Moving Toward Completions

I am making great headway on my Estelle Pullover for my daughter. I want to finish by the time she comes home for Thanksgiving break. So far, this is a great pattern--I want to make one for myself after I finish this one (just like the last sweater I made for her!)

I was very careful to take lots of measurement checks during sleeve #1, as I had read a lot of Ravelry comments about the sleeves being tight. Now that I have the measurements down, sleeve #2 is flying. I had set a goal of 20 rounds per week, and I've already done 36 rounds for this week with three days left! I may just finish next week. The ChiaoGoo circulars are great, but it is hard to manipulate the small size for the sleeve as the cord is very inflexible. On sleeve #1, I switched to DPN's about half way through and I think I'll do that again. I hadn't used DPN's in a long time, as I usually favor Magic Loop. It's kind of nice to go back to my circular knitting roots!

In the meantime, however, I got another order in my Etsy shop today, thanks to a dear friend who let her friend know that I was selling University of Michigan-themed hand knits. Trying to do initiate a number of different advertising campaigns--on Etsy, on Ravelry, and on Google. So far, the word of mouth method is working the best! But time will tell.

On my way to a meeting tomorrow that may yield some clearer direction about my career and my ability to focus more on my knitting. Fingers crossed.

Getting Serious

Last weekend was the trunk show at my daughter's sorority. While I only sold a few items in person, I did generate some interest in my Etsy site. I think if I had had more inventory there, I would have done better.

I'm determined to make my shop work! So today I took the plunge and signed up for some Google advertising as well as some promoted advertising on Etsy. We'll see what happens and I'll take it from there. Also posted the newest item that I sold at the trunk show, knit in a few days this week and sent off this morning.

I'm liking the colorful backgrounds. One of the things on my list is a photography class, perhaps this one offered on Craftsy.com.

I'm looking forward to documenting my journey as an independent crafter here on my blog--come along for the ride (and all suggestions welcome!

Getting Ready for the Trunk Show!

Next weekend I'll be testing the waters for my online business, SchoolSpirit Knits on Etsy, at my daughter's sorority trunk show at the University of Michigan. I worked on photographing some of my new knits today and posted them on a variety of social media. What do you think?

 

Stress Relief

As I worked on last-minute details (and crises) for an event that I'm responsible for tomorrow, I felt my stress level begin to rise. One of my coworkers even told me to "take a Xanax." I've been planning this event for almost a year. I've attracted 15 corporate sponsors, invited 20 prestigious speakers from the healthcare community, worked with the speakers on their presentations, and helped to market the event so that an audience of 200 people should be in their seats tomorrow.

I guess it's not surprising that I'm nervous...I really want this project that I've nurtured from the idea stage to be a success.

So...I came home tonight and, after rehearsing my introductions for tomorrow, I  knit. The most Zen project that I have going right now is the Splendid Striped Cowl, which I'm knitting as the final accessory for myself for my visit to my kids at the University of Michigan next month. I'm knitting it, of course, in the school colors of maize and blue. The two-row striped pattern is perfect for a moment like this.

Hopefully tomorrow night I'll be able to knit more and stress less!

Back to Blogging, from the Empty Nest

Hi everyone (if in fact anyone is listening!)

I've decided to try to return to blogging again, especially as I ponder the idea of a freelance career. Who knows, I may even start another blog having to do with one of my new areas of interest--stay tuned for more on that.

As for the knitting, I've been very busy the past several months knitting University of Michigan projects for my son, who is now a freshman, and my daughter, who is now a junior there. For my son, I made an afghan that looks lovely and I hope is keeping him as warm as a hug from mom. Also made him a hat--it gets cold in Ann Arbor!

My daughter moved into her first apartment with 5 friends and I knit them 4 dishcloths with the block "M" embedded inside. They were a big hit! The roommates were not familiar with dishcloths and were excited to use them. I'll have to get a report on whether they are actually washing dishes and how they compare to a sponge for these discerning young women.

Now it's on to some "Go Blue" accessories for me to wear when we go to a football game next month. I've already made one of my striped headbands (which I've made for many of the kids' friends in appropriate college colors); now in the midst of some fingerless mitts, and then will do a cowl.

The main project on my needles right now is a beautiful sweater for my daughter--the Estelle pullover. I'm using Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted, which is superwash, in a beautiful sage green. After some initial mental blocks that prevented me from getting the right number after increasing, I'm now flying through it and just separated out the sleeves. Will probably put it on try-it-on-tubing soon to make sure the fit will be good.

So, the empty nest...it is definitely quiet here in our house, but I think I'm adjusting. Will see what other life changes this fall will bring...as I said, stay tuned as I hope to start blogging more regularly.

Glad to be back.