1KM

My 1000 Markets Shop is now open! I opened a shop earlier this week because the more exposure I get, the better for my items and for me! So far the experience on 1000 Markets has been great. It's easy to navigate, open a shop, post items and as I browse the shops I notice there are some high caliber merchants there. It's inspiring! Whenever I'm in company that helps me expand, I'm happy!

Here are just a few shops you should check out on 1000 Markets:

Stonehouse Studios

Sea Glass Things

Kerry Hawkins Photography

DeShawn Marie

Stash Busting!!

Those of us who have a yarn obsession tend to purchase yarn with the intention of either purchasing a pattern to complete with the yarn or with the intention of making a pattern we already have. Whatever the reason we end up purchasing yarn, most of the time, the yarn ends up in our "stash" the plastic bins, drawers, closets etc. that we use to hold our yarny good intentions.

For the next few months (I'll put an actual date on it soon) I've decided it's a good idea to decrease my stash prior to purchasing more yarn. It's proving to be a challenge, and I'll let you know how it goes as it goes, but for now, here are two projects I enjoyed making from some of the left-over yarn from other projects, because that makes up part of your stash as well!

These belts are very "bohemian" and I just love them to death. I'm planning on making one just for me to wear with my t-shirts and shorts this summer! These two can be found in my 1000 Markets Shop right now!!

Entrecard

About two months ago, or more, I came across the Etrecard site. I'd seen the little "get one" on boxes on some sites and wanted to know what it was. When I did my investigation, I realized it was a site to help get more traffic to your blog. Great! I signed up, and dived right in.

Now, a few months later, I'm finding that I've let the "frenzy" take hold and I've worked to drop more and more cards as the days have passed. I've commented on various sites and I've listed in the marketplace. It's all worked well except for one thing. . . I don't really have time to spend browsing that many blogs, dropping that many card and getting that many "credits" when there is so much more I need to do with my time. I've tried doing it only when I'm eating, my son is playing around me and I can't focus on something significant or late at night. However, my craft can be done at two of those three times and when I'm eating, I have lots of sites to visit already.

So, after a long deliberation, I have freed myself of the frenzy. I am no longer worried about how many people "drop" cards on my site, because I want to focus on the "quality" of my visitors rather than the "quantity" I want to leave time in my day to peruse sites of those who've visited my and left comments or joined a contest I've started. Therefore, I'm not going to run around "dropping" as many cards as I can anymore. However, I'm not taking my box off the site.

The things I will do are the following:
- I will drop on anyone who advertises with me on the day their ad is shown. And I will make every effort on that day to take a good assessment of the blog to see if it's one I'd like to follow on a regular basis. Then I'll do what is necessary.

- I will use the credits I currently have to advertise on very focused sites where I think their audience would be served by visiting my blog

- I will drop on boxes that I encounter on my regular surfing, and leave a comment if appropriate.

With so many things going on in my life, tying myself to a system that requires such a time commitment with mixed rewards is not high on my list of priorities. I still love the "idea" of Entrecard, but I think in trying to gain as many credits as possible, people have lost the essence of what it was created for. I'd like to use it in the way it was intended.

Facebook Page

Starting April 1st I'll be releasing a video series on "How to Crochet" at my Yarn Obsession Facebook page (more about the series coming soon). When I started my page a few months ago, I wasn't sure what it would do for me or how I wanted to use it for my business.

Just as I've heard many people question, I also questioned how Facebook could help my business. In the past few months, I've found my Facebook Business page to be a really helpful tool in getting information to my friends, family and followers. The ease with which I can work with my page has also inspired my video series. If you're wondering about a facebook page for your business here are some things to keep in mind:

1) Use it as a tool to connect with your clients. It's a great place to give and get one-on-one interaction with those who have become "fans". Make sure it's interesting and engaging.

2) Keep it for business. Don't let your personal facebook information cloud your business page. Keep the focus on what you are delivering to those who are fans. After all, they came for your product not to know all about your personal life.

3) Try running an ad to get more exposure. I have an ad that I run once a month or so (about $7 a month depending on the cost-per-click rate you've requested) and it has tripled my fan base in two months. . . talk about pressure to do something with the site!!

