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| His or Her Sock Monkey Hats by SusansTreasures |
Showing posts with label crochet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label crochet. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Handmade Shop of the Week: Serendipity
Emily of Serendipity Hand-dyed & Hand-painted Yarn & Roving sells yarn & roving hand-dyed or hand-painted from non-toxic or natural dyes & mordants. She has been selling her gorgeous fiber on etsy since March 2009, all the while raising children!
What inspires you to create?
Any changes coming to your shop in the future?
Why did you decide to open your handmade shop?
I dyed some yarn in my kitchen with my kids and it was fun. I thought it was nice but I have a ton of yarn so I put some of it in an Etsy shop and it sold. Since I got such great feedback, I figured I would keep dyeing yarn and then added roving as well. Last Fall we did out first fiber show and it went great. I am a stay-at-home mom right now, I'm hoping this will allow me to continue to do that. I have kept the kids a part of it as well, most of the colors are named by them.
Has your inventory changed much since you first opened?
Has your inventory changed much since you first opened?
As I dye new yarn I try to get it listed in the shop. I only carried some worsted weight superwash merino wool & some sport weight alpaca in the beginning. I have since added other weights in the superwash merino & alpaca, and a really nice alpaca / wool blend.
Who are the majority of your customers? How did they find you?
Who are the majority of your customers? How did they find you?
My customers online have mostly been from Ravelry, I believe. I try to be active on their forums and in the blogosphere but being Mommy comes first and there only so many hours in the day!!!
What inspires you to create?
Fun! I look for fun colors or whatever I'm in the mood for that day. I don't have a background in art or anything but having kids gives me a bright and colorful perspective on the things around me. The other day my daughter told me to "look at the pretty sky" as the sun was setting (it was pink and blue streaked across an almost white background sky) since I was dyeing roving at the time, the next one I did was pink and blue with some spots left white, she named it "Sunset".
What is your favorite item in your shop currently? Your most popular item?
What is your favorite item in your shop currently? Your most popular item?
My favorite is the alpaca/wool blends, they take the color in such a pretty, heathered way and they are so, so soft with such a nice luster. I especially like the Seaside, Lime and Outer Banks colorways, since they can be used together for different projects.
I think my most popular item online and at the fiber shows is the fingering weight yarns that are 3 or more colors (mostly used for socks, I'm sure).
What has been your greatest resource to make your shop successful?
What has been your greatest resource to make your shop successful?
Ravelry has been really amazing. The experienced people on the threads and all their great advice & support have been indispensable. Meeting people at the fiber shows and handing out cards has been helpful as well. I do have a blog but most people seem to reach the shop from Ravelry.
Any changes coming to your shop in the future? After a local show this past week I spent a few days photographing a ton of yarn and roving and will be doing 10 (or more) listings a day on the Etsy Shop until they are all up! Plus, I frequently run sales and promotions (10% off, free shipping, etc.).
How else can we find you online? Any team affiliations?
You can reach Serendipity's shop online at www.lilm4105.etsy.com
How else can we find you online? Any team affiliations?
You can reach Serendipity's shop online at www.lilm4105.etsy.com
The blog is at www.lilm4105.blogspot.com
On Ravelry, I'm Lilm4105
Serendipity has recently joined PhatFiber and was in the March box.
LETS DO A GIVEAWAY!
For a chance to win a full skein of alpaca/wool in colorway "Seaside", visit Serendipity and comment here on your favorite item in her shop.
For additional entries, add a comment when you've done any of the following:
-Favorite the shop on etsy www.lilm4105.etsy.com
-Become a fan on the Facebook page
-Follow the blog at www.lilm4105.blogspot.com
-Post to your blog about the giveaway
-Make a purchase from the Etsy shop
Interested in being featured? I am currently looking for shops. Email me for information.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Handmade Shop of the Week: Jenco13
Jennifer Kuebrich, of Jenco13, loves to crochet. Her shop featuring adorable coffee cozies and scarves opened January 19, 2008 but didn’t start selling till 2009. Who knew you could save the earth one cup cozie at a time?
Why did you decide to open your handmade shop?
