More Stash Down Progress!

It's only been a couple days since my last update, but I've made even more Stash Down progress! I've been knitting like a madwoman, and eliminating yarn left and right. Still working on the dishcloths, and I am enjoying them. I might miss them once all my cotton is gone.
The top two cloths are some of my favourites. I love adding textures and small sections of stripes to the cloths. They make them way more fun. The blue finished off one ball, and the yellow was finished with the green in the second picture. More on the pink later!
The green and yellow cloth is pretty neat, too. It finished off the yellow and green in one swoop. It's actually like 4 garter ridges too short for a full size cloth, so I threw it in the drawer in the kitchen here. I wouldn't feel right selling a too small cloth to someone, even if I discounted it.
The last two pink ones, in addition to the pink one in the first picture, finished off one of the bigger balls of cotton I had. I still have quite a bit of the light pink left, which I'm working with right now.
This is FOUR balls of yarn finished since Monday! Not half bad, if I say so myself! This brings my count to +64. I always check the average I need to eliminate after I count a chunk. I went from 5.5 skeins per week for the rest of the year, to 5.18. If I can get that number down to 4 or less, I am sure I will get to my goal without having to give yarn away!
I'm taking a short break from the cloths, and working on a striped scarf on 8mm needles that I am loving. I hope to get it done in the next couple days, and share it with all of you.

My Week In Instagrams: July 19, 2013

This week is almost done, and I can't wait for the weekend! I have a craft show tomorrow and Sunday at Walkerville Brewery, here in Windsor. It's the same venue as my most successful show ever, so I'm really looking forward to it.
Here is a peek at what I've been up to this week.

I spent a few days out at Ricks, and we went and sat in the car, by the water, eating our chilli cheese dogs. It was raining, but it wasn't as oppressively hot as it has been lately. Seriously, Windsor-Essex County is having some strange weather. If it's not 95 F +, it's storming. I love the storms, the heat, I could do without. I can't wait for summer to be over! Bring on the chilly fall and winter weather! I don't know if I prefer winter more because it's cold, or because I can wear jeans, sweaters and scarves.

I picked up a four pack of Jones Soda when I was out at Ricks. I love this stuff. This was the first fortune that was under my cap. I posted it on Facebook and Instagram, asking if anyone would be interested in being a pen pal. I got a couple takers, and I'm looking forward to writing to them. I'm hoping to pick up some decent paper today when I am out and about with my mom. I don't want to be lame and boring and just write on plain lined paper. That's no fun.
If you would like to be my penpal, send me your mailing address to nicoleATknitnicoleknitDOTcom I'm hoping to have like ten pen pals or so, and I'm about halfway there. I'm excited. I had a pen pal in grade school, and it was so much fun writing to her.

And now for the knitting content! I've been working with a lot of thinner yarns lately, and I'm really enjoying it. I haven't posted much on the blog, but there has been knitting happening. I cast on for a Terribly Simple shawl, and it's a lot of fun. Miles of garter stitch, turning into a gentle crescent shape. It's super fun. I'm thinking of modifying the pattern a wee bit, and adding a ruffle at the end. Nothing too crazy, just enough to have a little texture. We'll see how much yarn I have when it comes time. But I'm not opposed to striping in another colour.
This is Knit Picks Shadow Lace Tonal in Summer Blooms. I got it a while back, and caked it up after I got my ball winder and swift, and just haven't found something I want to knit with it. I think this pattern will be just the right fit.
What have all of you been up to?

Recent Treasuries

I've been exploring Etsy, and making treasuries lately.

Here is what I came up with. You can click the images to be taken to the treasury.

Huge Shop Update!

As many of you know, Wednesday I have my Heartsy deal! To prepare for this, I started listing the rest of my inventory today. Rick took photos of my earrings, he showed me some editing short cuts, and I was on my way! Between the earrings, and the knitted items, it took me pretty much all day to get all the listings ready. I saved most of them as drafts so I could post some every couple hours over the next few days. I am getting really nervous and excited about going live on Heartsy. I'm hoping it goes well!

