Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Stuck in a rut?

I feel a little discouraged just recently. After posting on the Etsy forum in the thread "have you seen this shop? would you come back?" I had 3 different people tell me they wouldn't be back because they didn't have babies to buy for. Very frustrating as I have more items than just baby items. Of course, it's only like 1/6 of my listings.
So my questions are, how do I emphasize that I offer more than just baby stuff? should I focus on putting some more of my home decor/gift bag items up? or should I just face it that my niche is baby stuff and go with it?

Monday, March 16, 2009

Good Bunny Bad Bunny

Here is a good example of a good bunny gone BAD...way bad.
Sophia bunny is a pink sweetheart currently for sale on Etsy. She's cuddly, soft, proportionate, and a cheery color!
Her big brother Gordon, on the other hand, is dark, scary, and deformed!


Not sure what to do with scary bunny, will add him to the "oops" drawer.
Keep and eye out for "Frankie" the yellow bunny soon!



Saturday, March 14, 2009

Newest Crochet Bib

Here is my newest creation for Etsy. This bib is 100% my own pattern and I'm very proud of it. It took quite a bit more time than my other crocheted bibs because the yarn I used was a lot finer, so it took more stitches. Plus, it's bigger.

I'm really proud of the edging I made. I was looking up edgings to do and started one, but I didn't like it. So I decided to do my own type of edge.

The idea for it was born out of a mistake! (Aren't all great discoveries that way?). I didn't want to bulk up the neckline of the bib, so when I crocheted around with the green, I just slip-stitched. What I didn't realize was that when I went to put the white around, the slip stitches caused a ridge of green to appear on the back of the bib and that made the white stitches stick straight up. I wish I had taken a picture. It looked horrible. So, this edge was created by double crocheting with tan in the back ridge area behind the white single crochet and then single crocheting in the white single crochet. You do this all with the wrong side of the work facing you. I think I will write up a pattern for it in pattern format and maybe sell it. :) You all get a free bonus for reading my blog!

Friday, March 13, 2009

Projects Galore

I have so many projects started and ideas for projects to start it is ridiculous. I tallied it up and I have 18 projects for Etsy and 9 personal projects started!

The next project I'm working on finishing is a Jean Rag Quilt made from old jeans. I found some navy blue fabric at the thrift store that I'm going to use for the back. I'm excited to see how this turns out and I'm hoping it will sell!

I'm also working on some Easter themed loveys for babies. I got a great pattern off the Lion Brand Yarn website: Eco Bunny Blanket. But, I'm just using some Bernat Softee Baby I had in pink. I started making the bunny with a different yarn, and boy if it isn't the bunny from hell...I'll post pictures when I can.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Bib Misfortune

We took some pictures outside of my son Benjamin wearing a new bib I made, which you can see here. I had taken some other bibs out there with me to maybe get some better pictures. Much to my dismay, they are HUGE! I guess I made toddler bibs, haha. The problem I have is that I've listed them with burp cloths and that really won't do. So, I need to update the listings to say that they are toddler bibs and separate the burp cloths into separate auctions.
This morning, I was looking for the bibs we had taken outside and I couldn't find them anywhere. I was freaking out running frantic through the house. (Okay, it wasn't that bad.) I finally found them...in my new workspace where they belong! Go figure.

Monday, March 9, 2009

New Work Space

My dear hubby set up a space for me in the garage to do my work. That will keep me from being bent over the sewing machine on the coffee table!

Here are some pictures of before moving all my stuff down and after I put all my junk down there. I still have lots of work to do organizing. Is it all going to fit?!

I had no idea I had so many supplies and projects. I think I've overextended myself on projects, but I am constantly coming up with new ideas for what I want to do.

Got any handy organizing tips?