Jilly & Kiddles Blog
-
Meet our new base...Brawn
Want to know more about how I choose a new base to sell in the shop? I'm going to tell you all about the new base and my process for deciding.
When I decide to add a new base to our offerings, it is quite a lengthy process. Naturally, I had to test out different non-superwash bases to see which I like the best. After I come up with a contender (or 3 or 4, as the the case can sometimes be) I have to dye it up. Yup, I dye the options in a colorway that...(con't)
-
Every Little (mini) Bit Counts
...I also use mini skeins as a way to reduce waste and protect our environment. My process involves dye stocks (liquid mix of dye powder and water, as opposed to dry dye powder) which have to be made ahead of time. When I empty a container of dye stock, I need it to be clean before making more, to make sure all my materials are fresh... -
Another Kind of Yarn Fortress
After I wrote the other blog post, I started thinking about fiber, yarn, knitting, crocheting, spinning, and dyeing. They are all things that I love, and things with which I surround myself. Isn't this a sort of yarn fortress as well? Does my yarn surround me and keep me safe? -
Vogue Knitting Live NYC
I'm home from my first VKL NYC, and I'm struggling to figure out where to start. This experience has been like no other for me. The 10th Anniversary of this NYC event was my very first time attending, and it was my first time vending at such a huge fiber event. What should I tell you about first...the People? ...Being part of the VKL Launch Pad program? ...the Inspiration and Joy? -
Yarn Fortress
When my younger two boys have extra time in the morning before school, they often go into the spare room and play Hero Factory guys on the pull out couch. Last week, they started doing something new. I went down to the family room and found they chose a new place to play, the family room couch. Once again, the Hero Factory bin was left out, though they had cleaned all the guys into the bin, which isn't bad. I saw something unusual on the couch, and thought, "Oh no! My knitting!!" -
So...does this happen to anybody else?
Guys, I'm having this problem. Now it's not a world-ending problem or anything, but it's getting a little strange. Here's the deal: I go into my closet (which has a light) and choose shoes for the day. But I keep coming out with mismatched pairs. Seriously. -
Random Thoughts...
Things have been a bit all over the place around here...
So in the spirit of chaos that is my life right now, here are some random thoughts.
Seeing your own ad on Ravelry for the first time is surprising and wild! I was adding my new project to Rav and I saw a Jilly & Kiddles ad for the first time. Dudes, it was amazing.
-
Trunk Show!
Over the weekend, Jilly & Kiddles had it's first trunk show. What an fun experience!
I've been preparing for this for weeks, dyeing lots of extra yarn and deciding how I'd like my popup shop to look. There was a lot to do, but I think it went really well. I enjoyed meeting so many new people and getting to show off my yarn in person. My husband Brian came with me to help with checkout, and I'm so glad he did. Without him, it would certainly have been much more chaotic. I think we pretty much worked out the kinks. Plus, he provides some stress relief, for sure. Here he is trying on a slouchy hat for some customers for laughs. I can't thank him enough.
-
Our Week of Torture
So, you know what's pretty strange these days? Not having any cell reception or internet. Seriously. It's just bizarre.
My family is back from our vacation, and it's so good to be home. The six of us went away on a week long cruise out of NYC, along with my parents, and my sister's family of four. It was amazing! The only thing, is we decided not to purchase any sort of internet package, so we were all offline for the week. What a weird feeling! Plus, my two high schoolers were, um, not exactly loving it. We all survived, though, and it almost feels nice after you get used to it. No need to check email constantly, or see if you got a text. I didn't realize how often I check my phone until I couldn't. I'll have to work on that.
Here's the story of our wonderful week away
-
(Yarn)Bombs Away!
Well, the word around here is college. Yup, my first child is about to fly the coup. You know, in about 9 months or so...
Last week my daughter, my husband, and I went on a little trip to check out a couple of schools. We zipped off to NYC for some fun and to see two of the schools on Irene's list.
-
Back to It
Guys, I don't know if you've ever done anything like this before, but let me tell you, it's an emotional rollercoaster. Can I tell you something? Right after I opened the website and I'd posted about it on Instagram, I was overwhelmed with emotion. It reminded me of the first time my daughter went off to school for the day and I didn't know what to do with myself. You know what I mean? Oh boy. I just had to wait and see if people were interested in what I was putting out there. -
Photoshoot of the Century
The photoshoot during which I learned how to capture yarn. ...So I googled it. I researched. I read articles. You name it. My shots were getting better, but not quite what I wanted yet. Naturally, I thought maybe if I had a really great camera, if would make a difference. Maura agreed to bring the camera along, and sounded excited to use her new skills to help me out. Trying out a “professional” camera without having to buy it? Yes, please!
- Page 1 of 2
- Next page