Sunshine can chase away the blues

It was warm and sunny in Denver and the alpacas/llamas were all sunbathing in between halter training sessions.  My spirits were definitely lifted today and hopefully will remain so throughout the coming weeks. 

Wool Alpaca Scarf

On the project side I have finished the second woven scarf and it has received encouraging feedback.  All of the dog hair has been spun into a single and will be plied tomorrow.  I have both woven scarves washed and drying along with the plied white Wensleydale yarn.  The bag of yarns destined for the shop Wild Yarns have new labels and invoice ready to go.  I think I shall be concentrating on the second knit scarf and spinning up a couple of skeins of alpaca/milk protein yarn (must diminish the stash).

Cheryl at Recycled Lamb was very encouraging today and shared that March thru July tend to be slow sales months as many of our customers are working in the gardens.  It seems that these two hobbies tend to go together which I can agree with as it describes me.  Although it is only March in Colorado and much to early to be planting in gardens.  We have had several days/weeks in the 60s and 70s which is not normal and I'm sure a huge snowstorm will hit us before the end of May.

A weaving class or two is definitely in my future as it is not as intuitive to me as knitting.  Need to learn how to make my edges appear even and how to better carry yarn along the edge in a multi color scarf.  Ranch life definitely has a far better purpose in life than corporate America.  After all if you don't show up to work on a ranch it could mean injury or hunger for the animals on the property.

Side note the new orchid (shade loving plant) is still alive and well and opening up to bloom any day now!  The air plant is also alive and thriving in its new home.

Sorry for the delay

I can't believe almost a whole month has passed since my last entry.  January was definately a busy month for me.  We ended the month with eight sales plus income from handspun yarn sold in December by Wild Yarns.  I shipped handspun yarn to the UK which was well received and shipped some Shetland handspun within Colorado that received rave reviews.  It was definately a confidence building month that flew by very quickly.


The Valentine's day artisan fair is at the end of this week.  Yes, I did splurge on buying several skeins of Rowan Kidsilk Creation yarn to make items for the fair.  I even bought a couple of acrylic based ruffle scarf yarns to boost my inventory. 

Prepping for the craft fair has given me thoughts on where I want my business to grow and develop.  Truth is I enjoy and am passionate about making yarn and less so on finished products.  The finished items I enjoy the most are my lace scarves and shawls.  2011 was an exploration of simple knits and a variety of easy projects.  Looking back I can honestly say they did not fuel my passion for the craft.  Now my Estonian lace scarf was definately an accomplishment as it was an intricate pattern made from my handspun laceweight yarn.  I will always treasure that piece and it has gone to a good home.

2012 I am focusing on spinning yarn in 3oz batches and making more lacey scarves.  I will perhaps make a few fingerless gloves but they patterns will be more intricate.  From a business model perspective this will probably not yield a large volume of sales but what is sold will be of a higher value and profit.  Afterall if you are going to start a small business plus work full time it has to be doing something you enjoy!  Twitter is so my preferred method of social media and you can keep up to date on my activities @nashc7!  Until next time - wishing you and yours a joyous 2012!

A quiet weekend ahead

This weekend should be a relaxing one for me.  Saturday's goals are product photos and reworking product descriptions.  Sunday's only event is getting together with my knitting friends for beverages and quality knitting time.  I have joined twitter this week (@nashc7) and will be reviewing how that whole system works on and off this weekend too.  My inventory spreadsheet is coming along, I just need to add the orders from Ebay and through PayPal to make sure fiber purchases are captured.  My acrylic based yarns have been gathered and will be donated to a senior home or rec center for use by their patrons.  The bins in the house are getting empty - of course I have moved most of my fiber and handspun yarn to the garage where it is colder.  My goal is to have most of my supplies and finished projects stored in the garage versus the bedroom which will free up space and keep the house feeling like a house.

The sun has come out to melt the snow we received earlier this week and our temperatures are supposed to be in the 60s - yeah!!!  I'm working on a new scarf from my lilac aran wool yarn and might do some spinning.  Overall the goal is to enjoy the weather and the slow pace of the days!

I hope all of you are able to find a day or a few hours to just sit back and relax too!

Quiet weekend - with a little productivity

So Saturday truly was my day of rest.  I lounged around the house for most of the day and then went to the Alpaca ranch for a birthday party.

My creative endeavors consisted of cleaning the alpaca hat and a skein of BFL yarn.  I did sell the Estonian Lace scarf yesterday and delivered it to the birthday girl as her sort of surprise gift.  It was well received and admired.  See picture below.

Today I took photos of the new handspun yarn and actually listed 2 items on Etsy.  This afternoon I will be going to a craft fair to meet the owners of an online shopping site and then meeting up with some new crafters to work on the knitted alpaca scarf.

 CVM wool handspun yarn

                                                      Black Shetland wool handspun yarn.

Overall a quiet weekend for me but filled with good friends, food and a sale!