I JUST MADE MY 50th SALE!!!!

I'm so EXCITED, I just made my 50th SALE on etsy!!!

For now this is something that I just do on the side, but one day... my dream is to devote all my time to growing and developing Knitti Gritti into a household name... that actually sounds nice.. the House Of Knitti Gritti.. hmmm... ;~)


My idea to have lower priced, in stock items seems to really be popular.. but the designer in me craves the stimulation that the custom designs that started Knitti Gritti in the first place. Soo.. as a compromise, I've branched out a teensy bit and have begun to make more custom-looking items, like this one:

Hand Knit Natural Hair Accessories Headband: Silky Gypsy Style Hair Band & Neck Scarf (Pink Purple Gold)

I hope you all will like the direction Knitti Gritti is going in.. but only time and (YOU!) will tell! :~)

Doing Unto Others... It Isn't Just For the Holidays.

Today I tallied up my KG earnings and sent my semi annual tithe out to The Shade Tree, which as many of you know, is the local charitable organization I contribute to. They provide safe shelter &  services for homeless and abused women and children, victims of domestic violence, victims of street violence or gang violence, victims of elder abuse, the physically and mentally disabled, female veterans, the working poor and homeless youth.  

I posted a blurb about it on FB, just to get the word out to others, than I got to thinking? "What MORE can I do??" I often  say a simple prayer to be inspired to help others, who maybe will pay it forward. Each One, Reach One, right?

So anyway, I'm looking through the Shade Tree's website, and there's a link of their URGENT needs. Whats on the top of the list you ask? Deodorant. Girls Underwear. Toothpaste. Things we run to the local Wal Mart to get without even thinking about it. 

In wanting to do more, I'm reaching out to all of you out there in Cyber Land. I KNOW times are tough all around, but... How's the saying go? But For The GRACE of the LORD, Go I? 

That's how I feel every time I even think about the awful situations that must have driven these women and their children out of their homes and (thankfully) into this shelter, and others like it in each of our towns and neighborhoods.

This is their Website: 

http://www.theshadetree.org/AboutUs.html

And here are some testimonials I found on it from people they've helped:

During our last fiscal year we sheltered 3,512 individuals. That includes:

• 897 children
• 56 veterans
• 139 pregnant women
• 996 domestic violence survivors

Stories of Healing…

“My first day at The Shade Tree I couldn’t stop crying.  I couldn’t believe I was there, that my life had come to this.  Less than a year later, I moved into my new apartment.  I cried that day too, at the look on my son’s face when he saw his room for the first time.”
-Peggy, Former client of The Shade Tree

“When I came to the shelter I was what they refer to as a ‘victim of elder abuse’.  My own children had been exploiting my Social   Security check, and barely left me with enough for food and housing.  After 10 days in the Transitional Shelter Program, I was placed in an assisted living facility, which provided meals, my own living space, and wonderful new friends.”
-Susan, age 87

“As a single mom with a 13-year old daughter, I didn’t have much choice about leaving my abusive husband.  I went to The Shade Tree in the hope of finding a fresh start and brighter future. Thanks to the Job Development  Program I quickly found a new job.  Through the Victim Services Center I received education and support. With the help from the Children’s Activity Center, I grew closer to my ‘little girl’. Soon I was promoted and able to afford an apartment.  We moved out of the shelter with $2,000 in a saving account.”
-Amy, age 52

My son wants to start knitting

So, as many of you all may already know, I have an ADORABLE little boy. He's 7 1/2 years old, loves soccer, video games (he says "Mommy, I'm a total gamer," with a straight face), swimming... and now knitting. 


I actually tried to divert his interest for a while, tried to redirect him to more "masculine things" (we live in an all woman household - even the dogs are female - so I try to encourage as many "boyish things" as I can... to try and balance things out). 2 years later.. he still wants to learn how to knit.. soo.. I showed him, and he's in the living room right now, making a blanket, Lord love him.


I figure he'll take to it and become an amazing designer, and be totally fulfilled in pursuing his dreams... or he'll have picked up a new skill, try it out for a while, and eventually get bored, like kids usually do after they finally get that new toy they'd begged for and harassed you over.. lol We'll just have to wait and see. Whichever way it goes, I'll hopefully have a new blanket... or at least maybe a pot holder ;~D


I'll try and get a pic for you all to see.

