another project finished! i sewed in the ends of Leslee's scarf this evening, and started on the first scarf of TLS' order. this weekend will be busy, but with being sick, i can tell that i will be spending some time on the couch getting some knitting done. that's also the plan for xmas day, i think - shall have to tell Kelly to bring over whatever project she's working on.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Boredom!
So, boredom knitting tonight, garter stitch, blahblahblah. And FunFur means I have to sort of pay attention to what I'm doing. After going to bed ridiculously late and being up way too early today, I slept for about 4 hours this afternoon - which means I'll be up ridiculously late again tonight. Meh. So, I have MASH out from Netflix and some Sex and the City, so yay! knitting. :P I just don't want to go down to the car to grab the bag of yarn for the next three scarves.
At least with FunFur, I don't have to worry about tweezing the cat hair out unless the buyer/recipient is allergic!
At least with FunFur, I don't have to worry about tweezing the cat hair out unless the buyer/recipient is allergic!
FunFur, bane of my existence
Why on EARTH did I ever make a scarf out of FunFur?? Now everyone who has seen the first one that I made is ordering them. I made one for LisaLou, and GC at work saw it and ordered one, and Mari saw GC's and wanted one, and Leslee saw Mari's and ordered one, and TLS (a partner! in the firm!) saw GC's and ordered THREE!
So, I have to be a little knitting monster this weekend. I don't feel right about starting on TLS' before I finish Leslee's, even if she doesn't actually buy it right away. I spent the evening with some of my knitting girls, and got a lot done on Leslee's. Thank god the yarn is so bulky that I can just use garter or stockinette stitch the whole way; no ribbing or other real pattern to follow. I'm just a little concerned because I don't think that Leslee realized the colorway she liked so much stripes the way that it does. It won't be a big deal if she doesn't like it; I'm sure someone else will buy it... I just don't want to disappoint my friend.
I'm just a little frustrated because I have a lot of other delicious yarns in my stash. I know Leslee isn't in a super-rush to have hers, so I cast on a My So-Called Scarf in the Rosewood colorway last night and was really looking forward to working on that. That scarf is going to be gorgeous; if we go to NYC for NYE, I am definitely keeping that scarf for myself. I can't wait to work with Homespun - I will have to swatch MSCS and see how that yarn turns out in it.
Well, I might be heading out to have a beer with my honey and a friend, so more to come later!
So, I have to be a little knitting monster this weekend. I don't feel right about starting on TLS' before I finish Leslee's, even if she doesn't actually buy it right away. I spent the evening with some of my knitting girls, and got a lot done on Leslee's. Thank god the yarn is so bulky that I can just use garter or stockinette stitch the whole way; no ribbing or other real pattern to follow. I'm just a little concerned because I don't think that Leslee realized the colorway she liked so much stripes the way that it does. It won't be a big deal if she doesn't like it; I'm sure someone else will buy it... I just don't want to disappoint my friend.
I'm just a little frustrated because I have a lot of other delicious yarns in my stash. I know Leslee isn't in a super-rush to have hers, so I cast on a My So-Called Scarf in the Rosewood colorway last night and was really looking forward to working on that. That scarf is going to be gorgeous; if we go to NYC for NYE, I am definitely keeping that scarf for myself. I can't wait to work with Homespun - I will have to swatch MSCS and see how that yarn turns out in it.
Well, I might be heading out to have a beer with my honey and a friend, so more to come later!
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
ethics in knitting
Well, my previous dilemma has been solved. I contacted the author of the My So-Called Scarf pattern, and she said that the person who posted it on the Sheep in the City blog actually doesn't have any authority to distribute the pattern. However - she gave me full permission to sell scarves made from the pattern as long as I don't give out the pattern itself. So, that answers that question.
