tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60921515435917513912024-03-18T21:23:01.815-07:00Tracey Knits is Online!I spend most of my time knitting, but every once in a while I squeeze in a minute or two to share musings with the world. I love to search for cool new shops, items I love, and my passion: Yarn.TraceyKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389887188260167842noreply@blogger.comBlogger282125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6092151543591751391.post-43538326329107873932011-05-10T04:41:00.000-07:002011-05-10T04:41:10.502-07:00you can find me here<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">sorry, but you are no longer going to find my updates here. If you want to know the latest about me, you are just going to have to go and check out my brand new website:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.traceyknits.com/">http://www.traceyknits.com</a><br />
<br />
hope to see you there!<br />
Tracey</div>TraceyKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389887188260167842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6092151543591751391.post-12670523607248177652011-05-04T15:57:00.000-07:002011-05-04T15:57:50.605-07:00Sign up or miss out!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I have been working super hard to get the new website up and it looks like the big launch is just around the corner. And when I say just around the corner, I mean like NEXT WEEK!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVjwd_WP5zAFouFBsdXfB7DIGhkB23LCHf_cGVPacQXw4c0VcF89db3UmwLJ-7HjQSv9vpD6X36amlXhAjDzdJlqg9Z0-xCigva-LTHEgcZRbB80cNLHdHyJrHyNlMNuZiypgcmem36pc/s1600/traceyknits-header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVjwd_WP5zAFouFBsdXfB7DIGhkB23LCHf_cGVPacQXw4c0VcF89db3UmwLJ-7HjQSv9vpD6X36amlXhAjDzdJlqg9Z0-xCigva-LTHEgcZRbB80cNLHdHyJrHyNlMNuZiypgcmem36pc/s400/traceyknits-header.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
soooooo.... you have got to sign up for the email newsletter if you dont want to miss out on all the cool new stuff that we will be doing over at the new site. </div>TraceyKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389887188260167842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6092151543591751391.post-7557104407057253252011-05-04T04:23:00.000-07:002011-05-04T04:23:00.900-07:00The Hammer of the Gods!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_570xN.222671372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_570xN.222671372.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68966998/thor-golf-club-cover">Thor Golf Club Cover by Traceyknits</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Thor opens this weekend in movie theaters across the country. While the opening of another Marvel Comics action film may not seem like a big deal to you, consider some of the details:<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Marvel films are now made by Disney studios</li>
<li>The film was directed by Oscar Nominated Actor/Director Kenneth Branagh</li>
<li>It stars Oscar winner Natalie Portman and Sir Anthony Hopkins</li>
</ul><br />
Sounds to me like it a sure fire hit. We will see what happens. As shown in past box office flops, sometimes too much of a good thing is just that.<br />
<br />
I plan on seeing it just for the scene where He takes his shirt off. See that body in the trailer here:<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JOddp-nlNvQ" title="YouTube video player" width="640"></iframe></div>TraceyKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389887188260167842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6092151543591751391.post-38037274765823746492011-05-03T04:29:00.000-07:002011-05-03T04:57:35.082-07:00Where are you?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_570xN.184979584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_570xN.184979584.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/59467716/justice-league-golf-club-cover-pattern"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Justice League Knit Golf Club Cover Pattern <br />
by TraceyKnits</span></span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have you ever googled yourself? You know you have at one time or another done a search to see what people out there are seeing about you. You may have even googled your Etsy shop, but have you googled the competition?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had a a BIG wakeup call the other day when I decided to do a google search for "<a href="http://www.google.com/search?aq=f&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=knit+golf+club+covers">knit golf club covers</a>". The first sign of my shop was on page 4, and that was a review from a blog. The link to my actual shop came up on page 8.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PAGE 8!</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You know that no one is going to leaf through 8 pages to find my shop unless the first 7 are filled with garbage, which I must say, where not. None of the others made anything like what I make, but how can they find me on page 8?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Think about your SEO!