Kate's Cache Craft Blog

So very long!

2011-07-06T13:31:00.000-04:00

It has been since December since I posted here. I am ashamed.... Time just goes by much too quickly and my life isn't that exciting......I guess that is a good thing in a way! :-)

The last so many months, I have visited my kids and grandkids several times and I am about to make another trip this week. The Grandmas(mother-in-law and myself) are on our way to save the day! We are going to help my daughter with her daughter while Daddy is on his once a year fishing trip. I really am dreading the trip.......NOT. I just can't wait to hold Vivian and see my Ade.

Ade is now the big girl at 4 yrs of age. She is such a joy and such a whip!!! She has many things lined up for me to play with her.....as always!

As far as the crafting.....always busy. Finding new patterns, new yarns, new fabrics......all very exciting!

A friend told me about a new yarn shop(Yarns by Design) in Oakmont, PA. It is a wonderful shop filled with beautiful yarns and patterns. It is located near an awesome bakery (Oakmont Bakery). So beside having a treat for my crafting at the yarn shop, I also have a treat for my tummy at the Bakery! Just couldn't ask for more!

Holiday Sales

2010-12-21T07:29:00.000-05:00

I have had a wonderful holiday selling season on Etsy this year! Mostly custom orders and a couple of stock sales.

My Artfire shop is not doing well. Only two sales and one non payment sale. I still have to give it more time and I also need to post more items in it which I plan to do once the holidays are over.

Just wasn't enough time to make the custom orders and promote and get ready for the holidays. There are only so many hours in the day.... But one of my new years goals is to get more new items made for both shops and to do more promoting. I am sure I will have more time to do those things once the holidays are over because sales will probably drop to zero. Unfortunately, I can see the trend already as I haven't had a sale for two weeks. Of course,Christmas is only 3 days away! So I can't blame anyone!!!

Anyway, I am very grateful for the sales that I have had. Hopefully, people will continue to buy throughout the year.

Merry Christmas to all and a Happy, Healthy New Year!

Artfire Shop

2010-10-09T14:26:00.000-04:00

Well, I jumped in and opened an Artfire shop. http://www.artfire.com/users/katecache

Hopefully, something will click! It's been very slow lately. Other people have been posting the same frustrating posts on the forums so I guess I shouldn't feel so bad. Misery loves company!

I also have some of my items in a local shop. Cochran Mills Merchantile. With all that exposure, I sure hope I have a good holiday season.

A New Granddaughter

2010-10-09T14:22:00.000-04:00

I am so very happy to welcome Vivian Kathleen to our family! My sweet granddaughter was born 10/1/10. I can't wait to hold and love her.....

She was the bright spot in a rather crazy week. We found out we needed a new furnace and the work week was just off the charts.

I already started to make things for her as I do for my other granddaughter. I love finding new projects to make for them.

Outer Banks

2010-08-28T08:55:00.000-04:00

After not going to the beach for quite a few years, My husband and I joined our daughter, Stephanie, her husband, Ryan and our granddaughter, Ade in the Outer Banks. It was so good to be at the beach again! The weather was wonderful and we had a great time with our Ade! It is such a wonder to see things through a child's eyes!

And the ultimate surprise for a yarn lover, an awesome yarn shop! I could have spent an entire day in the shop! That certainly topped off my vacation! I, of course, had to buy yarn and patterns! I don't have enough of either, you know! :-)

Baby Shower

2010-08-04T12:35:00.000-04:00

Well, Jenna's baby shower was wonderful.. for which I am very grateful. I certainly enjoyed making the centerpieces and favors but I am also glad that it is over and I can now concentrate on my Etsy shop again.

I managed to get three orders in the last couple of weeks. Two Hedwig the Owls. You can tell the new Harry Potter movie is soon to be released. I just finished the last one today and mailed it out.

Onward to Halloween and Christmas items......

Another Blog Feature

2010-07-13T16:42:00.000-04:00

I am so excited to be included in another blog as the feature shop! It is a very nice site and I am offering a giveaway to help promote the occasion.

I am keeping my fingers crossed that it will draw customers to my site and hopefully bring some sales!

Sales aside, though, it is always nice for the ego to be recognized for your talent...makes all the work (shouldn't really say work because it is a joy) worthwhile.....

