Special Requests

I've done a couple special request knits recently and they aren't posted on Etsy.  I'm always open to try something new or even a variation on something already in the shop.  There are also some things that I've done before but just haven't listed in the shop.

My first request was a dishtowel set.  The main component is a hand towel with a flap that can be looped around a fridge or drawer handle and buttoned on.  That was accompanied by two matching dish towels.

Next up was a couple of variations on shop items.  The across the body purse in the shop was knit in a gray yarn, the special request was for the purse to be black.  This actually was perfect because I happened to have the same yarn in charcoal!  The cozy cowl was also wanted, but in red.  I was able to purchase the same yarn in red online and am currently waiting for it to arrive to complete the request.

Special requests are fun to do because it's exactly what the person wants, not just close enough.  Even if it's just a color change, I'm happy to comply!

What's Next?

I've been fairly busy with work work but have gotten in some knit work too...  I am currently working on a purse/bag and have another one in my brain.  I finished a lovely knit wire bracelet that I am very excited about.  I'm always working on dishcloths and have some festive Christmas yarn to work with next.  

Speaking of Christmas, I'm taking orders!  Now's the time to place orders to have them in knit in time for the holidays.  I'm going to be working on a custom order of a couple of cloths with matching kitchen towel.  It should be lovely.  

I still have a few skeins of beautiful yarns that will make some really neat scarves as well as some cozy warm cowls.

Well, I should really get back to my knitting now :-)

My First Etsy Sale!

My first Etsy sale was exactly what I thought would sell fastest!  The black cabled purse with handles handmade by my dad was sold in less than a month from posting.  I was able to get it to the buyer in less than a week and she was happy with it based on my feedback.  That is certainly the push one needs to feel it's worthwhile to keep plugging along.  So, today I listed another bag I made.  It's not the same style, but it's a cute little thing in it's own right.

I did have a sale (to my mom) off Etsy as well.  She requested Breast Cancer Awareness dishcloth items as a gift to a fellow survivor, who liked them very much.  Of course, I didn't think of making more "pink" items for the month of October until now, which is likely too late.  Maybe next year...

While I was a bit more busy with "real" work over the past couple weeks, I've been able to keep knitting a bit and hope to have lots more to list real soon.

What's happening?

I've been busy knitting and listing on a fairly regular basis... I have gotten almost all of my finished cloths listed as well as the green cowl.  I still have a cloth trio set to photograph which has proven to be one of my biggest challenges.

Currently on the needles are two projects and both are very close to being complete!  I have another up-cycled item, made from a heavy thermal shirt.  I'm not sure at this point if it will be another long cowl or perhaps just a scarf.  It feels like it will definitely be cozy either way!  My other item is the purse I've been struggling with for a bit.  My first attempt was done up with needles a little too big for the yarn and a pattern that was a little too complicated for the size of the bag.  I simplified the pattern and switched to smaller needles and am loving the result!  I plan to make a strap long enough so the purse can be worn across the chest.  It should be great for holding all your must-haves like a cell phone, wallet, and keys, along with a some other small items such as travel tissues or a pill case.

Let's go on a ride!

The thought of having your own shop is a dream for many.  It used to be a lot of planning, sweat and tears that went in before a shop was opened.  In this age, with all that is at our fingertips, being able to sell items is getting easier and easier.  Does that mean everyone should just jump in and give it a shot?

I attended an Etsy Virtual Lab today and learned a lot, then again, I can learn a lot every time I go into the shop owner area of Etsy.  Anyway, the speaker, CraftyChica, made a comment that has really stuck with me.  I can't quote her exactly, but it was to the effect of, it's hard to actually be perfect and if you are, you might be kind of boring.  I can really relate to this because I get so excited about an opportunity like this that I don't spend as much time researching ahead of time as I probably should.

Sometimes I do feel like the person who just dove in, but deep down I know I have given this thought, research and some trial and error.  There is so much to learn that I don't think I would ever take the big step if I felt I had to be perfect at it.

So, while the result may be a less than perfect start, it is an interesting ride, and we will surely learn something along the way!

Up for Sale

Opening just this week, DenKnits currently has three items for sale. The first item I've listed is a set of three cloths in light blue, light green, and white. These can be used for washing dishes, your face or your body. I made two regular cloths in two different sizes. They are also in different patterns. The third cloth is a mitt for your fingers. I've been using one like this for my dishes and I find it very useful. It is always on your hand and it suds up great. I think it would work nicely to wash your face too.

I have been adding items once a day or every other day. I read that this helps keep your shop in the "Most Recently Added" listing. So, on day two I listed a jean cowl that I knit up using recycled kids jeans. This was quite a project to accomplish. Everything about working with jean material is a challenge! Cutting it is tough and knitting with it is slow going, even on size 50 needles. I think the end result is a very fashionable look though and I plan to do some variations on this.

Most recently listed, is another set of cloths. This set contains two cloths in different shades of green and purple. I again used two different patterns when making these but they are both the same size.

Up for listing sometime soon will be more sets of cloths, another cowl, and some purses & bags.  

Welcome!

I've set up this blog to accompany my Etsy shop, DenKnits. I wanted a place to not only share and promote my items for sale, but also give a little behind the scenes on how I come up with the items.

For the past few years I've really gotten into my knitting, becoming more creative and original with it, resulting in a lot of knit gifts for family and friends! It's gotten to the point where I have more items I (want to) knit than people to share them with, so I thought I'd give an Etsy shop a try. It's such an awesome community that I've frequented as a buyer for a while now.

I've knit a lot of items, from kid sized blankets to purses to socks, but for the shop I'm trying to keep with smaller scale items that can be knit up in a reasonable amount of time. I expect to always have washcloths/dishcloths listed and am working on more purse styles. Scarves will be showing up as the weather cools down. I am also open to custom orders or requests for larger items or anything you don't see in the shop.

One of the most important things to me is feedback, so make a comment here, check out my shop and comment there, or even just ♥ "heart" ♥ me!