Where You Can Find Me and My Yarns

I've acquired quite a list of URL's...

1. Facebook. That's my hub right now, where you can get to all of my stores and networking sites. Fan me, leave your link on my wall, and I'll fan you back! It's a great place to network with other sellers!

2. Twitter. I've just started Tweeting recently...and I post new items or eBay auctions that are about to end. I retweet when people promote an item I find especially beautiful or interesting.

3. eBay. Most of the yarns I sell will show up on eBay at some point. I start my auctions off at the lowest prices there - sometimes you can get some great deals if you feel like going through the auction process! I also sell beads, other craft supplies and name brand jewelry on eBay...and more.

4. Etsy. I've been selling on Etsy since 2007 and there you'll find a selection of yarns as well as some crocheted items (scarves, fingerless gloves). No waiting for an auction to end...just buy it on the spot!

5. Zibbet. I'm new to Zibbet and I have a different name there, "YarnPal." Right now it's yarn only at YarnPal. You'll find my yarns at a slightly better price on Zibbet thank Etsy since there are no listing or final value fees for me to pay!

6. Zibbet Community Page. This is where I'll be networking with other Zibbet members.

7. Blogspot... :) Always looking for new blogs to follow and for new followers!

I Really Depend on Electricity.

Wow, 18 hours without power here and I felt so out-of-sorts! We had a snow/ice storm last night and it knocked the power out around 8PM. My heavy down blanket got me through the night okay - in fact, it was a little TOO warm! This morning as my husband was snow-blowing the driveway (actually, ice-blowing, lol), I was shoveling snow into a bunch of coolers to save our refrigerated foods...not bad...all we lost was the ice cream (well, I won't touch it, but now that it's re-frozen, hubby wants to give it a shot - ew - go right ahead there!)

I learned a few things about myself today...I learned that I am addicted to coffee...I got the worst headache when I couldn't have a cup! I learned that soup for breakfast suits me just fine (luckily, I could light the gas stove with a match and soup is warmer than cereal). I learned that I could never live without my iPad (even though Internet access was spotty, it allowed me to contact customers about orders). And I learned that when I can't wash my hair, I'm willing to run all over town in an ugly oversized black ski cap!

The power finally came back on. I am now stocked with instant coffee, just in case...and I am SO appreciative of heat and light. It's amazing how less than a day without it can make you so thankful for it. Frankly, I don't know how the pioneers did it! LOL!

Calling All eBayers - No Listing Fees for 2 Weeks!

Ebay is running another "no listing fees" promotion for two weeks...this means that I can sell my yarns at the lowest possible prices! YAY!!! That 25 cent listing fee can be significant when most of your items are between $2.50 - $5.00!

I just want to spread the word to other eligible eBayers who haven't heard yet because I think if we show eBay the kind of business we can generate with these promotions, they'll be likely to extend them to us more often!

Check out my yarns on eBay! Anything listed since yesterday is at its lowest possible price!

I Want to Follow You Back!

Thank you to everyone who is now following me on Blogspot! I've tried to see everyone eles's blogs, but can't seem to access all of them! If you would like for me to check out your blog and follow, please send me a message with your link either through a comment line or on my Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/AlisonDesigns. Thanks!

New Etsy Listings - Reds, Pinks, Etc.

New Yarns Finally In!

I received a bunch of new yarns last night and I'll be listing them over the next several days!  I'm concentrating on reds today since Valentine's is coming up...here are a few images of what I'll be listing on Etsy, eBay and Zibbet!

Now on Zibbet - YARNPAL!

I have officially opened a new store on Zibbet, where I'll sell just yarn!  I'm under a different name there, which could make things confusing and irritating, lol...but I didn't feel that my Etsy name, AlisonDesigns, was an appropriate name for this store because I'm not designing anything!  I started as AlisonDesigns on Etsy because I was selling my own handmade jewelry and crochet items.  But four years later, I'm focusing more on supplies and AlisonDesigns just doesn't make any sense.  I can't change my Etsy name unless I open a new store, but then I lose all my feedback, and I am not far enough along in this venture to sacrifice that feedback.  Plus, I still make crocheted items to sell there.  So now on Zibbet, you can find my selection of yarns under the shop name,  "YarnPal."  I can't stand having so many different names out there (I'm "atruslow" on eBay, a name I picked years ago when I bid on my first auction ever - not ready to change that name yet either because I sell a variety of things in addition to yarn on eBay).  I sell beads also on both Etsy and eBay, but YarnPal will carry primarily yarn and possibly knitting and crocheting supplies.  Once I figure out where I'm going with this venture, I will work on making my store names more relevant and consistent!  :)

