Russell Yarn

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The Bumblebee Principle

So you know that old "Bumblebee Principle," where supposedly by the laws of physics a bumblebee should NOT be able to fly, but no one told the bumblebee that, so it flies anyway?  That's kind of how I feel about these new bags: I knew that silk would be a challenge to work with, but I refused to freak myself out by reading up in advance of all the do's, don'ts, warnings, or horror stories of sewing silk.  And it came out just fine:

The new Susan Bags are now for sale over in the shop!

A Tisket A Tasket...

There's a Russell in my laundry basket!

Seriously, I thought only cats slept in laundry baskets?!?  But after Mickey discovered how comfy it was, he curled up and went to sleep...only to be squeezed out later when his brother came to investigate this new and soft Russell perch.  What can I say, Russells are weird!

BELIEVE IT OR NOT, I'M KNITTING!!!  Yes, I cast on last night for the Hourglass Sweater from Last Minute Knitted Gifts.  I'm using Zara Merino in the most lovely burnt orange-red and the beauty of a super-easy stockinette sweater knit in the round is that I can work on it without looking at it!  I can knit knit knit in endless circles while reading, watching a movie, or catching up on blogs!  Right now it just looks like, well, a ring of orange so you'll have to wait until it looks a little more like something interesting before I post pics. 

And finally, there's a new Julip Bag in town:

(These colors are pretty washed out, it's an icky rainy day here with poor light /end photographer disclaimer)

This is the Susan Bag, named after the grand prize winner (who also happens to own Hide and Sheep in Mt. Morris, MI) of the Golden Ticket Jubilee contest back in August. 

This is a more luxe Julip Bag…the exteriors are raw silk or dupioni silk and faux linen (which was sturdier than the real linen!), the base is interfaced allowing the bag to stand on its own. The interior is a bright heavy-weight print carefully chosen to provide a cheerful contrast to the more subdued exterior and includes a pocket for notions, the matching drawstring can be used as a handle. The Susan can be carried as an ooh-la-la knitting bag or a purse!

The first of these bags will be available in the shop tomorrow, I’ll post over on the Rav group and via Twitter and Facebook when they’re up!

*Pout*

Sooo...remember what I said the other day about how pissy Jerry gets when Mickey tries to come mack on his Bear Cave?

Seriously, the Pout was out in full-force, but the picture of him glaring into the camera came out blurry.

Julip Bags news!  Beth Knapsacks are being discontinued to make room for a new design, I've slashed the price 30% and (as of this writing) there are only two left.  Get 'em while they last!

RoseKnits news! Annie and her bags were featured in the new Vogue Knitting, how awesome is that?!?!  I stopped buying VK a while ago since the patterns were always too out-there/flat-chested for me to bother, but I think I'll be making an exception this time!

Icicles, People!

So here I sit in my comfy cozy office which, while the rest of the house is at approximately 70F degrees, is considerably warmer than that due to the fact that I broke out my space heater yesterday.  IT IS 57F DEGREES OUTSIDE PEOPLE!  To a ex-pat Kentuckian like myself, there may as well be snow on the ground and icicles dangling from the eaves.  WE HAD A FROST THE OTHER DAY!  WHAT HAPPENED TO AUTUMN???  We have progressed directly to WINTER, it seems.

The Russells have split evenly down the middle on the space heater issue...Mickey is hiding in the bedroom while Jerry basks in front of the space heater as though it were an open fireplace, getting up and rotating whenever his skull or butt get too toasty.  Now that it's up to approximately 80F degrees in here, he's retreated to his "Bear Cave" underneath my sewing table:

Yes, that is Jerr-Bear on his blankie in his Bear Cave.  He gets really pissy whenever Mickey tries to encroach upon his designated turf.

Really quick: the second Virtual Lab on Wednesday went great, I felt like I had to rush a little to squeeze everything I had to say into an hour, but people seemed to enjoy it (including whoever the doll was that said I had the "most soothing voice" they'd heard in a VL) and if it helps people out, then I am happy.  Etsy mod Danielle has invited me back to do another VL whenever I like, so if you have any suggestions for a topic that you think I could babble about for an hour, let me know!

AMY BUTLER HAS A NEW FABRIC LINE OUT!  It's like Christmas, no?  My first reaction was not as enthusiastic as I'd anticipated, it's VERY different from her previous lines, but now that I've seen it first-hand I'm appreciating it more.  There are already bags from the new Love line in the shop.

Twitter: huh, who woulda thunk that I'd enjoy it so much?  But I do!  I have TweetDeck up all day long on my laptop as I work, and am loving all the links and info that zips back and forth on Twitter.  If I'm not following you yet, let me know!  I'm @julipbags.

Before anyone asks...no, I was not accepted to be a vendor at the Detroit Urban Craft Fair.  Yes, I was disappointed, but apparently they had well over 200 applications for 56 booths, and I have no doubt that the competition was keen.  I know I wasn't rejected on the basis of the quality of my work, so I can only guess that Julip Bags just didn't quite fit into the aesthetic they were looking for. 

