Drunken Mannequins?

It's finally here. The final round of yarns before the rotation starts over! That means not quite three full rotations during the market season. What that also means is that you only have two more times (at most) to come check out which yarns you want to be working with this winter.

In the top photo, nestled between the patterns and the 'baby' in the corner (hidden by the hanging demos) is the Magic Shawl demo that I've been working on for the last few weeks. It has been getting quite a lot of attention from customers as they watch it grow at the markets. You can find the free pattern here.

In the top right quarter of the photo, you will notice that I have my Dress It Up! buttons so, yes, last week's buttons made it through the earthquake of driving well enough to switch them out for new ones 😊. Because of that, you can expect to see different buttons every week from now on.

On the driver's side of the pop up store, you will see some of the kits that I had made up for the few markets that wouldn't let me sell retail. (Their 20% commercial was already full.) Their prices range between $14 and $53 (pre-GST). Someone was actually looking for kits a week or so ago so I thought I would try it out in the rotation.

You might just be able to make out, in the bottom left corner of the photo, the end of a wooden sock blocker. I know it would make so much more sense to have them when the bins are full of sock yarn - and they will be. I have three different sizes: 4.5", 8" and 9".

On the far right of the photo is a 50g version of a poncho yarn (Gala 200) I had in the brick and mortar store before I decided to transition to this 'business model'. The mannequin on the left is wearing a hat made from one ball. (The mannequins apparently had a party before I snapped this photo. They'll have to sober up by Tuesday 😉.)

I'm giving you a sneak peak at the prices in this last photo.

The upper three yarns in the right column are scarf style yarns, some of which I have used in a few of my patterns. Most of the rest of them are shawl yarns.

Above the prices, the felting tools are in their permanent (for now) home, just below the Canada flag patches that you might just want to grab considering Canada Day is just around the corner AND we may soon be travelling abroad again.

written by Lori, excited TCL owner, who is happy to see the light at the end of the COVID tunnel.

What if ... ?

 By now, you all know that the pop up store will be on the road soon. But what if the market is indoors? Or what if the market won’t allow strictly retail vendors?  I’ve got that covered!

I have over 60 personal patterns that I sell as either paper copies (in person) or PDF copies (online) and most of them translate to generic, readily available yarns. A small handful are for specific yarns that may be current or may be discontinued. Either way, most of my patterns are going to be made available as kits to be sold exclusively at the ‘what if’ markets.

Why the exclusivity, you ask? If you order from the online store directly, you are able to pick and choose the yarns you want and put them together with the patterns you want. In essence, you are creating your own kits. For me to create the kit as an online product means the yarn is technically in two places at once and may be accidentally sold twice and someone is going to be disappointed when they have to be told the stock amount is wrong. Doesn’t look too good on my part when that happens.

Also, at those particular markets, you could preorder a specific combination and ask to have it delivered to said market. Beats paying shipping if you can’t come to Lacombe to pick it up. ;)

Below you will see a mock-up of my display table that I have planned for the events that won’t accommodate the RV. Although I haven’t got all the details ironed out - i.e. how to display the price ranges for the kits - I would love your input as a potential shopper. You may see things from a different perspective.

There are many more kits that can be made but I decided to start with my most popular patterns for the first go round.

Please note that needles/hooks and other accessories will not be included in these kits because different people have different tastes in tools. Can you imagine the variety of prices? And people digging into kits to get the needles they want from the kit they don’t?  Don’t need that headache. 🤕 If allowed, they will be available separately.

Written by Lori, happy TCL owner, who can’t wait to get this show on the road!

Bring Me Basics

Have you heard of BringMeBasics?

Numerous businesses in Lacombe have made online shopping easy for you by 'setting up shop' all in one place. All of them are geared toward good health - physical and mental. The Crafty Lady's offerings fall into the latter category - unless you count the physical wellbeing of those around you if you don't have something creative to keep you sane.

All the offerings are stand alone kits. If you choose Chainmaille, the basic tools are included in the price. If you choose the Friendship Bracelet kits, you get a pattern booklet plus the free embroidery pamphlet if you take the floss based kit. If you choose the Top This kits, you don't have to worry whether or not you have the right size needle or hook. What you don't get with this one is the choice of which pompom style you get. If you want to choose the exact Top This character you receive, you need to go to www.craftylady.ca where you'll still get free delivery within Lacombe city limits.

Right now, online is still the only way you can shop with The Crafty Lady. I am waiting on the city of Lacombe and a few of the markets in the area to confirm start dates for my pop up store so stay tuned for updates.

written by Lori, impatient TCL owner, who is chomping at the bit to get out there and safely visit with all my customers again!