A new week starts.

I am ready for whatever this week throws at me. I have plans to dye and crochet all week to get new stock in the store. Fingering weight skiens. This yarn is a beautiful 100% merino sock yarn that will make cozy cozy socks and other projects. I am feeling very much in the spirit of fall and the upcoming holidays, ( not halloween) and hope to dye with that in mind.


Also check out this lady on artfire she has osme great things for sale and a 20% coupon to celebrate fall. start getting ready for christmas you knwo how it likes to sneak up on us.

http://www.artfire.com/users/jewelrybyandrea

A new store front

I have just opened a new store in the hopes of some more traffic. Artfire.com is a cool place to find handmade unique items very similar to etsy. I am under the same name.

You can find a coupon for 25% off in store this week to celebrate the opening. come on over and check out this stie, holiday season will be here before we know it.

www.spunshinefibers.artfire.com

October fest

Its october and what better time to celebrate than Octoberfest.

For the whole month of October you will reciev a free gift with every purchase from the store.

Many new items being added daily.
stop by and see whats new dont forget to use the code. Octoberfest in the notes to seller to ensure you get your free gift.

School is in

School is in . I have been busy dyeing up some new colors, some of which have made it to the shop some not quite yet.

I have been experimenting with dyeing some school colors and have so far made up Jackson Elemnetary school and Live Oak high school. These are both local schools in Morgan Hill California, but I have noticed that the colors also follow some of the big teams and colleges out there.

I have also listed my first handknit item to the store and is so far getting lots of visists. I am working on more things for this. I have been madly trying to get baby doll clothes and bassinets listed thgouh time is not being my friend right now. what with kids and band and school stuff i get very little time to work.


I have made up a great raffle basket for the local school for thier icecream social tonight and have had lots of interested people so hopefully they will make some money on the raffle and we will start another knitter on her journey.

Off for now but stay tuned cos I am planning on working hard over the next couple of weeks to get things really moving.

school is nearly here

Yea school starts in just a little over a week. And with the start of school will come new yarns and fibers. Since the kids have been off from school I have had no time to dye, but they go back and I will be dyeing like a demon.

some new fibers coming, a chance to get some heavier weight yarns now that fall is almost upon us. I know that is weird I was in the craft store and they have the halloween stuff out already we are still in the high nineties everyday and not expected to drop below that for a long time yet. It takes a while to get used to that here , still on PA weather clock.

I have fabric to make new project bags and new needle cases and hope to introduce some other new things to. I am working on a cute little guy and maybe he will feature in the shop in the fal, still working on that.

I am encouraged to see so many new faces as hearts on etsy and hope to let them all know about the great thinsg coming to the store soon.

As always check to see whats going on the ravelry group spunshinefibers and join in the chatter.

1st shipment is ready

The first shipment of the Birthstone yarn club is shortly to be mailed. It will be leaving me monday morning. I am thrilled with the color for this month. I went with peridot and it came out so pretty. I chose to do stitch markers as the first extra and sent them in two sizes. for a total of 12 stitch markers. done in swawarski crystals peridot. they look great.

I am hoping once pics go up on ravelry that we will see a little more interest, but I am already excited to get the month dyed.

Once the kids go back to school I will be able tomuch more dyeing and get some new stock added to the store in time for the coming holiday rush..... people always start to think of christmas around september especially knitter swho make gifts, so i need to get some stock in.

the sale was a huge hit and i think i plan to have one for some other holidays and special occasions though maybe not such a huge discount we shall see.

The fiber club is not currently being purchased so nothing to report for that one but i hope soon. I ahve some great fibers all ready to go for it. including some dreamy bamboo top i just cant wait to try.

SALE SALE SALE. 50% OFF

The sale strats now. 4th of July through the 8TH of july. Everything in the store ( excluding yarn and fiber clubs and shipping) will be 50% off.

All prices will be as listed so no waiting for a refund. The price listed is the price you wil pay

Many new items have been added to the store for this. A stock clearance to make room for brand new stock coming.
Project bags, yarn, fibers, stitch markers. Everything.

start your holiday shopping early or just treat yourself.