Finally, after much impatient waiting, I got my hands on the new "Craft Inc. Business Planner: The Ultimate Organizer for Turning Your Crafts Into Cash."  I absolutely adore the original Craft Inc. and HIGHLY recommend it to anyone with a crafty business, whether it be full- or part-time.  There is a lot of inspiration, advice, and motivation packed into that book, and I treasure my copy dearly.

First off, it's hardcover and spiral-bound, so I'm already happy.  Second, it's very much an interactive workbook...whereas the first Craft Inc. was more of a read-only resource, this one is PACKED with areas to jot notes, worksheets, lists, etc.  I WILL say that this is NOT a how-to book by any means, and really should be partnered with the original Craft, Inc. to get the full effect.  And by that, I mean that they have sections on budgeting, craft shows, trade shows, etc, but they don't go into the details that the original Craft, Inc. did. 

The pros: this workbook will help you put pen-to-paper things that you really should have written down somewhere, such as your Creative Mission, your Open-for-Business Checklist, budget breakdowns, Marketing Campaign Worksheets, and even places to list contact info for blogs, magazines, and other advertising venues to consider.  There are three heavy-duty pockets in the back for tucking snippets, samples, and receipts (think of a bride's wedding-planning binder). 

I think my favorite thing about this planner is that it really helps you put down in black-and-white the core elements of a BUSINESS PLAN...something that sounds really scary and big, but is truly essential to anyone taking their business seriously.  If you were to go through and fill out all the exercises and worksheets in this planner you will have (HAPPY DAY!) already completed most of your business plan, you'd just need to organize it into a single document form.

This planner, when completed and with the included professionals' advice, can also function as an AWESOME motivational tool...when you're feeling down because you haven't made a sale in days, or you're feeling overwhelmed, or not quite sure why you got into this in the first place...whip this bad boy out and hear your inner indiepreneur roar!

The cons: to say that I was surprised that this book includes additional blank worksheets to photocopy would be an understatement.  Yes, call me a snob if you like, but I really think this book would have been finished off perfectly with a cd-rom or pdf-download link of all the pertinent worksheets.  Even if I had to pay an extra dollar for it, it would have been worth it, since I now have to head to Kinkos to make copies of the worksheets within.  In a market where similar "For-Dummies" books all have included cd-roms, I really feel this is an inexcusable omission.  

I think the organization of the book could have been a wee bit better...as I was cruising along in it I was surprised to see that the author had her section about trade shows (something many indiepreneurs will never tackle) before a section on craft shows (the first big step for many crafters).  Not to say that the trade show section isn't necessary...but it's a HUGE step that would probably have fit better later in the "progression" of advice.  Additionally there is a section about your product line that (IMO) sticks out like a sore thumb.  The entire book is very focused on BUSINESS advice about your craft BUSINESS, and then suddenly there is a tangent about sketching out the items you intend to sell.  Yes, the worksheets about calculating the costs vs. wholesale vs. retail are helpful, but to have several blank pages of places to sketch designs out didn't quite fit. 

I also feel like the book came to a screeching halt after the sections on trade and craft shows...an additional section on expanding your indie-empire could have been helpful...maybe a tool to help evaluate after a year?  

Overall rating? Probably a B...the tools within this book are invaluable and approachable to a start-up business, and will be a wonderful resource to fall back on once it's completed.  The lack of a cd-rom for the forms and lack of focus on the business AFTER the start-up is also a negative for me.  Overall, though, I would definitely recommend this workbook for anyone STARTING a new business, or anyone who needs a little help refocusing on their crafty bottom-line.

(Cross-posted to The Boss Knits)

More Lists...

I tell you what, lists RULE my life these days!

Obligatory Julip Bags news: Etsy has asked me to host another Virtual Lab, "Bigger Than a Breadbox: Photography for Medium to Large Objects" on Wednesday, September 30th, at 8pm EST, as part of their "Prep Your Shop for the Holiday Rush" series.  Yay!  And I'm now waiting to hear if I was accepted into the Detroit Urban Craft Fair...keep your fingers crossed!

Knitting: as I've decided that all the family that is getting gifts this year is getting handknit socks, I had JP help me pick out sock yarn from the stash in "Mom," "Dad," and "JP" colorways.  Yes, he still picks out his own sock yarn.  And straight from that yarn snob's mouth: "I can only have Koigu."  WELL LA-DI-DA!

Spinning news: not me (HA!), but because I do still get inquiries here and there, yes I did sell my Ashford Traditional wheel.  Amanda's super-fab squeeze Matt bought it for her for Christmas, and being that he is a great boyfriend (and that she's impossible to keep a secret from), she's already spinning happily away on it.

Russell news: Jerry seems to have recovered completely from his pinched nerve.  After much stress (as he kept tweaking and re-tweaking it because he's a hyper little bastard) I have decided that the next time this happens to EITHER of them, massive doses of tranquilizers for both the Russell and for me are in order.  

