Saturday, November 5, 2011

Free Shipping All The Time at YarnPal on Bonanza!

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Winter Items - Gift for Female Friends, Family, or Yourself!





Santa Tooth Brooch Pin
It's never too early to start your Christmas and holiday shopping!  This year I have a variety of ladies gloves, ear warmers, scarves and jewelry available on my eBay page and in my Bonanza shop!  All of my prices are well below retail - shop smart and save!


V. Fraas Houndstooth Scarf
Degrees by 180's Argyle Earwarmers





Degrees by 180's Aqua Ear Warmers
Isotoner Stretch Gloves
Simply Vera Wang Bracelet Earring Set


V. Fraas Scarf & Mitten Set

Monday, October 17, 2011

Made in the U.S.A.

Looking for yarn Made in the U.S.A.???  I'm always looking myself for deals on yarns made here at home, and I love being able to offer these products to my customers!  I've been selling quite a bit of USA-born products lately, and I think it's important for us all to buy domestic when we can!  Not only will it help our economy, but it could mean job security for our fellow citizens across the country.

Right now my U.S.- made stock is starting to run low, but I currently have Red Heart Sport Yarns...some Lion Brand yarns...and Sugar 'n Cream as well as Peaches & Creme cotton yarns.  (Granted these cotton yarns I carry are made in Canada, but are made from cotton grown in the U.S., so that's partially beneficial to America...)




Sugar 'n Cream "Love"
Sugar 'n Cream "Over the Rainbow"




TLC Essentials "Butter"
I've been aware for quite some time now about the need to buy U.S. products, and especially to avoid buying from companies that produce in countries that have terrible working conditions and that take jobs away from American workers.  My problem is that while I've been conscious of all of this, it wasn't always first and foremost in my mind during that moment that I make the purchase, and without thinking about it, I'd see a great deal on bags of yarn, I'd buy them up, and then realize later that I just bought something made in China.  These days, though, I make a conscious effort to try to choose more items from the U.S., Canada, Italy, and a few other select countries.


Red Heart Sport Yarn - Cherry Red, White


Unfortunately, so many Americans right now are in a tough position financially.  And when places like China and Turkey are offering yarns to crocheters and knitters at unbelievable low costs, it's tough to make economical sense of spending 3 or 4 times more on yarn made elsewhere.  People have families to feed, educations to pay for, medical expenses to cover.  It's HARD to resist those incredibly low prices.  But even if we can't do it all the time, we can start by being aware of it and avoiding it when possible.

I'm able to sell my selection of American-made yarns at lower costs because I shop deals and I buy in bulk.  Then I break up the large quantities I purchase into listings of 1 - 4 skeins of yarn and sell them for very little profit, and with low shipping costs.  Right now, my U.S. yarns are not a real money-maker for me, but I want them to have a constant presence in my shops...and I would love one day for them to make up the bulk of my selection.

Here's a list of the shops I currently have American-made yarns available in now...



Friday, August 19, 2011

Why Buy Yarn From Me?

Hi Everyone,

I hope you all have had a nice summer...it's hard to believe that August will be over in less than 2 weeks!  It's sad in a way - summer is my favorite time of year...but gearing up for the holidays is always exciting, too!

I've spent much of the summer stocking up on yarn for coming season.  It's about that time.  I see Christmas merchandise already out at Michael's (forget Halloween!), so it's time for me to get all my yarns listed...and fast!

This morning I've been thinking about what I have to offer the knitters, crocheters and weavers of this country, and I thought I'd take this opportunity to tell you what I'm all about and the benefits of shopping in one of my on-line stores!

1.  I love to crochet, and even though I'm not a yarn expert, I do have a passion for yarn, its uses, and have the best time selling it on-line as a small business/full-time hobby.  I learn more and more every day.  I'm a yarn-a-holic.

2.  I have a low markup.  I shop bargains and purchase in bulk, and I pass the savings along to you.  I'm a bargain shopper no matter what I'm buying for myself, so I want to give you deals, too.  I wouldn't be me if I did it any other way!

3.  No minimum orders!  I don't care if you buy a $1.00 item from me - I will ship it and it will receive the same care and consideration as any other purchase.

4.  I keep my shipping charges low.  I calculate my shipping prices based on actual postage rates, cost of my packaging materials, and the amount of gas it takes for me to drive to my local post offices!  I also offer combined shipping rates, saving you even more money when you make multiple purchases!

One of the advantages of my low prices and low shipping costs is that you can buy one or a few skeins of yarn at a decent overall price (item cost + shipping).  Some of the bigger guys require either a minimum  purchase of $35.00, $50.00 or more to even buy yarn from them, or they may charge very high shipping prices for very small orders.  Compare prices - shopping with me may save you a little money if you're looking to buy just a skein or two.

5.  Safe packaging.  I ship yarns in puncture-resistant water-proof poly envelopes.  For added protection, yarn is sealed in a plastic bag and wrapped in tissue paper or bubble wrap.

6.  Consistently quick shipping.  On all of my store sites, I indicate that items will be sent within 2 business days of receiving cleared payment.  This is a safety net for me, in case I run into an emergency and can't get packages out right away.  But normally, packages are in the mail same or next business day.

7.  I accept PayPal as payment.  It's safe and secure - use your PayPal balance to pay, or you can use your credit card through PayPal.  All I see is your e-mail address - as a seller, I never see credit card numbers.  I use it myself, whenever possible, to make my own purchases!

8.  I value my customers! I want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase, so if something isn't what you thought it was, or if it somehow gets damaged along the way, you can return it for a full refund.