</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a perfect example of why SEO is important. And how did I correct the problem you may ask? Well I will tell you: <b>View Source</b>.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every webpage has a source code that you can view by clicking on "View/Developer/View Source" in your navigation's toolbar. In the meta tags, under keywords, you will find what you need. Go to the first page that comes up and read those keywords, they may be the thing that is leaving your shop at the bottom of the pile!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like this article? Be sure to sign up for the email newsletter. We will send you updates right to your inbox. ----></span></div>TraceyKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389887188260167842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6092151543591751391.post-59708838680921973902011-05-02T07:21:00.000-07:002011-05-02T07:21:21.288-07:00This Day in History<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMer8a2eFH1K0uV5sX7Mbq21AgyHabmzQwf1Z7fpcyAkoch7A_tqD7OCND6HjujSp24H1ShcfsVqWmD3ZfayIaRvt-sE-3j6JsFWswOhzwsx8EyUPZFWcpjdpXaR6g8yTT30X3oRXkhJM/s1600/marine1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMer8a2eFH1K0uV5sX7Mbq21AgyHabmzQwf1Z7fpcyAkoch7A_tqD7OCND6HjujSp24H1ShcfsVqWmD3ZfayIaRvt-sE-3j6JsFWswOhzwsx8EyUPZFWcpjdpXaR6g8yTT30X3oRXkhJM/s200/marine1.jpg" width="155" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://traeyknits.etsy.com/">Custom Marine golf club cover <br />
by traceyknits</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I woke up this morning to find out that Osama Bin Laden had been killed by US forces in Pakistan. After the shock of the years of anticipation for this moment wore off, I started thinking about President Obama's place in history.<br />
<br />
Did you know that on the same day in 1945, the world found out that Hitler had killed himself in Berlin? A Democrat, Harry S. Truman sat in the Oval Office.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/history/coming_home/ram/ch_hitler_dead.ram">Hitler is Dead - 1945</a><br />
<a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/05/02/remarks-president-osama-bin-laden">Osama is Dead - 2011</a><br />
<br />
I hope that his death brings some comfort to those who have lost loved ones to this man's horrific plots against the world. And I hope that it does not renew enthusiasm for those that follow him.<br />
<br />
</div>TraceyKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389887188260167842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6092151543591751391.post-27820044912883557562011-04-30T04:34:00.000-07:002011-04-30T04:34:00.090-07:00Get in the Hole<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRe4KYvasUwY-YoGPeCgteTL4CursP2LTHTNmD9Xt_umJ2p1b39wg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRe4KYvasUwY-YoGPeCgteTL4CursP2LTHTNmD9Xt_umJ2p1b39wg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fear Bob Barker</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Are you a golfer? Do you enjoy a golf movie? If you do you are not alone.<br />
<br />
Millions of people share your love of the drama on the green. Some of the most memorable comedies of all time have centered around this gentleman's sport, often finding humor in the not-so-gentlemanly behavior of some characters.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>According to <a href="http://sportsinmovies.com/">SportsinMovies.com</a>, here are the top golf movies ever made:</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><ol><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/golf/caddyshack.asp">Caddyshack</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="content2" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(1980)</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.blogger.com/golf/bagger-vance.asp"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Legend of Bagger Vance, The</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="content2" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(2000)</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.blogger.com/golf/greatest-game.asp"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Greatest Game Ever Played, The</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="content2" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(2005)</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.blogger.com/golf/happy-gilmore.asp"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Happy Gilmore</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="content2" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(1996)</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.blogger.com/golf/tin-cup.asp"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Tin Cup</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="content2" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(1996)</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.blogger.com/golf/dead-solid-perfect.asp"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Dead Solid