I opened up my shop because while my husband served in Iraq I made too many scarves. I didn’t know what to do with them until one of my mom’s friends told me about etsy. I spent a year research etsy and figuring out how to put my shop together. Now I have a new reason to keep doing the art I love so much!
Has your inventory changed much since you first opened?
Yes it has—orginally I only had scarves. Since then I have done baby sweaters, baby blankets, shawls and cup cozies. The cup cozies seem to be really popular from my shop.
Who are the majority of your customers? How did they find you?
Most of my customers come from the United States. I have made a couple of international sales this year as well.
First off I have to thank the Etsy Twitter Team (ETT)and MaryMary from Etsy. The ETT is a team on Etsy and they have been a huge support and helped me with advertisements and setting goals for my shop. My first sale came from and ETT member! MaryMary helps customers on etsy find weekend deals through her picks. She had picked up my sale twice this last year. This helped bring in most of my sales.
What inspires you to create?
Many things inspire me to create. My mom is a graphic artist and painter. She has taught me a lot about putting colors together and always tells me never to give up. My husband, Joe always tells me if things look right from a different point of view and is very supportive of what I do. The two of us have traveled the country so the colors on our road trips are also big inspirations. I love to sight see while he drives!!
I also find inspiration from my Dad who owns his own construction company. Dad’s final product always inspires me to try different things that I think I can’t do. Its amazing how all three of these people help me to create my items!
What is your favorite item in your shop currently? Your most popular item?
Hmmm. This is a tough one cause I love them all!! I really do like my shawl though—the colors are really amazing and it was created on one of my road trips across the east coast.
My most popular item is the cup cozy—did you know by using one of the cup cozies you can help the plant out? If you drink one cup of coffee a day in a take through and use one of the cardboard sleaves take a moment to think about this—one person+one cup of coffee a day = 6 pounds of cardboard sleaves in the landfills each year!
What has been your greatest resource to make your shop successful?
Twitter—hands down! The people who are on the Etsy Twitter Team help me promote my sales/items after I post a tweet. This reaches not only my following but also their following. I have met so many amazing people on twitter.
Any changes coming to your shop in the future?
Yes there are—but you’ll have to come back to find out what I have up my sleave for 2010! Hint—theres a new go green line coming out and one other line ;)
Also I love to get custom orders so if you don’t see what you want please convo me and I would be happy to help out!
How else can we find you online? Any team affiliations?
Several ways:
Shop: www.jenco13.etsy.com A gift for everyone!
Twitter: http://twitter.com/jenco13
Blog: http://jenco13.blogspot.com
FB: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jenco13/116522301149?ref=mf
I am also the Team leader of the Etsy Twitter Team so please come check out our blog where we show case over 200 member’s work.
http://etsytwitter.blogspot.com/
LETS DO A GIVEAWAY!
Why did you decide to open your handmade shop?
I opened up my shop because while my husband served in Iraq I made too many scarves. I didn’t know what to do with them until one of my mom’s friends told me about etsy. I spent a year research etsy and figuring out how to put my shop together. Now I have a new reason to keep doing the art I love so much!
Has your inventory changed much since you first opened?
Yes it has—orginally I only had scarves. Since then I have done baby sweaters, baby blankets, shawls and cup cozies. The cup cozies seem to be really popular from my shop.
Who are the majority of your customers? How did they find you?
Most of my customers come from the United States. I have made a couple of international sales this year as well.
First off I have to thank the Etsy Twitter Team (ETT)and MaryMary from Etsy. The ETT is a team on Etsy and they have been a huge support and helped me with advertisements and setting goals for my shop. My first sale came from and ETT member! MaryMary helps customers on etsy find weekend deals through her picks. She had picked up my sale twice this last year. This helped bring in most of my sales.
What inspires you to create?
Many things inspire me to create. My mom is a graphic artist and painter. She has taught me a lot about putting colors together and always tells me never to give up. My husband, Joe always tells me if things look right from a different point of view and is very supportive of what I do. The two of us have traveled the country so the colors on our road trips are also big inspirations. I love to sight see while he drives!!