I'm working on becoming a better seller. I ordered business cards from V!staPr!nt, and they should be here soon. I bought red ribbon, rubber heart stamps & red ink, white tissue paper, and beads. I have made up care labels to attach to each scarf and stamped them with the red heart stamps, and will attach them with the skinny red ribbon. Then I'll wrap each scarf in the white tissue paper and tie a wider red ribbon bow around that. If I have to ship them, I'll wrap each one in plastic.
On the business side, I've been thinking about how to keep up with the expenses and track yarn purchases to specific sales. A coworker suggested using Qu!ckB00ks at work but I'm not sure if I should do that. I have to talk to my mentor about other, work-related things, so I will ask him then. For now, I have an Exc3l workbook set up to track everything. I've designated one of my checking accounts to be strictly for this little business, and after I get my W@chovia credit card paid off (it has a relatively low balance), I'll use it if I need to for business stuff. I plan to become an LLC next year, I think, just in case someone has some crazy reaction and tries to sue me. For now, I will just do it under the table to figure out my business plan.
I've completed my commission for Lisalou and for my coworker LG. I just have to deliver the scarves to LG tomorrow! I've already started on the commission for GC, but real life is sidelining me.
I'm working on becoming a better seller. I ordered business cards from V!staPr!nt, and they should be here soon. I bought red ribbon, rubber heart stamps & red ink, white tissue paper, and beads. I have made up care labels to attach to each scarf and stamped them with the red heart stamps, and will attach them with the skinny red ribbon. Then I'll wrap each scarf in the white tissue paper and tie a wider red ribbon bow around that. If I have to ship them, I'll wrap each one in plastic.
On the business side, I've been thinking about how to keep up with the expenses and track yarn purchases to specific sales. A coworker suggested using Qu!ckB00ks at work but I'm not sure if I should do that. I have to talk to my mentor about other, work-related things, so I will ask him then. For now, I have an Exc3l workbook set up to track everything. I've designated one of my checking accounts to be strictly for this little business, and after I get my W@chovia credit card paid off (it has a relatively low balance), I'll use it if I need to for business stuff. I plan to become an LLC next year, I think, just in case someone has some crazy reaction and tries to sue me. For now, I will just do it under the table to figure out my business plan.
I've completed my commission for Lisalou and for my coworker LG. I just have to deliver the scarves to LG tomorrow! I've already started on the commission for GC, but real life is sidelining me.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Orders
Well, I've been working on Lisalou's scarves for a little while and was nearly finished with the last of her order. I was thinking about what to do next, and one of my co-workers came to my desk to ask about the scarf I sold to another coworker. It ended up with her commissioning six scarves! Two or three for herself and three for Christmas gifts. The original co-worker decided that Christmas gifts sounded like a great idea and ordered two more herself. Then one of my friends saw the signature pointing to my Etsy shop, and is figuring out what colors she wants out of a FunFur scarf.
Score!
So 6-scarf coworker is getting a decent discount for such a bulk purchase. The other two - not so much.
My previous quandary has come back up again. Since I'm new to all of this - I'm not sure what the rules are for selling scarves knit from patterns. I understand that a pattern published in a book or that has to be paid for shouldn't be knit and sold. It should be gifted or kept. I have no problem with that at all. But what about free patterns? Specifically, the My So-Called Scarf pattern? I made three before I knew about rules like this, and have sold them, and they are very popular. I don't try to claim the pattern as my own and gladly point people to the website where I've found the pattern. Also, the person who posted it says that the people who came up with it don't care about the distribution. When I have sold these - I take the position that I'm charging for the materials and my time. I don't want to take credit for the pattern at all. So is this okay? To absolve my concern - I think I'm going to donate part of my profit.
I just want to make sure I'm not stepping on anyone's toes just because I'm new to this. Hm.
So, here's what they ordered:
GC: (by 12/15)
1 Seed-stitch scarf
1 Boucle garter-stitch scarf
1 FunFur scarf
3 MSCS scarves
LG: (by 11/30)
1 Boucle garter-stitch scarf
1 Seed-stitch scarf
I have one of the boucle scarves done, so I think I'll go ahead and do the seed-stitch scarf to finish LG's order. GC knows that LG's order is due sooner so I think she'll understand. I really like the yarn I've picked for this one but jesus does it shed.