4) Make it fun! I'm working on getting as much information streaming and incorporated onto the Facebook page as possible. I want it to be a fun place to get information on yarn, crochet, knitting and anything yarny related that I can find and share. I also encourage my fans to share their projects, patterns or information with everyone else.

My page it still new, but so far, I see lots of potential in what I can do with it. I'm excited about the video series because, when they list in a google search, the finder won't be taken to Youtube or an outside site, they'll be taken straight to my Yarn Obsession Page on Facebook where there'll be lots more info waiting for them.

So, if you haven't had a chance, stop by the Yarn Obsession Facebook Page, become a fan and get in on what's happening with me there!

Chunky Scarf Winner / Newsletter

It is my pleasure to announce the winner of my Final Chunky Scarf giveaway!

Erin

Congratulations Erin!

You get to choose one of these colors to be made especially for you:



Thank you also to everyone who participated in this contest. Don't worry, this isn't the final give-away on this blog, it's just the final chunky scarf I'll be giving away!

I'm excited to also announce that this May will begin the Yarn Obsession newsletter! I'm diligently working on what information I'd like to include, but I do know that my newsletter subscribers will have special discounts at my shop, pre-release information on any specials and great information about upcoming events.

If you haven't subscribed yet, please go to the top right hand corner and enter your information. I promise you won't be disappointed.

DeShawn Marie

It is my distinct pleasure to introduce you to DeShawn Marie! If you have not had the pleasure of going to her shop, please go after you've read a bit about her, I'm sure you'll find something of interest there.

I am so excited to do this profile because I have the pleasure of actually knowing DeShawn! We are both part of the Boston Handmade team so we've done shows together and attended a few social gatherings where we've had the opportunity to talk. I first met DeShawn in December when the Boston Handmade team was doing a holiday shop. She wasn't part of the team yet, but she was very enthusiastic about what we were doing and we were excited when she applied for membership. That was also the first time I was introduced to her soaps, which I loved so much I purchased for my son's daycare teachers (he had two at the time) as holiday gifts. They loved their gifts!

However, before I get carried away, I'll let you read the interview and check her out for yourself. I'm sure you'll be hooked.

Tell us a little bit about yourself
DeShawn Marie, I grew up mostly in the South and Midwest, but have been a wandering stone most my life. I've moved around a lot and traveled a lot. I was in the travel industry for 10 years prior to discovering soap and candle making.

What inspires you to your craft?
Nature, different cultures, traveling, architecture. I enjoy creating products from natural ingredients that make people feel pampered and relaxed.

How do you promote your items? Online, online, online! (links below)

What is one piece of advice you'd give to new artists?
Persistence, dedication and a true love of what you do pays off. In other words "if you love it, stick to it and don't give up"

How do you see yourself evolving in the next 5-10 years?
I have really focused most of my business online now and I like the fact that I ship to Singapore, Portugal, France, the Netherlands and Italy on a regular basis. I enjoy the freedom of working from home and being in contact with every person who purchases from me. I love global business and hope that the options for online businesses selling worldwide expands. I'd like to continue traveling and learning about other cultures and doing business with them.

What are some of your favorite things?
freedom, music, a good cup of coffee, my cat, port, cheesecake, seafood, a nice glass of wine, flowers, the movie "The Princess and the Warrior", gourmet cooking, fresh baked goods, Italy, the ocean and mountains.

What is your favorite quote?
Take life by the horns and ride it like the unpredictable, bucking bull ride it is!

You can find DeShawn online at the following places:
Her Website
Her Blog
Her Etsy Shop
Her Artfire Shop

New FO's!

My absence has not been in vain! I have been busily at work on new patterns and items. Now, I get to show you what I've been working on!

This is the crochet version of my knit collar/hood/shrug. Do you love it? I do! I love the texture and it holds so well. This pattern will soon be available as part of a grouping I'm working on so stay tuned!

These hats are specifically for the warm weather coming soon! When I showed my husband these hats the first thing he said was "are those going to be warm?". The answer is no! They are not meant to be warm, they are meant to be "cute"! I think they do their job pretty well, don't you? They're for those days when your hair is not responding due to the moisture in the air and you'd still like to salvage a "look".

The black one will be offered as a set in my Etsy shop later this week. The others are going to be on their own. I'm working on more items in an effort to "bust my stash". . . if you're a crocheter or knitter you know what I mean. I just don't have the space to keep hoarding yarn, so I want to process some out before re-purposing or purchasing more!

