Happy Thanksgiving! The holiday season is here, hard to believe how quickly it arrived. But after spending a good part of yesterday cooking (and cleaning up behind all the cooking), Phyllis is ready for some feasting today :-) We hope you too are settling down to a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration today (and Happy Hanukkah as well to celebrants).
And to sweeten the holiday, Many Creative Gifts is offering some savings on crochet patterns for Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday -- just use coupon code Cyber2013 on our Ravelry store, and you will get 15% off your entire purchase until 11:59 PM EST on Monday, December 2nd!
We've also just introduced crochet kits for our Beaded Owl Pin and the Turkish Love Knot Bracelet! They are now available in our Etsy shop, and you will receive 10% off with coupon code CYBER2013. The savings won't last long (also ending December 2nd), and this will be our last promotion for the year. The kits include everything you need to make Phyllis' crocheted creations, and they will make great stocking stuffers! So go place your order before it's too late ;-).
Thank you so much for following the blog, visiting us on Facebook, and providing support year after year. We really appreciate your interest in crochet and our offerings, and we hope to continue bringing the best of crochet to you for many years to come!
Showing posts with label crochet patterns. Show all posts
Showing posts with label crochet patterns. Show all posts
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Being an Etsy Seller
You know, MCG got its start on Etsy! It was, and still remains, the place for crafters and artisans to sell their wares. I especially loved the Alchemy function, where you could find requests for custom made items and bid on fulfilling them. That's how I ended up making an axolotl for a woman in Canada who had lost her pet axolotl. I never did find my notes for the pattern (a crocheter on Ravelry had asked me), but considering he (and he is a he, I researched the differences!) was made from a handspun yarn, etc., he really was meant to be unique and the only one :-)
But, I digress. This post is about evolution and adaptability, both of which are positive spins on change, which sometimes can elicit negative feelings. Sometimes, change really is good. For example, I have not particularly kept up well with my Etsy shop. Since I now concentrate on making patterns rather than the items themselves, I post the patterns on Ravelry, though I can't bring myself to close my Etsy shop because I've been on there since the beginning in 2005!
So, why not also post patterns on Etsy? Well, putting aside the costs associated with doing that (which are a bit more than on Ravelry), the biggest concern for me was that a pattern purchaser on Etsy would not have access to the pattern immediately - she or he would have to wait until I was able to make it home to my computer to send the pattern electronically (though I have had a few purchasers request hard copies mailed to them). Maybe it's just me projecting my desires onto others, but if I find a pattern I like, I want to be able to download it right away and get started (or at least read and play around with it).
Well, the other day, I was looking around on Etsy (it still remains my home page and a great source for pins to my Pinterest boards) and I saw a pattern that I clicked on and was given the choice to purchase it as a digital file! Whoa, instant downloading available on Etsy! A game changer?! I won't know til I try, but obviously it's time to rethink my Etsy shop :-)
The bigger point here is you just have to be open to change and to be willing to rethink and adapt to changes, many of which turn out to be good. And just because something didn't meet your needs in the past doesn't mean it's not worth reconsidering in the future. Sometimes, it's worth giving second chances (or even thirds ;-). Your business plan (or life plan) is not a static concept -- it has to bend, grow, change and adapt as the world around it does all those things. It's easy to get caught up in whatever actions you're currently pursuing and just stick to those, but do take the time periodically to step back, do a little research into what new things are out there, and then think about what (positive) changes you want to make to adapt!
But, I digress. This post is about evolution and adaptability, both of which are positive spins on change, which sometimes can elicit negative feelings. Sometimes, change really is good. For example, I have not particularly kept up well with my Etsy shop. Since I now concentrate on making patterns rather than the items themselves, I post the patterns on Ravelry, though I can't bring myself to close my Etsy shop because I've been on there since the beginning in 2005!
So, why not also post patterns on Etsy? Well, putting aside the costs associated with doing that (which are a bit more than on Ravelry), the biggest concern for me was that a pattern purchaser on Etsy would not have access to the pattern immediately - she or he would have to wait until I was able to make it home to my computer to send the pattern electronically (though I have had a few purchasers request hard copies mailed to them). Maybe it's just me projecting my desires onto others, but if I find a pattern I like, I want to be able to download it right away and get started (or at least read and play around with it).