Also new options onthe exsisting club and a new fiber club coming. you will now be able to choose weather or not to recieve the extras or if you would like to just recieve the yarn or fiber.
August is fast approaching and marks the first shipment I am excited to make a start on this projetc.

come out and celebrate the holiday with a huge sale.

www.spunshinefibers.etsy.com

New fibers dyed today. coming to the store this week will be four or more new colors. Superwash blue faced leicester . 4oz braids ready for you to spin into something gorgeous.
A super practical fiber. all the properties of wool and you can wash it to. love that.

a couple new yarns coming to and hopefully a couple new project bags.

sale starts at midnight july 4th and ends midnight july 8th. dont miss out. remember to tell your friends for a free gift. All they have to do is mention your name in the sellers notes and both of you will recieve a free gift.

phew where does the time go.

Hmmm where does the time go.

The yarn club is live and I have already had one sale wohoooo it is off to a flying start . Would love to see a couple more sign up before first shipment to make it fun for all. I am also going to do a fiber club, same idea dyed in the inspiration of the birthstone of the month, but you will be able to choose either yes i would love to get the knitting notion of the month or no thanks I am happy with just the fiber.

The PhatFiber box has gone on sale and many photos are going up with pics of my samples in them so I am happy to see that and hoping to see some traffic to the store from there.

AS the summer moves on I have decided to celebrate the 4th of July with my first sale and it is huge. Everything in the store with the exception of Fiber and yarn clubs will be 50% off yes you did indeed read that right. 50% off everything. And if you are on ravelry and part of the group for spunshinefibers. You have a chance to get other free goodies. Invite a friend or 2 to look at the store if the buy they mention your name and rav id in the sellers notes and you will both recieve a free gift.

I have also been working hard one new things for the store. I have new yarns and a new circular needle case along with project bags and stitch markers

I am also very excited as I have a new outlet for my handspun yarns. An alpaca farmer from ALabama is taking my yarns in exchange for lots of lovely fibers. So many lovely and interesting ones. So I am finally starting to look like I may be able to make somewhat of a go of this and am looking eargerly toward the next few months to see what else I can achieve. It is slow but going so I am happy

SO after some serious thinking and planning I am going to do it I am going to start a yarn club.

A few sneaky details, remember it is still in the works.

You will recieve a different weight of yarn each month, enough for a small project, socks hats, mittens, a small shawl etc. You will also recieve another knitting notion, it may be a project bag it may be stitch markers, it will be handmade. You will be able to sign up for 3 month increments. It will have to be paid in advance to ensure I have enough supplies. But it will be fun. There may be extras like small samples of other yarns I carry, interesting knitting things I see on my travels thinsg like that.

I am going to start the club to ready for first shipment in september. This will give me plenty of time to know if it is going to be popuplar enough to have. I will start with 6 spots and hopefully add more if needed later. It is going to be based around birthstone colors. Each birthstone has few different stones and I will choose the inspiration. It may solid it may be semi solid or it may be varigated it will be a surprise each month.

I will start ravelry group for us to talk about the club and hoepfully entice others to join.

Eyes here and we will begin soon.

thinking

I am thinking today of some of the ways I can improve sales and exposure. I am thinking about a sock club. start small with maybe 6 slots and see where it goes. I am thinking of doing a birthstone club, or a foodie club. each month you would recieve a skien of yarn and another thing be it a project bag, some stitch markers, something along those lines. perhaps even a wine themed thing. just throwing some thoughts around at the moment.

Samples sent

I have managed to get all my samples dyed, labeled, packaged and sent out. They are now with Jessie and the PhatFiber team to place in boxes and ship when ready. I am so excited to hear what everyone thinks about them. The theme this month was Mid summer Nights Dream and the color way I dyed up was called " Midnight Parfait." A pretty blend of blues and pinks and purples.

I am hoping this will yeild one or two sales and will be a good start for SpunShineFibers. Being part of this group gives me many advertising opportunities not only from people who buy the boxes but from people who sign up for the email alerts and therefore get into the site. As well as youtube video showing a sneak preview, and a button linked to my store on their contributor site. This could be really good.

I am plannning on sending in samples as often as I can. And am looking forward to getting things to gether for next months theme.

If you are interested in buying a box from jessie. check out http://www.phatfiber.com and sign up for email alerts and coupons

My first sale wohooo

I made my very first etsy sale this week. It was super exciting to see that little blinking light telling . I am very excited to see and hear what becomes of the fiber I sent out.

I have been working hard on background things this week, graphics and banners photos etc for the upcoming (fast) Phat Fiber box. I am going to submit samples for junes box, the theme this time around is Midsummer Nights dream one of my fav plays so lots to think about for colors.

I am hoping to get yarn for that this week have it dyed and sent out by early the folowing week, will be sure to post pics for you to see a preview before it goes to the box.