Here is the link:

http://women-prenuergalore.blogspot.com/2010/07/feature-of-kates-cache-from-etsy.html

Crafty Mom to the Rescue

2010-06-27T11:20:00.000-04:00

I'm excited to be going to NC to see my kids at the end of this week. My daughter, Jenna, needs some assistance in getting the nursery ready for the new little angel. Crafty Mom to the rescue!

She has many projects lined up for me. But she also promises some fun outings, too. I'm looking forward to spending some one on one time with my baby who is having a baby!

Not to leave out my other daughter and my precious Ade! Always a joy to be with them.....
I am sooo lucky that (if they aren't close to home)they live close to each other and I get to see all of them with one visit.....

Maybe the Drought is Over

2010-06-02T20:34:00.000-04:00

After two months of no sales and much promoting and forum posting. I have been listed in 5 treasuries in two weeks! I also may have a sale pending. Yea!

Being featured in all those treasuries is a real ego boost and a validation of my work. It would be wonderful if it translates into some sales.

On the grandma front....I've been busy planning my daughter's baby shower, making a quilt and various other baby girl things. I can't wait to meet my new little granddaughter!

My First Treasury

2010-05-23T06:54:00.000-04:00

Hey, I finally made a treasury! The theme was World Cup Soccer so my "Go for the Goal" teddy bear was included. I am so excited.....

On the home front, we found out that my daughter is expecting a girl! YEA! Since I am most comfortable with little girl babies and I can make so many things for her....I already have many things in mind for her. Just finding all the time to do the projects! But I will make a very good stab at it!

Why Can't I remember to Post on my Blog

2010-05-02T08:41:00.000-04:00

I guess I don't remember because no one looks at it.....why spend the time.

I have been trying to list new things on my Etsy site and also the big news is I am going to be a grandma again! My youngest daughter is due in Oct. I am so excited...... We won't know what gender it is until the 11th. I can't wait since my other daughter and I are planning the shower and I is so hard to do without knowing the baby's sex. And I need to get busy making many things for the new baby!

Etsy sales have been very slow. My last sale was a month ago. I have been doing quite a bit of promoting and several wonderful people have mentioned me on their blogs. I have been getting regular traffic to my site but no "cigar" I guess I will just keep plugging away. I do enjoy it immensely!

I will post when we know what my little grandbaby will be....

It's Been Awhile-Happy Easter

2010-04-04T10:12:00.000-04:00

It's been quite awhile since my last post. Mostly I just forget about doing it....

It has been absolutely beautiful here the last several days! Temps in the 70's and 80's. I just LOVE it! I am definitely a sunny warm weather person!

Today, I posted two new things to Etsy. My sales have been about one or two a month. Not setting the world on fire but at least I know that people are going to the shop....

I have gotten some really cute knitting patterns lately and I can't wait to try them out. Right now, I am finishing a little red riding hood doll for my granddaughter to take to her when I visit this week. That is always a joy for me.

Happy Easter!

Maybe Spring will finally come

2010-03-07T11:26:00.000-05:00

It's been awhile since I have posted. Been busy, been sick...

But the last several days have actually been sunny in PA. Miracles do happen! Unfortunately, I have been sick for the last week and today was the first chance I have been out of the house...was only to go grocery shopping but I got out!

It's been a very tough winter-snow, snow and then more snow.....The birds are actually singing today. I guess they are grateful for the sunshine, also!

These sunny days make you believe that Spring is close at hand...sure hope so......

Another Sale

2010-02-05T16:06:00.000-05:00

After a bit of a drought, I finally got another sale. It really boosts the spirits! Especially in the middle of the worst snowstorm in Pa since 2003! Oh well, knitting will keep me warm and busy!

Waiting for Another Sale

2010-01-30T07:37:00.000-05:00

It's been awhile since my last sale. I have been working to promote and also add new things to the shop. Also, I have been busy filling a three bear order from a wonderful customer. That order really gave me heart!

The weather here has been really nasty and the only good thing about nasty weather is it forces you to stay in and get things accomplished! Like working on income taxes(yuck) and cleaning closets and drawers that are long overdue.....I also need to reevaluate my yarn stash and make a trip to the local Salvation Army.

I guess this will all keep me busy as I am waiting for another sale....

Featured Shop

2010-01-26T06:45:00.000-05:00

Today I am featured on http://audreyscountrycrafts.blogspot.com/
I am so excited to have someone notice my work and actually want to feature my shop on their site! It is a real honor and ego boost!