Well, the other day, I was looking around on Etsy (it still remains my home page and a great source for pins to my Pinterest boards) and I saw a pattern that I clicked on and was given the choice to purchase it as a digital file! Whoa, instant downloading available on Etsy! A game changer?! I won't know til I try, but obviously it's time to rethink my Etsy shop :-)
The bigger point here is you just have to be open to change and to be willing to rethink and adapt to changes, many of which turn out to be good. And just because something didn't meet your needs in the past doesn't mean it's not worth reconsidering in the future. Sometimes, it's worth giving second chances (or even thirds ;-). Your business plan (or life plan) is not a static concept -- it has to bend, grow, change and adapt as the world around it does all those things. It's easy to get caught up in whatever actions you're currently pursuing and just stick to those, but do take the time periodically to step back, do a little research into what new things are out there, and then think about what (positive) changes you want to make to adapt!
Sunday, March 3, 2013
It's National Crochet Month!
Well, ok, I'm off by two days, but Ellen Gormley and Shelby Allaho have done a great job of kicking things off, and today is my special blog post in celebration (keep reading, there's a discount code in this for you, and if you missed it, here is my Owl Scarf pattern from yesterday's post):
And wait til you see what Amy O'Neill Houck and Akua Lezli Hope have to offer you tomorrow!
First, many thanks to the Crochet Guild of America (CGOA) and Amy Shelton and Donna Hulka of Crochetville for herding us cats and getting this blog tour organized. All of the designers, including me, participating in this blog tour are professional or associate professional members of the CGOA. We are so committed to the organization's mission of advancing the art of crochet and continuing crochet skills for generations to come, so I hope you will visit the organization's site to see all of the wonderful resources available and subscribe to Crochet! magazine. Amy is our current President extraordinaire, and Crochetville is her beautiful contribution to the world of crochet, so please check out her wonderful resources as well.
And while you are crocheting away, I hope you'll take a little time to visit Project Night Night and see what you can do to help such a worthwhile endeavor. Their goal is to provide every homeless child with a Night Night Package, so that when he or she leaves the shelter, they will have an age appropriate book for reading and family bonding, a cuddly security blanket, and a soon-to-be cherished stuffed animal. I always say that crocheters (and knitters too) are some of the most open-hearted and generous people, so please send good thoughts (and money and projects) to this special charity. You especially can help Project Night Night by making and sending in a new crocheted blanket (50” x 60” or smaller) and/or making a financial donation. On the site, there is a list of all of the shelters the organization serves, so if you prefer, you could find one in your community or hometown to support. Be sure to visit the official blog tour site to add your contribution to the total!
Thank you for participating with me in CGOA's National Crochet Month's blog tour! Please catch up on my six, five, four, three, two, and one Countdown posts and sign up in the little box in the left column for my blog posts by email and to be added to my newsletter subscription list!
And enjoy 20% off all patterns in my Ravelry store for the entire month of March -- just use coupon code NatCro2013. Happy Crocheting!
And wait til you see what Amy O'Neill Houck and Akua Lezli Hope have to offer you tomorrow!
First, many thanks to the Crochet Guild of America (CGOA) and Amy Shelton and Donna Hulka of Crochetville for herding us cats and getting this blog tour organized. All of the designers, including me, participating in this blog tour are professional or associate professional members of the CGOA. We are so committed to the organization's mission of advancing the art of crochet and continuing crochet skills for generations to come, so I hope you will visit the organization's site to see all of the wonderful resources available and subscribe to Crochet! magazine. Amy is our current President extraordinaire, and Crochetville is her beautiful contribution to the world of crochet, so please check out her wonderful resources as well.
All designers participating in the tour are Professional or Associate Professional members of the Crochet Guild of America
(CGOA). CGOA offers two national conferences each year with an
extensive list of crochet classes, an annual Design Competition, and a
Master of Advanced Crochet Stitches and Techniques program. Hundreds of
local chapters around the country provide crocheters additional
opportunities to learn about crochet and advance their skills. Other
member benefits include a subscription to Crochet! magazine, a
private email discussion group for members, discounts to online
retailers, and classes at our Chain Link conferences. Please consider
joining the organization and help us in our mission to advance the art
of crochet and continue crochet skills into the next generation.
