Hmm, how we gonna do this?

Okay, everyone, I need some help. I'm launching a new line of yarns called Nightfall. It's a superwash sock yarn that's dyed in such a way that the beginning and end of each skein is black, and blends into a color in the middle. Here's a photo of a shawl I knit from it; I started at the center of the top edge, and bound off along the bottom edge:

To show off this effect in the yarn, I think I need to sell it in the center-pull balls rather than in skeins; in skeins it just looks like black/color variegated yarn, you can't really tell there's anything special about it. My dilemma is, I plan to offer it in not only a 4oz ball but also sets of two 2oz balls so people can make things like socks and have them match. But how would I package two 2oz balls together for shops? I don't like the idea of putting them in a plastic bag because that inhibits petting, which is a very important part of the yarn-buying process.

Please leave a comment with any ideas you have on how I could package two together so that they'd be visible, pettable, but would stay neat and attached to each other. I'm kind of stumped!

A message from trinlayk

I received the following message from trinlayk just now:

Apparently Twitter has suspended me for either giving a blogger advice on respecting other people's copyrights, OR for complaining about the spammer.

Sheesh! Please pass this along to anyone else who may be wondering what's happened to her.

Sale alert

I'm trying to raise money to buy a spinning wheel. To entice you to help me, I'm offering 25% off your entire order (excluding shipping) from my Etsy shop. Go ahead and buy as usual, and I'll refund the 25% when I process your order; you're also welcome to wait for a revised invoice if you prefer. Thanks and happy shopping!

Closing Time

I'd like to thank everyone who reads this blog. However, at this time I have to suspend updates indefinitely. Chronic health issues are sapping my energy right now, and I just don't have the "spoons" to keep up with a blog. (Don't know about spoons? Read the story here...it's truly awesome.)

Hopefully I will resume the blog and post regularly sometime in the future; in the meantime I may post from time to time if I have something that I can't keep quiet. You can also keep up with me via Twitter, and of course I will still be adding new items to my Etsy shop.

20 Questions: Spots N Dots

This is the second in a series of interviews with Etsy artists. All will be roughly 20 questions, and they will be published once or twice a week. Stay tuned for more, and welcome today's contributor!

What is your name?
Susannah

What is the name of your business?
Spots N Dots

Where in the world are you located?
Florida

What do you sell?
Crocheted items

Who taught you your craft?
Homeschool group mom taught me.

How long have you been crafting?
6 years

What part of your craft do you get excited about?
I like all of it.

What part of your crafting business do you dread?
None

Do you usually craft solo or in a group?
I donate items to hospitals.

Is your craft business full-time or part-time?
Full time - no day job at this time.

Who is your crafting hero and why?
My crafting hero I think is probably the lady who taught me how to crochet.

Parting words?
I like to help the ones in need and I love to sell to anyone.

To learn more about Susannah and her work, visit her blog.

Thanks, Susannah! Stay tuned for more interviews coming soon.

20 Questions: Femme Petal

This is the first in a series of interviews with Etsy artists. All will be roughly 20 questions, and they will be published once or twice a week. Stay tuned for more, and welcome our first contributor!


What is your name?
Erin Keys

What is the name of your business?
Femme Petal

Where in the world are you located?
Indianapolis, Indiana

What do you sell?
Vintage, fun, and just plain girly jewels

Who taught you your craft?
Myself!

How long have you been crafting?
Since November 2008

What part of your craft do you get excited about?
Everything! I love sitting down and creating! It is soothing, relaxing, and the accomplishment you feel when done is amazing!

What part of your crafting business do you dread?
Listing.

Do you usually craft solo or in a group?
I usually have both of my kids hovering over me, asking me for this and that, and showing me beads that they like.

What is one common misconception about your craft?
That it is easy. That is definitely what I thought when I started. Wrong! But when my creative juices start flowing - look out!

Is your craft business full-time or part-time?
I do this and sell Pink papaya full time.

Who is your crafting hero and why?
My crafting hero would have to be all the fabulous ladies that make up Unique Women in Business. They are so inspirational and so motivational.

Are there any other crafts you would like to learn?
Wire wrapping. UGH! That is not self taught!

Parting words?
Love what you do!You can see Erin's other web presences on the Unique Women in Business site, on myspace, and on her Yahoo! group.

Thanks, Erin! Stay tuned for more interviews coming soon.

Let the Madness Begin!

All of the stores in the malls are having giant post-holiday sales, and I figure I might as well too. I love a deal, so I know my customers will as well.

To that end, I have marked everything in my Etsy shop down by 20%, with the exception of all Christmas items which are 50% off! All of the prices have already been edited to reflect the discount, so the price you see is the price you pay. Custom orders placed during the sale period will also receive the discount. Sale ends January 8th at midnight Eastern time.

Here are just a few examples of the items you'll find:
There's lots more, too, including bath sets, purses and tote bags, and coffee cozies!