Addicted to Blogs

About 10 years ago I created my first blog so that I could learn HTML.  When I was writing my novel, I started a blog, which lasted about two days, that was written from the point of view of the protagonist.  Most recently, a friend and I started a weight loss blog.  A couple weeks ago, I started my Etsy store, Get What You Get Productions, and thought a blog might be a great embellishment.

http://www.etsy.com/search/handmade?q=nickoleen

I never thought I would want to start any kind of business, other than freelance writing.  I like the stability and obvious perks of "working for the man."  But, I also like knitting and thought it would be fun to try out having a little knitting business.  I don't want to have a traditional sort of business, though, where people order what I show them and skip away happy with their purchase.  I want the happy skipping...but I don't want to feel like a sweatshop either.  So instead, my customers will have two options.  One, they can choose a category (socks, hat, scarf, etc) that has a set price and answer some questions that will assist me in the creation and then I will choose the pattern and yarn and color.  Or, and I think the more fun of the two options, they can choose from the Grab Bag, which is one price and they will be at my complete whim of what to make.  Maybe I will feel like learning entrelac that week, so they get a sweet entrelac scarf.  Or maybe I will have an itch to knit a pair of knee socks.  Who knows!?  All I know is that it will be fun for everyone!

In knitting news, I have been on a sock yarn diet this year, to end when I go to Sock Summit in July.  I've been in several yarn shops recently and let me tell you how difficult it's been not to buy any!  But I plan to really woop it up at Sock Summit and since I still had yarn from Sock Summit 2009, I needed to make room for what I now call "inventory."  In related news, I got into one of the two classes that I was waitlisted for, so I am stoked.

When I grow up, I want to be The Yarn Harlot (aka Stephanie Pearl McPhee).  I am a mere zygote at this point, but it's my aspiration.  I have had the pleasure of attending several retreats that she and Tina Newton put on and she is just as funny in person as she is on her blog.  She is the reason I know about Signature Needles, which have changed my sock knitting life.  I stalk her blog.  I even Kinneared her at the last Sock Summit (she caught me, though, so I a not sure it's Kinnearing then).  I love the way that she is a knitter AND a writer and is unapologetic about how she doesn't "do it all" even though it certainly seem like she does.  I want to live in her house or at least have her come to mine once in awhile.  At a book signing a couple years ago, she told me she liked the scarf that I was wearing that I had knitted and since that day I have regretted not immediately removing it and giving it to her. 

Maybe I will knit one for her and give it to her at Sock Summit.