Instagram Party, a New Neck Warmer, and Fun Apartment Stuff

Ok, maybe I'm a little late to the Instagram party, but better late than never, right? If you want to follow me, my name on there is knitnicoleknit. Leave a comment with your name so I can follow you!

I'm currently working on an awesome magenta neck warmer for an upcoming craft show. One week from today, I'm taking part in a fund raiser for a local woman with breast cancer. I have a pattern I made up that I am working on, and hopefully I'll be able to get at least five more neck warmers made this week. It's a pretty simple pattern, just a little time consuming. I've made three so far, all a little bit different. I want to get the pattern perfect so I can start streamlining my knitting line. I want to have between 5 and 10 core items in a couple types of yarn to make my knitting life easier.
In other news, Rick and I will likely be going to pick up primer and paint for our new place! We're moving into his old bedroom at his parents house. With that comes another former bedroom in the basement that will be my knitting studio (or sweatshop, if you prefer!) We are going to paint the walls a really nice almost-white, and have a lavender accent wall. We're also going to have a little kitchenette area that is going to be the same almost-white with an aqua accent wall. I'm actually excited to paint. The place we're at currently is "builder beige" with stark white trim. It's poorly painted, and just generally not very nice to look at. Now that we can choose the colours we want, I feel like I will be more relaxed and be more productive.
What is new and exciting with all of you?

And Now For Something Completely Different!

On Etsy, and some of the blogs I follow, I've been seeing different cold weather head bands. I decided to try my hand at making some.
I grabbed some basic worsted yarn (which is actually kind of hard to come by in my stash!) and cast on a couple stitches. I made the ties at either end, and increased in the middle. They're long enough to wrap around your head and fit snugly without feeling like it's going to squeeze your brain. I'm going to tie in the ends and bring some into Trinkets, Treasures and the Truly Unique this week or next. I'll see how they are received there, and possibly make some more.
I also want to try some with different stitch patterns. I think they would look great in seed stitch. Or a nice wide cable.
So many possibilities!

Four Finished Scarves

Since I started my 101 list, I've started and finished four scarves and two dishcloths.

These are the four scarves. The green and black is a cone of green acrylic blend and a chunky black acrylic. The creamy, hard to see one is a skein of Wool Ease Thick and Quick in "Wheat" all done in seed stitch. The next one is the same yarn in "Charcoal" also in seed stitch. The last one is the same chunky black acrylic as the first, with a ball of awesome vintage Italian wool/acrylic blend that I've had in my stash for a while. It's quite long, and very warm.
As you can see, I still have ends to weave in. I will hopefully get those done today to bring them down to Phog. I haven't checked my sales there since my actual birthday. I'm 80% of the way to my low balling goal, and about a third of the way to my "wouldn't it be awesome if I sold this much!?" goal.

I am really happy with my progress on the "Knit 5 miles of yarn" goal. I am at just over 1400 feet, which is about a quarter of a mile. Not bad at all, considering this is only one week of knitting.

I have lots of project ideas. The one major thing stopping me is that my yarn stash is a complete mess. I know certain yarn exists, but I have no idea where to find it! I have sorted out a couple drawers in my storage area for yarn for charity knitting. Most of the stuff I do is for Lee Lee hats, so it's mostly baby yarns and small balls of various colours, too small to do anything else with.

Craft Show Progress

Knitting like a crazy person is paying off. I've finished three scarves in the past couple days. They are all made out of Homespun. Olive green, a nice coral-y orange and a really cool variegated blue. That finished up two skeins.
I've also started on a purple/plum Homespun scarf. This one will likely finish up this skein, as well.

I am starting my inventory list right now. I hope this isn't as overwhelming as it was last time I did it!