I am also hoping to be able to make it to the city this coming weekend to talk with Jenny in SF knitting supply about the possiblity of my teaching there. i have not taught since I have been in CA and miss it alot, always fun to work with people and give them a sense of accomplishment, skills are not hard just learned. I am hoping she will like the way I teach and find a spot for me.

Not alot more news so I will sign off.

keep checking the store new things being added all the time.

suns out

The sun is out and yesterday I recieved a box of lovely soft fiber and yarn. My merino bamboo to dye for ( pardon the pun) is so soft and shiny i could nt wait to get started with it. ANd the cashmerino sock wow wow wow it is soft and so lovely done up in skeins of 435yrds plenty for that luxury pair of socks or a beautiful shawl, or pehaps smething special for the new baby in your life.

I have done 2 skeins of yarn so far and 2 lots of fiber. only one pic i m afraid camera died but will get more done tomorow.

handspun coming to the store

new colors ???

I ordered some new dyes from a new company this morning and am hoping they will be good. i order a pallette called springtime and one called summertime. summer has watermelon cantoupe and other summery things and spring had spearmint and ice. sounds good huh.

will let you know when they come

coming soon

I have just placed an order for some yummy new things. be on the look out for Bamboo Merino spinning fiber and all it has to offer. Bamboo takes the dyes very differently to merino and has a wonderful sheen and softness, I am excited to see what I can do with that. And Cashmerino sock yarn, sock strong and gorgeous. This will be my premium sock yarn base. It will be coming out at around $22 a skein but should be lovely.

So we now wait for the mail man and hopefully new stuff by the end of the week. keep checking back to see new colors about to hit the store. Also I will be posting about 5 skeins of handspun sometime this week.

New News News

I am soo excited. My yarns and fibers are now being carried in a yarn store in the city. Jenny from SF kntting supply has decided to take a risk and try out carrying my yarns in her store. This is a huge opportunity for me and my new venture. I have a total of 26 yarns and 14 fibers currently on sale there. The store offers many classes for all levels and is in great location right by the beach and not far from the zoo so you can make a day of the visit

I am hoping that this will be a great success for both of us.
You can visit to touch and feel for real at

SF knitting supply, 3811 Noreiga street, San Fransisco, CA

or online at www.sfknittingsupply.com

The store is live

Announcing the opening of my etsy store. I have placed just a few things for sale so far. But you can check it out at www.spunshinefibers.etsy.com

come on by and see whats going on

dont forget to tell all your friends to stop by.

new things....

I have had lots of fun this week. A new yarn shiopment with some different fibers and weights. A chance to play afround with more colors. I have been experimenting alot with the depth of colors available and have been surprised with some of my results. All in a good way.

My husband has spent alot of time getting my logo done and buisness cards printed for me and we are hoping to get labels for the yarns done this week. He has been amazing through all of this. Even when I get unsure of weather or not I can make it.

I have been checking out places to sell my yarns along with my etsy store. I am looking into a booth at the Oakland Fiber festival but am unsure, the cost seems quite prohibitive for someone just starting out and I am not sure I can fill a booth the size they have laid out. I will also need a table and a gazebo thing and am not sure I want to outlay that much for something I may never do again. when I started this journey I had decided that I did not want to do craft fairs , as been there done that with other things in the past and have had little or no luck at them. However the fiber industry is much different and it seems to all be about the indie dyers. If I could do this it would give me alot of exposure and I would be able to get my name out there. On the other hand it may back fire horribly and I may make nothing and fail miserably, ( my worst fears). So I will continue to ponder and hopefully talk to him a little more about it when he returns from Europe. He does after all hold the purse strings in all of this

The sun is shining

The sun is shining. Let the dyeing commence...

Its raining...

Rain rain rain this week. I have not been able to get much done this week due to the rain. It means I have no chance to get anything dry. I have not been idle though, I have spent the week readying supplies in order to dye dye dye when the weather turns nice again. Hopefully tomorow or friday.

I have done one or two new things but no sun to take pics in. A couple of new swatches to put up and a couple new fibers along with one new skein of yarn all await eargerly the chance to be photographed.

I just took delivery of a huge box of new yarns and cant wait to get going. 3 different types of sock yarn. a bulky and a worsted also.

I have had my paper work sent to the state for my license and it should only be a matter of days now before it comes back. My husband has designed the perfect logo for me and I hope to be printing out yarn labels tonight along with business cards.

