NEW Coral Cable Knit Pillow Sham

Just released today.  I chose the name coral because it's texture reminds me of nature's coral reefs.  Hand knit with 100% wool. Button closure.  Just beautiful and right on time for fall!!

Announcing 3 New Toys!

Gosh I have been so busy lately which is a good thing I guess!   Announcing my new Knit Elephant design today!  I have to say that it took me longer than I thought to make this pattern.  There is so much trial and error with designing but I do love every step and every frog!  Aren't they adorable!

Puppy toy!   This puppy actually started out as a request from a WONDERFUL customer.  This was my  introduction to the world of Waldorf toys.   Waldorf toys are simple and void of all facial expressions (yes, I left the face off on purpose) because they want the children to use their imagination when making up their stories.    More on this topic later.

I can always add a face if you prefer.  I knit these with recycled yarn.  This one was knit with so soft merino wool!!  Lightly stuffed for that squishy cuddly feel.  Many colors available.

The Handmade Marketplace...

I was browsing in my local book shop for my usual knitting books and I happen upon this little book instead.
I decided to buy it hoping it will help me get some more traction for my little knitting hobby.  I am always looking for ideas and ways to find and interest more customers.   Lovely book filled with some great ideas that I plan to put into use this summer.

Since, summer is a slow time for knitting purchases think this is a great idea.  Plenty of time to read, research, read some more and experiment.  Ya know, throw some things against the wall and see what sticks.  I read this entire book in one sitting.  A fast read filled with Q & A's from some very talented crafters.  The husband and wife team that began Ravelry.. One of my all time favorite sites..   If you sell your goods online it might be worth your while to pick this little treasure for some light summer reading.

The Handmade Market place piqued my interest so much that I went to the library the next day to find more books to help with pricing, blogs, craft shows, etc.  This is when I found my next book "Crafting A Business, Make Money Doing What You  Love" by Kathie Fitzgerald.  GREAT Book.  Also read this one in an evening.  Very inspirational.  The book is broken down by several successful women who craft.  How they succeeded and their personal journeys that got them where they are today.  I also loved that she asked each crafter what their dreams were for the future.  This book is just great.   I found that it really got my creative juices flowing.  Also, got my hopes up because the market is a tough place to be.  I am not alone.

Each crafter is doing what they love.  They are honest with telling us that it is tough out there but if you are doing what you love and love what you are making.  Chances are there are others out there who will think your crafts are great too!  A few began their business out of need others were lucky to have a supportive husband to help them make their dreams come true.  Each runs their own successful business now.

Here is some of their quotes that I just love and found inspirational.

"There is more to life than making a living"

"Just begin. Start."

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that is most frightening us.  It is not just in some of us, it is in all of us."  Nelson Mandela

"Your success is measured by your confidence, your dependability, by your intellectual curiosity and by your bravery."