Other things to figure out:
Exact pricing structure so I know how to negotiate in the case of more wholesale orders
Business cards (anyone have any recommendations for relatively inexpensive suppliers?) - went with V!staprint
Care instruction cards (I'll just print these on cardstock but I need to figure out the details) - found several websites with legends for care labels; will just prep them for each scarf as they are finished.
When to make this official as far as legal & tax issues
Score!
So 6-scarf coworker is getting a decent discount for such a bulk purchase. The other two - not so much.
My previous quandary has come back up again. Since I'm new to all of this - I'm not sure what the rules are for selling scarves knit from patterns. I understand that a pattern published in a book or that has to be paid for shouldn't be knit and sold. It should be gifted or kept. I have no problem with that at all. But what about free patterns? Specifically, the My So-Called Scarf pattern? I made three before I knew about rules like this, and have sold them, and they are very popular. I don't try to claim the pattern as my own and gladly point people to the website where I've found the pattern. Also, the person who posted it says that the people who came up with it don't care about the distribution. When I have sold these - I take the position that I'm charging for the materials and my time. I don't want to take credit for the pattern at all. So is this okay? To absolve my concern - I think I'm going to donate part of my profit.
I just want to make sure I'm not stepping on anyone's toes just because I'm new to this. Hm.
So, here's what they ordered:
GC: (by 12/15)
1 Seed-stitch scarf
1 Boucle garter-stitch scarf
1 FunFur scarf
3 MSCS scarves
LG: (by 11/30)
1 Boucle garter-stitch scarf
1 Seed-stitch scarf
I have one of the boucle scarves done, so I think I'll go ahead and do the seed-stitch scarf to finish LG's order. GC knows that LG's order is due sooner so I think she'll understand. I really like the yarn I've picked for this one but jesus does it shed.
Other things to figure out:
Exact pricing structure so I know how to negotiate in the case of more wholesale orders
When to make this official as far as legal & tax issues
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Sales!!
Sold the two scarves I have listed on Etsy and another one before it was even listed! And the buyer wants to buy four more. SO. Time to dig into the stash. The Lilac top is going into hibernation and I'm starting with the fun fur yarn. This will be fun and crazy - my mother made me a black & white scarf out of this yarn, and I love it. It doesn't look very substantial, but it's very very warm and feels good on my skin. So I hope whoever ends up with it loves it.
The buyer makes gift baskets for sale at craft fairs, and she's putting my cards into the baskets with the scarves, so this is promotion and sales at once. I gave her a pretty good discount since this is more of a wholesale sale than a retail sale, and because it will hopefully generate some traffic on my Etsy site.
Hurray!
The buyer makes gift baskets for sale at craft fairs, and she's putting my cards into the baskets with the scarves, so this is promotion and sales at once. I gave her a pretty good discount since this is more of a wholesale sale than a retail sale, and because it will hopefully generate some traffic on my Etsy site.
Hurray!
Sunday, August 5, 2007
hiatus
i was washing dishes about a half-hour ago, and cut the blazes out of my right thumb with the blade of the food processor. it was dripping blood before i lifted my hand out of the dishwater... i expected the butter, garlic, and bleu cheese that was on the blade to make it sting, but it didn't. the blade was really sharp, so it didn't hurt, really; i knew i'd done it, but that was it.
i can type because i'm used to hitting the space bar with the knuckle of my thumb... but work tomorrow is going to suck. well, maybe not too bad - i just tried out the keypad, and i hit the 0 with my knuckle, too... but sorting through stacks of paper will be a pain in the rear.
and knitting? hah. any pressure on it, and it starts dripping again. i cleaned it out really well with peroxide and soapy water, and have a bandaid on it pretty tightly, but it's going to be sore tomorrow. i hope this heals up soon.
oops.
i can type because i'm used to hitting the space bar with the knuckle of my thumb... but work tomorrow is going to suck. well, maybe not too bad - i just tried out the keypad, and i hit the 0 with my knuckle, too... but sorting through stacks of paper will be a pain in the rear.
and knitting? hah. any pressure on it, and it starts dripping again. i cleaned it out really well with peroxide and soapy water, and have a bandaid on it pretty tightly, but it's going to be sore tomorrow. i hope this heals up soon.
oops.
