocheted bags, wraps, scarves, gloves, hats etc.  I also have some sewn bags which I will also put on Etsy and see how they go!

Now my decision has been made I am planning my makes, pricing and shop policies and then will be setting up a (hopefully) speedy production line – difficult when I work full-time!  I have a week off after Easter and am planning to open the shop perhaps in late April / early May.

Has anyone else had any experience of selling on Etsy or other marketplaces online?  How did it go?  What did you think of the results?

Happy crafting!

Lou x