Here's what I've done:
I attended a learn to spin class on Saturday. It was a hoot, I'm terrible at it now (I really mussed up on the wheel when I was given a chance, but with practice I know I would figure it out). I'm working with a top whorl drop spindle, and it's entertaining and relaxing. My fiber is starting to become consistent and I feel like I know how to manage it now to keep the big fluffy bumps from happening. As Wino said to me yesterday: "This is your first one, imagine what your fiftieth will look like!" So true, so true!
Here's a picture from the class, note the uneven spinning (I've since covered it with far more consistent thread):
That got me pumped for crocheting in general, so after I did my requisite 15 minutes on the spindle yesterday morning, I picked up my crochet hooks (a lovely set of Laurel Hill in ebony!!) and started making up my own dish cloth pattern. This is my first crack at designing and I'm happy with the result, so I wrote up the pattern and plan to place it on Ravelry.
That got me pumped for the idea of starting my own Etsy page (see here where I talked about that before). I had already decided on the name for my little side business, so while I was feeling particularly optimistic, I decided to snatch up the Gmail, Twitter, Blogger and Etsy for my business! With the exception of Twitter I was successful (I got as close as I could there). My ideas started flowing, and I enjoyed creating the dishcloths and I figure I can sell the finished products on Etsy, along with any excess afghans or doo-dads I also decide to create!
Once everything is all launched and live I'll make an announcement here with relavant links. Next weekend is my learn to knit class, so my options will be wide open for new product development (once I get the hang of that, too!).