Guess who's back.. Back again lol

It's been a looong and crazy 6 months, but my personal life has settled down enough for me to be able to focus again on one of my true loves - knitting :)


I'm back in my lil workshop (really, I actually have one - you should see all the yarn in my garage!) and knitting away like a happy little.. what knits? Hmm... Happy little spider maybe? They weave technically, but I digress (I just got off of a 10 hour shift at work, and I'm known to ramble on the best of days) 


Anywaayy...




I've gone in  bit of a different direction this summer; Less costly, in stock items - I'm on a Gypsy Scarf kick right now - with the option for my custom pieces too. Here's a Gypsy scarf style available for purchase in stock:  

BOGO SALE Natural Hair Accessories Headband: Gypsy Scarf - Delicate Fringed Hair Band & Neck Scarf (White)

And another:

BOGO SALE Natural Hair Accessories: Gypsy Scarf for Hair or Neck (Green Blue Gold)

There's more stuff too, of course. My main concern of course is finding cute ways to wear my hair with out having to do too much styling (who has the time???) 

I love to coordinate my outfits with pops of color and texture, and of course, I KNOW I'm not the only one out here who feels that way. The main issue being of course, that it's hard to find things that are unique enough for me to want to wear them. I HATE doing just the "same ol' thing", U know?

If you feel like I do, and I'm sure plenty of you do, stop by the shop, see if anything catches your eye, and if not, just drop me a line. A custom order is always more fun anyway... ;~)

K, gotta go beddy bye now see ya'll next time

WHEW!! Talk about a craaazzzyyy busy day! After a long 10 hour shift at my *for now - until Knitti Gritti makes it BIG* day job, I'm devoting another 5 (as usual) to my true love - creating you all you lovelies! *smile* 


I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm thankful that I work for a company that allows me a flexible schedule, and to provide for my family, but MAN - it's great to finally be out of there (that place can drive ANYONE crazy *lol*) and spending time with my family while working on Knitti Gritti.


Here's my night so far:

• Leave work and stop by Wal Mart for laundry detergent and this week's lunches for my 6 year old son, Michaelangelo (Gelo for short) to take to school.
• Check my email, and while trying to respond to customers' messages, get Gelo to sort his laundry (I'm training him young - hopefully it sticks!)
• Finally kiss my sweetie, after getting the pouty face for not doing it immediately - put her on hold while I tell Gelo to stop carrying his laundry to the washer ONE SOCK AT A TIME *sigh*
• Get fussed at, apologize with smoochies, attempt to answer more emails...
• Grab a bite to eat (Hunny picked up Popeyes - she's AWESOME!)
• Respond to Etsy item queries
• Tweet, Blog
• Work on a custom order (this ADORABLE oversized hat - I'll post the pics when it's done!)
• Pass out.... and go back to work tomorrow for another 10 hours :~D

WANT TO GET THE LOOK, BUT DON'T KNOW HOW??? TAKE A LOOK AT THIS VIDEO!

So often people come up to me and say, "Ivette, I absolutely LOVE your scarf, it's so beautiful! Can you show ME how to tie it up like that???" And of course I immediately whip my scarf off and give a quick demo *smile*

For the REST of you lovelies out there, who I (unfortunately) don't have the pleasure of seeing face-to-face, an awesome video tutorial was created! Yup, one of my repeat customers, Laquita (who is also becoming a great friend) loved her very first Knitti Gritti Bohemian Head Wrap so much, that she put together an amazing video review AND then went on to make a tutorial for you all that gives you step-by-step instructions on how to tie it! Laquita even went a step FURTHER by showing two tying variations!

1.   The Bun/Knot Style
2.   The Turban Style

You all have got to admit, she's pretty amazing for doing all of that, right? In addition to loving her Knitti Gritti scarves, Laquita is the creator of Bobeam (Bo-bee-um) Hair Products :o)

Bobeam's specialty is shampoo bars made with all natural ingredients and they can be used on all hair types, including locs. The shampoo bars contain no SLS or SLES, detergents, surfactants, or sulfates. They are all-natural, 100% vegetable soap, non-comedogenic, hypo-allergenic and biodegradable.

Click this logo to see her awesome products!

TWEET-A-TWEET A TWEET!!