Fashion Show Recap, and Production Progress

The show went well Friday night. I got a lot of great feedback, and met some new people. I had about a dozen pieces in the show, and they were all well received. A few people told me after that the scarves and shawls were their favourite items in the whole show. Unfortunately, I didn't sell anything, but I am ok with that. I did tell a lot of people about the upcoming shows, so hopefully I see some of them there.
I've been trying to work on scarves the past couple days. I noticed I don't have as many scarves as I do neck warmers. I want to find a good balance. Plus, scarves are a little easier to pay attention to when I am doing other things.

I finished one pink scarf, and used the remainder of a skein of Homespun. Starting on another scarf immediately.

A Finished Baby Blanket!

The baby blanket has been finished! It was actually finished on Tuesday, but I've been working and puttering around, and I just haven't blogged about it.

I used two and a half balls of the pink yarn, and an equal amount of the white. I have TONS of yarn left. I was totally thinking I would run out. I probably have enough for two more of the same size. Another friend of mine is expecting, and I am waiting to find out what she is having.

I just realized this, but both of these lovely ladies are named Nicole (both different spellings than mine) Crazy, no?

The final measurement is right around 25 inches square. It is cotton, so that will definitely change.

When I do baby blankets, I do them just large enough to be used in a car seat or stroller. I don't want to do anything gigantic so the baby can't tote it around later in life. I never had a blankie, but I know many people who are in their 20s or 30s and still have theirs. I want to help comfort these babies when they start to grow up.

The final tally for this blanket is TWO balls used. Out of the NINE that were purchased. Holy moly, I was hoping I'd use more! It will all get used! Even if I have to make a million dishcloths out of it!

In other exciting news, a pair of my earrings was featured in a treasury today! It's called Let's Go Purchase Something. I am hoping people will do that!
I have been working on some treasuries, myself. I am really hoping that this will help people notice me and my shop a little more. I've joined a couple teams, and I have already gotten a few hearts because of that.

I hope all is well for all of you! There are just a couple weeks until we leave for Iceland now. I am getting really excited now!

Self Portrait Monday: August 15, 2011

It's Monday, and I'm having leftovers for lunch. Rick and I went out for fish and chips last night, and I am attempting to eat my coleslaw. I am really not a fan, but I wish I was! I also have a few fries left, so that's the other part of lunch.
This past week was pretty awful for the most part, hence the lack of blog posts. I considered just shutting the blog down entirely. No warning, just hitting the delete button. Then I realized I wasn't thinking clearly, and I am glad I didn't delete this!
I've been knitting exclusively on the baby shower gift. I couldn't keep a secret, and I showed the mother what I had done so far. She loved it!! I can't wait to finish it and give it to her. I'm two balls in for the pink, and I have no idea how many more I will be using. Another lovely lady I know is expecting. If she is having a girl, I will likely knit her a blanket out of the pink I have left, with another colour. Who knows, I might even have enough of the white remaining!
Later today, I am helping my friend Jodi paint her new office at The House. That should be a load of fun. She is the one that taught me how to spin. I am hoping to bring some of my hanks to have her help me wind them once she is moved in fully.
There are only 19 days until we leave for Iceland. I am getting nervous and excited.

Self Portrait Monday: August 8, 2011

It's Monday, once again! Hope all is well with all of you.
Rick and I are starting the Master Cleanse today. We're two glasses of juice in, and it's not that bad. I like maple syrup and lemon, so other than boredom, I don't see any issues.
I am cranking through the yarn I bought for the baby gift. This is all that remains from the first ball. I should have it finished in less than an hour, and have the second one started right away.
I have also rid myself of three skeins of yarn, two of which were about the size of my head. In addition to those, I gave LeeLee hats another five hats. I am determined to get this stash to a manageable size.
I finished a dishcloth this morning, as well. I have almost enough dishcloths to fill my basket for craft shows! If I could make a dozen more, I'd be more than happy.

Knit Bracelets are in the Shop!

