Learning to spin

Well, I ordered a drop spindle kit from http://www.silversunalpacas.etsy.com this weekend. What an adventure! My first attempt was really fat and overspun, so I got some suggestions from the etsy forums and a group of spinners on ravelry. My second came out much better. I could tell it wasn't overspun because it kept falling apart! It went really well until I stopped using the roving and started to use a batt. Apparently they are really different to spin. The batt is really thick and thin, I figured out I had to predraft it thinner than the roving and stretch it a bit to make it thinner. I am such a beginner, but it is fun, with a little swearing involved. I really know why handspun yarn can be really expensive, it is very time consuming! I hope to make something out of my new yarn. Pictures are coming!

Shop Statistics

I have been enjoying my first, but not last, purchase from Lance at SimpleSolutions.etsy.com . http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5903349
His wonderful tool tracks and graphs my Item heart and shop views. I can see what gets viewed most. It really allows me to see what happens to my shop after I chat in the forums, add new items, relist, or anything that helps me promote my etsy store. That way I can see what is most effective for marketing. It is so user friendly it just takes one click to update the numbers so you can do it whenever you want, and as many times a day as you want. I only wish I had had this when I started! He has many other products for us statistics-loving etsians. He'll help you find out what's going on in your shop. Excellent customer service too!

Found myself on the gift guides!

Do you google yourself?? I do and today I found out I was chosen to be in the gift guide for "him" by esty admin! I am super excited that they liked my work enough to feature it. The funny thing was, they chose an item that I wouldn't have thought men would wear. This lovely hat which has a matching scarf. I am thrilled to reach another market!

New Blog

Hello! I am really new to blogging. This is my first one. I am currently setting it up so please bear with me while I build. I am going to blog about my new etsy shop, the things I learn, and the adventures I have while crafting! Much more later....