Back to Reality

Well, my school fundraising event at which my friend sold my hats/headbands has come and gone--and not one item sold. I am somewhat disappointed in this, although the items were priced a little high for students. Unfortunately, the prices barely reflected the cost of materials and my time (priced extremely low). Now I guess I'll try a few more aggressive marketing techniques on my Etsy shop, but honestly, after my marathon of hat/headband knitting, it has been nice to get back to knitting for myself for pleasure.
My first project after the hat project was the GAP-tastic cowl. I had bought some luscious Malabrigo Chunky almost a year ago for this project, and I have been getting frustrated seeing every other person in Manhattan wearing an infinity scarf that I knew I could make! I only used two of the three balls of Malabrigo I had purchased--the cowl is still 10" wide and about 60" in circumference after blocking (which gave it a beautiful, drapy feel), which is way big enough for my 5'2" frame. I ADORE the Velvet Grapes colorway and would love to use it again. It also looks absolutely fabulous in the seed stitch of the pattern.
With the leftover skein of Malabrigo, I immediately cast on for the Axel Mitts to match. I like them because the cuff at the fingers is knit long, so you can cover your fingers completely or roll it back if the day isn't as freezing as it was today! So far, I've made mitt #1 in two nights and expect to be finished with mitt #2 by the weekend. Then, it's back to the sweater and shawl I started last summer (!) and I may also cast on some socks to take with me on a business trip next week.
Despite my failed attempts at knitting for dollars, I am happy to be back to exploring my wonderful stash and knitting nice things for ME!

Back to Reality

Well, my school fundraising event at which my friend sold my hats/headbands has come and gone--and not one item sold. I am somewhat disappointed in this, although the items were priced a little high for students. Unfortunately, the prices barely reflected the cost of materials and my time (priced extremely low). Now I guess I'll try a few more aggressive marketing techniques on my Etsy shop, but honestly, after my marathon of hat/headband knitting, it has been nice to get back to knitting for myself for pleasure.
My first project after the hat project was the GAP-tastic cowl. I had bought some luscious Malabrigo Chunky almost a year ago for this project, and I have been getting frustrated seeing every other person in Manhattan wearing an infinity scarf that I knew I could make! I only used two of the three balls of Malabrigo I had purchased--the cowl is still 10" wide and about 60" in circumference after blocking (which gave it a beautiful, drapy feel), which is way big enough for my 5'2" frame. I ADORE the Velvet Grapes colorway and would love to use it again. It also looks absolutely fabulous in the seed stitch of the pattern.
With the leftover skein of Malabrigo, I immediately cast on for the Axel Mitts to match. I like them because the cuff at the fingers is knit long, so you can cover your fingers completely or roll it back if the day isn't as freezing as it was today! So far, I've made mitt #1 in two nights and expect to be finished with mitt #2 by the weekend. Then, it's back to the sweater and shawl I started last summer (!) and I may also cast on some socks to take with me on a business trip next week.
Despite my failed attempts at knitting for dollars, I am happy to be back to exploring my wonderful stash and knitting nice things for ME!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to everyone! I thought I'd do a little recap of 2011 and make a few knitting resolutions for the coming year.
In 2011, I completed several projects of varying types, including 3 pair of socks (one long pair of boot socks for my daughter), one large afghan, my first argyle project--a vest for my son, several scarves and cowls, and many, many hats and headbands for my fledgling Etsy shop/school fundraising business. I am currently in the midst of knitting as many hats and headbands in my son's school colors as I possibly can before a January 14th fundraising event. I'm not sure that I like putting my own projects aside to do so many hats and headbands exclusively, but I don't think I will have to do that once I get this stockpile done. The only chance that I would have to keep up at this pace would be if lots of people want these items on the 14th, I sell everything I've got at the event and I end up taking orders to make after the event. After that, though, I should be free for my own pursuits and then whatever I sell on Etsy.

I have really enjoyed beginning to learn about knitting as a business. I would still love to find a way to make it work, but so far I can't see this being a realistic only source of income. I do love seeing my daughter's friends in their earflap hats and getting their wonderful notes and hugs of thanks for these ear-warming goodies!

Along with my current hat on the needles, I'm enjoing the Gap-tastic Cowl made of Malabrigo Chunky in the spectacular Velvet Grapes colorway. Hope to get back to some of my languishing projects (started in the summer) soon.

Wishing everyone a joyous, healthy New Year filled with happiness, peace, love and all that you wish for.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to everyone! I thought I'd do a little recap of 2011 and make a few knitting resolutions for the coming year.
In 2011, I completed several projects of varying types, including 3 pair of socks (one long pair of boot socks for my daughter), one large afghan, my first argyle project--a vest for my son, several scarves and cowls, and many, many hats and headbands for my fledgling Etsy shop/school fundraising business. I am currently in the midst of knitting as many hats and headbands in my son's school colors as I possibly can before a January 14th fundraising event. I'm not sure that I like putting my own projects aside to do so many hats and headbands exclusively, but I don't think I will have to do that once I get this stockpile done. The only chance that I would have to keep up at this pace would be if lots of people want these items on the 14th, I sell everything I've got at the event and I end up taking orders to make after the event. After that, though, I should be free for my own pursuits and then whatever I sell on Etsy.

I have really enjoyed beginning to learn about knitting as a business. I would still love to find a way to make it work, but so far I can't see this being a realistic only source of income. I do love seeing my daughter's friends in their earflap hats and getting their wonderful notes and hugs of thanks for these ear-warming goodies!

Along with my current hat on the needles, I'm enjoing the Gap-tastic Cowl made of Malabrigo Chunky in the spectacular Velvet Grapes colorway. Hope to get back to some of my languishing projects (started in the summer) soon.

Wishing everyone a joyous, healthy New Year filled with happiness, peace, love and all that you wish for.