Perfect</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="content2" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(1988)</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.blogger.com/golf/bobby-jones.asp"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bobby Jones, Stroke of Genius</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="content2" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(2004)</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.blogger.com/golf/gentleman-game.asp"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Gentleman's Game, A</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="content2" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(2001)</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.blogger.com/golf/pat-mike.asp"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Pat and Mike</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="content2" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(1952)</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.blogger.com/golf/miracle-17-green.asp"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Miracle on the 17th Green</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="content2" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(1999)</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.blogger.com/golf/who-caddy.asp"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Who's Your Caddy?</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="content2" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(2007)</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.blogger.com/golf/caddyshack-2.asp"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Caddyshack II</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="content2" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(1988)</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></li>
</ol><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What is your all time fave? You can include movies with golf scenes but are not about golf:</span></span></div></span></div></div>TraceyKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389887188260167842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6092151543591751391.post-26687300517845291392011-04-28T16:20:00.000-07:002011-04-28T16:20:49.999-07:00The Official Announcement<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><object style="height: 390px; width: 640px;"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Tklve5-YXpc?version=3"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Tklve5-YXpc?version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="390"></object><br />
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</div>TraceyKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389887188260167842noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6092151543591751391.post-72883993851985024432011-04-28T04:13:00.000-07:002011-04-28T04:13:00.389-07:00Time to Change<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3068/2419768170_9ffccd6032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3068/2419768170_9ffccd6032.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>It was inevitable. My website was going to have to change in a major way. Not that I dont love all of you who follow me so loyally, just the opposite is true. I want to very much to give you the best website possible that I have been working feverishly to figure out how best to serve you.<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Great Scott! I have found the answer!</span></b><br />
<br />
Like many of you out there, I am a sports widow. I adore my husband, but I am NOT a fan of watching sports on TV. How do you survive this life of spousal fandom? Lets take the journey together. Maybe we will even learn to appreciate the down-time a little :)<br />
<br />
If you are ready to take the wild ride, please sign up for my email newsletter. I will be contacting everyone when the big re-launch happens, and may even have some great surprises!<br />
<br />
</div>TraceyKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389887188260167842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6092151543591751391.post-46176418108985521942011-04-26T04:16:00.000-07:002011-04-26T04:16:00.061-07:00Top Shop: Waste of Money<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">You are a crafter. You have a shop on etsy where you sell your handmade creations. You sell a few items a week/month, enough to pay for your supplies and listing fees with maybe a little something extra.<br />
<br />
Does this description fit you to a tee? Then it is time for you to make a decision:<b> </b><br />
<b>are you a crafter or an entrepreneur?</b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.214614876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.214614876.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/67482432/not-a-shred-of-evidence-exists-in-favor?ref=sr_list_5&ga_search_query=serious&ga_page=7&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade">Hand Stenciled Shirt by Verbing</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>This is how I answered that question for myself:<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Do you seek out anything and everything that might help you learn to make your shop a success?</li>