Saturday, August 4, 2007
KUI
Or, knitting under the influence.
Great time to start a new project, eh? I spent the afternoon studying for the CPA exam, and tonight, I had a cider (Woodchuck) with dinner. Which meant no more studying, that's for sure, and no work on the Little Lilac Top. I'm waiting to hear what the pros say tomorrow at Knit Wits, so it's okay not to work on it again just yet.
Well, I have this ball of Patons Classic Merino in the Regency colorway (am I using that term properly??), let's see what I can come up with. I poked around on Ravelry, and earlier, I had seen a friend's pattern that used seed/moss stitch. I really enjoyed using that stitch on the BBBB, so I decided to just crank something out. Along with opening another bottle of cider.
So far, I have 1o rows of 30 sts of seed stitch, and just finished another 10 rows of a K2/P1//P2/K1 rib pattern on top of that. I'll just keep going with the 10-10 pattern and see what happens.
And have another cider ;-)
Great time to start a new project, eh? I spent the afternoon studying for the CPA exam, and tonight, I had a cider (Woodchuck) with dinner. Which meant no more studying, that's for sure, and no work on the Little Lilac Top. I'm waiting to hear what the pros say tomorrow at Knit Wits, so it's okay not to work on it again just yet.
Well, I have this ball of Patons Classic Merino in the Regency colorway (am I using that term properly??), let's see what I can come up with. I poked around on Ravelry, and earlier, I had seen a friend's pattern that used seed/moss stitch. I really enjoyed using that stitch on the BBBB, so I decided to just crank something out. Along with opening another bottle of cider.
So far, I have 1o rows of 30 sts of seed stitch, and just finished another 10 rows of a K2/P1//P2/K1 rib pattern on top of that. I'll just keep going with the 10-10 pattern and see what happens.
And have another cider ;-)
Thursday, August 2, 2007
I'd rather be....
KNITTING!
Am at work with no work to do. I've sent out the available e-mail, but no one has any work for me right now. Which means I should be studying - but I'd rather be knitting! Waaaah!
I think I shall surf around for a few minutes and try to find some other knitting blogs I can link to on here.
Am at work with no work to do. I've sent out the available e-mail, but no one has any work for me right now. Which means I should be studying - but I'd rather be knitting! Waaaah!
I think I shall surf around for a few minutes and try to find some other knitting blogs I can link to on here.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
little lilac top prep work
Since I finished the ribbed scarf #1, I decided the next thing I'd work on would be the Little Black Top from Stitch 'n Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook. If you go here and go forward through the pages, it's close to the end, opposite a cowgirl in a red bikini. Since this is an article of clothing, I'm being more careful about picking out the appropriate yarn and needles and such. I found this gorgeous MicroSpun from Lion Brand but it's not exactly the right gauge. It's also acrylic, and the pattern calls for Classic Elite Provence. So I guess I have to figure out how to adjust the pattern (and so I pull out Stitch 'N Bitch Nation). Knit Wits is this weekend, so I think I'm going to swatch it out on size 4s, 5s, and 6s, and see what the real pros at the group think.
I was nervous when I was starting the swatch with the size 4 needles - they are tiny and I'm afraid I will just snap them right into pieces.
