First, the prizes: A special pincushion of your choice from my shop. This is just one of them.
Also, a set of eight hand-made custom stitch markers for knitting, and two hand-knit (or possibly crocheted) dishcloths made especially for you (I'll ask your color and style preferences when you win, for the markers and the dishcloths).
Now, what I need help with. I've just opened an Etsy shop. I have a theme that I love, but I'm not sure where to go with it, and I'd be greatly indebted to you if you'd share your thoughts. My theme is the American South. I've developed a passion for the area, and as I learn more about the history of the South, I have a new respect for the people and traditions that have grown roots here. I'm proud to be a small part of those traditions.
My shop's name is Southern Song Designs. I want to know what you like about it. I want to know what you would change. And I also want to know what items I could make to sell in my shop that would fit with the theme. Think dogwoods and magnolias and Gone With the Wind and romance. I want to capture that in my designs. And I definitely want to expand from the little line of pincushions that I'm currently carrying! So tell me what I can knit, crochet, or sell that captures the essence of the South - in your mind. Leave your thoughts as a comment on this post. Make sure you include a Ravelry or Etsy username, email, or some way to contact you in case you win. I'll draw a winner at random.
Oh, and if you post about my contest on your blog, I'll put your name in the hat twice. I need all the advice I can get! Thanks in advance! Winner will be drawn on September 9th.
15 comments:
I love your Mint Julep pin cushion. I also like the special touch of it coming with a recipe! It kind of passes on to the purchaser a part of the south that they can try out. Very nice.
I noticed in an item description that you offer free gift wrapping. I would put that in your shop announcement section as it is something special that is not generally offered.
Good Luck and I love your theme!
When I think "Gone with the Wind" I always think delicate lace for some reason. Maybe some little lace sachets? Definitely feminine and ladylike.
I agree with the first commenter's suggestion of putting the free gift wrapping service in the shop's announcement so that people see it first off.
Good luck with your shop! It's really cute. :)
My favorite is Derby - very cute. When you talk about ideas for your romantic South shop - do people use fancy lace-trimmed handkerchiefs anymore? That's one thing I thought of.
How about Sambo dolls?
I can't find the link to your etsy site, can you post it in your side bar maybe?
When I think of the south I always think of the cooking... I don't suppose you'd be interested in selling baked items maybe? Or dry mixes somehow for cakes or cookies...
i think what you have started is looking wonderful! I always think of the yaya sisters, crocodiles, a bit of bayou bling...keep on the path your on....it looks great!
This one: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29681366 is definately my favourite! It's so cute and delicate. I think you should sell those crochet/knit necklaces with a magnolia in the end maybe? I think they're just beautiful and I'd probably buy them!
Love the shop. Great items priced right. Seasonal items would make it perfect. The hat pin cushion reminds me of Church hats that can be adorned with little feathers. It also can be done in red for the Red Hat Society. I recently attended a tea at the Ritz Carlton and the Red Hat ladies were out in force. I bet you would sell tons of them.
Cute shop! And I love crepe, so cute!
Your etsy shop is nice, and I love the idea of a theme. When I think of southern hospitality I think of kitchen goodness. How about kitchen and tea towels, dish cloths, ect. Functional and decor styles.
I do agree with a poster that the mint julep pincushion is fabulous.
I really think your concept for a southern feeling shop is wonderful. You should consider changing the sky banner at the top to something more southern that would better fit the feel of your unique shop.
When I think of southern I think of gracious ladies in those big floppy GWTW hats, like the one Scarlett wore to the BBQ? Would that translate into a pincushion? Maybe you can actually find or make a magnolia pattern and incorporate it into the cushion too.
Ohh... what about actually stuffing a bit of dried mint or a small dab of mint essential oil in the middle of the cushion for that mint julep smell? Then every time you stuck in a pin the lovely smell would waft into the room. How heavenly!
Hope no one already mentioned that.
Your pin coushions are adorable.. I love the little yellow jassmine one...
I think the banner on the top should be something else?? maybe just a a piece of lace ...sort of "floating" ??
Absolutely mention the Free wrapping.. everyone likes that..
Can you make some small little doileys???
Some to put under a pretty little tea cup..
Lace edged hankies too..
I think of tiny rocking chairs with some floral pin cushion seats..
Tiny Little sachet bags that smell like magnolias or roses,jassmine, etc.. with a tiny flower tied to close it..
Crochet necklaces and bracelets..MY Sister is working on some pretty ones..
Small umbrellas designed like perisals( How do u spell that :)
To keep the sun off .
When I think of The South I think of Southern Ladies in Long Beautiful Dresses and lace knit gloves....
I think of Big Brim hats.. Floral smells, Tea and Tea sandwiches, the Breeze blowing through a lace covered window!! And some White Rocking Chairs on the Front Porch..
Oh Boy.. I want to come and sit on the Front Porch and have some Tea now!!
Much Luck and Success with your Shop.. It sounds lovely..
Penny
Along the tea sandwiches idea, maybe you could knit/crochet a little bag to hold pretty recipe cards - the kind that look like an envelope with a button on the back. You could sell blanks (people can fill out their own - would be a great thing for bridal showers) or you could pre-print them with an assortment of southern recipes. You could sell sets of Southern Desserts (Red Velvet Cake?), Southern Dinners, Southern Brunch, Southern Tea, Southern Drinks, and a compilation. With a pretty pearl button and a lacy-pattern, they could turn out really cute!
I also think of those little handbags that women carried in the same hand that they held their parasols in - just large enough to hold something to powder the nose (or, for today, a cell phone and lipstick or something). That would make a great knit/crochet project.
Good luck!! (yarn-a-holic on Ravelry)
i think it would be really neat if you did a pin cushion that had some lace around the bottom i think it would be so romantic and cute. vbarton24 at gmail dot com
You have some lovely items in the shop. I think of lace edged hankies and parasols when I think of the old south. Perhaps vintage aprons?
Oh Dear.. I forgot to put my Ravelry name..
Its
Pennyknits
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