Holy smokes, it’s already 2020! Can you believe it? It feels like 2019 just started, except it’s already over. I want to take this time to look at what Bubbles ‘n Stitches has accomplished since January 2019 to now. It’s always a good idea to take a look at your accomplishments. And once we’re done with that, I’m going to make some goals for 2020.
Are you as excited for 2020 as I am? Let’s start this new year off right with all the positive highlights of 2019.
What the Heck Happened in 2019?
Truly? What did Bubbles ‘n Stitches accomplish in 2019? Anything?
Of course I did! I did a lot, so let’s take a look at all the changes and goals met in 2019.
- I purchased my Second (+5 more) Knitting Machine! And on that knitting machine, I created a new product: Knitted ear flap and plain hats. These hats were a HUGE success. Thank you so much for loving them! I’m excited to learn more and make even cooler items for you on all 7 of my machines!
- I participated in 9 events! (Fingerlakes Celtic Festival; Keuka Arts Festival; Webster Waterfront Art Festival; Sunshine & Sunflowers; Palmyra Canal Town Days; Purple Painted Lady Festival; Cohocton Fall Foliage Festival; Canandaigua Christkindl Market; and FEA Fairport Holiday Craft Show)
- I made back the vending fee+ at every event. *In my book that’s a win!
- I surpassed my income goal of $4000. *Thank you for all your purchases and support!
- I helped write and publish 2 books. (Flower Loom in Bloom; Weaving Scarves and Cowls on the 10×60 Rectangle Loom)
- I started Google Adsense on my blog and made my first $10 of passive income!
There are so many little things too: I made a free brochure to hand out at events, created new business cards with new logo, found my booth theme (winter wonderland, yes this means snowmen in 90 degree weather), joined Empire Alpaca Association (YAY Alpaca socks!), made some online sales, reached over 1,500 views in one month on my blog, received my own business/craft room to work in, doubled my product making, and so many more little wins throughout the year.
Overall, I’d say 2019 was a SUCCESS! It would not have been possible without all the wonderful encouraging people in my life! I have a few shout outs:
My wonderful Boyfriend, Bret, now fiance, who tells me to go to my room and make money! HA! Honestly, I don’t know how I’ll ever be able to do events without him anymore. He gives me his strength and time to drive me to events, help me set up, and later break down. He never complains when I make him get the heavy tent from the basement. I love him and am excited to begin our next adventure together.
Miss Valerie of Eartherella! This amazing woman took me under her wing and has given me so much information, encouragement, and friendship. I can’t say enough amazing things about her. If you ever see her at an event, definitely take the time to check out her amazing products (soaps, lotions, candles, etc) and say hello!
Stoney Meadows Alpacas. If it wasn’t for Theresa Jewell asking me to help her at an event one faithful day all those years ago, I would never have thought to SELL my work. Yikes, it’s been a journey, and I’m looking forward to our partnership writing weaving pattern books and more in the future!
A few more shout outs and then I’m done, I promise! The Victor-Farmington Library Knitting Group, other amazing vendors at all the events I’ve participated in, Friends and Family (They’re starting to get it, love you all), and my fur children. Without everyone supporting my crazy idea to turn yarn into a business, I’d be no where.
2019 is now over. It is time to look to the future and see how far I can get in 2020! Here we go!
Hello 2020!
2020 has already started out right for me. If you didn’t catch it earlier, I’m engaged! I’m so happy to have such a wonderful man in my life that just gets it. How many men out there would let their girlfriend take over the entire house with looms, knitting machines, and yarn and be okay with it? And agree to getting alpaca, sheep, and more cats? Not many if you ask me. I’m one lucky girl.
And on the 4th, I officially started as a full time Mail Carrier for the USPS! I usually do not advertise my day job, but I’m excited to finally have my own route and just had to share. So far so good!
This doesn’t mean Bubbles ‘n Stitches is being put to the side. Nope, I’ve been pretty productive already this year. In 6 days, I’ve completed 4 pairs of fingerless gloves, 2 shawlettes, and a mobius shawl with several more projects in progress. Check out my Facebook page weekly to see all my completed products as I finish them!
With that said, let’s get to the good stuff. What do I have in store for Bubbles ‘n Stitches in 2020?
Farm Hunting
Starting off the new year right with a good old fashion Farm Hunt. That’s right, this is the year I will find my farm, buy it, and begin to collect all the fiber beauty’s of the world!