I also have to admit that I am hoping to get some sales from the notice. After all, why have a shop if not to sell your handiwork? The extra publicity should certainly help.

I am very grateful to Audrey for doing the feature on her wonderful blog. Thank you Audrey!

A Month Since Christmas

2010-01-24T13:33:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it has been a whole month since Christmas! I really didn't have a Christmas since I was sick for most of the holiday and my kids weren't home. So I keep waiting for Christmas.......another eleven months.....

I have been busy with my Etsy shop. A customer that bought my Steeler bear liked it so much that she ordered two more bears in different colors for gifts. That was wonderful! Also, I have been making new things for my shop on regular basis and I am continuing the promoting so I hope that all translates into more sales.

I know that it is getting viewed so that makes me happy. Someone at some point will like an item enough to buy it....

Hopefully, I won't have to wait eleven months for my next sale! :-)

Happy New Year!

2010-01-03T10:32:00.000-05:00

It has been awhile since I have written any posts. The holidays were busy as they always are...
We visited my family in North Carolina the week before Christmas which was wonderful but I really missed them for the actual holiday. Although, I was sick for most of Christmas and it seemed like Christmas just passed by this year. Which is very sad since I truly love the Christmas season.

I was pleased with the amount of sales I made on my Etsy site. I even had some international sales which was wonderful. Hopefully, it will continue throughout the year. I have done some more promoting with the start of the new year and I have several new items to post on the site with ideas for many more. Just need the time to do it all!

More Sales!

2009-11-28T06:42:00.000-05:00

Once again the Etsy fairy visited me! This time there are three sales! I just can't believe it!
Although, all three sales were to the same person, it is still very exciting. Also the fact that the person was from Italy, the country of my cultural heritage, has made it very special.

I guess the promoting is paying off. I better get busy and make some more product! I certainly don't want an empty shop.

I Made A Sale!

2009-11-23T05:29:00.000-05:00

Well, I did it! I made another sale on my Etsy shop! I almost didn't check my computer last night before I went to bed but something told me that I should. Pisst, maybe it was the Etsy Fairy.........

Thank you, Etsy Fairy! Please visit me again real soon!

Yarn, Yarn, Yarn

2009-11-15T09:37:00.000-05:00

There are so many yarns to pick from when you decide to make a new project. I tend to go back again and again to my favorites. Whether it is the variety of colors or the texture, certain yarns just do it for me!

If you are going to spend the time and effort(an enjoyable effort) to make your project, you want to have a pleasing experience. Your favorite yarns can make it a pleasing experience where as some yarns can make you crazy and seem to make the work exactly that-work!

Not to say that I always use the same yarns, as new and improved yarns are coming on the market all the time. However, my favorite for now is Vanna White's line of yarns for Lion Brand. The texture is soft and plyable and there is a great color selection. And of course, the price is great.

One yarn that I tend to stay away from, although there is a wide selection of beautiful colors, is Lion Brand Homespun. I have used it many times before but I just seem to have trouble with splitting of the fibers with that particular yarn. It may be me. however, and how I crochet and knit.

I have tried many other yarns as dictated by the current project. Some expensive, some not. It is all in the feel of the yarn. Whatever makes your project a joy to do.

Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat. Please put a penny in my Etsy shop!

2009-11-07T08:12:00.000-05:00

To paraphase the old Christmas song!

After spending the last couple of weeks promoting, I think I now need to spend the majority of my time making some more things for my shop and also get some Christmas gifts made. Time is running out!

I really hope I will make a few sales over the holidays! A penny in my Etsy shop? Anyone?

Promoting, Promoting

2009-11-02T16:59:00.000-05:00

The last week or so; whenever I get time, I have methodically gone through a list of 50 sites that allow you to post your shop site for free. While some of the sites will not work for my situation, most are what I am hoping and praying I need to start bringing traffic to my site and ultimately result in some holiday sales.

It has been a journey in the workings of the internet. I am learning things I never thought I would learn as I am not a very techno savy person. However, I am proud of myself for accomplishing this. As of now I have registered with around 25 of the sites. I still have a few more to check into and a few to go back to. It also turns out that several are not totally free after all.

I will persevere and keep my fingers crossed that it helps!