No sales on Etsy in a while :( I put up an announcement about a sale ($10 off); my prices seem to be right in the middle of the range, so I'm not sure if I just need to promote more or what. My husband was pretty discouraging - I was looking at the free business cards over at Vistaprint, and when I asked him what he thought of a design I'd picked out, he suggested that I wait until I sell more before I do anything like that. Well, Etsy isn't that huge yet - so yeah, I might need to advertise some on my own. Most of the people I know that aren't crafty (ie, most of the people I know IRL) have never heard of it. Granted, we live in Florida, but still! People have friends and relatives that live in other (colder) states! Man. I was a little peeved over that, but whatever. I know he was just trying to be helpful.
I was nervous when I was starting the swatch with the size 4 needles - they are tiny and I'm afraid I will just snap them right into pieces.
No sales on Etsy in a while :( I put up an announcement about a sale ($10 off); my prices seem to be right in the middle of the range, so I'm not sure if I just need to promote more or what. My husband was pretty discouraging - I was looking at the free business cards over at Vistaprint, and when I asked him what he thought of a design I'd picked out, he suggested that I wait until I sell more before I do anything like that. Well, Etsy isn't that huge yet - so yeah, I might need to advertise some on my own. Most of the people I know that aren't crafty (ie, most of the people I know IRL) have never heard of it. Granted, we live in Florida, but still! People have friends and relatives that live in other (colder) states! Man. I was a little peeved over that, but whatever. I know he was just trying to be helpful.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Ribbed scarf #1...
... is finished! My brain just fried last night around 9:30, so I sat on the couch and watched tv and knit. I am pleased with the feel of it - so soft! - and it warmed up within a couple of minutes of wrapping it around my neck. It could be a little longer, but that's the beauty of blocking.
I have to leave around 10:45 for the exam; I'm planning on blocking it before I leave. That way it can dry while I'm gone this afternoon, and maybe my husband can take pictures of it tonight or tomorrow evening, and it can be up on Etsy at the end of the week. Hurray for another FO!
I have to leave around 10:45 for the exam; I'm planning on blocking it before I leave. That way it can dry while I'm gone this afternoon, and maybe my husband can take pictures of it tonight or tomorrow evening, and it can be up on Etsy at the end of the week. Hurray for another FO!
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Ribbed Scarf #1
So, first post - but not my first blog ;) SO. I'll just dive right in.
I'm studying for the CPA exam, which is taken in four separate parts. I'm scheduled to take one part tomorrow morning. The amount of material covered in each section is ridiculous - 800 pages in the study book for the 'easiest' section. So. Needless to say, I have to take study breaks - and that's when I pick up my knitting. It's easy to crank out just a few rows and let my mind wander (or go back over the material I just put down!) and then go back to studying a little refreshed. At least I've produced something with my hands, even if I can't really see the results of my studying.
I'm really enjoying this yarn - Patons SWS in Natural Earth. On this last study break, I just whipped out about 15 rows and made it through a couple of changes in color.
I'm still learning how all of this knitting goes. I'm on Etsy, so I have to learn not just knitting, but also how to sell my stuff. I wanted something to do with my hands and something that would make me some money... so I really need to figure out a way to get business over there. Oh mighty populace of the interwebs... any suggestions?
I'm studying for the CPA exam, which is taken in four separate parts. I'm scheduled to take one part tomorrow morning. The amount of material covered in each section is ridiculous - 800 pages in the study book for the 'easiest' section. So. Needless to say, I have to take study breaks - and that's when I pick up my knitting. It's easy to crank out just a few rows and let my mind wander (or go back over the material I just put down!) and then go back to studying a little refreshed. At least I've produced something with my hands, even if I can't really see the results of my studying.
I'm really enjoying this yarn - Patons SWS in Natural Earth. On this last study break, I just whipped out about 15 rows and made it through a couple of changes in color.
I'm still learning how all of this knitting goes. I'm on Etsy, so I have to learn not just knitting, but also how to sell my stuff. I wanted something to do with my hands and something that would make me some money... so I really need to figure out a way to get business over there. Oh mighty populace of the interwebs... any suggestions?
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