Getting the Knitting Word Out

Yep, I'm doing the same thing these days as all other knitters are doing... juggling knitting, twitter, blogging, Etsy store, Atomic Mall store etc. Obviously, if I have to keep up with this frenzy, there's hardly any time to do actual knitting.

Instead of doing all the marketing myself, I have started to list my stores in different arts and crafts directories.

I've stumbled upon two nice little sites where you can get an add placed for your store for little or no money.

The first directory is www.findithandmade.net where the basic listing is free. Additionally they are offering a standard listing ($5/year) and a premium listing ($10/year).

The second directory is a blog named the Handmade Highway and it costs $10 per year to get listed ($5 for the remainder of this year, next year between $10 and $15).

And of course you should definitely be listed in the Every Place I Sell directory, particularly if you have several stores... like me. And best of all... it's free too!

Back from Vacation

This is my second week back from vacation and I am still trying to get back into the groove or maybe get back into a different groove.

Inspired by the beautiful fall weather I have listed a few more hand knit and other baby toddler items on my KnitsForKids Atomic Mall store. The items consist of two pairs of flip flops, 4 pairs of shorts and 3 pretty little beach dresses. Just in case you decide to go on vacation to the Caribean and can't find anything summery for your little one.

I also listed a Yellow American Girl Doll Hand Knit Mini Skirt with Hat on Ebay. The starting bid is $0.99 and the shipping and handling fee is $2.85.

I am making progress with my list of over 100 tips on saving money and saving energy during tough economic times. My husband finally proof-read the draft and it just needs a few more touches.
I will be giving out ten tips for free in my monthly newsletter. Click HERE if you would like to sign up. You can unsubscribe anytime. The October newsletter will contain the 10 free tips from the list. The complete list can be downloaded in .pdf format for $4.99.

Etsy Hand Knit Fashion Gallery for the American Girl Doll

Knitting Proverbs

I tried to find proverbs that deal with knitting. It was difficult but despite I dug up a few.

Many bags are knit and closed tightly even before they are completely full. (Swiss proverb)
Without your needles you can't knit socks. (German proverb)
Poorly spun, poorly knitted. (German proverb)
In German to knit was used in a similar context as strict, severe, rigorous, stern. I guess this is somewhat reflected in the English word "strict" (German: "stricken").
In winter warm, in summer cool, there is no substitute for wool. (unknown)
If you knit, you will rip. (Tara Anderson)
Better to knit (or knot) than blossom. (unknown)
They are a tight knit couple. (general saying)
The proverb "A fool found wool" describes a woman who when she attempts to knit with wool will make the wool useless because she lacks the appropriate skills to handle it.

2009 Knitting Art Picture of the Day

Knitting Art Picture of the Day (9-24-2009): Indian Fishermen in Colorful Knit Hats Row across Lake Titicaca in Totora Boats Made of Reeds, Peru by Bill Ray
Knitting Art Picture of the Day (8-15-2009): 1950's Dog's Knit Fashions
Knitting Art Picture of the Day (8-14-2009): Skeins of Colorful Yarn Adorn a Vendors by Jodi Cobb
Knitting Art Picture of the Day (8-13-2009): The Ball of Yarn by Alfred De Neuville
Knitting Art Picture of the Day (8-12-2009): "Modeling Knit Fabric Shirts"
"White Bear with Blue Sweater" Knitting Art Picture of the Day (8-10-2009)
"Cotton Grass or Hares Tail, Summer" Knitting Art Picture of the Day (8-9-2009)
"Winding the Skein" Knitting Art Picture of the Day (8-7-2009)
"Didn't You Know I Could Knit?" Knitting Art Picture of the Day (8-7-2009)
"Woolcraft, A Practical Guide to Knitting and Crochet" Knitting Art Picture of the Day (8-6-2009)
This must be the largest "knitting" needle in the world. Knitting Art Picture of the Day (8-3-2009)
"Figure in Wool Dyers Textile Souk, Marrakesh, Morocco, Africa" Knitting Art Picture of the Day (8-2-2009)
"Holidays in Switzerland" Knitting Art Picture of the Day (Swiss National Holiday)
Knitting Art Picture of the Day (7-31-2009): "Wool"
Knitting Art Picture of the Day (7-30-2009): Yarn and Red Nuts in Market Stall, Chichicastenango, Guatemala.
Knitting Art Picture of the Day (7-29-2009): The Knit at Home Series, Man with Pipe in Knitted Vest
Knitting Art Picture of the Day (7-28-2009): Modeling Knit Fabric Shirts
Knitting Art Picture of the Day (7-27-2009): Life Magazine - How to Knit, November 24, 1941
Knitting Art Picture of the Day (7-26-2009): Boy Doll in Sweater Vest
Knitting Art Picture of the Day (7-25-2009): Detail of Colorful Wool Socks at Market in Raekoja Plats
Knitting Art Picture of the Day: English Cabby Dutifully Knitting Sweater For British Soldier as He Waits at Taxi Rac
Knitting Art Picture of the Day (7-23-2009): Close-Up of the Bold Blue and White Textile of a Knit Sweater
Knitting Art Picture of the Day (7-20-2009)
Knits4Kids knitting art picture of the day (7-19-2009)
Kitty Knit -- Knitting art pic of the day.

A Knitting Pattern Every Week

As my new blog project I will try to publish a new knitting pattern once a week. I'm just not sure yet how to do it with the pictures. If I should knit the piece, take a picture and put it on the blog, or if I should create a pattern schema or both. Probably both.

First KnitsForKids Give Away Challenge!

I have been trying to import TRIO wool to the USA and have not been successful. Trio wool is made in Europe and they specialize in high quality hand-knit yarns. Trio wool has been in existence since 1946 and was founded by three guys in Switzerland (hence the name TRIO). TRIO wool has been operating under the motto "The most beautiful yarns from all over the world."
One of the reasons why they don't want to export to the USA is that the products are too expensive and could therefore not be sold in the USA (or Canada).

And this leads to my challenge. Visit this site where some of the TRIO yarns are being displayed (the site is in German but I think it is self-explanatory) and leave a comment to this post addressing the following:
- pick your favorite yarn
- state briefly how much it costs
- what you like about it (color, texture, etc.)
- Would you be willing to pay that price (1 Swiss franc = 0.94 US dollar) for that particular yarn?


For first price I will give away a pair of red hand-knit mittens that fit the American Girl doll and a brand new travel guide AAA Essential Switzerland. For 2nd and 3rd price I will also give away the travel guide.

The drawing will take place on August 15th 2009.

Thanks for participating and good luck!

All My Things To Buy On Etsy