<li>Do you subscribe to newsletters of blogs featuring articles on making your shop work?</li>
<li>Do you check your shop stats often to see what new ideas have worked for you?</li>
<li>Do you imagine yourself working full time on your shop?</li>
</ul><div>If you said yes to these questions, you may have the right stuff. Sometimes it takes a little more then you can find online for free to make it as a crafting entrepreneur. You can find that online for prices ranging from $4 to $1000, depending on how much help you think you need.</div><div><br />
</div><div>If you are not putting this effort in already, chances are these programs are a waste of money for you. Enjoy your moderate success. You may stumble upon sales without effort, and you will definitely enjoy making your products, but you will not have wasted your time and money on these serious programs. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Still interested? I will be sure to highlight some of my favorite programs over the next few weeks.</div></div>TraceyKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389887188260167842noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6092151543591751391.post-15863816102501309892011-04-25T04:23:00.000-07:002011-04-25T04:23:00.334-07:00Geekly Weekly: Greatest Treasury Ever Sold<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">So you say you want to sell on etsy but your not sure how to get noticed. How about borrowing a little brand recognition from some of the big boys? What is good for us is also good for the brands. Being a "pop icon" means that people will buy anything and everything related to their product. We keep the brand fresh and creative while reminding shoppers that they can still buy the official products in stores.<br />
<br />
Or at least that is what I keep telling myself about my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TraceyKnits?section_id=6251080">golf club covers</a>....<br />
<br />
<script src='http://www.craftcult.com/js/trwi.js?s=2&l=4db48fb691da6d91c18fe4d9&r=16687&t=s&m=0&u=7653242&'></script><br />
</div>TraceyKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389887188260167842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6092151543591751391.post-4531763824085916982011-04-23T05:58:00.000-07:002011-04-23T05:58:28.906-07:00Yarn Goes Gangsta<iframe width="480" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tOHOkW-87us?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> <div>I am a fiber artist. I have chosen yarn as my medium and my finished products are works of art. </div><div><br /></div><div>Like many children of the 80's in NYC, I grew up surrounded by some of the great graffiti artists of all time. Haring and Basquet who both started their careers as graffiti artists, transformed the urban landscape.</div><div><br /></div><div>What an amazing time to live in when 2 movements have converged and have made such a substantial impact on the world. "Yarn Bombing", as the graffiti is called, can be seen all over. Now a documentary is being made to draw more attention to the artists behind it. </div><div><br /></div><div>Check out this video, and if you feel moved to donate, you can find more information on doing that here: <a href="http://www.indiegogo.com/Yarn-Graffiti-Documentary#">http://www.indiegogo.com/Yarn-Graffiti-Documentary#</a></div>TraceyKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389887188260167842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6092151543591751391.post-31999297552649716922011-04-21T04:12:00.000-07:002011-04-21T04:12:00.192-07:00Right Tool For The Job<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: right;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_570xN.185605024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_570xN.185605024.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/59654314/handcrafted-wood-knitting-needles-a-set">Wood Knitting Needles by Baahurrah</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>There are many similarities between knitting and golf. One of the most important is using the right tools for the job. As a golfer I would never pick up a driver to putt a few feet, and as a knitter I wouldn't use aluminum straights to knit socks.<br />
<br />
<b>So how do you learn what is the right tool for the job? </b>Well in both cases, it is a combination of advice and experience.<br />
<br />
When I first began knitting, I was told that the easiest thing to learn on was bamboo. You are less likely to drop stitches because of its "sticky" nature. I loved knitting on them and began investing in bamboo needles in every size. Now I have a collection of needles I barely use. Why? Because once I got past the learning stage, I found out that aluminum needles are a lot "faster" and lighter.<br />
<br />
