As the end of 2010 draws near, so does my vow to knit only for myself. This year of selfish knitting has gone a long way toward filling my own empty sock drawer. At the end of the year, I'll tally exactly what I've accomplished, but I definitely feel good about all the fibery goodness that I've knit. While I did technically break my resolution once, you all assured me that the project was really knit just as much for myself, as I really would have regretted not knitting this one. I agree.
But now that the holidays are approaching, obviously I have no Lepidoptera Mitts knit up for my friends like I did last year, or any Noro Wave Scarves like I had the year before. In fact, I have ZERO knitted gifts to give this year. So what's a girl to do? Turn to Etsy. I like the idea of shopping on Etsy because for every item I've bought over the last few years using the Etsy website, I've had a good experience. Many of the items I've purchase through Etsy artisans have been for others, but my most recent purchases have been for myself. Several months ago with some art, and last week I splurged on some jewelry.
I don't wear much jewelry. In fact, the only item I wear is my wedding ring. I have a few nice pieces that Joe has bought be over the past 10 years, but I don't often wear them. Precious stones don't really go with yoga pants and college t-shirts, if you know what I mean. But with holiday parties and weddings coming up, I wanted a couple pieces that were colorful and hip and unique. I found them from Jen's store, Blue Room Gems. (Click on the pics below for nice close ups. But I warn you, you'd better have your credit card ready, 'cuz it's just going to make you want to buy jewelry.)
I picked out a necklace...
...and a bracelet...
.... and I adore them. They are so me.
I ordered these on a Sunday and Jen shipped them on Monday. And while she accidentally shipped them to my PO Box instead of my home, she gave me a small store credit to make up for dragging a kicking toddler into the city... which was very smart of her because you know it's impossible to leave a store credit sitting for long, and I'll now be purchasing 10 times more than the credit is worth. And when I asked if I could get an extender for the necklace, I got a thumbs up on that too. Like every Etsy seller I've worked with, she's accomodating and speedy. And whilte I'm sure you can find something cheaper at a big box store, it's not going to be unique, and it's not going to support a small business whose profits go directly back into their community (or your own). But who am I kidding, I support Target too- that store is addictive.
From all the orders coming into the store, I know that most (if not all of you) have been buying yarn to knit special projects for your loved ones for the upcoming holiday season. And I'm VERY grateful. Are there certain Etsy sellers or other small vendors that you are frequenting for your non-knit gifts this year? Or do you have a website of your own? If so, please tell us all about them in the comments! I still have so many gifts to find and I could really use some suggestions.
For those of you who wanted one or more of Joe's mugs to make a set out of the mug you got for the store's Fifth Anniversary Kit, he's made a few more. Those of you who have been waiting for an e-mail from me will get one shortly. At $18 each, these mugs are definitely a good gift idea too (they are dishwasher and microwave safe- I should know, I use one everyday). E-mail me at allison@simplysockyarn.com if you want to reserve one or more.