Shrug Sweaters

I recently made these Simple Crochet Shrug sweaters for both my teen daughters.  They love how cozy they are, and people are asking about them everywhere they wear them.  

I may have to make one for myself too!  

A process of learning and trying

On October 24, I took the plunge and bought the www.craftedwithcare.boutique domain.  Since then, I've been trying to think about all the different things I'd like to do to get this business going.  I'd like to keep it simple, but I also want to do things well.

I've read a lot about how to price items, and am comparing formulas to help me make all this worth my time but also make items affordable.  

I've bought items I needed (yarn, needles, a styrofoam head to display hats, website hosting, etcetera).

I've made a list of things I really want to buy as soon as possible (dress form/mannequin, custom printed labels to sew into items, shipping envelopes, etcetera).

I've decided to forego some expenses that will just have to wait until I see if this will work, like website e-commerce/shopping cart capabilities for the website @ a minimum of $25/month. 

I've been thinking about how I want Crafted With Care 

to look and feel. 

I've been taking photos of items I've made.  

  

I've made business cards. 

I've wished I knew more about design and creating logos and brand images, but have asked a talented friend to help me.

I've been working on building the website, and am glad I have at least some experience with that, though the editor I'm using is new to me.  

I've created email, Instagram, Facebook, PayPal, Blogger, and a dozen other accounts.

I've read many articles about how others have done this.

I've asked my dad, an expert businessman and entrepreneur, for advice and opinions.

I've bought yarns and patterns.

I've had my first sale--a friend from church bought an owl hat for her Elf on the Shelf to give to her daughter.

I've tried to keep making time to crochet!

I've prayed to ask the Lord to help me with all of this!

There is much more to do, 

but I am enjoying the process and the learning and the trying...

"She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, and enjoys knitting and sewing...

...She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.

She’s skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking...

...She makes her own clothing, and dresses in colorful linens and silks...

...She designs gowns and sells them, brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.

Her clothes are well-made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile..."

- Proverbs 31:13, 18-19, 24-25

Works in progress

Just a couple works in progress...

This will be a cocoon/long shrug sweater for my oldest daughter.  I really love the color of this Homespun yarn. It's called Garnet, and described as a deep wine red, but it looks purple at times.  

I also need to finish up my son's R2D2 hat.  He is really excited about it, but I'm not sure I like how it's turning out.  As long as the boy is happy with it!

I'm also working on a ladies ivory slouchy hat this week.

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