So now its your turn, what have you learned in your craft from experience? </div>TraceyKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389887188260167842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6092151543591751391.post-21562006702136014632011-04-19T04:13:00.000-07:002011-04-19T04:13:00.477-07:00Top Shop: 13 billion dollars<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_570xN.203070110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_570xN.203070110.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/64615888/handpainted-wooden-pin-n56">Handpainted Wooden Pin by StudioFludd</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>You are not alone in the crafting universe, but if you are making a living at it as your full time job, you are definitely in the minority. According to <a href="http://www.codacraft.org/dnn/CodaSurvey/NationalSummary/tabid/117/Default.aspx">CODA</a> (craft organization development association), <b>127,000</b> people in the US list craft artist as their primary occupation. This, of course, does not include <b>26,000</b> painters and sculpters, <b>137,000</b> photographers, and all those people who do it on the side.<br />
<br />
So why try? The craft business in this country generates <b>$13,800,000,000</b> in revenue annually. That includes supplies sold and finished products. The average gross income of a crafter is <b>$76,000</b>. That is a pretty nice number for getting to do what you love. <b>79%</b> work from a home based studio, so you would get to work in your pajamas. <b>52%</b> of their sales are direct to their customers. That is the one that I found most amazing.<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">More then half of professional crafter's sales come from selling directly to their customers.</span></b><br />
<br />
That means you control your own fate. The harder you work towards your goal, the more likely you are to achieve it. Work harder, work smarter, keep your eyes on the prize.</div>TraceyKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389887188260167842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6092151543591751391.post-50569184893511432432011-04-18T04:51:00.000-07:002011-04-18T04:51:00.826-07:00Geekly Weekly: 4 Questions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Passover begins tonight. My favorite part of the tradition has to be the youngest child asking the four questions. In reality, there are 5 questions, something I have never quite understood. Maybe I should add that question to the list this year, making the total 6. Those questions can really add up!<br />
<br />
ANYWAY... this week's collection was inspired by the great questions of geek culture. Do you know the answer to life, the universe and everything?<br />
<script src='http://www.craftcult.com/js/trwi.js?s=2&l=4daae1e676356d91f7e64e83&r=15600&t=s&m=0&u=7653242&'></script></div>TraceyKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389887188260167842noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6092151543591751391.post-65234359599605623662011-04-16T04:23:00.000-07:002011-04-16T04:23:00.526-07:00For Those Rainy Weekends<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_570xN.215638940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_570xN.215638940.jpg" width="142" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/67730184/vinyl-wall-decal-art-golfer-2">Wall Decal by DesignUnited</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>You made a tee time but sadly the weather decided not to cooperate. Get that golfing fix you need in the comfort of your home... online. Check out these sites that offer online games geared towards you fans of the links.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.netgolfgames.com/">http://www.netgolfgames.com/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.worldgolftour.com/">http://www.worldgolftour.com/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.minigolfonlinegames.com/">http://www.minigolfonlinegames.com/</a><br />
<br />
You have any sites you frequent?</div>TraceyKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389887188260167842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6092151543591751391.post-69563296799429834012011-04-14T04:36:00.000-07:002011-04-14T04:36:00.284-07:00Simple Knit: the Bunny Square<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">It is often easy to forget how much fun it is to just whip a project up in no time at all. Well, most of my projects take about a day for me to make so maybe I am not the person who should be making that statement, but it doesn't make it any less true!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4o73aN7QAKeOLSMVnSHoSXeWgJGX0Tj8VMZ_XsmdcCQ4ZhLZPPDbrbHT8aU_2-rcKlmKcObXdjK6KdtE8Wj520IY2VJ4S0MClu_O4xFQYBHmhB0EqcC50nSCa8yn8bxFA7mgMD20dscA/s1600/IMG_20110411_185010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4o73aN7QAKeOLSMVnSHoSXeWgJGX0Tj8VMZ_XsmdcCQ4ZhLZPPDbrbHT8aU_2-rcKlmKcObXdjK6KdtE8Wj520IY2VJ4S0MClu_O4xFQYBHmhB0EqcC50nSCa8yn8bxFA7mgMD20dscA/s200/IMG_20110411_185010.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Finished Bunny</td></tr>
</tbody></table>While knitting at a Girl Scout meeting, some of the other moms asked if I would be willing to teach them how to work the needles. I was excited at the idea of turning new people on to this ancient art and excitedly accepted the challenge.<br />
<br />
Now what would a new knitter want to make?<br />
<br />
