The next couple days will be some of the coldest in MN history. Yesterday, the governor cancelled classes statewide scheduled for Monday. The last time that happened when I was high school (I will refrain from mentioning the year because it will only make me feel older).
So, I hope all my friends stay warm and do not venture outside unless it is an absolute emergency. I will only go to work if my car starts. Which it probably will because I just got a new battery put in. Silly me.
Tomorrow I get to watch my beloved Packers go against the 49ers. Go Pack!
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Friday, January 3, 2014
Friday's Featured Artisan - Stitch 1 Stitch 2
Today's featured Zibbet artisan is Brenda at Stitch 1 Stitch 2 (http://www.zibbet.com/stitch1stitch2). She sells beautiful knit and sewn items in her Zibbet shop.
How did you get started on Zibbet?
I started on Zibbet about a year ago. Originally I had a shop on Etsy, and sold a few items, but wasn't making enough money to justify all the fees. I liked Zibbet, because I could set up shop and list for free. I recently upgraded to premium seller because I like Zibbet and decided to make the commitment to stay.
You knit and sew. How do you balance the needs of these different crafting genres?
I go with the flow. Whatever happens to pique my interest at the moment is usually what I end up working on. Currently I'm working more with the sewing machine because I have the time right now to "hide" (as my husband says) in my sewing area, but I also have a few knitting projects in progress that I can work on when we're watching TV or traveling somewhere.
I have to ask this - how big is your fabric stash and how big is your yarn stash?
If you were to ask my husband he would tell you they're both out of control. I used to do a lot of sewing for my kids, so I would buy 3 yards of some cute fabric and decide later what to do with it. Often my kids would outgrow the fabric before I could use it, so over the last couple years I've tried to use up what was left and now I try to only buy what I think I'll use; and that being said, I have to admit to buying 25 yards of denim last year because it was cheap and I have a pretty decent stash of bottom-weight fabrics as I've become obsessed with sewing my own pants.
My yarn stash is pretty much the same. I try to only buy what I'm going to use, but sometimes there's that color or texture that just begs me to buy it. I have a good mix of nice yarns and cheap yarns. If I'm designing something or trying a new technique I'll use the cheap yarns to get a feel for it first. My yarn stash isn't quite as big as my fabric stash, I can fit all of my yarns into a large plastic bin, where my fabrics have pretty much taken over my little sewing corner in the basement.
Do you have a favorite fabric or yarn?
As far as fabric goes, anything that's colorful and eye catching. Thinking about my stash, I guess I work a lot with cotton blends or poly-cotton blends. A favorite yarn, if I'm making something for myself I really like Deborah Norville Everyday yarns. I made a sweater for myself out of her yarn a few years ago and it's my favorite sweater.
I love your Make-up/Tablet bag! Where did you find the inspiration for it?
My daughter. She's much more trendy than I am. I run a lot of my fabric choices by her. I found that fabric on eBay and she fell in love with it. I made her a tote bag using a mix of recycled jeans and that fabric; which was a huge hit among her friends and I had just enough left over for the make-up bag.
Do you take custom orders?
I do, but due to the nature of my real job, I'm only able to take custom orders between November and March. My real job has me to busy to even think about crafting the rest of the year.
Do you sell outside of Zibbet? If so, Where?
Right now Zibbet is the only place I sell. However If someone contacted me through Facebook or another venue, I would be willing to work with them.
Any sales coming up?
Not at the moment. I price my items at already affordable prices.
Any last words for the reading audience?
I love what I do, and I do it mostly as a stress reliever. Although I know I may never make enough money selling my products to support my family, if I can make enough to support my hobby, I'm good with that.
Thank you, Brenda, for taking the time to answer my questions. Best of luck to you!
If you would like to be a featured artisan, please contact me.
How did you get started on Zibbet?
I started on Zibbet about a year ago. Originally I had a shop on Etsy, and sold a few items, but wasn't making enough money to justify all the fees. I liked Zibbet, because I could set up shop and list for free. I recently upgraded to premium seller because I like Zibbet and decided to make the commitment to stay.
You knit and sew. How do you balance the needs of these different crafting genres?
I go with the flow. Whatever happens to pique my interest at the moment is usually what I end up working on. Currently I'm working more with the sewing machine because I have the time right now to "hide" (as my husband says) in my sewing area, but I also have a few knitting projects in progress that I can work on when we're watching TV or traveling somewhere.
I have to ask this - how big is your fabric stash and how big is your yarn stash?
If you were to ask my husband he would tell you they're both out of control. I used to do a lot of sewing for my kids, so I would buy 3 yards of some cute fabric and decide later what to do with it. Often my kids would outgrow the fabric before I could use it, so over the last couple years I've tried to use up what was left and now I try to only buy what I think I'll use; and that being said, I have to admit to buying 25 yards of denim last year because it was cheap and I have a pretty decent stash of bottom-weight fabrics as I've become obsessed with sewing my own pants.
