Comparing e-commerce platforms for makers

Current favourite knitting related picture. Very like my knitting spot, except the wallpaper and I never wear white pants ;0)

This artical; How Etsy Alienated its Crafters and lost its soul

prompted me to reblog the following.

First my opinion for what it’s worth.

Yes, I agree with most of these comments.
However No, I am not closing my Etsy shop, Willows Pocket.

I have considered other options, and feel that Etsy is working out alright for me at this point.

I have been a vendor since August 2013. I sell some physical products, but mostly downloadable PDF patterns for knitters.

Overall my experience has been positive. My clients have been both pleasant and happy. The purchases I have made from Etsy shops have been both professional and timely.

So yes, I hear all the negative comments, I understand vendors concern about competition with wholesale non-crafters and I empathize. I would point out that the wholesalers are not necessarily direct competition with all Handcrafters. A unique item will always find a market. I can also add that I am happy to buy my supplies from wholesalers no matter where they are located, and Etsy provides a platform for me to find items not available to me locally.

Someday God willing I may out grow Etsy, but I don’t see it.

As for those that choose to take their business elsewhere, I wish you luck…it’s called free enterprise!

grace dobush

After more than eight years, I’ve decided to close up my shop on Etsy. Lately I’ve just had more negative things to say about the service than positive, and I figured it was time to put my money where my mouth was and move on. (I’ll probably write something more about while I left later, but Abby Glassenberg — who loves Etsy, for the record —has a comprehensive list of the common Etsy complaints here.)

To find a new home for my handmade shop, I spent the last few days creating this chart comparing ecommerce options for makers & designers. It includes the major craft marketplaces as well as standalone ecommerce platforms that let you set up a standalone shop fairly simply, without needing your own website or host. I also calculated the fees each of the various platforms charge for four separate sales scenarios. I found it very interesting to dig into the numbers and check…

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Handspinning: Fleece washing day

Monday was part 1 of fleece washing day!

That  Swaledale fleece that my Mum and Dad got on their recent trip to North Yorkshire England turned out to be quite good. For two people that have little knowledge of fleece purchasing, they did really well. Little dirtier than would have gone for, but no chafe. 

I suspect this sheep was raised outdoors as there is almost no matting over the hind quarters, and has some  weathered tips along the mid-line.

Whoever skirted it did a great job. There are some second cuts down the sides, but not unreasonable amount.

Swaledale fleece hand delivered from North Yorkshire. Now for washing and Spinning!

I estimate that my fleece is 10 to 15 Ibs unwashed. Think I may loose 10%, still lots left. Opening windows, basement smells petite barnyard. 

How I wash fleece, I have done this for years. 

Top loading Washing Machine

Why?

The spin cycle quite literally sucks out most of the dirt and water out of the fleece leaving it only damp. Did you know that the spin cycle on a washing machine is about 200 G’s, that’s more than shooting a rocket into space!  I used to hand wash in a trug, wet fleece + water weighs a ton, and drip drying takes forever. Someone suggested this method and I have never looked back. And the largest water containing tub in your house? No brainer. I do wipe out and rinse my machine with Javex afterward however. My repair guy, (which I have only seen once with an old machine) told me that the lanolin is good for the pump.

 

1st Quarter fleece: Started with the Hind quarters, This section over the haunches is yielding staple lenghts 8 to 10″ great for woolcoming. and worsted spinning. 

I use Ivory Dawn Dish soap, (the blue one). Use a non hand softener dish soap to clean and scour. The Ph can be corrected with 1/4 cup of vinegar in the rinse water. 

Important: Fleece needs to swim in the water, so do only 2 or 3 Ibs at a time or it will not be able to let go of the dirt.

How?

*Soaking in the hottest water that your top loading washing machine will produce. Fill tank, turn off machine, squirt some Blue Ivory dawn (difficult to find these days) add fleece and soak for 20 to 30 mins. Spin out dirty water (make sure that the machine doesn’t add any water into the tub at this point), once spun out gently lift fleece out of tank,* repeat then rinse fleece without soap. 

I use an old screen door.

Lay out in thin layer to dry on a screen. Will feel dry long before it is dry. Leave for at least 24hrs flipping once.

Important note! 

Hot to hotter water only, and do not agitate!

Hot to cold = felt,

Soap+hot water+agitation= felt

Put it into soak, put your hands in your pockets, DO NOT POKE!

My fleece took 2 soaks one rinse. 

I figure I have 4 more loads to do. 

As far as knitting this week, I finished 3 Piles of Smiles Cowls

Will be available in Willows Pocket my etsy shop in November.

4 great colours!