I remember knitting my first scarf. It felt like it went on FOREVER. A bookmark is just not enough time to get the hang of what you are doing. A washcloth, who wants to make one of those...<br />
<br />
A Bunny Square!<br />
<br />
I found <a href="http://josoandsew.wordpress.com/tutorials/knitted-bunnies/">a great blog that had a nice, easy pattern</a>. I did a run through. I am ready to teach these newbees how to knit.<br />
<br />
Just in time for Easter, knit up a bunny in about an hour. I am sure I am going to make more :)</div>TraceyKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389887188260167842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6092151543591751391.post-13376819283966835332011-04-12T04:18:00.000-07:002011-04-12T08:50:47.917-07:00Top Shop: Stats that will blow your mind<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_570xN.192007979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="169" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_570xN.192007979.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/61561564/agnes">Agnes by CricketandBear</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>63%</b> of us decide NOT to buy a product advertised on the Internet because we think the shipping and handling charges add too much to the order.*</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>80%</b> of Americans say giving personal information (especially their credit card information) over the Internet scares the living sh#t out of them.*</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">*stats from </span><a href="http://www.homebusinessforbeginners.com/41CrazyMoneyFacts.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">home business for beginners</span></a></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Do these blow your mind? Both directly effect you if you sell your handmade creations online. So how do you deal with these major obstacles to selling on the Internet? Here are some ideas:</span><br />
<ol style="text-align: left;"><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 13px;">Offer free or at cost shipping. You can add a little to the price of the item if you are concerned about the loss of money, but you may make the difference up in volume anyway.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 13px;">You can offer free shipping as a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/storque/seller-handbook/tech-update-coupon-codes-for-your-etsy-shop-11159/">coupon code</a> in your shop announcement. People who were smart enough to browse your whole shop will benefit.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 13px;">Use services like <a href="https://www.paypal.com/">paypal</a> to accept credit cards and offer to take other forms of payment too.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 13px;">Be sure to indicate in your store policies that you do not share personal information and have no hidden fees, then keep to your word.</span></span></li>
</ol><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 13px;">Now you can get to work chipping away at that large percentage of scaredy-cats. What have you tried to quell those shoppers fears?</span></span></div></div>TraceyKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389887188260167842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6092151543591751391.post-40128188907914200532011-04-11T07:58:00.000-07:002011-04-11T07:58:00.812-07:00What's New?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Have something amazingly cool and new in your shop this week? Share here!<br />
<br />
Rules:<br />
1) please dont post more then one item<br />
2) please only post items that went up on etsy this week<br />
3) please share this page everywhere :)<br />
<br />
<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=84275" type="text/javascript">
</script></div>TraceyKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389887188260167842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6092151543591751391.post-65436676113957665632011-04-11T04:36:00.000-07:002011-04-11T04:36:00.301-07:00Geekly Weekly: Hop To It<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What does a bunny have to do with the resurrection of Christ? Well, whatever the reason we worship these little rodents, they are as much a part of the holiday as the eggs they bring. So lets celebrate EB's brethren; The White Rabbit, The Beast of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Caerbannog ...</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<script src="http://www.craftcult.com/js/trwi.js?s=2&l=4da2014cd32d8eef2dfdb17a&r=14787&t=s&m=0&u=7653242&">
</script></div>TraceyKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389887188260167842noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6092151543591751391.post-67368989354567227602011-04-09T05:59:00.000-07:002011-04-11T05:52:10.690-07:00In The Press<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">have you seen me someplace before? Check out some of the amazing places I have been featured:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyutQ-J9L5laApbgyKoHThUGPpYXIEKhFlUuCO7FZ9hoK9lCgFn-3oaAMuQBb0syBUgpTe0bEaqJnozLhgng0j6R8JDAFcsunHslVfC0nXSAXPzPyO3N0U2_5Cf0B4BQgx1stYrPCWfT8/s1600/Traceyknits-sports-avatar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyutQ-J9L5laApbgyKoHThUGPpYXIEKhFlUuCO7FZ9hoK9lCgFn-3oaAMuQBb0syBUgpTe0bEaqJnozLhgng0j6R8JDAFcsunHslVfC0nXSAXPzPyO3N0U2_5Cf0B4BQgx1stYrPCWfT8/s1600/Traceyknits-sports-avatar.jpg" /></a></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Features and Interviews</span></b><br />
