Why Not?

​In case you haven’t noticed, I’m taking a bit of an “iterative” approach to my blog and website and even the crochet designs themselves. This isn’t do much a “design theory” approach as a need for trial and error. I have no idea what will work and what won’t. And - to be honest - most of the times I’ve been sure I kicked a goal, there was little interest. Whereas projects I deemed “meh” have gotten some of the biggest reactions.

I’m not savvy enough in the world of crochet design or online content creation to know why something does or doesn’t work. All I know is that there is a difference and the more things I try, the more things I learn.

If you’re an avid follower, you may have noticed that I quietly started adding Etsy links to some projects. One of the great things about Etsy is that the threshold to selling is very low, so I really isn’t hard to get something up there. What is hard is getting someone’s attention in a ridiculously crowded marketplace.

Ravelry is great because everyone who is on the site is seeking patterns. With Etsy, people are usually looking for something tangible. Because you don’t want to confuse or disappoint people, you have to work quite hard to make sure the people who do eventually find you are in the right place.

I went back and forth about setting up an Etsy shop, but then I remembered the journey to designing patterns in the first place. I’ve been making up patterns for almost as long as I’ve crocheted. I had never taken the leap to writing them up or publishing them because there was never a reason compelling enough to overcome my doubts. I was asking “Why should I?” Rather than “Why not?” But this year, I decided to give things a shot more and to ask myself “Why not?” instead of “Why?” Certainly I haven’t skyrocketed to crochet stardom, but I have kicked a few goals (seriously can’t wait until my magazine project can be made public.) More than anything, I’ve felt so free to flip my mental narrative. I’m exploring, discovering and learning a lot. Even when things flop, I’m still having heaps of fun.

Since uploading a few patterns, I haven’t had masses of customers flooding in. But, I have been happy enough with the traction to keep at it. So I am very happy to announce that I am having a soft launch party for my Etsy store: Gray Day Crochet Shop. To honor this auspicious occasion I’ve added my first promo code: GRAYDAYPARTAY. Enter this promo code for 20% off your order before the end of May. (Fingers crossed this all works ok). In addition, for every order with this promo code, I will donate 10% of the order to the Autoimmune Resource and Research Centre - a charity dedicated to helping people with autoimmune diseases live to their full potential.

It is hard to believe it is May already. Even though this year has been ridiculously busy, working on crochet patterns has brought me so much joy. I would really encourage you to think about those things you’ve never tried and ask yourself, “Why not?” Even if it isn’t great, you will still gain the experience and the insights through the journey.

Thank you all for coming on my journey with me. I have no idea where it will lead, but I’m enjoying the experience along the way.

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In addition, for every order with this promo code, I will donate 10% of the order to the Autoimmune Resource and Research Centre - a charity dedicated to helping people with autoimmune diseases live to their full potential.

Ravelry

Etsy