I recently received an amazing hat from her, which I have completely fallen in love with, and it has become my favorite hat. Not only is it super warm, but it's very versatile... it's cute, fun, and I can wear it basically with anything, and not feel bored. I truly love this hat, and am very grateful that I found her Etsy shop. Here, take a look at my hat! I even let my baby model it :)
After I fell in love with my hat, I knew I just had to feature her on my blog. AND to make it better, she agreed to have a giveaway, so one of you lucky winners will also fall in love with her wonderful work! :)
Here is the feature:
Which do you like to do more, knit or crochet? Why?
It's funny; I learned both as a child, but really hated knitting. I didn't use either one very often until young adulthood, and then picked up crochet, which I adored, and got to be really fast at, and fairly skilled.
Then a couple years ago, I joined a Stitch-n-Bitch group and became jealous of the beautiful knitted items my new friends were making. I decided I would learn again to knit no matter what, and I did. I re-taught myself, and I continue to add new techniques and tricks. I've become a pretty fast knitter now, too, and I can honestly say, I love knitting now, probably more than crochet. I just love the softness and the variety of things I can do with it, and the rhythm is meditative for me.
I also enjoy knitting on the knitting machine, though not nearly as much as by hand.
How did you first learn to knit?
The first time I learned I was about six years old. My great Grandmother had incredible patience and taught me. It didn't really stick, and she and my mother both re-taught me a few times through childhood. I just wanted to be stitching like they were when we would visit Gramma and sit on her 'davenport' together. I eventually just picked up crochet projects and other needlework to work on while they stitched. Through the years they taught me needlepoint, embroidery, sewing and quilting, too.
What is your current inspiration?
I find inspiration everywhere I look and everywhere I go. Yarns and fibers inspire me, knitting books and patterns, you tube videos, I just want to learn more techniques, fondle more yarns, and make beautiful things. Sometimes I am inspired by my environment, nature, color, or people I meet or know, or love.
Do you do any other crafts? Which ones?
Yes, many! I don't have time to do them all anymore, but I also sew, quilt, rubber stamp, scrapbook, one stroke paint, embroider, paper craft and bead!
I love to learn new things, and having several skills in my back pocket helps me to be more creative, and combine media. For example, I'm working on several knitted felted bags right now that include sewn reinforced linings, zippers, and embellishments with beading, embroidery and needlefelting.
How did you begin on Etsy? Has it been profitable for you so far?
I started my Etsy shop in November 2009. It's been a slow start so far, but I have learned loads of great information about how to present my shop and how to promote it by attending the Virtual Labs. I've been working on my photography, improving my titles and tags, and adding more items to the shop as often as I can. I'm also doing a lot of promoting now, using Facebook and Twitter, and my new blog. I feel it's normal to take some time to build up a foundation and make my business name known before sales start to become regular.
What's the favorite item in your shop right now?
My favorite item in the shop right now would have to be the charcoal felted children's boot slippers. I love all the felted slippers, they're so much fun to make. You knit up what looks like really huge slippers, and they felt down so neatly to the perfect size and they're so cute! The felted slippers are my kid's favorite, some like the boot style, some the clog style, and some of them have had multiple pairs.
Where did you come up with your shop name?
It was difficult! I wanted something sweet, but not too cute, something memorable, and preferably something unique. Also, I needed it not to match anything in my state, since I am registered as a business. It took a bit of trial and error, but I've grown to like my business name quite a lot.
Have you found Twitter to be helpful?
Yes, definitely! Twitter has been really helpful to increase views in my Etsy shop, on treasuries I make, on my Facebook Fan page, and on my blog. Every new set of eyes opens a whole new network of people, so I count on Twitter to get my name and my work out there.
What advice would you give to someone looking to start selling their homemade wares on line?
Learn how to take good photos, don't under price your goods, and definitely use social networking to promote your work. Be real and let people see your personality, not just your promotions. Most of all, LOVE what you do, be passionate about it. It's infectious! Also, it takes awhile to get going, don't be disappointed if sales don't start off with a bang. Make sure you set a budget for yourself on what to spend for listing and advertising, and stick to it.
Tell us about the item up for grabs for the give away.
The item up for grabs for the giveaway is a set of ten Organic Cotton Crocheted Facecloths in Marshmallow. It was the first project I did for my new blog, 99 Balls of Yarn. The cloths are round, about 5 inches across, and can be used for face cloths, removing makeup, baby washcloths, or even as coasters. The marshmallow color is neutral to match any décor, and they are unisex! The cloths are all hand crocheted by me. The organic yarn means no chemicals against your face or baby's skin. This set of ten is a double set, and has a retail value of $40.
Lynette Connors
Luv Ewe Knits
So there you have it, folks! Now I bet you're wondering how you can enter this fantastic giveaway?
All you have to do is visit Lynette's Etsy shop HERE and report back here, telling us in a comment which is YOUR favorite item! It's that easy!
For extra entries, visit Lynette's blog 99 Balls of Yarn and become a follower, then come back here, post on this entry, and tell us that you've become a follower!
This giveaway will last from today (Feb 8) until Monday, Feb 22. That's two whole weeks! Plenty of time to get your comments in, and win those wonderful face cloths!
Enjoy, and Happy Monday, every one!!!
