(no subject)
The more things change... the more they return to what used to be!
I wrote that I lost my major client earlier this spring. Promotions work is dreadfully slow right now - and summer is always the slow season anyway. And the migraines do somewhat limit the kind of work I can do. I still have one client, but some of their stores are also in flux, so...
Years ago, I wove to sell. I never did get very far with it, partly because my life was falling down around my ears and I really didn't have the energy it needed, but also partly because I never found a good venue to sell my work. I was much too upscale for the little neighborhood crafts fairs I went to (where they seemed to think I was embellishing purchased fabric) but couldn't swing the major shows where my work would have been at home.
Fast forward 20 years. Enter the internet, Etsy, Artfire, venues where I can open a shop with few pieces, replenish as I sell, and reach an audience that understands handwork.
I have also learned tablet weaving. This allows me to make very decorative narrow bands, with which I can make accessories. I'm thinking of weaving bands and making them into belts, key fobs, possibly ID lanyards, other accessories - a bit different from the beaded ones around now, attractive and unusual. I'm looking at threaded in patterns for commercial use - at least to start. And I am mostly thinking of purely modern uses - I'm not going into competition with SCA merchants!
I've also had an opportunity to buy a used loom very like the one I used to have. With this, I will be able to weave fabric - placemats, towels and scarves, such as I used to make, and fabric to cut and sew into other items.
I will let people know when I actually open shop. After that, I will *not* spam my friends list... I am, however, using Stringlady as a business name, so I may lock posts, or, if people seem to be finding this, post an occasional "If that's what you're looking for, look over here!" notice.
Meanwhile - this is work I can do on my own schedule, when I can work. What I am making is different enough that I think it should sell.
I wrote that I lost my major client earlier this spring. Promotions work is dreadfully slow right now - and summer is always the slow season anyway. And the migraines do somewhat limit the kind of work I can do. I still have one client, but some of their stores are also in flux, so...
Years ago, I wove to sell. I never did get very far with it, partly because my life was falling down around my ears and I really didn't have the energy it needed, but also partly because I never found a good venue to sell my work. I was much too upscale for the little neighborhood crafts fairs I went to (where they seemed to think I was embellishing purchased fabric) but couldn't swing the major shows where my work would have been at home.
Fast forward 20 years. Enter the internet, Etsy, Artfire, venues where I can open a shop with few pieces, replenish as I sell, and reach an audience that understands handwork.
I have also learned tablet weaving. This allows me to make very decorative narrow bands, with which I can make accessories. I'm thinking of weaving bands and making them into belts, key fobs, possibly ID lanyards, other accessories - a bit different from the beaded ones around now, attractive and unusual. I'm looking at threaded in patterns for commercial use - at least to start. And I am mostly thinking of purely modern uses - I'm not going into competition with SCA merchants!
I've also had an opportunity to buy a used loom very like the one I used to have. With this, I will be able to weave fabric - placemats, towels and scarves, such as I used to make, and fabric to cut and sew into other items.
I will let people know when I actually open shop. After that, I will *not* spam my friends list... I am, however, using Stringlady as a business name, so I may lock posts, or, if people seem to be finding this, post an occasional "If that's what you're looking for, look over here!" notice.
Meanwhile - this is work I can do on my own schedule, when I can work. What I am making is different enough that I think it should sell.