So far, I'm having a blast!

Juggling!

Every week I work on developing, creating and scheduling my blog posts for the week. Sometimes I get up to three days and by myself some time. Other times, like this week, things get incredibly crazy and I miss my scheduling. So, instead of letting it go any further, I thought I'd give you an idea of what's going on in my world.

In December I got laid off from my regular "day job" so ever since then I've been looking for a job and working on my yarn connections and projects. However, when looking for a job there are listings to peruse, placement agents to meet with and resume's and cover letters to update and adjust as necessary. I've been doing a bit of that this week.

Since I've been unemployed, we've taken our son out of day care for three days of the week, so on those days, I have less time to focus on other things. After all, he is 2.5 years old and has lots of energy to burn!

I'm working on new items for the Etsy shop and I'm working on new patterns for a book I'd like to have published. I think in every change there is opportunity and with the extra time I have to play with my yarn I'd like to seize the opportunity to change the course of my professional life.

We'd like to have another child, but it hasn't happened on it's own, so we now have doctor's appointments to make sure all is well and see if it can't happen in the coming few months.

Then, last, but not least, we're keeping a hand on the pulse of the housing market because we'd like to purchase a home in the next 6 months. . . needless to say, there is a whole lot going on at the same time. However, I promised myself that I'd put the time in for my yarn business, and that means regular blog posts, so I'm going to make sure to stick to that. . . but if I slip now and again, I hope you'll forgive me and come back anyway. I do have lots of great stuff planned, I just need the organizing time to get it to you in a sensible way! I'll be back tomorrow.

Kreative Blogger Award

I'm never quite sure what to say when I receive an award on my blog. After I've thanked the givers, I'm always at a loss for words as to what to say to the rest of my audience. It's almost like being up on stage, looking out into the crowd and going completely blank!

So, before I completely crap out on you, I'd like to say thanks to the two bloggers who so kindly bestowed this award on my blog: Lenox Knits and Life in the Zu. It's so great to be recognized by others who know what it takes, and they say "you're doing great!" What's even better about these ladies is that they are both in the fiber arts and so they have a better idea than anyone what I do. Thanks ladies.





The rules for the award were different on each of the blogs that I received it, so I'm going to improvise.

1) List 5 things that you're thankful for
2) Pass the award along to the same number of people

Things I'm thankful for:
- Being unemployed and having more time to spend with my son, hubby and working on changing my professional direction
- Being healthy
- Having wonderful family on both sides (mine and hubby's)
- The ability to continue in our trajectory, despite my unemployment status
- A fabulous online community

I now pass this award on to the following fabulous bloggers!
- Steam Punk Rings
- Biku Designs
- Indie Sista's
- You*niquely Chic
- Always Amy

Congratulations bloggers!

12-Hour Contest - Winner!

First, I want to thank all the really great fiber lovers who stopped by yesterday during the 12-hour contest! It was so much fun watching the comments come in. You were all so very kind and gracious. I also loved hearing about all the fiber love out there! It makes me feel good when I can "enable" your obsession, after all, that is my motto!!!

I promise, there will be another 12-hour contest very soon, with another really fun prize. National Craft Month is not over yet and there is so much to do!!! If you didn't win this time, come back and try again. . . I may get addicted to doing this.

The winner of my first 12-hour contest is

Seema

Congratulations!!!

She has the cutest crochet Amigurumi in her shop. I know she'll get a kick out of making other crochet items as well!

Your book, Crochet Squared: 30 Easy Crochet Projects Made from Simple Squares,
will be shipped out by Friday so you can be working on your next crochet project by the end of next week!

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your new book!

12-Hour Contest!

In honor of National Craft Month, I'm having a 12-hour contest! The prize is this book! Crochet Squared: 30 Easy Crochet Projects Made from Simple Squares. I'm working on a book along these lines, so I purchased it to take a look at the "competition". Although I love the patterns, I don't want to be influenced by the patterns so I'm giving this book away to one lucky ready.

What do I do? Well, all you have to do is: 1)answer the new poll in the sidebar over there <--- ; 2) Leave a comment on this post letting me know that you've answered the poll and a way to reach you if you win!

That's it!! However, this contest ends at 9:30 PM today (3.11.09) so make sure to tell your friends!