I also find inspiration from my Dad who owns his own construction company. Dad’s final product always inspires me to try different things that I think I can’t do. Its amazing how all three of these people help me to create my items!
Hmmm. This is a tough one cause I love them all!! I really do like my shawl though—the colors are really amazing and it was created on one of my road trips across the east coast.
My most popular item is the cup cozy—did you know by using one of the cup cozies you can help the plant out? If you drink one cup of coffee a day in a take through and use one of the cardboard sleaves take a moment to think about this—one person+one cup of coffee a day = 6 pounds of cardboard sleaves in the landfills each year!
What has been your greatest resource to make your shop successful?
Twitter—hands down! The people who are on the Etsy Twitter Team help me promote my sales/items after I post a tweet. This reaches not only my following but also their following. I have met so many amazing people on twitter.
Any changes coming to your shop in the future?
Yes there are—but you’ll have to come back to find out what I have up my sleave for 2010! Hint—theres a new go green line coming out and one other line ;)
Also I love to get custom orders so if you don’t see what you want please convo me and I would be happy to help out!
How else can we find you online? Any team affiliations?
Several ways:
Shop: www.jenco13.etsy.com A gift for everyone!
Twitter: http://twitter.com/jenco13
Blog: http://jenco13.blogspot.com
FB: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jenco13/116522301149?ref=mf
I am also the Team leader of the Etsy Twitter Team so please come check out our blog where we show case over 200 member’s work.
http://etsytwitter.blogspot.com/
LETS DO A GIVEAWAY!
Jenco13 is giving away one of her adorable cup cozies. Contest ends May 9th, 2010
Each action gets you the number of points indicated:
Follow this blog-1 point
Follow Jen’s blog-1 point
Follow Jen on FB-2 points
Tweet about Jen’s giveaway by using @jenco13 and receive 3 points
(must use @jenco13 in order to receive all points)
Follow Jen on twitter – 1 point (please DM her to get point-mention this article)
Buy something from Jen’s store- 5 points
Follow this blog-1 point
Follow Jen’s blog-1 point
Follow Jen on FB-2 points
Tweet about Jen’s giveaway by using @jenco13 and receive 3 points
(must use @jenco13 in order to receive all points)
Follow Jen on twitter – 1 point (please DM her to get point-mention this article)
Buy something from Jen’s store- 5 points
Interested in being featured? Email me for more information.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Sew Easy Labels
As you may or may not know, I will be selling my hand-knit golf club covers in a New Jersey store called Jersey Made in just a matter of weeks. In order to promote my brand, I decided to sew in labels to each one of my items available in the shop. In the past I have ordered labels from other etsians; not terribly expensive, but not my personal design either. So here is a way to DIY these sew in labels:
Materials:printable fabric (I used June Taylor Colorfast in White, available at Jo-ann fabric)
computer
inkjet printer
microsoft word
scrap paper
scissors
Click on Format and scroll down to document
change the width of you borders to the minimum allowed by your printer; mine is .6"
click on table and insert a table with 4 columns
fill in the information you wish to have in your first boxmake sure to center the text vertically and horizontally in the box
copy and paste your final version across the row
then do the same for additional rows the length of the pageI was able to make 64 labels on one sheet this way
make sure to print a sample sheetcut out your label and see if the size fits nicely where you would like it
when you have gotten the final version, print on your fabric
follow the instructions for making it washable on the package
cut out your little tags with enough room to sew them on
Monday, February 15, 2010
Handmade Shop of the Week: The High Plains Knitter
Dianne Gray, The High Plains Knitter, has been selling hand-knitted and crocheted accessories and gifts in her shop since September of 2008. Her colorful designs will add interest to even the dullest of ensambles.
Why did you decide to open your handmade shop?
Having been diagnosed with primary pulmonary hypertension, my activities were greatly decreased. I hadn't had time to pursue my lifelong love of knitting and crocheting while raising boys, and felt that, besides looking for a way to help pay for expensive medications, then would be a good time to take up my old love and sell it.
Has your inventory changed much since you first opened?
