Getting the Word Out

Selling the stuff you make isn't for sissies, that's for sure.  There's a euphoric high whenever I make a sale followed by a a period of questioning during the inevitable quiet period that follows.  It makes me nuts.  The fact is, you can't sell your stuff if no one sees your stuff.  

So with that in mind, I've joined the ranks of those posting on Instagram, you can find me as savedbykate.  Trying to get the word out in picture form.  I've given a huge amount of thought to how to stage my pictures to show my wares in their useful best.  I think I'm getting better at it.

Here are a few examples of my improved picture layout/taking:

Its not perfect but it is much improved from my humble beginnings.  So better pictures are step one for me, now its on to networking to get my name out there.

T-shirt Yarn in a Bag

All along, I have been shipping my t-shirt yarn packaged in little drawstring bags made from t-shirt sleeves.  Up until yesterday, I didn't publicize this.  It didn't occur to me that it was necessary or important.  I thought of it as a nice little surprise for my customers.

Similarly, I began winding all my t-shirt yarn into center pull balls once I got a ball winder (and figured out to use it, why is that so hard? ?)  Again, not something I publicized until recently.

The response to my packaging technique has been really positive.  One customer went so far as to call it "mindful".  So with my latest shop update, I've revealed these two features.

You order this:

It arrives all snug and neat, looking like this:

Since the balls are all center pull, they can be kept in their bags as you work on your projects.  Unlike commercial yarn, which can offer a challenge only an explorer would enjoy, my yarn comes with a tag attached to the end you need to pull to start your yarn.  Its user friendly, start to finish.

I'm also trying something new this week by offering the yarn pictured above as a collection, a rainbow collection to be precise.  I'm offering the 7 balls together at a bulk discounted price to reward the larger order.  I'm curious to see what the response will be.

Also new this week:

Stop by SavedbyKate, check them out and let me know what you think.

Not the Week I Expected

I guess it just goes like that sometimes.  I had big plans that were waylaid by a spring cold that just knocked me on my butt.  I managed to get a few things done, like making this vintage inspired apron for a First Friday display at SewGreen in downtown Ithaca.

I feel like I've always looked at things with an eye towards upcycling, even before the term was popular.  Recently, I came across some pillowcases with funky designs and thought they deserved a second look.  Were they vintage?  No.  Were they exceptionally high thread count?  No.  Were they beautiful?  No.  What they were was unwanted by their owner, unstained, and, from my perspective, a challenge.

What will they become?  Aprons?  Drawstring bags?  Fabric squares?  I thought I'd have the answer for you already but, thanks to my cold, I'm still in the planning stages.  I'm excited to see what they evolve into.

Happy and healthy weekend to you all!