The Joy of Knitting and Crocheting

2009-10-29T10:37:00.000-04:00

There is nothing more exciting for a yarn enthusiast then to find a new yarn shop ,get a new yarn catalog in the mail or find a new website on the internet. The explosion of colors! The unending number of materials from which the yarn is made. Wool, Alpaca, bamboo, mohair, cotton and the new organic materials so you can be earth friendly as you pursue your joyous hobby.

What is more wonderful then the tactile feel of yarn as you work it on your hook or needles! And then, not to forget, the unbelievable amount of patterns in which you can use this marvelous yarn....it is mind boggling in a very good way!!!

For myself, I enjoy making dolls, toys and holiday items. I envision the person that I am making the item for as I knit or crochet.

This time of year is especially crazy for the crafter. We enjoy making gifts but also if you have a shop, online site or craft show, they need to be stocked too.....busy, busy....joy, joy!!!

Back from North Carolina

2009-10-27T17:49:00.001-04:00

We just got back from NC where my two daughters and granddaughter live. It is always so hard to leave them. Especially my two year old Adelaide. She is such a joy! And she really adores her Gamma and Gampa(not to brag)!

Being a grandparent is absolutely wonderful! You love them and spoil them and let the parents do the hard stuff! However, living 8 hours away is torture! Not a short jaunt. You feel so helpless when someone calls and they are sick or life dealt them a nasty blow and you can't be there to comfort them and give them a kiss on their forehead.

We have the house up for sale to rectify that problem. But with the market the way it is, we are playing the waiting game. Hopefully, something will work out soon. Before Ade is too busy for Gamma and Gampa!

Paws for the Cure

2009-10-18T12:34:00.000-04:00

This morning I got up at 5:00 to go to Hartwood Acres to help my hubbie man the Best Buy booth for "Paws for the Cure." It was really a great experience (except for the muddy conditions).

If you are a dog lover as I am, then that was the place to be. So many beautiful dogs and very proud owners. Nothing pleases a dog owner more or makes their chest swell with pride, as having their dog praised. I debated about taking my two furkids because I know that they would have gottens some ohs and ahs but I am glad now that I didn't. We all would have been mud covered and I don't really think they would have appreciated the cold. Neither did I!

It was a wonderful cause and a very good turnout and I am glad that I was part of it all.......

The Etsy Fairy

2009-10-17T07:07:00.000-04:00

Every morning when I get up before I even feed my dogs, bunny, parakeet or myself, I turn on my laptop to see if the Etsy fairy visited me over night. I scan through my emails looking for the prize- Did some good soul out there in cyber space care enough about my handiwork to purchase it?

Unfortunately, most of the time, the Etsy Fairy does not dain to sprinkle her magic fairy dust on my email. But the rare occasion when she does see fit to visit me is OH SO WONDERFUL!

PLEASE Etsy Fairy come visit me more often!!!

Weather made for Knitting

2009-10-15T16:39:00.000-04:00

Another typical rainy PA day. Dreary, cold, gray! The bright spot in a day like that is staying home, curled up on the couch with a steaming cup of tea and knitting or crocheting in hand. Of course, the dogs curled up beside me is a definite plus....

Another Sale on Etsy

2009-10-14T07:28:00.000-04:00

I woke up on Monday morning and checked my email as I always do. I was thrilled to find that I had sold my Steeler bear on Etsy! I had only posted him on Saturday so I was especially happy about the sale.

That makes four whole sales since January when I opened my shop! If you are an etsian, then you know the exhilaration you feel when you make a sale. I felt great the whole day! It makes you want to tell strangers on the street....I MADE A SALE ON ETSY!!!

Now, I just hope it continues. I am pinning my hopes on the Christmas season.

Will anyone make it FIVE WHOLE SALES?

Rivers Casino

2009-10-11T12:09:00.000-04:00

My hubbie and I went to the new Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh yesterday. It was a great place. Not that we have a lot of disposable income to gamble, but playing the occasional slot machine is fun and something out of the ordinary.

The casino was clean and shiny new! The employees were very friendly and helpful and it was just wonderful to park in the garage FREE!

We got our players card so we will definitely go back to rack up some more points! And they even gave us a free clip holder for the card! How great is that? Even the more posh casinos in Atlantic City don't give you a free clip holder! LOL

Work Hard for the Non-Existent Money!

