NEXT UP: A black & white Space Invaders sweater. I had actually finished it already, but because I was wingin’ it as I went, I misjudged the sizing at it was a bit tight for Bella’s shape. And by “tight”, when I tried to squeeze her shoulder and front legs into it, she exhaled like a wheezy bagpipe.

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Knit Purl Geek Girl, my new Etsy shop, is now open! Right now, there are only four sweaters listed, but I have another two in the wings that just need those last finishing details.

If you think you’re experiencing déja vu, you’re pretty close. Yep, around this time last year, I opened “Knick Knack Pack”, my first Etsy store. After taking a break from knitting during the summer and after an inspired new, catchier shop name, I felt like starting fresh. And why not? All the previous sweaters were sold, so there wasn’t even any old stock to carry over. A new products for a new season! Feel free to stop by, maybe pick up a sweater or just tell your friends about it. :)

Also featured on these blogs:
Oh I Love That (Thanks, Jenny!) and Bara Litten (Thanks, Katharine!)

The short version of my problem with them is that they wouldn’t let me bring my dog in the store or even let me carry her because they are now considered a “cafe”. Wow. Apparently, a coffee maker you bought in Wal-Mart, tucked in the corner of your shop makes you a cafe. My beef with them is that not only did no one stop me when I first walked into the store and peruse for a good 3-4 minutes (it’s not a big shop, by any means), there was also no indication anywhere on their door or front window that pets are not allowed, you know, like how other REAL businesses have them up. Also, there’s no indication on their web site either, which would’ve been nice, but granted, that’s not something you’d normally see on a website anyway.

Living in the downtown core now, finding yarn places is a bit of a bitch and without a car, it’s even more of a hassle. And without a Metropass, wasting round-trip cash (and time!) when you’re already low on funds just adds more fuel to the fire. I purposely didn’t go to The Knit Cafe (which is technically a shorter streetcar ride) because I know pets are not allowed in any store that has food. Had I known pets weren’t allowed in The Purple Purl, I would’ve left Bella at home, no hesitation, no big whoop. I only brought her because I thought she’d enjoy an outing. I could’ve left her outside for a few minutes, but it had also rained during the day and it was fairly gross and chilly to leave her there. And frankly, I would’ve done it, regardless of Bella’s whimpering, but I chose not to, just to spite them.

I was planning to spend a good chunk of money on pricier wool yarns because I got a customer request for a specific kind of doggie sweater, but I’m taking my business elsewhere.

One thing lead to another and I started looking into how Etsy.com works and just a little over a week ago, I opened my shop, Knick Knack Pack.

I wish I had thought of it sooner because within just four days of opening the store, I had three sales under my belt, two of which were custom requests (the skull & crossbones seems to be a popular look). I didn’t make that much off the first couple of sales because I hadn’t quite figured out the best ratio of sale price vs. fees vs. shipping/packing costs. Can you believe it actually costs MORE for me to ship within Canada than to ship an identical item to the U.S.? What the …?!

Anyway, I think I’ve balanced out the numbers better now for future potential sales (one of which just happened again today!). I have to admit that although it’s still in its humble beginnings, this is kind of exciting and empowering. :)