- See more at: http://crochetville.com/national-crochet-month-a-tour-through-crochet-country-begins/#sthash.GpUNgHCV.dpuf
- See more at: http://crochetville.com/national-crochet-month-a-tour-through-crochet-country-begins/#sthash.GpUNgHCV.dpuf
All designers participating in the tour are Professional or Associate Professional members of the Crochet Guild of America
(CGOA). CGOA offers two national conferences each year with an
extensive list of crochet classes, an annual Design Competition, and a
Master of Advanced Crochet Stitches and Techniques program. Hundreds of
local chapters around the country provide crocheters additional
opportunities to learn about crochet and advance their skills. Other
member benefits include a subscription to Crochet! magazine, a
private email discussion group for members, discounts to online
retailers, and classes at our Chain Link conferences. Please consider
joining the organization and help us in our mission to advance the art
of crochet and continue crochet skills into the next generation.
- See more at: http://crochetville.com/national-crochet-month-a-tour-through-crochet-country-begins/#sthash.GpUNgHCV.dpuf
- See more at: http://crochetville.com/national-crochet-month-a-tour-through-crochet-country-begins/#sthash.GpUNgHCV.dpuf
All designers participating in the tour are Professional or Associate Professional members of the Crochet Guild of America
(CGOA). CGOA offers two national conferences each year with an
extensive list of crochet classes, an annual Design Competition, and a
Master of Advanced Crochet Stitches and Techniques program. Hundreds of
local chapters around the country provide crocheters additional
opportunities to learn about crochet and advance their skills. Other
member benefits include a subscription to Crochet! magazine, a
private email discussion group for members, discounts to online
retailers, and classes at our Chain Link conferences. Please consider
joining the organization and help us in our mission to advance the art
of crochet and continue crochet skills into the next generation - See
more at:
http://crochetville.com/national-crochet-month-a-tour-through-crochet-country-begins/#sthash.GpUNgHCV.dpuf
A complete list of stops along the blog tour is available here, and I really hope everyone will indulge themselves in lots of crochet this month!And while you are crocheting away, I hope you'll take a little time to visit Project Night Night and see what you can do to help such a worthwhile endeavor. Their goal is to provide every homeless child with a Night Night Package, so that when he or she leaves the shelter, they will have an age appropriate book for reading and family bonding, a cuddly security blanket, and a soon-to-be cherished stuffed animal. I always say that crocheters (and knitters too) are some of the most open-hearted and generous people, so please send good thoughts (and money and projects) to this special charity. You especially can help Project Night Night by making and sending in a new crocheted blanket (50” x 60” or smaller) and/or making a financial donation. On the site, there is a list of all of the shelters the organization serves, so if you prefer, you could find one in your community or hometown to support. Be sure to visit the official blog tour site to add your contribution to the total!
Thank you for participating with me in CGOA's National Crochet Month's blog tour! Please catch up on my six, five, four, three, two, and one Countdown posts and sign up in the little box in the left column for my blog posts by email and to be added to my newsletter subscription list!
And enjoy 20% off all patterns in my Ravelry store for the entire month of March -- just use coupon code NatCro2013. Happy Crocheting!
Friday, March 1, 2013
Two and Towels
The Countdown to National Crochet Month continues, and today, I'm taking a step back to look at my yarn stash and figure out some new projects to use it up before the Metro Yarn Crawl so that I can buy more yarn!!
One great way to use up yarn is Towel Toppers! I know, it seems a bit much to put all that work into something that's going to get messed up pretty quickly, but tell me you can resist this cute little Chicken Topper?!
And this Pineapple Towel Topper really is quick and easy!
Ok, stay tuned for more of the Countdown!
One great way to use up yarn is Towel Toppers! I know, it seems a bit much to put all that work into something that's going to get messed up pretty quickly, but tell me you can resist this cute little Chicken Topper?!
And this Pineapple Towel Topper really is quick and easy!
Ok, stay tuned for more of the Countdown!
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