I just listed three cotton bracelets in the shop! They have their own little section, even.
I am using a different, less fancy camera for my items now, and I wanted to test it out to see how well it would perform. I grabbed three bracelets and did whatever I could do. I was really surprised when I uploaded them for the edits. I didn't have to do too much to make them look good. I brightened up the pictures, and fixed up the background a bit, and called it a day.
I figured since I took the photos, I might as well add them to the shop.
We'll see how these do, and hopefully once the weather clears up, I'll take some more photos and add more!
Keep an eye out for a giveaway and some coupons!

Knitted Bracelets!

These are my new favourite thing to make, hands down.
I've been trying to figure out something small and quick to make that could be sold year-round. A bracelet was just the thing. I am using cotton so they are lightweight, and won't overheat your wrist if you wear a stack of them. And they have just enough stretch in them to fit over your hand, without being too loose when being worn.
I think I am going to have them all one price, and if you buy more than one, have them be cheaper. They look way better in groups.
These are the colours I have so far. I want to make at least two of each colour, and then have quite a few white ones.
I'm also trying to decide which colours to make for myself. Right now, the top three (dark and light pink, and white) are the winners.

Now for a little market research:
What colours would you like to see? How many would you like in a group? How much would you pay for 1? What about for 3?
If you could give me your thoughts, it would be much appreciated!!

iPhone cases, and other such things

These are my latest two iPhone cases. They're made from some REALLY brightly coloured yarn that I got from Wal-Mart close to 5 years ago. The one on the left is way pink-er than it looks. It has a couple rows of stockinette thrown in there to add some interest. The blue one is pretty close to the actual colour.
I am managing to get through these pretty quickly, The pink one was started late last night, and finished today. I had to take apart a scarf that I'd made a couple years ago (and luckily never sold) so that I'd have enough of the yarn to finish it. I now have enough of that same colour to make quite a few bows and such, too.
I have been in a pretty fantastic mood the past few days. So many good things have been happening lately.
On that note, I may be absent for a few days. I just ordered a MacBook, and I should be getting it tomorrow. It's going to take me some time to get used to it, so I'm not sure when I'll be posting again.

Pretty pink iPhone case

I just finished sewing up an iPhone case a few minutes ago. I love knitting these, the sewing up, not so much. It looks a little wonky in the picture, so I stretched and straightened after the photo, then put my iPhone in. Then realized I wouldn't be able to take a photo that way and laughed at myself. The button is a really nice simple white shank button with a metal shank and little metal bit showing on the front. It looks really nice with the pink yarn. I do have to find more inexpensive shank-style buttons because my small stash is starting to run out. Perhaps I could use beads instead... No lack of supply there!
I have enough of this yarn to make a hair bow, and possibly half of another bow after the first.
I am going to be bringing this case along with my first batch of hair bows into Made In Windsor either today or sometime next week.
I have also completed another neck warmer with the off-white Thick and Quick I bought last week. That is in my "art show" pile. None of those things have their ends woven in. I am not sure if I will regret this later on down the line or not. Haha.
The airy dusty pink triangle scarf is still a work in progress. I have started feeling a bit burnt out on the fine yarn, fine needles, and endless yards of garter stitch.
OH NO!!! Ok, so, I knit while I am writing these posts, and an entire row of the triangle scarf has to be pulled out and re-knit. There are several odd mistakes in ONE ROW! This is awful and awesome at once. First, I found the mistakes right away, second, it's all in one place more or less. But, this yarn is a pain in my butt!!!
Hopefully this works out, I need to focus!
Edited to add only seconds later; I DROPPED A STITCH 10 ROWS BACK! I AM SO AFRAID RIGHT NOW!

Scarves, Bows, Cables and Business Cards

Michael's had a sale on a few types of yarn that I use, so I bought some the other day. A skein of Homespun and some Vanna's Choice to match, as well as a skein of Thick and Quick. I also got a pair of short needles (7 inch, if I remember correctly).
I started a neck warmer with the Thick and Quick. It's in seed stitch, and a little larger than I usually make them. I like the way it looks so far. Just a few more rows and I'll have it finished. I also started on a kerchief/scarf sort of thing with some of the yarn that was given to me by my friend's mom. It's a light, airy, almost lacy triangle of goodness. It's a dusty pink, very fine yarn, and I am pretty sure it is 100% acrylic. I'm not sure, and I don't want to burn any of it to check. The only downside to this yarn is that is tangles really easily. I have to stop quite often to get enough yarn out to knit the rest of the row and untangle it.
I have also ween working on the hair bows quite a bit. I got some good reviews from some friends, so I will keep plugging away at them.