3 colours, I am knitting a Hot pink one too.

And an Infinity of stash Cowl for the Church Bazaar next Saturday

Totally Austentatious my new literary blog is now open too!

All in all a very busy week :0)

WIP List = 9

1. Quicksilver Lace Shrug started Sept 5/14
2. My Favourite Top-Down Clog Socks 
3. Left over Cowl started feb 23/14
4. Cabled Hood with Pockets Started Sept 27/13
5. Sea of Dreams Blanket 85% done started Mar 9/13
6. Isla lace Pillowcase edge  60% done started June 18/13
7. Rose Harbour Shawl 85% done started Jun 28/13
8. My Fair Cardi Started Apr 8/14
9. Simplicity Lace Scarf  

FO’s 2014 = 37 + 3 = 40

WIPS 2014 = 9

 Stash Used 2014 = 65 + 3 = 68

Ravellenic 2014 FO’s =  8

Yds of Handspun 2014 = 313 yds

Sewing FO’s 2014 = 

Books 2014 = 27 + 2 = 29

Thanks again, cya next week :0)

I’m off to visit Tami’s, then on to my blogwalk

come join me in the blogpond :0

Autumn has arrived!

My guy at 1yr old

It was on this day 24 years ago, my DS hit the atmosphere.

He has grown into a fine young man in spite of us.

Wishing him a very Happy Birthday, and many more!

In celebration of the season, I am doing a super secret coupon code for 25% off on both my Etsy shop and my Ravelry shop.

Visit Willows Pocket Facebook page Please Like, Coupon code is amongst the more recent posts.

Sadly I don’t think I am going to get my Kal done this month. However the book is almost finished. 

Quicksilver Lace Shrug 

Book: Mr. Darcy and the Secret of Becoming a Gentleman by Maria Hamilton

I have also had a run on Flashy Earbud Sweaters in my Etsy store. 

So I’m busy making more.

 My Birch Leaf  is coming along nicely. 

But I can honestly say this is the Ball that never ends!

Wishing you and yours a happy week till we meet again :0)

WIP List = 12 

1. Quicksilver Lace Shrug started Sept 5/14
2. Flashy Earbud Sweaters started Sept 23/14
3. Birch Leaf started Aug 18/14
4. My Favourite Top-Down Clog Socks 
5. Left over Cowl started feb 23/14
6. Cabled Hood with Pockets Started Sept 27/13
7. Foots First Sox My design Started Jul/11
8. Sea of Dreams Blanket 85% done started Mar 9/13
9. Isla lace Pillowcase edge  60% done started June 18/13
10. Rose Harbour Shawl 85% done started Jun 28/13
11. My Fair Cardi Started Apr 8/14
12. Simplicity Lace Scarf 

FO’s 2014 = 34 + 1  = 35

WIPS 2014 = 9 + 3 = 12

 Stash Used 2014 = 60 + 1 = 61

Ravellenic 2014 FO’s =  8

Yds of Handspun 2014 = 313 yds

Sewing FO’s 2014 = 

Books 2014 = 25 + 1 = 26

Thanks again, cya next week :0)

I’m off to visit Tami’s, then on to my blogwalk

come join me in the blogpond :0

WIP Weds: Happy Halloween all!

Happy Halloween everyone.

Just too funny not to share lol

Andy’s Capp Two, – Done!

Both sizes: smaller 9 1/2″ larger 11″

4 more to go!

Oct Kal for the Carry along forum on Rav: Iced 

This is going to be a hang over into next month. The collar is just eating the yarn, and going on and on!

Getting ready for the Church Bazaar on Saturday

Did some beading.

Cross weave Bracelets

and raided the button Jar for these

These are fiddly but fun

and a second one,

Roses, Pinks and a little burgundy

and one more

Violets and purples

If they don’t sell look for them on Etsy next week.

The last opportunity to vote. vote here!

I’ll let you know on Friday what it will be

Is anyone interested in a Sports Bra, Ladies Underwear, or Unisex Boxer Shorts Tutorial? I am thinking of making some and will record the process. Please list which you are interested in. So far there has been one vote for a Sports Bra. Anyone else want to weigh in? I will probably be doing an example of each. So I am going to try a poll to determine which to plan first.