My yarn stash is pretty much the same. I try to only buy what I'm going to use, but sometimes there's that color or texture that just begs me to buy it. I have a good mix of nice yarns and cheap yarns. If I'm designing something or trying a new technique I'll use the cheap yarns to get a feel for it first. My yarn stash isn't quite as big as my fabric stash, I can fit all of my yarns into a large plastic bin, where my fabrics have pretty much taken over my little sewing corner in the basement.
Do you have a favorite fabric or yarn?
As far as fabric goes, anything that's colorful and eye catching. Thinking about my stash, I guess I work a lot with cotton blends or poly-cotton blends. A favorite yarn, if I'm making something for myself I really like Deborah Norville Everyday yarns. I made a sweater for myself out of her yarn a few years ago and it's my favorite sweater.
I love your Make-up/Tablet bag! Where did you find the inspiration for it?
My daughter. She's much more trendy than I am. I run a lot of my fabric choices by her. I found that fabric on eBay and she fell in love with it. I made her a tote bag using a mix of recycled jeans and that fabric; which was a huge hit among her friends and I had just enough left over for the make-up bag.
Do you take custom orders?
I do, but due to the nature of my real job, I'm only able to take custom orders between November and March. My real job has me to busy to even think about crafting the rest of the year.
Do you sell outside of Zibbet? If so, Where?
Right now Zibbet is the only place I sell. However If someone contacted me through Facebook or another venue, I would be willing to work with them.
Any sales coming up?
Not at the moment. I price my items at already affordable prices.
Any last words for the reading audience?
I love what I do, and I do it mostly as a stress reliever. Although I know I may never make enough money selling my products to support my family, if I can make enough to support my hobby, I'm good with that.
Thank you, Brenda, for taking the time to answer my questions. Best of luck to you!
If you would like to be a featured artisan, please contact me.
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Thrifty Thursday
I scour Zibbet for you to find sales on handmade items. Valentine's Day is coming up, so buy now and ensure your gift will arrive before the most romantic day of the year.
If your sweetheart loves to brew in the kitchen, this is the perfect gift for her. On sale for $27.00 at Sleepy Hollow Prims (http://www.zibbet.com/SleepyHollowPrims). The entire shop is having a 10% off sale.
This beautiful rosary bracelet is elegant. 25% off at Bell Mountain Jewelry (http://www.zibbet.com/BellMountainJewelry). This shop is also offering free US shipping.
Looking to start stocking up on holiday wrap for next year? Try a reusable fabric bag. Hugs and Holidays is having a 25% off sale on all holiday products. (http://www.zibbet.com/HugsandHolidays)
If your sweetheart loves to brew in the kitchen, this is the perfect gift for her. On sale for $27.00 at Sleepy Hollow Prims (http://www.zibbet.com/SleepyHollowPrims). The entire shop is having a 10% off sale.
This beautiful rosary bracelet is elegant. 25% off at Bell Mountain Jewelry (http://www.zibbet.com/BellMountainJewelry). This shop is also offering free US shipping.
Looking to start stocking up on holiday wrap for next year? Try a reusable fabric bag. Hugs and Holidays is having a 25% off sale on all holiday products. (http://www.zibbet.com/HugsandHolidays)
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Happy New Year!
Today is the last day of the old year. Tomorrow is the day for fresh starts and resolutions. Have you made yours?
Typically, people do not keep their resolutions for more than a week after the New Year. While the resolution is good intentioned, sometimes it is too difficult a task. After all, people can't change overnight.
One of my main resolutions is not to buy yarn unless it is needed for a project I am working on that moment. For example - last night I realized I would not have enough yarn to finish my brother's Christmas present. So, today was a practice run in my resolution. Could I stay the course and only buy what I needed? Regardless of sales or coupons, I was able to only buy the one skein I needed. Success!
Now, I am a complete yarnaholic - I have so much yarn. I wouldn't say too much yarn because you can never have too much yarn. But I have a lot and a little apartment. I also have a lot of patterns. Once again, not too many, but it may be safe to say that I will not make them all in my lifetime. And I'm not even 40. That's saying something.
So, like any addict, I have to take it one day at a time. Resist temptation whenever possible. And when I do slip up, don't give up.
That's the important thing to remember with any type of resolution - don't give up. If you slip up, get right back on the horse and keep going with your resolution. Pick up right where you left off and keep moving forward one day at a time.
Best of luck to you and Happy New Year!!!!
Typically, people do not keep their resolutions for more than a week after the New Year. While the resolution is good intentioned, sometimes it is too difficult a task. After all, people can't change overnight.
One of my main resolutions is not to buy yarn unless it is needed for a project I am working on that moment. For example - last night I realized I would not have enough yarn to finish my brother's Christmas present. So, today was a practice run in my resolution. Could I stay the course and only buy what I needed? Regardless of sales or coupons, I was able to only buy the one skein I needed. Success!
