Life Can Get Busy

While going through my AdSense account today, I realized I have a handful of very neglected blogs. I was happy to see however, that even though they have been severely neglected, they have been steadily earning me a small income. If a neglected blog can still earn, imagine what an active one will do!

The last year has been one of ups and downs in all areas of my life. A dislocated shoulder just over a year ago put me into a tailspin, as I was very limited in what I was able to do. After some physiotherapy and a lot of painful weeks, it is finally getting to the point where I can use my right arm for almost anything.

The early months of 2012 blessed us with two cria (baby alpacas), which were a surprise. March was also an exciting month for me, as I attended my first-ever Brier (in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan). We will be attending the Brier in Edmonton Alberta this year, which is a few hours closer to home than Saskatoon.

I haven't done much in the way of crafts or quilting, although processing some alpaca fiber did get done. My daughter and I sheared our February cria, and the neck of one of our males. The funniest part was we had just as much fiber from the male's neck as we did the cria. I learned how to card the fleece and spin it using a drop spindle. I also attempted wet-felting, and made myself some mitten liners and a pair of insoles. The liners and insoles were what kept my hands and feet warm during the coldest chore times.

This post is only to let you know I haven't neglected you on purpose; life got busy and time just got away from me. I will do my best to keep you updated on a more regular basis; my goal is at least once a week. I will add pictures of the yarn I spun and the felt I made at a later time.

I have also been very busy with my books and even wrote a novel in November (NaNoWriMo Challenge), which has been self-published and is available on Amazon, Kobo and Kbuuk.

More Writing

As the days go on and I do more research, I find more writing sites where I am able to submit my work. I enjoy having the variety of sites to publish on, as it is increasing my audience as well as my earnings.

The latest I have found is Triond. They do much of the ground work, and publish my work on the sites most appropriate for the content. I have submitted four articles in the last two days and they have been published to as many different sites. Between my work on Triond, Helium, HubPages and here I will be building my portfolio quite nicely. I encourage anyone who is looking for a place to publish their articles to join one or all of the sites above.

As I was out and about today, I purchased more cotton yarn for dishcloths. I will be making another 10 or so and replenishing sold ones at a local shop. I went to see how things were selling today and got a nice surprise...over $50.00 worth of items had been sold. I paid my next two months rental fees and still had some left over.

I wrote an article on Home-based business ideas today and had it published. As I sit here writing this Blog, I can't help but think of more businesses. The one I am thinking of in particular is a Craft Consignment Shop. All one would need is a room or an out-building (the ATCO trailers work nicely) to display the crafts in. Let crafters in the area know about your shop and invite them to display their wares. Fees could be either a percentage of their sales or a fixed price for the space. Personally I prefer the latter as there will be income collected each month even if some clients didn't have any sales. Different booth sizes are set at different prices, and it doesn't matter how many items the client has in it. They are responsible for their craft display but it will be up to you to keep floors clean and ensure their items are not being mistreated. For an additional fee, you could keep the display tidy. This may be a service appreciated by those who live several miles away from your shop.

