It certainly is a journey

In the middle of the night....

Yes it's 2am & Im pondering over all things creative/business, the blog is called the journey so far & I feel that my little business is progressing, it feels a very reflective blog tonight!

I visited the Humber Bridge Farmers Market today, I think this is the one to do - I haven't looked at how much they want for a table yet but the footfall looks good, it's only once a month - downside - it's outside, but Im made of strong stuff so Im sure Ill survive.

I wrote last time about the benefits of having a regular base, but another perceived benefit - it should be good for for advertising!

Profitability - did a bookkeeping and financial  management course, how often we under value ourselves, so today I actually sat down and broke my prices down for a wet felting workshop, I was surprised how little was left over at the end for me! You forget about things like tax, travelling costs your hourly rate outside the actual workshop time... A two hours course, well add another hour for set up/pack up an hour journey time and then the prep at home, the washing of all the kit after the event (& I haven't factored in elec & washing up powder costs) and that hourly rate doesn't look so good!

Nobody likes a price rise but Im not going to be able to do it if something doesn't give!

So I am learning all the time, it is a slow process, but with my little one & a part time job I think I can be forgiven ;p

(Also wondering how to slide a little volunteering in there too...) 

Middle of the night munchings & musings

I knew that things would calm down on the blogging front but I can't believe it has been so long!

I have been visiting a few local markets and fairs looking for inspiration and Christmas prezzies, I am impressed with the dedication of some of these traders, I understand that it is cheeper than having a shop base but it was mighty cold.

It is also good that they are regular, as customers - like me - see what they like and plan to go back. Should I commit to a regular stall?

Would there be time in addition to the workshops - it is always about the time!

Seriously need to develop a few more workshops too and of course work on my advertising!

I am trying abit of embroidery on some of my felt and I need to do the packaging on my latest needle felted creations, and my brain is a whirl of creative ideas as usual!

I also had a bracelet workshop for children which was good fun, celebrating the spooky season...

Well I've finished my cereal so it's back to bed for me - night

The jumper that time forgot...

Yes it's the middle of the night again & my creative brain is off on one!
My little girl is fast asleep (now finishing this post I can tell you she slept amazingly, I did not!)

Excuse the ramblings but I am emptying my head so I hope I can sleep!

Been looking at Attic24's blog - www.attic24.typepad.com looking at the bunting from Yarndale

(Yarndale, the pictures look amazing. My friend Alison went to Yarndale & yes Im a little jealous, I need to get over this aversion to travelling!)

The photos where of yarn bombing, looks amazing, some very talented people out there. That is one of my ambitions to do abit of yarn bombing...

I am following such a fabulous list of inspiring blogs at the moment - truly wonderful.
Knitting is not my strong point, but I am so drawn to it, hence the title I aim to make a jumper (shhh it's for my dad - don't tell him) to make matters worse I am spinning up the wool & I haven't finished that either... One of my UFOs (unfinished objects) currently.
I believe there are 11 UFOs on the list - 5 of which are started knitted projects, but with all the inspiration I just want to start something new...

It didn't help that I also saw some beautiful patterns & wool at Humber Bridge farmers market, Millamia- have you heard of it?

So what is coming up...

Talked with like minded people today about our co op idea, need to work on that
At the weekend I've got a introduction to wet felting workshop which Im looking forward to - scope to develop some more workshops here too,
I need to follow up looking for suppliers too!

Will I get to do anything creative?

Cushions - small but lovely

Right it is time to add some photos to this wordy blog,

These are some cushions that I have made using fibre from sarastexturecrafts

Merino Blend Felted

Above: It was a lovely blend that I wet felted into a piece, I had intended to cut it up to be made into decorations but it was just to lovely. 

Below: Using the same merino blend, I hand spun this on my Ashford traveller, my mum very kindly knitted it up for me - resulting in a perfect pair. 

Merino Blend Hand Spun Wool

They are a bit small for 'regular' cushions but are perfect to accent your room.

I was intending to sell them but they have become a useful teaching tool in my workshops, showing the versatility of fibre.

I am now also trying to solely use British Wool so I might have to make up some more

...any excuse!

Feeling proud - I've found the follow us button!!!

I'm sure I won't blog quite so much once the novelty has worn off but Im quite enjoying sharing my thoughts with you all at the moment.

So much has been happening,

Just found out that Im fully booked for the next Introduction to Wet Felting Workshop, those ladies at the Vintage Cafe have been doing a stirling job advertising, I am very grateful - it means that I can get to eat there yummy cakes regularly :D

First day back at the salaried job, missed my little bundle sooooo much, but daddy did a fabulous job looking after her x

I have managed to add the 'widget' so you can follow us & we will drop onto your dashboard / email account - feeling very proud, I didn't even have to ask a student (I work at a college)

On a scary note lovely accountant man Ian questioned me if today was the deadline for my tax return... I am so sure it is Christmas, but Im a little spooked - haven't had chance to check (I am blogging via the power if the smart phone - little bundle wants lots of snuggles tonight & has now fallen asleep on me!)

I'm sure it is Christmas...

I am also enjoying reading what other creative people have been doing, a lot of talk about yarn dale, Ill get there one year or perhaps wool fest... Who knows?

You guys also show lots of lovely photos of your work, I do have some taken that are awaiting editing... Good things come to those who wait, I've got to stop stressing so much & trying to cram to much in, 

For now I am going to enjoy my snuggily cuddles :D

Retail therapy with out the guilt

So things are progressing with my little business - I have been giving it some attention since my maternity leave is coming to an end, and with it comes a whole host of emotions, excitement, anxiety, pride and fear to list just a few.

Done some good workshops at the Vintage Cafe, and Im in the process of developing some more.

We have just organised a Halloween themed workshop, in my home village of Keyingham - bracelet making, which I am very much looking forward too. Bracelet making was one of my first workshops so it is nice to revisit. I have just ordered some halloweeny beads (it's lovely when the business can pay) retail therapy without the guilt :D

What will the future hold... time changes again with my maternity finishing on Monday, back to my other job, my jar of buttons & my lovely little family...

Ill keep you posted!

Feeling like Bridget Jones

Post 2 :D

Amount of times I have cursed technology - lost count

I have managed to follow 4 blogs now so that is progress :D

All these stats makes me feel like the opening Chapters of Bridget Jones, topical as her 3rd book is out soon.

Technology woes aside let's talk felt much more interesting!

I'm currently working on x3 felt brooches those who know me will confirm that I like to have a couple of things on the go - my UFOs (un finished objects)

Very pleased with my pink rose, all he needs is the brooch attachment sewing on the back - I do wonder if I should felt the brooch part on too so there is no sewing, a lovely feature but I worry about the longevity - abit of product testing may be needed here.

Pink Pansy also coming on well, he turned out much smaller then expected so I started making another - to pair them up...

I think this 2nd one will become a single & Ill have to rethink a friend for the small pink one!

I do enjoy needle felting 

I hope to get them finished & to upload some photos either on here or on Facebook 

Final stat - stabbed fingers twice - ouch!