Yes, When I first opened my shop, I had only a few scarves and scarflettes with dark pictures. Since then, I have added crocheted jewelry and flower appliques, knitting patterns, hairpins, headbands, wrist cuffs, and gift certificates. I have also developed a couple of scarf designs that have done fairly well for me.
Who are the majority of your customers? How did they find you?
Lol, well obviously, women, but beyond that most of them are inside the U.S. My very first order came from Canada, and I've had one from the U.K. Almost have of my flower ring orders came from Australia. Yay Aussies! Since they all had Asian names, I kind of think they were friends that decided to have rings together.
What inspires you to create?
So many things. I get inspired by the textures of different yarns and how they might look, work and feel together. The fact that I hate struggling with keeping a scarf in place on a cold day while trying to do other things like carry something or getting in and out of the car, inspired the creation of the auto-lock scarf. I just really wanted a scarf that I could wrap around my neck and forget about it. I thought others might feel the same way, and it appears that they do.
What is your favorite item in your shop currently? Your most popular item?
My favorite item would be my Golden Twilight Scarf of Many Colors. It was originally a custom order from a jewelry maker on Etsy that wanted a scarf that would match some jewelry she had made. She told me what colors and she wanted and requested a couple of types of yarns. I took what she had asked for out my stash, and it was a real winner.
What has been your greatest resource to make your shop successful?
Boy, that's a hard one. I've done so many things, and they've been a steady progression to improve my shop. I hate to say it, but I think Christmas and cold weather have the greatest impact on my sales. I developed my jewelry and light scarves to sell in the spring and summer, but nothing seems to make much difference. Sales dropped off dramatically in the middle of April, and didn't pick up again until November, which is exactly what happened the year before.
Any changes coming to your shop in the future?
I am always looking for new things for my shop. I am thinking that when sales drop again, I will concentrate on my patterns. Maybe other knitters will take a liking to them.
How else can we find you online? Any team affiliations?
I have a shop on 1000 Markets http://www.1000markets.com/users/thehighplainskniiter which has only had one sale, a shops on Artfire and Zibbet that have had none. I've had the Artfire shop for an amazingly low rate since January, but this month I downgraded to a basic account. An amazing rate isn't so amazing if you have no sales. The Zibbet account is basic. 1000 Markets on charges when you sell something. The y teams I am a member of are Etsy Knitters Street Team, Etsy Texas Crafters, and Awe Team.
A Great Deal! The High Plains Knitter is happy to give away a pattern of your choice with any purchase from her shop to anyone that mentions Tracey Knits at time of purchase.
Interested in being Handmade Shop of the Week? Email me for more information.
Having been diagnosed with primary pulmonary hypertension, my activities were greatly decreased. I hadn't had time to pursue my lifelong love of knitting and crocheting while raising boys, and felt that, besides looking for a way to help pay for expensive medications, then would be a good time to take up my old love and sell it.
Has your inventory changed much since you first opened?
Yes, When I first opened my shop, I had only a few scarves and scarflettes with dark pictures. Since then, I have added crocheted jewelry and flower appliques, knitting patterns, hairpins, headbands, wrist cuffs, and gift certificates. I have also developed a couple of scarf designs that have done fairly well for me.
Who are the majority of your customers? How did they find you?
Lol, well obviously, women, but beyond that most of them are inside the U.S. My very first order came from Canada, and I've had one from the U.K. Almost have of my flower ring orders came from Australia. Yay Aussies! Since they all had Asian names, I kind of think they were friends that decided to have rings together.
So many things. I get inspired by the textures of different yarns and how they might look, work and feel together. The fact that I hate struggling with keeping a scarf in place on a cold day while trying to do other things like carry something or getting in and out of the car, inspired the creation of the auto-lock scarf. I just really wanted a scarf that I could wrap around my neck and forget about it. I thought others might feel the same way, and it appears that they do.
What is your favorite item in your shop currently? Your most popular item?
My favorite item would be my Golden Twilight Scarf of Many Colors. It was originally a custom order from a jewelry maker on Etsy that wanted a scarf that would match some jewelry she had made. She told me what colors and she wanted and requested a couple of types of yarns. I took what she had asked for out my stash, and it was a real winner.
