FYI

Where do I get my yarn?

For the majority of my patterns I try to use a yarn that is good quality, washes and wears well, and is readily available. My favorite acrylic is I Love This Yarn (Litteraly I Do Love It, YES its that great!), buy I will also use Vanna's Choice from time to time. Especially if I am needing something a little bit more sturdy for a pattern I am working! They are both very soft and readily available in mostcraft stores. I get mine at  Hobby Lobby, which by the way you can order from ONLINE! Yeah!  As for delicious hand spuns...well, I am not completely committed to only one supplier, I usually go to Etsy. I mean really, there are so many amazing fiber artists out there with so many delicious yarn choices I can't commit! You can find tons on Etsy as mentioned, as well as Ravelry and ArtFire. When looking I typically search with words such as 'handpun', ‘thick thin’, ‘thick and thin hand spun’, ‘hand spun merino’ etc... I am totally obsessed with 2 ply worsted! Remember Google is your friend. Search it, you’ll find a ton. Promise!

I do tend to only order one my first time to try yarns, to be sure that I like the product without a huge investment. Nothing worse than buying a ton of yarn only to get it and have it be smaller weight than you thought or to smell like smoke or other stinky stuff! 

{Sidenote: I have not received any perks from these shops mentioned,  I just love their stuff and like to have shops to send you all too!  With that being said I have no problem accepting free yarn in return for my opinion shared here :) soooo if you want to send me some feel free}

How do you get professional pictures??

Photographers!

In my opinion photos are the second most important thing to selling well, only behind selling a good product. How do I get professional photos? A lot of people will have different answers and/or recommendations. My best advice is to do what works best for YOU!  What works best for me or for someone else, may not be best for your shop.  

1.) Trade: I think this is the most common way people get photos, it is also the most common way to get screwed over. You send off the item to a photographer in exchange for a few photos of the item. Typically this is a straight trade, item for photos, no money. Typically these photos will be watermarked.

2.) Photographer discount: offer items at a discounted price in exchange for final photos. A lot of people will discount a % or the complete price after receipt of the photos. This is probably the safest route as far as not sending an item out and never receiving pictures but you’d have to find a photographer willing to pay up front.

Talk to your family photographer, they may be a great match for you. Look on Craigslist or other community forums. Typically (but not always), these are people just starting out, building their portfolio, etc... and more likely to be willing to work with you or even strike a deal.  I always check their work before contacting or committing to someone. They may email you asking to trade, you’re excited and race to the post office only to see their work later and not like it at all! ( I know! This has happened to me! Not Good!) In today’s world so many people think they are photographers, but may not be to that level yet. The first time I work with a new photographer I only send 1-2 items the first exchange. Again, you want to be sure you like their work, and that thier work co-insides your style, and that you actually get pictures back and in a timely manner! Time is very important to me! Especially when you are working on Holiday items!

The  photographers I am currently working  with are:

Renae with Snapdragon Photography

Katie with Katie Berkland Photography

Stephanie with Breath of Life Photography by Stephanie L. Brummer

They are awesome to work with and I have recived some Great photos from these Ladies!  You can check out some work of theirs that I have recieved in return for my Crochet work Here! They do amazing work! 

 How did you find selling success?

Hard work.  NO seriously! A lot of blood, sweat, tears,  sacrifice and money (Alot of $$$) went into getting my business to where it is. My family has been VERY  patient with me as well! I have found Support is KEY!  I started Eve.C.C. after my friends and family kept nudging me towards the thought!   I had little to zero knowledge about selling online.My key advise would be Use Common Scense! If you dont think something is a good idea business wise! Then you probably shouldn't do it! Somethings I have thought of ages ago and their still sitting on the shelf waiting their turn in line! If you really likie an idea of something and you not sure! Always ask for Feedback! Feedback is Key! It is always nice to see if something will do well before you invest alot of time and $$$.

With that said:

Do I know everything? Aboslutley Not

Do I fail? YES

For the most part I have had to learn as I have went along. Google is my friend and should become your friend too. If you know anyone who sells online ask for advise! The good "Friends" as I like to call them, will share the important info. They may not share all thier Dirty Little Secrets, and Hey who can blame them! Also, the internet is an amazing tool and can truly provide you with almost anything you are looking for! Use It!