Tuesday 10 March 2009

Another New Start

Well, DS1 has spread his cold through the whole family, so since the weekend, we have all been feeling sorry for ourselves in varying degrees, burying ourselves in a mountain of tissues. Not very pleasant at all. As well as that, yesterday was spent reinstalling drives onto the computer and doing various scans, so all in all it has been a frustrating couple of days.

I have managed to do a bit of stitching and knitting, and yes, there was another new start. I need some more DMC threads for the honeysuckle cushion. I thought if I carried on, there was every chance that I would end up having to frog at a later stage. Don't know about you, but I can do without that. Starting something else seemed the better option.

Some of you are aware I am trying to get through all the kits I have purchased over the years, so I have started a Clarice Cliffe design from Readicut. I completed the first one of the pair last year. They are stitched in cross stitch, half cross stitch and back stitch using DMC threads.

I would show you a picture of what I have stitched so far, but a lot of the stitching I have done is in white. It makes it very difficult to pick up on a photo. Hopefully, today I can get some more colour on there so you can see it tomorrow.

On the knitting front, I have got past the armhole shaping on the back of the top and have about 3 or 4 more inches to knit to complete the back. That should be done this evening.

On another note, I am thinking of making things to sell to make some extra income. I need to find something I can do to stay at home with the boys and someone suggested this might be the way for me to go. I have spent all weekend thinking about it, going from feeling very excited and having lots of ideas, to feeling very apprehensive as to whether anyone would want to buy. The thing with being a single parent, there's no one here that I can thrash ideas out with. I have a few weeks to think about it as the new financial year doesn't start to the beginning of April.

Oh well, I have to go and sort out the bread. I wonder if kneading will help me sort out my thoughts.

10 comments:

Miriam said...

Sometimes baking bread, cake or cookies or go for a walk is indeed good to sort out your ideas. I am not going to offer you advice, because I am not really knowing your circumstances of course.

But at the moment a lot of people start an Etsy shop or something like that. I think there are maybe too many people doing the same thing trying to make money. In my (humble) opinion it will only really work if you are able to develop an original idea.

Sue said...

Artfire is another one. The gal over at http://u-handbag.typepad.com/uhandblog/ wrote a post about it. Well worth a look.

Rudee said...

Oh dear. I'm sorry you're not feeling well. I hope you're able to figure something out. I've always thought an online yarn store would be fun, but I know there's a lot of competition out there. If all else fails, maybe you could advertise locally to teach your crafts. You really are multi-talented, and I think this makes your skills marketable. Take the time to think outside the box. Perhaps teaching a couple of different classes per month would give you what you need- without taking you away from home too much.

stitchersanon said...

What about starting a group and offering lessons in knitting etc?
I dont know...bit tricky isnt it.
I will put my thinking hat on. I need an idea for me as well lol

Hope your cold gets better soon...wool was sent today, hope it gets to its new home soon!

zetor said...

Hope you get things sorted, your work is so good, I'm sure it would sell.

Terry said...

Hope you feel better soon! We've all had a cold at one time or another this winter. Spring is coming! :0)

Knitting Linguist said...

I find that kneading usually does help the thinking process -- I hope it did for you! Starting a small, from-home business definitely sounds like something that could work; I know a lot of people who have had success with etsy. I know it's a big decision to make! Meanwhile, I hope you're all starting to feel better :)

Anonymous said...

I think all of the above ideas are great and you should consider all of them. You are very talented. If you were here in Chicago, I certainly would take a class from you and learn to knit better!!!

Elena said...

Sorry that you had not very good days...
I heard that lots of people sell their stuff on Etsy. Also myabe check with local craft shops or craft shows. Maybe this will help you...

Karan said...

Hope you all feel much better soon (((((hugs))))).
Hope inspiration strikes & you find the ideal way to make a little extra cash. :0)