CNBC: <a href="http://www.cnbc.com/id/40375860">Etsy.com: A Shore Thing</a><br />
MSN: <a href="http://glo.msn.com/#stackState=3__%2Fliving%2Fsuperbowl-kids-bash-6426.gallery">Superbowl Kids Bash</a><br />
Lil Sugar: <a href="http://www.lilsugar.com/Super-Bowl-Gear-Babies-13445764">Superbowl Gear For Babies</a><br />
Handmadeology: <a href="http://www.handmadetop10.com/#/Lists/12">Handmade Top 10: Geekery</a><br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Published</span></b><br />
<a href="http://www.handmadespark.com/blog/etsy-and-paypal-stats-analysis-guest-post-from-tracey-knits/">Etsy and Paypal Stats Analysis</a><br />
<a href="http://www.handmadespark.com/blog/organize-your-craft-space-part-1-guest-post-from-tracey-knits/">Organize Your Craft Space</a><br />
<a href="http://www.handmadespark.com/blog/free-pattern-and-video-learn-to-knit-in-the-round-by-tracey-knits/">Video Knitting Tutorials and a Free Pattern</a></div>TraceyKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389887188260167842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6092151543591751391.post-43550071051939209912011-04-08T04:43:00.000-07:002011-04-08T04:43:00.832-07:00Something New<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_570xN.234025968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_570xN.234025968.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/71689970/sneaker-baby-booties-pattern-pdf">Sneaker Baby Booties Pattern by Traceyknits</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>It has been a while (well for me anyway) since I wrote up a successful new pattern. You can imagine how I felt today when i completed work on a brand new pair of baby booties that i created entirely out of my imagination. <div><br />
</div><div>Making things for babies is a joy I share with many knitters. Besides the fact that it is so nice to see their cute little bodies in our handmade creations, most projects are so small that they can take you little more then a day to complete. Even with creating this project from scratch, I was able to knit, type it up and photograph it in about 4 hours.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I have already posted the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/71689970/sneaker-baby-booties-pattern-pdf">pattern</a> for sale, and the original pair will be going to a very sporty young man who will be born this May. He will also have a very cute matching <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62534697/football-helmet-winter-hat-pattern-pdf">football helmet</a> to wear this winter.</div></div>TraceyKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389887188260167842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6092151543591751391.post-5646643089222619022011-04-07T04:47:00.000-07:002011-04-07T04:47:00.304-07:00Geek Craft: Foam Lightsaber<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_570xN.201470468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><img border="0" height="239" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_570xN.201470468.jpg" width="320" /></i></b></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/63133381/star-wars-lightsaber-party-favor"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Buy them on Etsy from Crich</i></b></span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I know, normally my crafts are sports themed, but I found this project and could not resist. My son is OBSESSED with playing with his hard plastic lightsaber. i have gotten knocked by that thing playing with him one too many times. Wouldn't it be nice to be hit with something soft and still be able to enjoy playing with my little guy? Thank goodness someone thought of this!<div><br />
</div><div>Makes 2 lightsabers</div><div><br />
Materials:<br />
1 - Foam Pool Noodle<br />
Black Duct Tape<br />
Silver Duct Tape<br />
Utility Knife</div><div><br />
</div><div>for the full instructions, check out the <a href="http://www.jedibroadsquad.net/FoamSaber.html">Jedi Broad Squad</a>.</div></div>TraceyKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389887188260167842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6092151543591751391.post-88182090764100760892011-04-06T08:03:00.000-07:002011-04-06T08:03:42.380-07:00Lets Craft Geekly<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51QffqNuuGL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51QffqNuuGL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Star-Wars-Craft-Book/dp/0345511166/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1302101023&sr=8-1">Star Wars Craft Book by Bonnie Burton</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I should have been the one to write this book. Sadly, I am not, but I am excited to see all the great new ideas Bonnie Burton collected to share with us geeky crafters.<br />
<br />