What has been your greatest resource to make your shop successful?
Boy, that's a hard one. I've done so many things, and they've been a steady progression to improve my shop. I hate to say it, but I think Christmas and cold weather have the greatest impact on my sales. I developed my jewelry and light scarves to sell in the spring and summer, but nothing seems to make much difference. Sales dropped off dramatically in the middle of April, and didn't pick up again until November, which is exactly what happened the year before.
I am always looking for new things for my shop. I am thinking that when sales drop again, I will concentrate on my patterns. Maybe other knitters will take a liking to them.
How else can we find you online? Any team affiliations?
I have a shop on 1000 Markets http://www.1000markets.com/users/thehighplainskniiter which has only had one sale, a shops on Artfire and Zibbet that have had none. I've had the Artfire shop for an amazingly low rate since January, but this month I downgraded to a basic account. An amazing rate isn't so amazing if you have no sales. The Zibbet account is basic. 1000 Markets on charges when you sell something. The y teams I am a member of are Etsy Knitters Street Team, Etsy Texas Crafters, and Awe Team.
A Great Deal! The High Plains Knitter is happy to give away a pattern of your choice with any purchase from her shop to anyone that mentions Tracey Knits at time of purchase.
Interested in being Handmade Shop of the Week? Email me for more information.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Shop of the Week: Made by Melissa
Melissa, of Made By Melissa, specializes in handmade jewelry, crochet accessories and toys. Her shop has been open for almost 4 years and has racked up over 300 sales!
Why did you decide to open your handmade shop?
I really enjoy making things and I was running out of room for my creations. Everyone I knew already had blankets and scarves and jewelry and didn’t really want more. A friend of mine showed me Etsy and I thought about it for a really long time and finally decided to open a shop.
Has your inventory changed much since you first opened?
Yes, very much. When I first opened my shop, I only had my jewelry listed. Then I slowly started adding my crochet items, first blankets and scarves and then washcloths. I most recently added amigurimi plush toys.
Who are the majority of your customers? How did they find you?
Almost all of my customers are women, I would be hard pressed to find the last male that made a purchase from me, it makes sense though, just looking at my inventory.
I would love to know how people find me! I know some have said they saw me in the Etsy forums (although I don’t spend much time there anymore), some from the street teams I am in (EtsyNJ and EtsyBloggers) and some from Twitter and Facebook. Although, I can’t really say for sure how people find me, I’d like to think that the networking I do is a help.
What inspires you to create?
Everything! My supplies, what I see people wearing, my mood…. Lately I have been more into my crocheting than my jewelry making, so I look at my yarns and I check patterns and I think about what holidays are coming up and try to make things that fit what people are currently looking for. When it comes to the plush toys, my 2.5 yr old son has been inspiring me, he asks for animals and typically gets to keep the first ones that I make.
What is your favorite item in your shop currently? Your most popular item?
Right now I am loving all my hearts! I started making heart shaped washcloths in preparation for Valentine’s Day and I love how they are coming out. I have three sets listed and more will come soon
Mi Corazon Trio of Heart Shaped Washcloths
My most popular item has been my white make-up remover pads. I make them in all colors, but hands down, the white is the most popular.
Any changes coming to your shop in the future?
How else can we find you online? Any team affiliations?
I am a proud member of the EtsyNJ street team, the NJ folks are really a great group of people. I do a lot of writing for the team blog at http://etsynj.blogspot.com/
I am also a member of the EtsyBloggers street team. The bloggers are awesome and from all over the world! Its great to read everyone’s blogs and see what is going on. Their website is http://etsybloggers.com/
LET'S DO A GIVEAWAY! Handmade by Melissa is happy to offer up one of her adorable plush animals. One entry for each of the following activites:
1) commenting on their favorite item in the shop,
2) hearting said item,
3) tweeting about your shop or favorite item with #traceyknits so we can track it
4) writing about your shop/item on their blog/facebook and sharing the link in the comments
If you are interested in being a Handmade Shop of the Week, email me and I would be happy to send you the information.
Why did you decide to open your handmade shop?
