Friday Roll Call

Confession: I had to look up whether it was “roll call” or “role call!” Turns out that’s a pretty popular Google query.

Today’s post will be a quick one. First, a short personal story from me. Then, a shout out to a new sponsor. And finally, a list of topics I would love for you to submit appropriate items for or personal stories/tips.

My husband was an incredibly smart man this Christmas. Among my gifts there was a gift certificate for coffee – having coffee out is one thing I virtually gave up to be able to stay home with my daughter – and the other was a gift certificate to the local yarn store! Even though this FREE YARN was burning a whole in my pocket, I lasted until today… two weeks, not too bad.

This store is totally intimidating to me because of its shear beauty. Shelf after shelf, stacked with chunky yarns, thin yarns, soft yarns, stiff yarns, yarns that are fuzzy, yarns that are smooth… pale colors, vivid colors, hand-painted, hand-dyed – so inspiring. The problem is it’s overwhelmingly inspiring! I had $30 to spend and my plan was to go straight to the loose patterns, pick one and find the right yarn for it. Too many patterns….and too much temptation to look at the yarn straight away.

Finally, I decided on a slightly thick/thin cashmere blend and bought 2 skeins. It has deep, opulent colors, from orange to violet to ruby to saphire.

I’ve already worked up a simple, everyday kind of scarf out of one skein. I have no idea what I’m going to do with the other! Suggestions? If you’re in the Reading area though, do stop by The Yarn Gallery in West Reading on Penn Ave. The staff is very helpful (and so are the two cocker spaniels!) and the selection is great.

I’m proud to announce that the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen has joined us as a sponsor! Please click their box to the right to find out about all the workshops they teach. I know there are several on my wish list…

Finally, here’s the “roll call” part of the Friday Roll Call. Each Friday, I plan to make a post like this one. It will include several topics for which I’m looking for suggestions: items, tips, techniques, stories. Please take a look at each item and let me know if you have something to contribute. If you’re included in the post on that topic, you’ll of course receive a link to your shop in the citation. This is a great way to get foot traffic to your site, as well as help out the Handmade in PA community.

Topics:

• Photographing items for sale. What is your number one, must-have technique? What is your favorite photograph of one of your projects? What sells an item in a photograph?
• Artisans in the Allentown/Lehigh Velley area.
• Artisans in the Erie area.
• Craft fairs. What are some upcoming craft fairs your participating in?
• Valentine’s Day gifts.

As always, thank you so much for reading. I look forward to your suggestions!

[contact-form]