I want to learn how to do cables. Yes, I know, ten or so years of knitting, and I've never done them. I've watched videos, and read tutorials, but I just can't quite grasp it. I think I need a one on one teacher.

I need to get more business cards made. I am very close to not having any of the ones I currently use, which are horribly outdated anyway. I have no idea where to order them from. I keep being told Vista Print, but I've had bad experiences with them, as have some of my friends. Any suggestions?

Large scale baby blanket knitting

Here is my blanket so far. I'm 8 rows in, and I am way too excited for this thing. It is being made out of a GIANT skein of Bernat Baby Boucle in Buttercup, and one in Rosey Posey.
When I say giant skeins, I mean enormous. They are 330g (10.5 ounces). Which works out to 499 meters or 546 yards. I have nearly a kilometer of yarn here!
It's a very easy knit, I am just doing garter stitch for simplicity's sake. Two rows of each colour. I like doing striped projects because I can see my progress quite nicely.
I am going to work on weaving in ends on a few finished projects today so that I can get them ready for Made In Windsor. I still need to figure out what I am going to have in the store over the warmer months. I thought about doing more baby blankets, but I have yet to sell one there. Perhaps if I lower the price by a few dollars? I have to figure out something soon.

New yarn!

I know I haven't been updating much lately, but fear not, I have not forgotten you!
The other day, I returned some yarn from the scarf I just finished for Rick. I know, returning yarn is sort of crazy, but I knew I could get other yarn with that money.
And more yarn is what I got.
I bought three skeins of Bernat Harmony, in different colours. One dark pink, a lavender colour, and black.
All I can say is this yarn is amazing. Super soft, has just the right amount of texture. If I double it, it's perfect for the Knifty Knitter.
And, best of all, it's affordable! Coming in at $3.99 a skein for 169 meters/184 yards, this will keep me going for a little while.

I have been working on a lot of craft show things lately. I have two in November that I at determined to do really well at. I am taking the day off work, risking losing a decent amount of pay. I'm trying to figure out a way to make deals on my product without losing a lot of money.
Have any of you ever done a raffle at a craft show? Give a ticket away with each purchase over $X and draw at the end of the show? The only problem with this is that I don't drive, and I wouldn't want to make the winner come pick up the prize.

I'm open to suggestions!

Made In Windsor Grand Opening

Yesterday was the Made in Windsor grand opening! I was there from about 10 am until 10:30 pm, and had an awesome time.
I finished a black hat on the Knifty Knitter, then started a purple one, and finished that one by the end of the night.
Dianne Clinton of Off The Chain crocheted a pink bunny hat for my friend Amy and I offered to model it. Owen, of Windsor Visuals, made me laugh while I was trying to do some sort of bunny buck teeth something or other. Despite the fact that I look incredibly ridiculous, I do like this picture. The hat is adorable, and totally suits Amy. She came in and picked it up and was incredibly excited. Check out Dianne's website. She does awesome charity work, and crochets mittens for Mitts for Tits.

The Art Gallery of Windsor also had some activities for the kids, and bigger kids I suppose. We painted Plexiglas to turn it into a fridge magnet. I sorta just messed around with the paint and got this. It kind of matches my kitchen, but at the same time totally doesn't.
A few other vendors did their thing and demonstrated their craft. I answered a lot of questions about Knifty Knitters and knitting in general.
All in all, the day was a great success. As soon as Christine posts about the day, I will have more pictures, and an other post! Make sure you check that one out, there will be pictures of super cute kids helping me knit.