9.  Finally, I have a fun selection of yarns!!!  Because I shop deals, my selection always varies, but I try to keep a little bit of everything in stock:  wool blends; cotton; mohair; higher end ribbon and novelty yarns; bargain yarns; eyelash/fur styles; bulky, worsted, sport, double knitting and fingering weight yarns; and more!

So next time you're yarn shopping, please keep me in mind...here's where you can find me:

YarnPal on Zibbet - Sale on this weekend - 10% off storewide!  Save an additional 5% with coupon code BLOG5
YarnPal on Bonanza - Use coupon code BLOG15 to save 15% off your next order.  Free shipping, too!
AlisonDesigns on Etsy - Use coupon code BLOG15 to save 15% off your next order!
atruslow on eBay - New auctions coming soon - best deals!!!

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Now Shipping to Canada!

YarnPal on Zibbet and AlisonDesigns on Etsy are now shipping to Canada!
I began selling handmade jewelry and crochet items on eBay and Etsy back in 2006-2007.  I included shipping to Canada back then and did quite a bit of business.  Unfortunately, my regular job caused me to put my shops on an indefinite vacation and for a few years, I stopped selling on-line entirely.

But I returned late summer 2010, determined to make on-line sales a new hobby and maybe someday my main job, and this time I'm focusing more on selling craft supplies.  I've only been shipping within the U.S. since then.  Actually, I had a great first holiday season, and if I had been selling internationally, I don't know if I could have handled the load, especially since I was still getting my feet wet with on-line sales.  My top priority is to get well-priced quality products out quickly to my customers, so I have to be realistic about limitations I have to set on myself...and while I would have loved the extra business international sales would bring, I may not have been able to accommodate all of my customers as a whole as well as I did my first holiday season.  As a one-man operation selling craft supplies and seasonal items, I was strapped for time as it was.

Business is a little slower now, though, so I am giving international sales a try again by opening up shipping to Canada.  I know, it's just a small step toward expansion, but I want to be cautious.  On top of the extra work (filling out customs forms, travelling to the post office several times a week), I probably get more stressed out than most people do about shipments that can't be tracked!  I don't make enough money yet to be comfortable covering the cost of lost merchandise, and when you ship First Class International, you can't track your packages!

We'll see what the holiday season brings.  Now that I have a good rhythm of packing and shipping worked out, hopefully I'll be able to handle the extra sales without sacrificing my careful packaging and speed of service.

So for now, Canadian shipping is available at YarnPal on Zibbet and AlisonDesigns on Etsy!

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Tools of the Trade - Crochet Hooks Available on Zibbet!

Check out my crochet hook section at YarnPal on Zibbet!  There are multiples of most products available - you can get better deals when you buy more than one item and save with my combined shipping rates.  I'm just getting started with adding tools to my inventory - I plan to expand this section.  I also have bamboo knitting needles coming soon!

    

Monday, April 25, 2011

My Latest Passion - Crochet Stuffed Animals

I've been away from the blogging again for a while.  Sometimes I'm not inspired to say much, while other times i can run my mouth on and on about nothing.  I've been very busy lately, but I'm spending much of my free time making little stuffed cats and other animals.  I've been wanting to get into making amigurumi dolls and animals...the following aren't true amigurumi because I have been joining my rounds at the back, but they are my own designs...





I'm in the process of trying to perfect my cat ears.  I'm enjoying making these little creatures - they're quick projects and that's what I like...plus, I'm using up a lot of spare/leftover yarn that I've been collecting over the years...

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

I Want To Follow You Back!

I wasn't sure if I was ever going to get back to blogging...I've been dealing with a very sick kitty for the last few weeks, I'm trying to sell a piece of land we've had on the market for a while now, and I have dentist appointments all the time these days!  Looks like I might need a root canal!

I have to keep this short because with the few moments I have, I want to attempt to crochet an amigurumi!  I found free patterns for a snowman, a Santa, an angel and one other thing...all Christmas ornaments.  I'll practice with these little guys and will give the good ones out as gift-toppers this year!

Anyway, if you're following my blog and I'm not following you back, please leave me the link to your blog - I can't get to all blogs by clicking on the profile pics (an ongoing problem for me).

Thanks and have a nice night!

Alison

Friday, April 1, 2011

Today's Featured Zibbet Store: Handmade Fuzzy


On Zibbet


Handmade Fuzzy is a great place to go for women's and children's knitted accessories made in beautiful colors and designs.

Handmade Fuzzy also has knitted, stuffed mice that come in all sorts of themes, including angel mice, scholarly mice for graduation, working mice, and even a vegetarian, and so many more!

These lovable little creatures would make great gifts for friends, coworkers and loved ones!

Give the gift of style to the medical professional in your life with Handmade Fuzzy's stethoscope covers (socks!)



In this shop, you'll also find gorgeous sewn bags/purses and back issues knitting magazines, too!

Don't see something in the color you want?  Custom orders are welcome!

Check it out!!! 








Today's Featured Zibbet Store: Designed By Audrey


On Zibbet


At Designed by Audrey on Zibbet, you'll discover a stunning variety of handcrafted artisan jewelry and accessories, including necklaces, earrings, bracelets, eyeglass holders, key chains, bookmarks and more!


This artist uses a variety of materials in her beautiful creations, including stunning semi-precious gemstone beads,  lampwork glass, Swarovski crystals, wood, clay, and Czech glass, just to name a few...




If you're shopping for earrings, Designed by Audrey is happy to accomodate you!  She can change many of her pierced earrings to clip-on for you at no extra charge!


It’s also possible to upgrade earrings for a small fee.








Designed by Audrey is the place to go to see some very special and unique jewelry - check it out!