Just kidding, probably only going to have Alpaca and Sheep. Bret has come to terms with it, and is even helping me with the farm hunt! It’s so adorable how he says no to a house because it’s lacking a barn. Yup, I’m a SUPER lucky girl. By the end of 2020 I hope to be moved into our new house/farm and will hopefully work on opening a farm store in the near future after that.
I’ll keep you update on the hunt as the year goes by. Wish us luck!
Projected Events for 2020
In order to buy a farm, you need to money. What better way to make money than participate in events throughout the year? I’ve done a lot of research, played around with more events or less, and have come up with the best schedule I think I can manage. *Need time to re-stock which is part of the reason why I didn’t go too nuts with events this year. And I had to take into consideration my new full-time position at work.
After participating in 9 events last year, I want to keep the momentum going. I have 8 shows planned for this year with a few other miscellaneous activities thrown in there too.
February – Book Release
April – Book Release
May 16th – Fingerlakes Celtic Festival
July 11-12th – NY Lavender Festival
September 12-13th – M&T Clothesline Festival
September 19-20th – Purple Painted Lady Festival
September 26-27th – Palmyra Canal Town Days
October 10-12th – Letchworth Arts and Crafts Show
November – Book Release
November 13-15th – Canandaigua Christkindl Market
November 20-22nd – RMSC Holiday Bazaar
December 5-6th – Yuletide in the Country *MAYBE Still thinking about this one*
December – MOVE into new FARM! WOOT! *At least, this is the goal*
2020 Goals/Resolutions
Can’t move forward unless you have something to shoot for. In this case, I’ve created a list of goals I want to accomplish this year for Bubbles ‘n Stitches. I hope this list gets you as excited as I am!
Organization
First and foremost, I need to get organized!
I am a very organized person in some things. But lately, I’ve been finding I am not the most organized when it comes to Bubbles ‘n Stitches. Crazy?! That means in 2020, I am going to try my hardest to come up with organized systems that will work for me (and maybe you, I’ll share in blog posts).
I’m hoping the organization will help me grow Bubbles ‘n Stitches and make it easier in the future.
Some areas where I need improvement:
- Time Management
- Inventory lists
- Yarn Catalogue
- Time MANAGEMENT
- Business Receipts
- Paperwork
- Storage
- TIME Management
I’ve already made progress in this area. I purchased a planner and I intend to USE IT! It’s already helped me plan out due dates for inventory production and 2020’s blog schedule. Check out below all the cool things my planner has helped me figure out already!
I’m also on the hunt for a good time tracker app for my phone. I’d like to know how much time I actually spend making products rather than guessing. I want to make sure I am spending at least 20+ hours a week on Bubbles ‘n Stitches.
NEW – PDF Pattern Schedule
I am happy to announce, starting next month in February, I will be releasing new PDF weaving and knitting patterns for sale twice a month!
Be sure to check my Facebook page or back here in my shop every 1st and 15th of the month for patterns! That means in 2020, there will be 22 new patterns posted! How cool is that? I can’t wait to get this started!
*Can’t get enough patterns? Just wait! I am planning 12 Days of Patterns for Christmas in July AND 12 Days of Patterns for Christmas! Be sure to come back Mid-July and Mid-December to check out all the wonderful patterns!
NEW – Weaving Patterns Newsletter
If you want to be the first to know about PDF patterns, Book pre-sale dates, and Book sale dates, please sign up for my New Weaving Patterns Newsletter Email. (This is different than the bi-monthly newsletter!)
This email list will only send you information pertaining to new patterns or books. Patterns will include all of the continuous strand weaving loom sizes and shapes. If you’re interested, please sign up today:
New Books
In 2019, we released 2 books. I tried to get a third book to you, but found life did not allow it to happen. So I am going to try again in 2020 to give you 3 books! But this time, I am starting early with the planning. Here’s what I’m hoping to accomplish and make available to you!
- Continuous Strand Weaving for Beginners: On the 5ft and 6ft Triangle is getting a facelift with a new edition!
I’ve been working hard on weaving every single pattern in our current book so I can add pictures. I’m happy to say it’s nearly ready. The new edition will have photographs of all the original patterns as well as a few new patterns for the 5ft and 6ft Triangles!
