Excess
Mayne Island is the most conservative minded community I have ever lived in. I am not referring to politics, religion or social views. I am referring to consumption. We hold fast to: recycle, reduce, reuse. We give away want we no longer use. I have been the benefactor of many yarn stashes. We all have water metres. Most of us have low-flush toilets. We are rightly proud of our recycling centre. We are a “cool” community in this age of global warming.
Recently, I have become aware of how beneficial this attitude would be in my professional life. Last year I sold my knitting at the Mayne Island Farmer’s Market and at ArtCraft on Salt Spring Island. I participated in fibre festivals. I submitted my designs to magazines and I wrote a learn to knit/pattern book. Well, this year is different. This year I am tired. This year I am struggling with health issues. This year I will conserve.
I have realized that I have a fixed amount of energy. I have decided to focus on the most successful areas. Do what works.
Mayne Island Farmer’s Market is fun but shoppers are looking for deals. They refuse to pay more than $20. (or at least this is what I have found). They want something new to look at each week. Do I spend time hurting my wrists for pennies? Ah, well, this year I have decided the answer is no.
Each year I am very pleased with how well my items sell at ArtCraft. The bonus is that the items can stay there while someone else sells them. This means that I am free to write, knit, design and even…take a break…may be even have lunch. ArtCraft stays.
Fibre festivals are fun. It’s nice to network with other fibre professionals. …but there are expenses involved: hotel, meals, travel. It also means that I am away from my computer, my stash, my muse. …and so little to no fibre festival involvement for me this year.
Designing for magazines is not only fun but it gets my name out there. It helps to draw you to my web site. Once here I am hoping you will stop and shop. Designing for magazines allows me to network from my studio. I like it. It works. It stays.
My learn to knit/pattern book was fun to publish. I am glad I had this opportunity. However, when you commit to self-publishing you must commit your pocketbook and your energies. If, however, you submit your work to a publishing house you gain a team of professionals. Professionals whose job it is to help you sell your book. Hmmm, by myself or with a team…I’m a team player.
My theme this year is to conserve and focus on fun. How would you benefit if you joined me?
Recently, I have become aware of how beneficial this attitude would be in my professional life. Last year I sold my knitting at the Mayne Island Farmer’s Market and at ArtCraft on Salt Spring Island. I participated in fibre festivals. I submitted my designs to magazines and I wrote a learn to knit/pattern book. Well, this year is different. This year I am tired. This year I am struggling with health issues. This year I will conserve.
I have realized that I have a fixed amount of energy. I have decided to focus on the most successful areas. Do what works.
Mayne Island Farmer’s Market is fun but shoppers are looking for deals. They refuse to pay more than $20. (or at least this is what I have found). They want something new to look at each week. Do I spend time hurting my wrists for pennies? Ah, well, this year I have decided the answer is no.
Each year I am very pleased with how well my items sell at ArtCraft. The bonus is that the items can stay there while someone else sells them. This means that I am free to write, knit, design and even…take a break…may be even have lunch. ArtCraft stays.
Fibre festivals are fun. It’s nice to network with other fibre professionals. …but there are expenses involved: hotel, meals, travel. It also means that I am away from my computer, my stash, my muse. …and so little to no fibre festival involvement for me this year.
Designing for magazines is not only fun but it gets my name out there. It helps to draw you to my web site. Once here I am hoping you will stop and shop. Designing for magazines allows me to network from my studio. I like it. It works. It stays.
My learn to knit/pattern book was fun to publish. I am glad I had this opportunity. However, when you commit to self-publishing you must commit your pocketbook and your energies. If, however, you submit your work to a publishing house you gain a team of professionals. Professionals whose job it is to help you sell your book. Hmmm, by myself or with a team…I’m a team player.
My theme this year is to conserve and focus on fun. How would you benefit if you joined me?
posted by Author Leanne Dyck at 10:22 AM
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