by carmen | Oct 6, 2014 | Shows
Time to get my knit together! Okay days of hanging out in coffee shops and casually casting on stitches, take note. This is the big leagues and it’s not your first rodeo.
This conversation with self happened during the tear down of Knit City yesterday. It is THE event of the year for all things fluffy and fabulous in Vancouver and I was thrilled to participate. With a record attendance, it was almost scary to be surrounded by that many like minded individuals. Yarn people touch yarn and then sniff it, they also rub it against their face. I saw yarn squished, cradled like a baby and adults squeal like small children on Christmas morning. What can I say, if there’s a heaven, it’s pretty much going to be like this.
I am so grateful to the organizers of the event as well as the customers for their overwhelming support of indie artists and handmade. It’s why I get to have my passion be my career.
This year, I had an army behind me, so much so that I had to turn down free help. This is an unheard of issue for crafters. There would not have been enough room for customers. Crazy, I know.
Now the focus is completely different and I think this is a to do list that won’t kill me may work.
- Inbox clearing
- Custom orders finished
- New class scheduled updated on website
- Return dining room to former show state
- Knit until fingers bleed
Inventory, inventory, inventory.
Thank you to all my dear friends. I couldn’t do this without you.
by carmen | Aug 24, 2014 | Uncategorized
I used to be a better poster. As a matter of fact I was the poster child of posting. I want to be better. I love the blog, I really do, but the call of inventory is ever present and locking up almost all of my time.
What’s been going on? Nothing terribly exciting. There has been much knitting and spinning and dyeing.
There has been plenty of fibre ordering.
And yes, there was a show. Folk Festival in Edmonton is like the happiest place on earth for me. Great music and friends and the best coffee and well if that just doesn’t make perfect even more perfect.
And now I’m back home, the studio is completely trashed, my to do list is miles long, and all I can think of is getting out of town…I need to go away. But I still need to work when I’m away so I have a crazy idea brewing….. It seems like a great thing to do, right? Incredible vistas, fresh air, no dishes or housework or cooking and a lounge chair set for ultimate knitting comfort.
Can I do it? I have been online, sussed out pricing, even reached out to find a like minded friend to tag along and it seems possible. After the last Ladner market and home well before Knit City in the beginning of October. How else can I make what I need to make and stay inspired and free of other responsibilities. Will keep you in the loop. Which means I will be working on my posting skills as well.
by carmen | Jul 4, 2014 | Hand Spun
Last year at this time, I thought I was busier than I could ever be. I mean really, John was out of town and I had two big August shows to deal with. Monica got me through Filberg (thank you Monica) and there’s no way I could have done Edmonton Folk Festival without Kim (mucho thanks). It was still two shows and still crazy hectic. So this year in order to save myself from the crazy, I opted out of Filberg and decided to do only Folk Festival. Well that’s no exactly true, I did jury for one other show I did not get into..Suck show who shall remain nameless, you won’t have me to kick around this year! Note to self: shit happens, get over it.
The one show thing turned out to be a bit of a surprise though…..yup, you don’t get less busy you just find other stuff to do, but if doing other stuff is this……. yeah baby, I’m on the right track. Welcome to happy.
There is no other way to feel when I’m spinning it and there’s definitely no way you can be all bitchy pants when you are knitting it. And now for something really awesome this year. Super special yarn in smaller 50g skeins. That’s right accent, don’t overload. It makes you (knitter/crocheter) more creative in working with it. And its’ actually the crack vs cocaine affordability.
Here’s the confession part. I knit all of it. Every last drop, so I’m starting over, back at the wheel as it were and getting down with the Dead, White and Blue Marathon which I think will be the only thing to keep me seated long enough to complete it. That will take me to 9:00am on Sunday. Let’s see what can happen in that time.
So I definitely don’t expect to resurface until Monday. Here’s wishing everyone a great weekend –outdoors –maybe with knitting?
by carmen | Jun 16, 2014 | Ramblings
I’ve never really been good at taking days off, but I think I’ve come up with a new relaxation trick…mornings off!! For my first morning vacay, I went out to Richmond with my friend Jennifer and her two faithful companions. I really enjoyed hiking with the dogs, taking photos and just sucking up the sun. Why don’t I do this more often? Jennifer says I can borrow the dogs any time I want.
Now back to the regular day stuff. Blog, weaving ends in some kiddie hats, working on some felt projects and trying to spin at least a skein today. Oh, and some more soccer. What can I say, I’m hooked.
by carmen | Jun 10, 2014 | Hand Spun, Markets
or so I mi
ght like to think. I still can’t believe that I thought I could take two classes while working on jury submissions and teaching in the studio. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my own ignorance for kicking in to high gear. Would not have been able to do it without you buddy!
At least now I can offer a leaner website with slightly clearer photos. Other than the Ladner Market this past weekend, John and I will not be at any markets this summer, NONE. As a matter of fact, this was the only photo I was able to grab at the end of the market. Pretty sad. Imagine music, crowds, fudge and tons of gorgeous yarn and knitwear instead of empty street and folded tent.
For the next little bit, I will be working on finally having a shopping cart option for the website. Coming into the current millenium, right? I’m excited to have the next phase up and running so check back in a week or two and voila…shopping!
Check back even sooner if you are looking for first dibs on these one of a kind lovelies.
This conversation with self happened during the tear down of Knit City yesterday. It is THE event of the year for all things fluffy and fabulous in Vancouver and I was thrilled to participate. With a record attendance, it was almost scary to be surrounded by that many like minded individuals. Yarn people touch yarn and then sniff it, they also rub it against their face. I saw yarn squished, cradled like a baby and adults squeal like small children on Christmas morning. What can I say, if there’s a heaven, it’s pretty much going to be like this.
