It's Out of Control

There are 2 kinds of knitters out there.

 - the kind who only purchase yarns for the project at hand(I envy these knitters with self control)

or 

- the kind who buys yarn just because it's pretty, smooshy, soft, yummy, or insert your favorite (excuse, I mean) adjective here_____________.

I am the latter.  Now, I always knew that I was this kind of a knitter and I have watched my stash grow over the years. I mean, I have a million patterns that I want to knit either for myself, gifts or just to learn a new technique and I also have a knitting business which I have used to justify my yarn hoard.  Why am I bringing this up now, you ask?  Well I will tell you, my friends.

About a month ago, I found this thread on Ravelry called "Flash Your Stash!"  Once a year, usually around January, these knitters remove their stash from their respected hiding places, take a few pictures and share them in the forum.  Knitter's call this yarn porn.  We all oohh and ahhh at home as we envy each other's stash.   Great fun, really.  It got me thinking about my own stash.  The mear thought of having to get out all of my yarn and face what I actually have on hand scares me to death.  It really does.  This kind of in your face confession is just not my thing.  As hard as it is, I'm doing it anyway.  

As the weather warms, my orders slow down and I have a moment to catch my breath, work on my shop, create new designs or knit something for myself.  I have also decided to add to my downtime by taking this one step further and reorganize my stash. So, I am entering every skein of yarn that I own in Ravelry, as well as, photographing each yarn with the hopes of being, well, organized.  (I'm a Virgo ya know)

I thought this may take 2 weeks or so to complete and boy was I wrong.  This may take me the whole summer.  I've worked on it daily for a few days now and I haven't made a single dent. Not a dent. Not a dimple. Nothing.   Needless to say I'm on a yarn FAST not a diet a FAST.  It's out of control.  My queensize bed upstairs is covered in yarn and I have only emptied and entered (2) 14" x 14" cubes.  (I have a yarn room upstairs)  Total insanity.

I realize now I'm in denial, well was in denial.  Deep denial.  Time to knit down this hoard into something manageable, give away what I will never use and sell what I do not want.    

When I'm finished, I am going to take pictures and share them on the thread and here as well.  I just can't promise when because it's going to be a loooong while from now.

"Hello my name is Lindsey, I am a yarn-o-holic & I need help."  

Until next time knitterly friends.....

Cobblestone Pillow Sham Pattern

Last week I launched another pattern design on Ravelry - Concentric Circles.   I have to say a huge THANK YOU to all the wonderful testers on Ravlery who donated their time, materials and knowledge to test knit this pattern.  It would not have been possible without you!

This was my first experience using this testing forum and I highly recommend to any new designer to try them out.  This forum is made up of knitters and crocheters who love what they do.  There are beginners as well as experienced knitters which is quite helpful because you can really see where the problems lie, if any.

Although there were no errors in my pattern the testers were able to provide valuable feedback on how the pattern is worded.  I was able to see where it needed to be tweeked so it was easily read by every level of knitter.

There are strict guidlines for those testers to follow.  It is really built on the honor system and I have to say, for me, it worked.  (We all know that most crafters are honest good people.)   The testers incentive is to recieve a pattern for free in exchanged they offer their services for free.  You, the designer, set the parameters.  Such as:

• How many testers
• Who will be testing
• Levels of experience
• What sizes will be knit
• Deadline for completion
• Are pictures required
• Where feedback sould be written - in the thread or via email

It's safe to say that I will be using this wonderful group of knitters from here on out.  My new pattern can be found here

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."