Current WIP List (7 + 2)

• SPROUT – Growing Roots sweater 60% done started May 17/12
• Top Down Swing Pullover – 98% done started Jan 1/13
• Sea of Dreams Blanket 75% done started Mar 9/13
• Mile a minute afghan – crochet 50% done started Apr 24/13
• Isla lace Pillowcase edge  52% done started June 18/13
• Rose Harbour Shawl 75% done started Jun 28/13
• Fanflower Fling  50% done started Jul 12/13

 

 FO’s 2013 = 96 + 1 = 97

WIPS 2013 = 7 (+ 2)

 Stash Used 2013 = 84 + 2 = 86

Sewing FO’s = 4 

Books 2013 = 34 + 1 = 35

Thanks again for visiting,

cya next week :0)

I’m off to visit Tami’s, then on to my blogwalk

come join me in the blogpond :0)

Find me at my Etsy shop: Willows Pocket 

Psst! Only 8 more Saturdays till Christmas!

and on Ravelry.com  

WIP Weds: Andy’s Cap and Willowspocket

Not much to say this week, waiting for a date for some medical tests. Doing a lot of knitting, and reading.

Andy’s Cap my design

I tried another pattern and didn’t like the Tam part of the cap, So invented my own.

Busy getting ready for Christmas in WillowsPocket on Etsy

Made a bunch of Knitters Chatelaines

I made one for myself and decided to make a few more for the shop. I ended up making 5 different types.

I’m reading through the Argeneau Family series by Linsay Sands again.

Makes me laugh everytime. Currently on “Tall Dark and Hungry” Book 4.

I posed a question to my readers:

 Is anyone interested in a Sports Bra, Ladies Underwear, or Unisex Boxer Shorts Tutorial? I am thinking of making some and will record the process. Please list which you are interested in. So far there has been one vote for a Sports Bra. Anyone else want to weigh in? I will probably be doing an example of each. So I am going to try a poll to determine which to plan first.

The polls are still open till the end of the month, vote here!

Current WIP List (7 + 2)

• SPROUT – Growing Roots sweater 60% done started May 17/12
• Top Down Swing Pullover – 98% done started Jan 1/13
• Sea of Dreams Blanket 75% done started Mar 9/13
• Mile a minute afghan – crochet 50% done started Apr 24/13
• Isla lace Pillowcase edge  52% done started June 18/13
• Rose Harbour Shawl 75% done started Jun 28/13
• Fanflower Fling  50% done started Jul 12/13
• Pine Forest Baby Blanket   Done started Jan 11/12 – Oct 6/13 
• Mr Bunnstible  Done started Sept 17/13 – finished Sept 26/13
• Ruffle Scarf   Done started Dec 3/12 finished Jul 7/13
• Cozy Winter Shawl   Done started Dec 1/12 – finished Jul 11/13
• Eileen Dress  Done started Jun 21/13 – finished Jul 11/13 
• Easy Peasy Shawl – Done started Jul 14/12 – finished Jul 17/13
• All about love shawlette   Done Started Aug 3/13 – finished August 17/13
• Calimetry Started Sept 6/13 finished Sept 6/13

 FO’s 2013 = 95

WIPS 2013 = 7 (+ 2)

 Stash Used 2013 = 82

Sewing FO’s = 4 

Books 2013 = 34

Thanks again for visiting,

cya next Friday :0)

I’m off to visit Tami’s, then on to my blogwalk

come join me in the blogpond :0)

Find me at my Etsy shop: Willows Pocket 

Psst! Only 10 more Saturdays till Christmas!

and on Ravelry.com  

FO Friday: Autumn is colourful here.

On Wednesday I showed you a little of the beginnings of Fall in this part of Canada. Here are is another picture.

Near Solina, Ontario Cda

 Oct Kal for the Carry along forum on Rav: 

One top-down cardigan with 4 sleeves lol!

Iced Ok I am officially changing my name to ” Holly Golightly” Rofl.
Got to 200st with 4 sleeves, one sweater! Some frogging required!

DH is far more amused than is healthy for him!
Mulligan!

Try again! Same Cardigan this time with the more conventional 2 sleeve option :0)

Christmas knitting: Cabled Hood with Pockets for DS

21″ so far, only 46″ to go, then the Hood part.

My latest creation: Button, Button Eye Glass Beaded Bling Cord

Useful cord/chain for Eye Glasses, I liked the one I made for myself thought I would make a few more for sale.

Made of an assortment of white vintage buttons and white glass pearls, 27″. Really fiddly to make, but something different and recycled!

The Plan is going to get some attention next week!

