Returning to myself

Dear Reader,

Lately I’ve been doing things that are outside of my comfort zone, and so far that’s been working out great. The new studio is coming together nicely, and while I haven’t had anyone make a shopping appointment yet, that’s ok. I’ve been reminding myself that I’ve only been in the space for a little over two weeks. Although I’m ready for shoppers/visitors, the decorating isn’t completely finished yet. I have beautiful, deep window sills in my studio, so of course I’m going to buy some plants. I’d also like to display my crochet hats on the walls, hang some fiber art collages, and make some pillows for the chairs and the floor. I think that’ll make the space even more cozy, especially for crochet classes.

At first I was thinking that I wouldn’t do any sewing in the space, but I’ve been reconsidering that. It might be nice to put my table in the studio and work there from time to time whenever the mood strikes. I’m thinking a small folding table and chair that I can tuck away in my studio closet when shoppers are there would be perfect. A departure from the heightened activity at my house wouldn’t be so bad either once and awhile. I love the hustle and bustle of teenagers (my kids are amazing) and all of our pets. But, they also often use my space for their own projects (the kids, not the pets). My sewing room/home studio is probably the room that has the most traffic in the house. While that can be aggravating when certain teenagers don’t clean up after themselves, I am grateful that everyone wants to hang out in my space. But. . . a refuge is also nice too.

Another way that I’ve been stepping outside of my comfort zone is by adding made-to-order items to my online store. I’ve been toying with this idea for a number of years, and now I’m making it happen. I started to add some things last week. And, my plan is to have at least thirteen items available as made-to-order. Who knows, maybe more. Not only will this make it easier for customers to order exactly what they want, but it’ll also make it easier for me to not have to update my online store so frequently. These items will be similar to ready to wear pieces, in that, I will make the same style, but in different sizes and colors. Because of the way I source my materials and how I create, each item will still be one-of-a-kind. Some items on this list are already available on the website, and I plan to have the full list available by the end of the month. My next art show isn’t until November 29th, so I have plenty of time to have everything ready for holiday shopping.

If there’s anything else you’d like to see, please leave a comment. I know that I don’t have skirts, dresses, or pants listed. Some of these items require a lot more measuring to ensure a proper fit, so I’m not sure if they’ll be included as made-to-order just yet or at all. Of course, I will still be making one-off pieces as well. That will never change.

Made to order items

• patchwork jersey tanks

• patchwork jersey short-sleeved tees

• patchwork jersey long-sleeved tees

• crochet tanks

• crochet vests

• crochet short-sleeved tops

• crochet sweaters

• crochet blankets (possibly different sizes)

• crochet hats (different styles)

• crochet scarves (different styles)

• crochet fingerless gloves

• hand knit shoelaces

• fabric shoelaces

  This week at a glance

• My family and I watched The Sixth Sense.

  None of us had ever seen the movie, and we all liked it. Yes, my husband and I knew the big spoiler, but we told the kids not to look up anything about the movie before we saw it.

• My family and I also watched A Nightmare Before Christmas. We watch it every year. I love Tim Burton’s aesthetic so much.

• I made a bunch of fingerless gloves.

• I figured out a good crochet hood pattern.

• I was in my studio for fall art walk on Saturday mostly taking product photos and getting some crochet work finished. Having made-to-order crochet listings will be a big help, but I still will be making SO many accessories this holiday season. I am woefully behind on production.

• After art walk I headed downtown to meet friends and family.

• I finished the quilt for my cousin’s baby. No pictures until the parents see it first.

• The dress for my Halloween costume is coming along. I should be finished with it by the end of the week.

• We met good friends and their dog for a very windy picnic on Sunday.

• I spent some days in the studio decorating.

  What’s happening this week?

• My family and I are going to go to this

  event.

• I’m headed to River Pearl Studio

  with many new pieces for fall this weekend. Which means that we’ll probably have some breakfast at Molly’s

  while we’re there.

• I’ll be making a million crochet accessories all week long, taking product pics, and listing new made-to-order pieces.

  I appreciate all of you who choose to be here and read my newsletter. Have a wonderful week. And, I hope to see you around the studio. Please, tell your friends.

  xo,

  Christa

  

  Links

  Email: wildchildfibers@gmail.com

  Website: https://www.wildchildfibers.com

  Gallery: here

  Book a shopping appointment: here

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  If you’d like the coupon code, leave a comment and I’ll give you the code. ♡ ♡

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Thanks for reading. I appreciate you.