Also I have been offered the chance to set up an etsy day at the local coffee shop and waiting to hear back from etsy sellers in Morgan Hill in order to get this going . It should be a good opportunity for some sales as this coffee shop has alot of traffic over the weekends and there are restuarants and ice cream shops there too. I am excited by this and hope we can do it before the kids finish school for the summer.

I am also hoping to be accepted to send samples into Phat Fiber either for the may session or the june one again it depends on the state office filling out my forms.... and we all know how long they take to do anything.

So even though the weather is not playing nice there is tons going one behind the scenes. I really want to get going now.

The Pics.

Also managed to dye up a lot of fiber yesterday it is dry , braided and looking great. The sun cooperated for pictures today so follows pics of most of what I have done including one skein of hanspun which I am relunctant to list as it came out soo good.

A little more

I had been given soem polworth yarn a while ago and I thought I would see how it dyed up. Not the softest yarn but I think it will be a good hat yarn. I have 2 skeins each 240yrds. iT took the dye wonderfully and I am very pleased with how they both came out. One an amber hweat color and the second one that reminds me of stormy seas, all churned up green and blues and whites.

The sun came out

The sun came out

The sun finally came out enough for me to take some pics of all the new things I have been working on.

A new fiber to try out corriedale did not dissapoint it took the dye beautifully and came out better than I could have hoped. Some new colors soft and delicate and others more intense.

These wil all be available in the shop soon. DBA came back as name is ok so far a couple more checks and we should be good to go. It is coming along fast and I am excited to make a start with the shop.

A good start to the week.

Monday and the week is starting on a very good note. Saturday was spent at the spin weave dye expo. I purchased many yummy things including some really yummy corriedale fiber for dyeing. I have big plans for that. Also watch out for some soft soft soft handpsun angora, i purchased 8oz of it and cant wait to put it on my wheel. Alogn with some yak and silk blend in beautiful turquoise colors but I think daughter wants that for herself

This morning out for coffee at my local coffee shop and I took along my stuff to show a friend and see what she thought. SHe loved loved loved it and took a sample to try out and see how it comes out. whilst there the lady who runs the coffee shop asked what we were talking about and I showed her very impressed she goes on to tell me a while ago lady cam in talking about wanting to get a few etsy sellers together and have a sale of goods. I perk up at this and ask if she had the ladys name so i could get in on it. And was told she never came back to set it up but coffee shop lady was very interested in getting something going and would be more than happy to have us there. So once my etsy shop is live I plan to ask around and get it going. We could really make it a good day there is tons of space to set up and it is very busy during that weekend days.

This is just what I had been thinking of trying to organise and it seems that it will be well recieved by locals. I plan to advertise both in town and on the web, Ravelry and etsy alike along with Face book. Should be good.

I have applied for my licenses and they should be done with in a week.

I have new stuff being syed all the time and cant wait for the sun shine so i can take more pics.

anyway just a quick catch up and some new info.

SpunShine Fibers is on its way

SpunShine is born

I am starting this blog to detail my account of my fiber obsession and how it has grown from a small basket by the side of the couch to the huge out of control monster it has become today.

I have decided that my obsession of knitting and spinning is not enough, along with running a house and 3 kids, and after not very careful consideration have decided to dye my own fiber and yarns. I have done a little in the past but now want to go and see if I can sell what I make. I love how the colors in your mind can make plain yarn and fiber sing.

So where am I in the process. I have decided on a company name, I have made roads though not completed the application for DBA and hope to finish that this week. I have the forms ready to go for the sellers permit and application for Id number for sales tax.

I have even started to get some stock together. This morning dyed up 3 different fiber colors and yesterday some small sample skeins of yarn about 20 yrds each.

The yarn was done in mostly purple and yesterday was not sure I liked it today after putting it back into tiny skiens it looks great.

The fiber were done in "strawberry lemonade", "sour apple green candy", and " Berry Blast" all currently drying in the California sunshine, they look great vibrant and exciting.

I also have about 4 ounces of merino top on the wheel and hope to be able to take that off maybe tonight or tomorow. In a gorgeous Muberry wine color shot through with blues and maroons. It is spinning up about a lace to light fingering and will be plied with itself to make a fingering to sport weight.

So thats today and waiting on delivery of more yarn and a couple more dyes to get me going I hope to achieve more later this week.

Am also excited to be attending the CNCH.org this weekend in hopes of finding some fun fibers for handspinning.

I am looking forward to keeping this updated with regular additions and hope to be able to get my online sales up and live with in 6 weeks or so.