Current WIP List (8 + 2)

1. Pine Forest Baby Blanket 50% done  started Jan 11/12
2. SPROUT – Growing Roots sweater 60% done started May 17/12
3. Top Down Swing Pullover – 98% done started Jan 1/13
4. Sea of Dreams Blanket 75% done started Mar 9/13
5. Mile a minute afghan – crochet 50% done started Apr 24/13
6. Isla lace Pillowcase edge  52% done started June 18/13
7. Rose Harbour Shawl 75% done started Jun 28/13
8. Fanflower Fling  50% done started Jul 12/13  
9. Mr Bunnstible  started Sept 17/13 – finished Sept 26/13
10. Ruffle Scarf   Done started Dec 3/12 finished Jul 7/13
11. Cozy Winter Shawl   Done started Dec 1/12 – finished Jul 11/13
12. Eileen Dress  Done started Jun 21/13 – finished Jul 11/13 
13. Easy Peasy Shawl – Done started Jul 14/12 – finished Jul 17/13
14. All about love shawlette   Done Started Aug 3/13 – finished August 17/13
15. Calimetry Started Sept 6/13 finished Sept 6/13

 FO’s 2013 = 94

WIPS 2013 = 8 (+ 2)

 Stash Used 2013 = 79

Sewing FO’s = 4 

Books 2013 = 32

Thanks again for visiting,

cya Friday:0)

I’m off to visit Tami’s, then on to my blogwalk

come join me in the blogpond :0)

Find me at my Etsy shop: Willows Pocket 

and on Ravelry.com  

FO Friday: I actually have some FO’s!

With this and that, I haven’t been as productive on the knitting front as usual. I have a real sense of achievement this week.

Not only have I broken the tech barrier, I managed to convert some of my favourite PDF books on my old Sony Ebook to Epub for my Kobo glo. this sounds small but it took me all day to figure it out. The computer geeks were no where to be found, so I did it myself.

The old Sony and the new Kobo glo. I use both, but they’re different formats. No it didn’t come in pink. DH & DS tried. They like their gifts to me to be pink. My camera is pink too.

Second achievement, Bunnstible the Christmas present for DH is done and my Christmas ball is finished before the end of this months Kal.  I have also developed a new line for my Etsy shop! All in all a very productive week. During all this we celebrated DS’s 23rd Birthday!

My guy at 1yr old, hasn’t changed much a bit taller, but still the same sunny disposition :0)

Well Mr Bunnstible is finished (he also has a little brother here)

This Months Carry along forum Kal on Rav: 

Balls up! one done!

Gave up looking for the cheap Christmas ball I bought for making these last year and bought some 2 1/2″ styro balls at the craft store.

New on my Etsy: Eye glass jewelry

Made with Czech glass Seed beads and crystals

True and very funny story:

Harley the Geobike

Ok so I was riding Harley home on Wednesday, after knit nite at Soper Creek Yarn. I have my headlights on and fuzzy gloves, fleece vest, stylish furry jacket in the leopard print and my helmet with earmuff thingy on. It gets a little chilly at speed. I’m toddling at what feels like a ripping pace, wind whistling in my ears. I look down to my right, and a brown rabbit with a white tail is gaining on me, I am serious! He pulls past me and heads across the street and into some ones yard, no hand signal or anything! What’s with that? lol

Current WIP List (8)

1. Pine Forest Baby Blanket 50% done  started Jan 11/12
2. SPROUT – Growing Roots sweater 60% done started May 17/12
3. Top Down Swing Pullover – 98% done started Jan 1/13
4. Sea of Dreams Blanket 75% done started Mar 9/13
5. Mile a minute afghan – crochet 50% done started Apr 24/13
6. Isla lace Pillowcase edge  52% done started June 18/13
7. Rose Harbour Shawl 75% done started Jun 28/13
8. Fanflower Fling  50% done started Jul 12/13  
9. Mr Bunnstible  started Sept 17/13 – finished Sept 26/13
10. Ruffle Scarf   Done started Dec 3/12 finished Jul 7/13
11. Cozy Winter Shawl   Done started Dec 1/12 – finished Jul 11/13
12. Eileen Dress  Done started Jun 21/13 – finished Jul 11/13 
13. Easy Peasy Shawl – Done started Jul 14/12 – finished Jul 17/13
14. All about love shawlette   Done Started Aug 3/13 – finished August 17/13
15. Calimetry Started Sept 6/13 finished Sept 6/13

 FO’s 2013 = 90 + 2 = 92

WIPS 2013 = 9 – 1 = 8

Used of 38 purchased patterns from Rav = 9 (29 to go)

Stash Used 2013 = 77

Sewing FO’s = 4 

Books 2013 = 32

Thanks again for visiting,

cya Friday:0)

I’m off to visit Tami’s, then on to my blogwalk

come join me in the blogpond :0)

Find me at my Etsy shop: Willows Pocket 

and on Ravelry.com

Oh and FYI I have 50% off Back to School Sale at my Ravelry Shop, now we all have so much time with the kids in school. Sale lasts to the end of the month. 3 months till Christmas people!