new dye tools...

...super cheap. Picked up some bendy straws and snap top water bottles today. Going to use the bendy straws for scooping up dye. The water bottles are for squirting and mixing dyes.

Okay, on the business side of things. I'm super excited. I have a wholesale account with Wool2Dye4, which means that I plan to make some big orders soon. Yipppeee! My hope is that I can get enough yarn on the first order to keep me busy for at least 6 months. 'Course, it would be nice if things sold quick enough, then that would be great too. I currently planning names for different fiber lines, and dye techniques. I like to keep things simple for myself and my business. I plan to use 3 different dye techniques and 4 different fiber bases. Now there will be times when I want to try out new fibers and those will be special occasions and special updates. I also throwing about the idea of forgoing the naming of individual yarns. I'm considering starting a number system. It's becoming harder to come up with names for yarns especially with never repeating colorways. There may come a point when I will attempt to repeat colorways, but for now my enjoyment of using a dash of this and a pinch of that is just to my fun. I'm still thinking it over and haven't made up my mind. Any thoughts?

What to knit?

I can not think of what to knit. Don't get me wrong, I have lots to knit. Lots of UFOs. But I want to knit something new. Since all the Christmas knitting I just can't seem to figure out what project I want to knit. I want to start a large project, like a sweater of which I have several in queue that I want to make, just not right now. I have a shawl that I want to make but I want to spin the yarn first. Gee. What's a knitter to do?

Lets get enviro freindly...and save money

I've been listening to Stitch It!! Podcast for a while. This is a wonderful podcast with great stories about her family, spinning, and knitting. In a recent episode she described making your own laundry detergent, dryer balls, and using vinegar as a fabric softener. So tonight I made 2 sets of dryer balls, one for light clothes and one for colors. I'll update you on how they work. I also want to get the stuff to make the laundry detergent and try that out too.

praise

I wanted to write a quick post in praise of fiber people. I've asked lots of questions this week. Questions to myself and to other. I want to say how I'm in ah of how wonderful and helpful people have been. juliespins and fiberphiles etsy shop owners who were willing to answer my questions. They didn't have to, but it means a lot to me that they did. Sheila from Wool2Dye4 responded so quickly to my request. I do believe that this will be my new fav supplier. I'm super excited to get moving on obtaining a business license and buying wholesale. Super excited.

I feel this a sense that this is going to be a great year for me and 1,000 Petals. I've spent the past 3 weeks spending every free moment making "to do" list. The good thing about these list...things are being checked off, not just remaining on the list only to taunt me. Yeah, good times.

color sample cards - how I made a set

I found these from Color Source Book for use with Jacquard Dyes. Since I use Cushing Dyes I decided to make a set for myself. Here's how I made them. First I dyed small lengths of yarn with each color.Supplies: card stock, stick glue, dyed yarn, scissors, and small crochet hook

1. Printed the color names on card stock and then cut them up.

Printed the name and type of dye.

2. I then added a dab of stick glue to the back. Anchor the yarn to this and started wrapping.

3. Using a small crochet hook I tucked the yarn under the wraps.4. Then using the palm of my hand I firmly pressed the yarn into the glue. Repeated these steps for each card.

Once I get a hole punch I'm going to put them onto a ring.

Ups and Downs

This week has been an interesting one. Went back to work after being off for 2 weeks. By Wednesday night I was a feeling a bit...um...emotional. I was mostly frustrated that some business stuff is not going a fast as I would like it to go. After a good night of sleep I'm feeling much better and have a more positive attitude. I've got big plans to help thing along. I know I'm being a little vague, sorry. Anyway, I just checked my email and found that someone had added my etsy shop to their Treasury called "Get Knitty". Well first, I didn't even know what this was. But, I clicked the link and I'm feeling a bit teary but for good reasons. I'm so honored. It's just the coolest thing. I just want to say a special Thank You to Just Lovely. I just don't know what else to say about it.

Okay, on the business front. Gonna' keep makin' my Etsy store better and better. Just Sayin'.

1,000 Petals - January 5th update

1,000 Petals Update

Tibetan Deities, Buddhas, and Guardians

Each roving is named after a Deity, Buddha, or Guardian that is believed to influence the lives of Buddhist. When meditating on the attributes given to any one of these figures the believer will strive to achieve these qualities or strengths into ones daily living.

Superwash Merino Wool Top

Sneek Peek at Bamboo

Getting started on this whole designing patterns thing. This is going to be the first pattern that I'm going to give out. It will be free and very simple, but with 2 different versions. I've never written out a pattern so I'm keeping it simple and will have a couple of knit friend test the pattern to make sure it is understandable.

New Years Resolutions

I didn't make any. Is this bad? I have some things that I want change in the new year but I don't want to make a resolution. Well, here is a list of things I want to focus on in the next year.

1. 1,000 Petals. This is first on the list and very important to me.
2. Healthy eating. Okay, I know there are a metric butt tone of people out there that are saying the same things. My point is not to loose weight, although this would be a nice side effect. I want to learn to appreciate what I eat. Couple of blocks to this one...it's hard to find recipes to feed only 2 people and also I don't want to spend a bunch of money on better food choices.
3. I want to focus on photography. Literally. I love photography. I not trying to make a business out of it like 1,000 Petals. Just satisfy myself.

So there it is for everyone to see. I'm off to find some easy healthy recipes. If I find some good stuff I'll keep you updated.