Now that I have inspired myself to write another article and you to work on your crafts, I bid you a good day!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to one and all! It is hard to believe another year has come and gone! It seems like just yesterday we were celebrating the arrival of 2010.
Now that the holiday season is practically over (we still have one more to celebrate on January 6) we can all get back to a routine of school, work and day to day activities. For those who have made resolutions, I encourage you to stick with them. I usually don't make them, but this year I have made an exception. I resolve to clear the clutter in my world and finish the quilts, wall hangings and rugs I have started. I do not see that as an unreachable goal...it is just one I have to work hard at.
When making your resolutions, never make them too hard to keep. If your goal is to lose weight, start with a 10 pound loss instead of the 50 pounds you may be wanting or needing to lose. Starting with a realistic goal is the key to keeping those resolutions. In my case, and many other quilter's I'm sure, there have been projects piling up as the years have gone on. It is time to put an end to the pile of unfinished projects and turn them into finished, usable items.
Today I am concentrating on making my list, and as I go through cupboards and closets I will undoubtedly be adding to the list. I suggest anyone with half finished projects do the same. It doesn't have to be a resolution if you don't want it to be...it could just be considered a thorough cleaning and organizing. Start with the closets, as that seems to be where everything gets stashed.
Go through the crafts and quilts that haven't made it to the finished pile yet and make a note of project, recipient and priority. I have a quilt I started for my daughter when she was a baby...needless to say I have to make it much bigger now as she turned 14 in June. It is the Apple Core pattern, and is being hand pieced. I am hoping to have it finished in time for her Sweet 16, so I had best get busy. I also have a Grandmother's Flower Garden and Kansas Dugout quilt in progress, which are also both being hand pieced. I can see myself being very busy with these three projects alone, not to mention the others.
Along with de-cluttering my world, I will be adding to my writing portfolio. I encourage anyone who is or wants to be an author to join HubPages, Helium and Constant Content. I have found these three sites to be rewarding not only monetarily but also experience wise. I have received very positive feedback on my articles, which is very encouraging.
As the coming days, weeks and months unfold, I will be sharing patterns, ideas and writing tips and sites as I find them. Wishing all a Happy New Year once again!

Last minute gifts

Only a few more sleeps until Santa arrives! I am still not finished my Christmas shopping, and I am running out of days. Personally I like to make gifts for friends and family, but no one has any hand crafted items on their list.
I have come across a neat ebook which lists over 100 crafts, how to make them and even some information on selling them for profit. I find the quick projects to be rewarding, as they can be made last minute. And who couldn't use a little extra cash now and again. If you enjoy crafting, this may be the only book you need to get started. The best part is since it is an ebook, you will not have to wait for it to arrive in the mail. It can be downloaded within minutes of purchase.
There are many craft patterns available on the market today. In many cases, a quick online search will take you to several sources of free patterns as well. This is sometimes helpful when you are limited for time and want a pattern for a crocheted hat or knitted slippers.
Wall hangings and table runners are also great last minute gifts. They go together much quicker than a quilt and are practical as well. Place mats may also be made to match the wall hanging or table runner.

Welcome!

Welcome to my Blog!
I have decided to concentrate more on sharing what I know about crafts, quilts and books. This means there will be patterns, pictures and links to good books I have read. There will also be links to books and articles I have written which pertain to this Blog's content.
Now, a little about me! I have been a crafter ever since I can remember. My grandmother taught me how to sew, crochet and knit. The knitting I haven't perfected, or even come close...but I did make a scarf when I was little. As for crocheting, I have made countless afghans, dishcloths, hats and ornaments. I find it to be faster than knitting, but have had other people tell me it is the opposite for them. I think it is whatever works best for the individual...there is no right or wrong.
I have been a quilter for over twenty years...self taught. I have bought countless magazines and books over the years and have applied several patterns and techniques to my quilts. My personal favorites are the scrap quilts...the more color the better. I have machine quilted all sizes up to and including a queen size. Unfortunately, the machine I used to use has been out of commission for a few years now. My Pfaff is no match for the old heavy Arrow that worked so well.
I have also been an avid reader ever since I can remember. I have read several books by Stephen King, which I would have to say is my all-time favorite author. He has a wonderful imagination and can turn the words into almost being there. I could only wish to be half the author he is.
I have always enjoyed writing, and for several years it was just journaling. Almost a year ago, I joined HubPages and started writing about things I know. I have received many wonderful comments, which has encouraged me to continue on and expand my horizons.
As the days and weeks progress, I will strive to inform and entertain my readers. I welcome comments and criticism...but only constructive criticism. I am by no means perfect, which makes me like everyone else. I do however, do my best and encourage my children and others to do the same.
Welcome once again! Please check back often for ideas, patterns and links to interesting sites, articles and books. Have a great day!!!