My fave so far? It has to be the Chewbacca Sock Puppet. Don't have the skills to knit yourself one of my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/45961269/chewbacca-golf-club-cover-pattern-pdf">golf club covers</a>, this is the next best thing. Personally, Chewbacca is my least favorite of all my patterns, mostly because I am not a fan of fun fur, so this seemed like an amazing alternative.<br />
<br />
Also, try out the Talz Snow Globe. Who doesn't love a clever snow globe?<br />
<br />
Want to try out some sample projects? Amazon has generously posted<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html/ref=amb_link_354871062_1?location=http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/books/rando-ems/SW_Craft_Book_sample_spreads.pdf&token=957BBB0669152D76BE1C614537975585163C1748&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=hero-quick-promo&pf_rd_r=04TP1N4ZB27SE1J3X3NE&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=1284348982&pf_rd_i=0345511166"> these 4 patterns</a> on their website.</div>TraceyKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389887188260167842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6092151543591751391.post-19069606290064948192011-04-05T04:23:00.000-07:002011-04-05T04:23:00.110-07:00Top Shop: What's The Big Idea?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><embed 01_imagination_movers_theme_song.mp3"="" audio="" autoplay="true" controller="true" good-ideas="" height="20" imagination-movers.s3.amazonaws.com="" pluginspage="http://www.apple.com/quicktime/downloads/" scale="tofit" src"http:="" type="video/quicktime" width="320"></embed><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Xk1yBXQKqxeKMdA1E1XA8S5c9q0F7CCqn23u_WHhsSUP6V256uR4Sq9I_S_Ctq2BLEMFeA2a9WaoHcn3m-yD4BWa9xVKQw6Zd7QuNlBcnpD4pUEdd4I2A9XUlXN5tb5U33ntjmGzjlM/s1600/blue+bear1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Xk1yBXQKqxeKMdA1E1XA8S5c9q0F7CCqn23u_WHhsSUP6V256uR4Sq9I_S_Ctq2BLEMFeA2a9WaoHcn3m-yD4BWa9xVKQw6Zd7QuNlBcnpD4pUEdd4I2A9XUlXN5tb5U33ntjmGzjlM/s320/blue+bear1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/51669727/dancing-bears-grateful-dead-golf-club?ga_search_query=bear&ga_search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_5591604">Dancing Bear Golf Club Covers by TraceyKnits on Etsy</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I am super excited that I found my big idea. In the way that Steve Martin was when he discovered his <a href="http://movieclips.com/CJm9-the-jerk-movie-navins-special-purpose/">"Special Purpose" in The Jerk</a>, I now know what it is I bring to the world through my work. How did I come upon it? Well, I was hoping you would ask me that :)<br />
<br />
While Watching Kathy Lee and Hoda the other day, the show had a feature on<a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41162089/vp/42358935#42358935"> fashions in sports clothing</a>. So far, right up my alley right? A lot of the outfits were very new designs for running, tennis, etc... then there was golf. The golfer was wearing something super-sexy and cool; something I would love to wear on the course but KNOW I would never see on any of the golfers I know. The thought got in my mind, why do these golfers take themselves so seriously? Why is their equipment and clothing so serious? What I love most about my golf club covers is that they are light-hearted and fun; not so serious. Soooooo...<br />
<b><i><u><br />
</u></i></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I am putting play back in the game</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span></span><br />
<br />
Yay! My big idea!<br />
<br />
Everyone needs a big idea that drives their company. Some call it a moto, others a slogan. It is imperative to the success of your shop that you know why you do what you do. It is one of the reasons your customers choose your shop over others that may offer similar items. Reebok and Nike both have sneakers, but Nike has "Just Do It", a slogan that has brought them success beyond their competitors.<br />
<br />
Now my customers will know why they should choose my shop; I will make their golf game more fun by the addition of my club covers.<br />
<br />
<b>Do you know your big idea?</b> Share it in the comments below.</div></div>TraceyKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389887188260167842noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6092151543591751391.post-43963978813249541682011-04-04T04:30:00.000-07:002011-04-04T04:30:00.305-07:00Geekly Weekly: Talk to the Hand<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">If you follow me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/traceyknits">twitter</a>, you got to know me a little better a few days ago as I participated in the #100factsaboutme. One of the things I neglected to share is my obsession with hands. I have a collection of them on my fireplace mantle and I have done numerous paintings of them. So no disrespect, but you need to talk to the hand...</div><script src="http://www.craftcult.com/js/trwi.js?s=2&l=4d873ac5eeaf8eeff0df30c2&r=12283&t=s&m=0&u=7653242&">
</script></div>TraceyKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389887188260167842noreply@blogger.com2