I really enjoy making things and I was running out of room for my creations. Everyone I knew already had blankets and scarves and jewelry and didn’t really want more. A friend of mine showed me Etsy and I thought about it for a really long time and finally decided to open a shop.
Has your inventory changed much since you first opened?
Yes, very much. When I first opened my shop, I only had my jewelry listed. Then I slowly started adding my crochet items, first blankets and scarves and then washcloths. I most recently added amigurimi plush toys.
Who are the majority of your customers? How did they find you?
Almost all of my customers are women, I would be hard pressed to find the last male that made a purchase from me, it makes sense though, just looking at my inventory.
I would love to know how people find me! I know some have said they saw me in the Etsy forums (although I don’t spend much time there anymore), some from the street teams I am in (EtsyNJ and EtsyBloggers) and some from Twitter and Facebook. Although, I can’t really say for sure how people find me, I’d like to think that the networking I do is a help.
What inspires you to create?
Everything! My supplies, what I see people wearing, my mood…. Lately I have been more into my crocheting than my jewelry making, so I look at my yarns and I check patterns and I think about what holidays are coming up and try to make things that fit what people are currently looking for. When it comes to the plush toys, my 2.5 yr old son has been inspiring me, he asks for animals and typically gets to keep the first ones that I make.
What is your favorite item in your shop currently? Your most popular item?
Right now I am loving all my hearts! I started making heart shaped washcloths in preparation for Valentine’s Day and I love how they are coming out. I have three sets listed and more will come soon
Mi Corazon Trio of Heart Shaped Washcloths
What has been your greatest resource to make your shop successful?
It’s a great big recipe of things that makes my shop a success. My creativity, advice from other Etsy sellers, support from my family and friends and the fact that Etsy is so easy to use. Social networking sites have also been a great help in getting the word out about my shop and showing off my items to people who normally wouldn’t know about Etsy. The handmade movement has also been a huge factor, people in general are really looking for handmade, unique items and want to help “the little guy” get ahead.
It’s a great big recipe of things that makes my shop a success. My creativity, advice from other Etsy sellers, support from my family and friends and the fact that Etsy is so easy to use. Social networking sites have also been a great help in getting the word out about my shop and showing off my items to people who normally wouldn’t know about Etsy. The handmade movement has also been a huge factor, people in general are really looking for handmade, unique items and want to help “the little guy” get ahead.
Not in the near future that I know of, the trend right now in my shop is more towards my crochet items but I can’t say that it won’t switch back to jewelry. I never know what I will find and decide to make, so I can’t really guess what is to come.
How else can we find you online? Any team affiliations?
I have a blog: http://madebymelissa.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/madebymelissa
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/madebymelissa
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/madebymelissaI am a proud member of the EtsyNJ street team, the NJ folks are really a great group of people. I do a lot of writing for the team blog at http://etsynj.blogspot.com/
I am also a member of the EtsyBloggers street team. The bloggers are awesome and from all over the world! Its great to read everyone’s blogs and see what is going on. Their website is http://etsybloggers.com/
1) commenting on their favorite item in the shop,
2) hearting said item,
3) tweeting about your shop or favorite item with #traceyknits so we can track it
4) writing about your shop/item on their blog/facebook and sharing the link in the comments
If you are interested in being a Handmade Shop of the Week, email me and I would be happy to send you the information.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Another Great Giveaway!!!!
To celebrate Chain of Love, a fabulous new item now available in my shop, I will be giving away YOUR CHOICE of either 1 handmade belt in the color of your choice OR the pattern and supplies to do it yourself! a $25 value!!!!These are the rules: One entry for all of these ideas. Contest ends January 18th, 2010
1) heart my shop and/or the Chain of Love from now until 1/18
2) Let your followers on Facebook and Twitter know about the Chain of Love and this great giveaway (be sure to #traceyknits so i know about it)
3) post about the Chain of Love on your blog. Be sure to post a link here so everyone can read about it.
4) talk about it on Ravelry or any other forum and be sure to put up a link and/or post about it here.
5) and, oh yeah, leave feedback here and let me know what you think :)
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