2009-10-08T17:16:00.000-04:00

I am trying very hard not to be discouraged over the lack of sales on my Etsy shop. I am telling myself that the Christmas season is coming and surely I will get some sales! I have posted new items regularly and I have been trying to promote as well as a novice promoter can.

I have been knitting and crocheting my little fingers to the bone! I love it, though! And I would do it no matter what, but a little validation would be wonderful!!!

What an evening!

2009-10-05T17:09:00.000-04:00

The Steeler game was great! What an experience! The stadium, the people, the players! The Pittsburgh skyline was gorgeous and so was the big, full Harvest moon that kept peaking out from behind the clouds!

Steeler Game

2009-10-04T12:14:00.000-04:00

I have wanted to go to a Steeler game for quite awhile, but the tickets are very expensive and hard to get since the team is on such a winning streak. It would be a new experience for me. One of many that my husband and I have had this year. Renaissance Fair, Science Center, PNC Park, Strip District.... We have lived near Pittsburgh all our lives and are just now starting to venture there. Better late then never!

Fortune was with me and I was able to get two tickets for tonight's game. Due to, of all things, an impromptu dental visit. A root extraction that I had a week earlier was bothering me, so I stopped in at my regular dentist's office to have him check it. He is a big sports fan and we started talking about the Steelers.
I mentioned how I would love to go to a game sometime and he gave me his tickets for this game. I couldn't believe it! What a great guy!

Blogging

2009-10-02T13:50:00.000-04:00

I am so very new to this blogging phenom. I would like to go on other sites and blog but I am not quite sure where to start and where to go. I am told that it really helps to get your Etsy site seen. So I am attempting to do the best I can with it.

I am totally committed to making my Etsy site a success. For me a success, is making several sales each month. Of course, more would be great but I am trying to be realistic. Crafters really don't get rich on their crafts. We do it for the pure joy of crafting!

Etsy Critiques

2009-09-28T17:49:00.000-04:00

I am really starting to enjoy the Etsy experience. So many interesting people....I reallly like the forums especially the Critique area. People are so very helpful and complimentary.

I am finding that it is such a learning experience. Promoting, commenting. Such a varied amount of things to do beside actually producing the crafts that you hope with all your heart will sell.

Another rainy day in PA

2009-09-27T13:36:00.000-04:00

We have had no summer this year in PA. Now it seems we are jumping right into Fall. I don't mind a nice clear,sunny, cool fall day but the gray, cloudy day is so very depressing and dreary. That is all we seem to have here.

Aside from the weather, I have had a busy Sunday. Washing clothes, hanging drapes, working on the budget(always fun) and now hoping to do some marketing for my Etsy shop and then watching the Steelers and knitting. Not much else to do in this type of weather.......

Renaissance Fair

2009-09-21T16:37:00.000-04:00

My husband and I went to a local Renaissance Fair on Saturday. The weather was beautiful and we had a great time. Definitely a different side to life. People get very caught up in the costumes and atmosphere. We couldn't tell who worked at the fair and who were visitors.

Now is the best part of the day for me as a crafter. Taking a hot bath, putting on my jammies and plopping myself on the couch with my dogs, my knitting and my soapies!

2009-09-16T20:07:00.000-04:00

I am a Dental baby! I have a definite fear of the dentist chair. Today, I had to have a root extraction but fortunately, the dentist is a wonder and he did it in 10 mins.

It is sore but not too bad. The worst soreness comes from where he gave me the shots. Also, the taste in my mouth is awful.....

First day back at work

2009-09-14T16:30:00.000-04:00

You need a vacation from your vacation! The first day back is always tough. The desk is piled high with work and it's hard to get back into the groove. The day goes fast but I'm still anxious to get home to my current knitting project....

My first blog!

2009-09-13T10:00:00.000-04:00

Well, I finally have a blog! I really hope this helps my Etsy and Heavenly Intentions sales. I realize that I know very little about blogging and such but I will hopefully learn.

I really want to share my joy of crafts! Especially the yarn crafts-knitting and crocheting.
I have tried almost all crafts through the years-cross stitch, sewing, rug hooking,Dip-N-Drape,jewelry making, doll making, etc, etc. But my real and lasting love is knitting and crocheting.

I get such a sense of happiness when I sit down in the evenings to knit or crochet with my two dogs on each side of me! I look forward to it all day long.