Tentative Release Date: February 10th, 2020
2. Getting Creative with Continuous Strand Weaving on the 3ft Triangle Loom
This is a working title for the book, it may change before the release date. Let me know what you think of the title in the comments 🙂
As many of you know, Theresa and I have been working hard on this book and I’m hoping to get it to you in time for Easter! This book includes over 20 patterns with 9 designs! I love my 3ft Triangle, and this book will make you love it too!
Tentative Release Date: April 6th, 2020
3. Mobius Rectangle Book
This is super exciting! After a lot of discussion, Theresa and I have decided to work on the Mobius Rectangle Loom! I can’t wait to dig in with patterns and put this book together for you in time for the Holidays this year!
Tentative Release Date: November 9th, 2020
*Remember to sign up for my New Weaving Patterns Newsletter to be the first to know when these book are available for pre-sale!
New Products
Can’t have a new year, without some new product ideas! I’ve listened to your suggestions at events and have come up with a small list (Okay, maybe not THAT small, but it’s a work in progress) of potential new items that will be available this year.
Dryer Balls
I love my dryer balls! They help reduce drying time in the dryer, are all natural with no added chemicals, and they do a wonderful job beating my laundry into submission softness. As an added bonus, if I want my laundry to smell nice, just a drop or two of my favorite essential oil added to the ball does the trick.
I am excited to make these available. This year I will have 100% Sheep wool dryer balls available. Maybe, I will have 100% Alpaca dryer balls too. Time will tell.
Mittens
Now that I have some TIME to get to know my knitting machines more, I am going to tackle my next goal: mittens.
I have been asked for the last few years where my mittens are, and was sad to say I didn’t make any. I’m going to try and fix that this year with the addition of mittens to my ever growing collection of products. Wish me luck!
Boot Cuffs
Not many people understand boot cuffs, but I have to tell you, they are amazing! They go over the top of your boots and work at keeping snow out of them! As an added bonus, they’re super cute AND keep your calf nice and warm too.
I want to give them a shot. I hope they will be well received.
Leg Warmers
Another product not many people understand are leg warmers and yet again I want to give them a shot. I love love love wearing leg warmers around the house! My feet are covered with socks, but sometimes your legs get cold too. Plus, they can work over leggings and in your boots just like boot cuffs.
I think they’d be super cute over a pair of leggings and a cute pair of boots. Again, we will see how well everyone likes them.
Headbands
My hats were a HUGE success in 2019, so what about all of us who dislike wearing hats? No worries! I’m working on creating knitted headbands to cover your ears. Can’t wait to see how they turn out!
Socks
Get your Alpaca socks here!
Now that I am officially a member of EAA (Empire Alpaca Association) I will be carrying a wider variety of New York made socks. In fact, I already have alpaca socks in blue and green in stock!
Hand Dyed Yarn
I started selling some of my hand-dyed yarn in 2019, but in 2020 I intend to have a wider variety. AND I’m going to create regular colors so you can purchase enough for larger projects.
Blog Post Schedule
OK OK OK, I suck at writing regularly…. This is why I am making this one of my 2020 goals!
I have decided to post one new Blog post every second Thursday of the month. This pulls a lot of pressure off of me. I was attempting to post once a week and then I tried once every other week, and well, I wasn’t keeping up. With how much time I spend at my day job, making products, writing pattern books, and life in general, I was having a hard time finding time to write posts. (Working on that time management thing, maybe I’ll find more time in 2020 to write 🙂 )
Now that I’ve decided on one post a month, I feel like I can dedicate a day (or three) to writing a post.
I realize that is not a lot of content, but check it out: Every month I am going to post 2 new PDF patterns, and 1 awesome blog post. That’s 3 new things a month! And I did not say I couldn’t have a special post in there once in awhile, so I could give you more.
FREE Shipping
IT’S HAPPENING! Not sure when, but sometime in 2020 I am going to go FREE Shipping across my shop. That means when you buy any of my items, they will cost YOU nothing to ship! How awesome is that?
As of right now, I do not have many of my physical items online for sale, but that is also going to change in 2020. I intend to add items that I can replicate easy online. For example: Knitted hats. I can make hundreds of the same color combination in the same size. That means ALL my knitted hats including the ear flap hats, will be available in my shop. WOOT!
Now I just have to find the time to create the listing and add it to the shop… See, Time Management is HUGE. When I figure out the trick, I’ll let you know.
That’s All Folks…
I have a plan in place, I have goals to reach, I have wonderful people helping to support me, I think 2020 is going to be another awesome year. Let the fun begin!
See you soon!
~Ashli