Thursday, July 28, 2011

Ways to Waste Time

So....  I wasted so much time today.  I did get some knitting done.  If I had been diligent, the test knit for my next pattern would have been done, but I was lazy, so it is only almost done.  I still haven't bothered to seam my Celebration Tunic.  I think it is because it was 107 degrees today and I just didn't feel like putting a sweater in my lap.  Oh, I did get a fair amount of weaving done today too.  I was working on my customizable scarf that I plan on putting on Etsy.com. 

In other news, I did some of the usual boring household chores, like dishes and watering the garden.  Not really anything fun there, and sadly, those things don't make me feel productive.

Okay, so you are wondering, how did I waste away the hours?  TV of course.  Oh and I watched the latest episode of True Blood online because I don't get HBO.  And.... the real time waster = Facebook games!  I feel rather silly saying it, but it is true.  I spent way too much time playing Dungeon Overlord, Cityville, Happy Aquarium, and my favorite, Collapse.

I do hope to get back to more knitting and weaving soon.  I have a couple weaving projects that I would like to complete and post for sale on Etsy, and I have another knitting pattern in mind to work out and post for sale on Ravelry.

I am really trying to come up with ways of gaining more income.  The current job market in my area is sadly lacking, so I have resorted to online things like selling used items on Craigslist, and my patterns and projects on Ravelry and Etsy.  Oh, and there are the ads on this blog.  If you click on them, I get some change, so if you feel like helping a girl out, it is appreciated.

Okay, enough complaining, begging, and feeling sorry for myself.  I promise to be more positive in my next post.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Ups and Downs

Well since my last entry, things have been rather erratic.  I guess maybe I have gotten a little too excited about selling patterns, as no more sales have occurred since my last posting.  Hmm...  Well my next pattern should be a major improvement.  This first one was rather basic to test the waters in selling patterns.  I figured I better start to make something off my hobby, as my regular job isn't a very big paycheck.

However, life is good.  I have finally finished all the pieces to my Celebration Tunic done in neutrals instead of rainbow.  The pattern was in issue 100 of Knitters Magazine.  I still have to assemble the sweater and weave in more ends than anyone can ever be thrilled about.  And you know what?  I just don't want to do it this week.

In other news, I have started weaving.  My second project came out pretty fabulous.  It is a shawl in rainbow colors and black.  I am thinking of selling it, as I have no idea what I will ever wear it with.  My third project is coming along rather nicely, and I think I will be selling it as well.  Actually, it is probably going to be a demo from which I sell custom versions of the same design.  No pictures of this yet, as I would like people to see the finished design first.
I have finished a fun hand towel for the stepdaughter who wipes toothpaste on all my towels so she can be free to smother it in toothpaste to her heart's content and I won't dry my hands on something sticky.  I think I'll make a couple more of these.

Oh, and...  that is probably enough for now.

Saturday, July 9, 2011

I Hate To Brag

I hate to brag, but I just have to share because I am so excited.  I listed my first pattern for sale on Etsy and Ravelry for $1.00 per download.  And guess what?!  I have sold it twice already and it has been less than a week!  I realize two sales isn't a lot of money, but it is definitely a start to being a successful designer/shop owner, and I am very happy with it so far.  My Etsy shop also has things other than patterns.  I currently have some 4x6 photo prints for sale as well.  I hope to have some art prints of some of my paintings available for sale on there as well.  Oh my gosh I am so excited!!!!!

Friday, July 8, 2011

A Bad Spinning Day

So, day four of spinning this week went terribly.  I couldn't draft.  The single kept braking.  The roving kept tying into knots.  I wasted a bunch of wool.  And the singles I did get are  very thick and thin.  Ugh.....  I should have stopped as soon as I started to get frustrated, but that is just not my style.  I am determined to overcome and get it right.  It got better towards the end, but after half an hour I said oh forget it, took pictures, and cleaned up the fuzz off my couch and clothes.  A lint roller is my best friend.  I am finally including pictures.

First Picture:  Wool and spindle ready to be put away.

Second Picture:  Close up of the very thick and thin, and very fuzzy wuzzy single.

Third Picture:  All the wasted fluff.



Thursday, July 7, 2011

Tour De Fleece: Adventures in Spinning

Well.....  So far so good.  I made a goal to spin 4 times a week for a minimum of 15 minutes on my top whorl drop spindle, because I am still learning.  I have one natural white cop of a fairly even single.  No idea the yardage.  I plan on making three cops of the same size and plying them together.  It is Thursday and I am on day 3 of spinning this week.  I will get in my fourth day tomorrow, and be true to my goal for the first week of this year's Tour De Fleece.  I am hoping that my goal of 4 days a week will result in three cops ready to ply before the end of the Tour.  I have actually been doing about half an hour a day instead of 15 minutes, so I feel very productive.  After I removed the first cop today I went ahead and spun a little bit to get started on the next single, so that tomorrow I can just pick it up and go.  I am still having plenty of problems with breaking, tangling, uneven singles, but I am getting a lot better.  I don't know what I will make out of my yarn once it becomes a yarn, but I can't wait!

Here is the first cop of spun singles.  Ready and waiting for two more to be ready to ply.  Somewhat thick and thin, but not bad.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

My First Pattern!

I am trying my hand at becoming a designer!  I will be selling the pattern for $1.00.  The pattern is for a stylish belt with a pocket for your cell phone or keys.  The purpose was to create something for when you are without pockets.  It works great and can be easily adjusted to fit you and your style.  Please let me know what you think.  You can find the pattern on Etsy or Ravelry as the Weave It Knit It.  I hope to see lots of purchases!  My next project will be a fun hat!