Now, I am a complete yarnaholic - I have so much yarn. I wouldn't say too much yarn because you can never have too much yarn. But I have a lot and a little apartment. I also have a lot of patterns. Once again, not too many, but it may be safe to say that I will not make them all in my lifetime. And I'm not even 40. That's saying something.
So, like any addict, I have to take it one day at a time. Resist temptation whenever possible. And when I do slip up, don't give up.
That's the important thing to remember with any type of resolution - don't give up. If you slip up, get right back on the horse and keep going with your resolution. Pick up right where you left off and keep moving forward one day at a time.
Best of luck to you and Happy New Year!!!!
Monday, December 30, 2013
Brand New Monday
Today marks the return of Brand New Monday. Mondays I go through Zibbet and find fresh new listings. Let's begin.
This beautiful necklace comes from Beading by Jenn (http://www.zibbet.com/BeadingByJenn). Only $25, this root beer bead necklace is another addition to Jenn's squiggle necklace collection.
Next is this gorgeous pair of Sunflower etched champagne flutes from Brad Goodell (http://www.zibbet.com/bradgoodell). Only $76, these flutes can be personalized on the base with your names and your wedding date.
Finally is this stunning rose smocked dress from Christening Couture (http://www.zibbet.com/christeningcouture). As the designer says, every little girl needs a smocked dress. This is an original design and sells for $110.
Thanks for joining me on Brand New Monday. If you would like to be featured on my blog, please feel free to contact me.
This beautiful necklace comes from Beading by Jenn (http://www.zibbet.com/BeadingByJenn). Only $25, this root beer bead necklace is another addition to Jenn's squiggle necklace collection.
Next is this gorgeous pair of Sunflower etched champagne flutes from Brad Goodell (http://www.zibbet.com/bradgoodell). Only $76, these flutes can be personalized on the base with your names and your wedding date.
Finally is this stunning rose smocked dress from Christening Couture (http://www.zibbet.com/christeningcouture). As the designer says, every little girl needs a smocked dress. This is an original design and sells for $110.
Thanks for joining me on Brand New Monday. If you would like to be featured on my blog, please feel free to contact me.
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Fresh Start, New Selling Venue, and New Years Resolutions
Hi Friends:
I am back after a long hiatus. A lot of things have changed and a lot of things will continue to change.
In case you haven't noticed, I no longer have my own stand alone website. Traffic wasn't coming, and honestly, it was too much work to try and maintain it and the E website. And frankly, I didn't have the time. Also, I have distanced myself from E and have set up shop on Zibbet. I no longer agreed with E's definition of handmade. I am no longer angered by it, but I no longer want to talk about it and give E more publicity by talking about it. Because every time I publish E's name, I give it more power on Google and such. No more. I will still support the handmade artisans there, but whenever possible, I will ask to purchase something offsite and through Paypal.
So, I am now on Zibbet and I couldn't be happier. There is sense of community and a pride in the co-founders for their product. They have wonderful customer support and a chat room that allows you to engage other sellers on the site. I have already made friends in the short months that I have been there. And I have already had sales, which is wonderful. It will take time to get all my listings up on Zibbet, but that's okay. I am doing this correctly and making sure my listings and tags are correct, and my pictures are good.
New Years Resolutions - concentrate on the shop and get as many things listed as possible. Work on the blog and get more followers. Work my butt off to promote and get more sales. I have Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Tumblr. Promote other Handmade artists on Zibbet. Get the name of Zibbet out there and help make it bigger than E. I am one person, but one person becomes 2, then 4, then 8, and so on.
Who is ready to come on the journey with me? I can't wait to see you all there and see my friends grow.
I am back after a long hiatus. A lot of things have changed and a lot of things will continue to change.
In case you haven't noticed, I no longer have my own stand alone website. Traffic wasn't coming, and honestly, it was too much work to try and maintain it and the E website. And frankly, I didn't have the time. Also, I have distanced myself from E and have set up shop on Zibbet. I no longer agreed with E's definition of handmade. I am no longer angered by it, but I no longer want to talk about it and give E more publicity by talking about it. Because every time I publish E's name, I give it more power on Google and such. No more. I will still support the handmade artisans there, but whenever possible, I will ask to purchase something offsite and through Paypal.
So, I am now on Zibbet and I couldn't be happier. There is sense of community and a pride in the co-founders for their product. They have wonderful customer support and a chat room that allows you to engage other sellers on the site. I have already made friends in the short months that I have been there. And I have already had sales, which is wonderful. It will take time to get all my listings up on Zibbet, but that's okay. I am doing this correctly and making sure my listings and tags are correct, and my pictures are good.
New Years Resolutions - concentrate on the shop and get as many things listed as possible. Work on the blog and get more followers. Work my butt off to promote and get more sales. I have Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Tumblr. Promote other Handmade artists on Zibbet. Get the name of Zibbet out there and help make it bigger than E. I am one person, but one person becomes 2, then 4, then 8, and so on.
Who is ready to come on the journey with me? I can't wait to see you all there and see my friends grow.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)