This book is a great addition to any crochet lover's library or as a gift to someone who loves crochet!!

Good Luck and thanks for stopping by!

FO's

Spring is almost here so I've been thinking about inventory for the coming warm months. I came up with these sets for the spring, but summer eludes me in a way. No one wears gloves in the summer. . . maybe hats, and light scarves, but what to make? Anyway, I've decided not to stress myself too much about it and make any item that comes to mind. After all, it's Fall Down Under and they're looking for Winter wear!

These two sets can be found in my Etsy Shop right now! It's a great deal to purchase a set of items because you get an ensemble for coordinating.

The pink set is made of fluffy, super soft acrylic and nylon yarn. The Neckwarmer has two vintage buttons and hooks on the end for easy adjustment as needed. The wristwarmers are just feather light and soft!

The yellow set is made from baby acrylic yarn with specks of color. They are perfect for Spring and Summer because the yarn is lightweight and perfect for warmer weather. Whichever set you choose, you'll fall in love!

NYC

I'm a native New Yorker living in MA. Although growing up we moved to various states, NY was always home because that was where the heart was. I even met my Mid-western husband in NY. So, needless to say, when we have the opportunity to go back at any time, we love to take it. This past week was Spring Break for my husbands school and since I'm on "hiatus" we thought it would be a good idea to take our son to NYC to see the "Big City" like Curious George.

We all had a great time, but it was wonderful to watch the little one get excited about the train or the "ratatouille", or the boat etc. Everything for him was an adventure, and in turn an adventure for us as well. As a NYer I'd been to the Statue of Liberty before, but I'd never been to Ellis Island so that was the one "tourist" thing I wanted to do. I loved seeing the place where so many Americans got their start in this country. I also loved learning of the many "American" slang or expressive words we use today, that came from other languages.

I love New York. Not because I've heard the slogan forever, but because I always get a sense of the world when I'm there. It's an amazing electric place that gave, and continues to give so many a foothold in this great Land of ours! We went for 5 days, came home exhausted after all the walking, riding and entertaining, but loved every minute of it. Our son got to see Times Square, meet Spiderman, and gaze and "Lady Liberty". He also got to go to bed at 3am after getting home on the subway and take a taxi. We feel he should get the full effect of the City when he's there.

I forgot to take my computer, so my working was "lame". But unplugging for a few days was well needed. So instead of having my computer, I wore my items to get free advertising. . . NOT! But if you'll notice in the photos, my boys did! Then the weather got milder as the days progressed and no one could wear much in the way of "Winter" wear. . . today, it's snowing. I'm thankful we had glorious days for our frolic in NY, we'll be back again, for we can never get too much of the "Big City".

Kalicat

If you're looking for beautiful designer jewelry, I think you'll find it at Catherine's shop Kalicat. Before last week I wasn't familiar with her shop, but fate connected us on the We Love Etsy network and here we are. Her pieces vary in style and weight giving you many options when it comes to rings, earrings, bracelets etc. Get to know her here and make sure to visit her at the many places she hangs out online.


Tell us a little bit about yourself
My name is Catherine, I am from Paris (France) and grew up internationally. I now live and work in London where I give satisfaction to my passion of making jewelry, when my 2 little boys allow me to have some ME time.

I design and hand make limited edition and bespoke jewelery that is characterized by its chic and elegance, with a hint of French playfulness. My pieces are made in high carat golds (18K and 22K) or sterling silver, playing with the rich colors of precious and semi precious gemstones and lustrous pearls. My collections include engagement and wedding rings, rings, necklaces, pendants, earrings and bracelets.

What inspires you to your craft/artistry?
I believe that everyone deserves to look stunning and spoilt with beautiful and playful pieces that will enhance their inner beauty and be a statement or the mood of the moment. I love to do custom orders, as I get to work with someone's ideas but more so someone's feelings. I am inspired by colors, sun, words, poesie (poetry), music and movement, by my upbringing and my travels. I also love to create something taking the gemstone(s) as an inspiration.

How do you promote your items?
I participate in etsy and dawanda forums, I blog, I Tweet and add new products regularly. I also take part in exhibitions and send press releases and newsletters to announce new shows. And of course, I carry business cards, and postcards of my work, to give out to the people I meet :)

What is one piece of advice you'd give to new artists?
It helps to have a business plan or a vision. Keep working, evolving and do enjoy what you do. If you are unsure about something, ask people with more experience for their advice.