Knitti Gritti is now on Twitter! Yay! I know I'm all EXTRA LATE, but I finally got a twitter account - don't worry, when you follow me, I won't give you weird updates like "I'm at Starbucks now..."... well not unless its cuz I finally tried the salt and caramel Frapp... mmm.. That sounds GOOD! How many calories is in one of those things anyway?  I'm probably better off NOT knowing... *grin*

Anywayz.. *Yes, I DO ramble.. Often!* Follow me at Twitter @KnittiGrittii !!!

Winter is coming - wrap it up!

Made To Order - 80"L Plush Ribbon-Laced Scarves - Have YOURS Made In Your Favorite Colors.

So I just got my first winter order of the year! It's so exciting to make something beautiful that you know is going to also be super functional. My client, Deb asked for this scarf , but she had a different color scheme in mind. After talking to her and also looking at other items she "favorited" on etsy, I chose some materials and put together a sketch for her to review: 

she was a little uncertain, until I knit her a swatch sample and emailed her the pic - then she was so thrilled with my design, she even went on to order a coordinating hat! Awesome! I can't wait till they're finished (but they're going to be so pretty that I'm kinda jealous - I want them for myself! *grin*)

CUSTOM LISTING: Reserved for Debbie. Made To Order - 80"l Plush Ribbon-Laced Scarves - Have YOURS Made In Your Favorite Colors.

As pretty as this is on it's own, I have plans to jazz it up with colorful glass and Swarovski crystal beads - I like to individualize my pieces as much as possible, and when I suggested throwing some extra bling and pizzazz in, she was totally on board (my kinda lady! *grin*)


ESPECIALLY after I showed her a pic of a scarf I had sold last year:

After seeing that, she was all about it! I swear, I love knitting and designing so much - my dream is to be able to do this on a full time basis one day *smile* But in order to make that happen... I GOTTA GET TO WORK *grin* 

Talk to you all later!

Ivette

www.KnittiGritti.etsy.com

FEEL FREE TO EMAIL ME! :~D

IT'S GIVE AWAY TIME!!!

Who likes free stuff? Why, YOU do, of course! (me too!)

Who likes free stuff from the House of Knitti Gritti? You AND all of your friends! Let the competition begin!!

Ladies please, no hair pulling or throwing drinks in each others faces (Oh wait, that's the Basketball Wives I'm thinking about... lol - Now you all know my guilty pleasure - reality TV)

Anyhoo... Back to the contest! The FIRST 500 of you lovelies to both subscribe to this blog AND also "LIKE" my Facebook Fan Page will be entered in a drawing to win not only a hat, but one that is custom designed! You and I will discuss the colors, materials, everything! The end result will be a gorgeous One Of A Kind Knitti Gritti Original, made just for you!!


Now GO! :~D

Ivette
Knitti Gritti

Hello Out There.... And Welcome! *smile*

Hi, Hello, How are ya!

Umm..  This is my first blog. Ever. So bear with me while I get my bearings here.... Gracias *grin*


Okay, Well. My name is Ivette, and I am the creative whirlwind behind Knitti Gritti - Custom Winter Knits & Natural Hair Accessories. My knits are vibrant and colorful, and sometimes kinda quirky - just like me! *grin* And I love them, dearly.

Have you ever created something? Like, whether you sewed a skirt in Home Ec (when schools had money for that sort of thing), or even when you were a little kid, and you painted that watercolor masterpiece with the dried cheerios and glitter on it - Do you remember that warm glow inside when you looked at what you poured yourself into? It was beautiful, it was perfectly YOU - and you thought with a smile - I MADE THIS -   and it's GOOD!. Good for ME, because it's mine... not because of what the teacher or whoever thinks about it.

Well, I'm blessed to have that experience on an almost daily basis, because of my knits. Every time I create one, it becomes one of my children. And I love it - so much so, that it's always a little bitter sweet when I make a sale. I hope that the person who now owns it loves and appreciates all of it's wonderful qualities... and I wonder how it's doing.. I hope none of my lil scarves is at the bottom of someones closet.... but look at them - they're beautiful! Could YOU mistreat something so lovely??? www.KnittiGritti.etsy.com

Bohemian Head Wrap: WANT TO SEE MORE? CLICK HERE!

Bohemian Head Scarf: WANT TO SEE MORE?