And Now For My Grand Finale...

First off, a big THANK YOU to everyone that attended my webcast!!!  It was so much fun and the energy and positive vibes were incredible!!!  I'm sorry if I didn't answer everyone's questions...I was following the \ask questions in a separate window.  So if I missed anyone, don't hesitate to Convo me...it may take a day or so to get back to you, but I promise I will!

Of course the Russells were bitching and howling in the bedroom (but still audible) the entire time, to my great embarrassment, but it got even better when I (by popular demand) let them out of the bedroom.  Jerry came out and promptly puked on my foot, the sound effects of which were picked up crystal-clear by the snazzy webcam!  Talk about going out with a bang/barf!

Two screenshots from daniellexo (THANK YOU!!!):

Snuzal's comment about "I hope she had pants on" CRACKED ME UP...because I managed to show the entire audience my (clothed) backside as I went to release the hounds.  Classy on my part, eh?  Mickey may have a future in film, though...such a ham!

This was near the end.  Again, the support and kindness was overwhelming!!!

I DID digitally record the first half hour of the interview, but the visual chat dialogue came out too fuzzy to read.  I may fiddle with it a bit and see if I can save it as an audio file here on the blog for your listening pleasure!

Virtual Labs Webchat 4pm EST Today!

Just a reminder that you can swing by to see me make a fool out of myself confidently discuss the finer points of being your own boss and quitting your day job today in the Etsy Virtual Labs, at 4pm EST (not 5pm as I previously thought).

To join in the fun, I believe you do have to be registered with Etsy (which is quick and easy), and then click on this link.  You will see a "floorplan" of classrooms on the left, click on the Classroom.  Once inside, click on any empty square (like stadium seating!) and then enjoy!!!

It Happened So Fast...

So just the other day I was musing about how I ought to apply to be one of Etsy's Quit Your Day Job featured sellers, and then BAM...

Today I was!

Check out the interview HERE (you can see pictures of me...shudder), tips, and me baring my soul about why being your own boss isn't all sunshine and rainbows and such.  I was honest, and I'm glad they let me be.

Now for the fun...I'm scheduled to host a live webchat in their Virtual Labs on Wednesday...a live VIDEO webchat.  So if you'd like to see me continue to be brutally honest, answer your questions, and hopefully not make TOO big of a goober out of myself, you can go here at 4pm EST on Wednesday*, September 23rd.  You do have to be registered with Etsy (which is super-quick and easy) to participate, just click on the Classroom and then once inside, click on any empty square (think of it as being like a chair in a stadium).  There's a guide to participating in the Virtual Labs here, I participated in my first one today and it was actually really cool!  You'll be able to see what questions are posed to me, how I handle them, and hey, a cheering section in the nosebleed seats is always welcome!

What you WON'T see is my office...I had to hook the webcam up to our desktop (in the kitchen) because my laptop power source is jacked up (THANKS DELL) and can't support a webcam.  Oh well, at least that means I don't have to clean up the office first!  But um, yeah, the webcam is going BACK to Office Max on Thursday since it's not compatible with my laptop!

*Edited to correct start time

Knitting from Victoria's Secret

To this day, I still remember the newspaper drive we did at my high school, junior year, and the Victoria's Secret catalog that someone tossed out with their recycled newsprint.  Not because all the guys simultaneously took 5 to ogle, not because OMG THONGS!, but because it was the first time I realized that VS also makes CLOTHES.  Sexy, sassy, and (for the most part) passable-in-public fabulous CLOTHES.  And I remember that day, saying that if I ever made enough money to do so, I would buy a large chunk of my wardrobe from Victoria's Secret.  (This was before I met the chef and gained 60+ pounds, but I digress.)

So we got the new Victoria's Secret catalog in the mail today, and after JP had perused the second half, he handed it over and I discovered KNITWEAR in VS...and oh...what lovely knitwear it was!

Not that I would ever REALLY saunter around the house in this, and of course it's all machine-knit in acrylic blends, but oh...

Love this style, and since knitting Audrey I discovered it IS possible to knit an entire sweater in 2x2 rib and not die, so I'm sure I could figure this stitch pattern out.  It looks straight out of Knitting Lingerie Style!

Ignoring the boucle yarn, I love this design.  Love the length.  Love the under-cami.  Love the color.  LOVE IT!

I am a total sucker for both square necks and corset-style details.

And what finally did me in...

Ignoring the obvious (and ugly) side seam, I have met my Winter 2009 sweater.  Oh yes, she will be mine.  As in, I will knit this, relying on the (half-ass) picture as a guide, not that I will purchase this for $49 when I have enough yarn stored under the bed to give it a go. 

Julip Bags: there will be a new design in the shop this weekend.  I feel like a veritable fountain of new designs these days.

And finally, as I was blithely knitting away on my Twilight sock tonight, I overheard on some E! show that Jennifer Aniston told Chelsea Handler (WHAT?  The Russells watch that crap!) that the secret to her body is vodka.  Obviously, I need to start drinking more.