How do you see yourself evolving in the next 5-10 years?
I still see myself designing jewelry in many years to come. I would love my brand to be well known and be a synonym of style, elegance, quality and enjoyment. I will probably have a production team.

What are some of your favorite things?
I love Chocolate, music, traveling to discover new cities, countries, cultures and people. On of my favorite books is "the little Prince" by Antoine de St Exupery, a beautiful story of friendship between a little boy and a fox with lovely illustrations made by the author. I adored the latest Chanel fashion show backdrop with white floral scape. And also like dance in all its forms.

What is your favorite quote?
Nothing is impossible for a willing heart.

You can find Catherine at these various places:
Esty
Dawanda
Folksy

Catherine also enjoys painting and illustrating:
Catherine Marche Designs Her latest commissioned illustration was featured in DIVA magazine.

My first crochet project

This is my husband. This is my husband modeling his scarf. This is my husband modeling the scarf I made him about 7 years ago before we were married. . . Yes, and he still married me!

When I met my husband's grandmother she showed me all the crafts she did like crochet, knitting, paining, paper bead making, quilting etc. At the time, she was in her late 70's and had raised 8 children! When we left her house I said to my then Fiance, "I'm going to learn to crochet, and I'm making you a scarf."

I was true to my word and the scarf you see in this photo is my very first project ever! I'm proud that it's still around, but every now and then I'm tempted to take it apart to re-do it "better". My husband won't hear of it! He loves his scarf and he doesn't care that it's got flaws.

What flaws? Well, If I were to make this scarf today, it would be the same width all the way down and not "varying widths" as this one is. Why? Because I know now what the stitches look and feel like and that I need to go all the way to the end. There were places when I missed a stitch and "decreased" when I shouldn't have and then "increased", without realizing. Also, at the end of the color blocks, I'd leave a tail and weave in the ends. Back then I didn't know about "weaving in ends" so I just cut the yarn as short as possible and left it at that. When I ran out of yarn, midway, I'd tie a knot and keep going (I still do this sometimes because I hate to waste yarn, but I'm much better at hiding it). Finally, I'd put a border around the whole thing to give it a "finished" look. Whenever I look at this scarf, I feel like I have more work to do. . . .

The beauty of having a project like this around constantly is that it reminds you of how far you've come. Sometimes I feel like I'm not growing, then I look at a project I did two or three years ago and realize that every day I pick up my hook and yarn, I'm growing.

I'm sure I'll always have the urge to "fix" my husband's scarf, but I'll always suppress it since it's nice to have a reminder of how far I've come. Besides, if my hubby can wear it proudly, it can't be all that bad!!!! ;-)

Wordless Wednesday

National Craft Month

March is National Craft Month so all over the handmade world you'll find great deals on handmade items large and small. National Craft Month is specifically designed to draw attention to crafts and the benefits derived from craft activities. You can find out more at the National Craft Association.

However, I didn't give you that information just to say "It's craft month" and leave it at that. I said it because I have lots of exciting give-aways and micro-contests happening this month so I wanted you to be aware of the celebration that would be going on. I want to share not only the love of yarn with anyone that comes my way, but with anyone that will listen. So come back often this month because I may be running a contest for just a day! Whatever the "entry" it will be fun and help you to learn more about the arts of crochet and knitting as well as give you an opportunity to win something lovely from my shop.

It's all in fun and all to help build awareness around handmade goods and the people behind them!

Happy Craft Month!!!

Entrecard Top Dropper February 2009

I've only been using Etrecard for two months (longer post about that later) so this whole "top dropper" thing is new to me. However, in that time, I've been able to find some really great artisans and blogs. For the month of February my top dropper is Tara at You*niquely Chic. I've been stopping by her place quite a bit myself since what I've found in her shop have given me "envy"! There's no way to see he items and not visualize what you could wear with them.

So, to thank her for being my top dropper, I'm giving her a "shout-out"! Thanks for stopping by so often. I appreciate you coming by and I really do love your stuff!

Please take a look.



After Tara, the next five top droppers are:

Limitless Adventure
The Damn Nation
Photographs From Here
Laane on the World
Grandmother's Pattern Book

Please check them out, they all have very interesting blogs to visit!