Sundance Shaggy Shimmer - Red - on eBay

Under my bright kitchen lights, I opened the box of Sundance Shaggy Shimmer yarns that I ordered and was blown away by the vibrant colors (they sparkle, too)! I found the red to be one of the most striking...and I have it for sale on eBay for $1.99/skein + shipping (in a "buy it now" listing). I only have six skeins available in this color and I don't know if or when I'll be getting my hands on any more...

I'm Knitting Again!

When I was about 13 years old, my grandmother taught me how to knit. I was spending a few days with her at her house one summer and in the evening we'd sit out on her back deck with our needles and yarn. By the time I got back home, I had a nice big practice square that I grew into a larger piece.

As time passed, that square got lost with the needles she gave me in a sea of junk in my closet. My grandmother passed away only a couple of years after that night she taught me how to knit. And it wasn't until probably 15 years later that I tried knitting again. I had already been crocheting for a few years...I had been inspired to learn how to crochet because that was another craft of my grandmother's, and she had left us with several of her crocheted afghans. It didn't occur to me to try knitting also until later.

So I got some needles and started on a square. I was kind of intimidated by knitting and I also had forgotten a couple of key details of the purl stitch which left me with only the knit stitch. Yesterday (yet another few years later), I found a great tutorial on this website, http://www.allfreeknitting.com/, and learned how to purl again. I'm about 6 inches away from a new scarf as I type this and I am thrilled.

My grandmother was awesome...she was a night shift police dispatcher, had a pet duck named Druscilla, had rescued a frozen and brain damaged dog one winter night that she kept and named Rags, was a gardener, a great cook, had the most hilarious stories to tell, and in addition to knitting and crocheting, sewed clothes and quilts, made dolls out of detergent bottles and fabric, and did elaborate cross-stitch projects. She could do anything. 25 years later, I still really miss her. I'm so glad, though, that I picked up at least a few of her skills...I'm not as creative as she was and don't have the same level of patience for large, time-consuming craft projects...but I'm grateful that I can pick up a crochet needle and know how to use it...and now that I'm knitting again, I feel a little closer to her than I did before.

I can't wait to start my next knitting project!

Ebay...Feebay?

Well, the holidays are over and listing fees are back on eBay.  I took advantage of their free listing promotion for several months before Christmas and had a really great selling season.  Now I'm paying 25 cents for everything I list for over $1.00, and I'm watching my account balance go up up up.

The thing is, 25 cents alone is not a big deal.  But now for every listing, I need to add in that 25 cent fee to my price, plus the 9% final value fee that would come out of that extra 25 cents, so really I'm adding more like 27-28 cents per listing.  Okay, that's not bad if my yarn sells right off the bat, but what if it doesn't sell the first time around?  Then I have to list it again for ANOTHER 25 cents....and so on and so on until it sells?  So either I'm adding another 27 cents to the price every time I relist (which can really add up for 2 skeins of yarn per listing), or I'm eating the cost and losing money, or I'm starting out with a higher price to give my listings a little bit of padding in case I need to relist, which I hate doing because I want to offer the best prices possible!

It's very limiting for a small-time seller like myself.  I'm not knocking eBay at all...they are a business and none of us have to sell there if we don't like the terms, plus they've really helped me jump start my little craft supply business, and I'm grateful to have that venue to sell through.  But during that free listing promotion, I was on eBay constantly.  I was able to start my yarn auctions at my rock-bottom prices.  I made money, eBay made money off of my sales...there seemed to be a lot of action and constant activity.  It seemed good all around.  Now, maybe it didn't do eBay the good that it did me...and maybe that kind of promotion wouldn't benefit them now, during the post-holiday slow-down, but if they were able to keep me selling there more than anyplace else, then that was probably the case with a lot of sellers, and that means that they were keeping both sellers and buyers at their site and away from other on-line retail sites.  And the key to sales is keeping your customers from going somewhere else!

Now, with the 25 cent fees back, I've really slowed down my listing activity and I've turned more toward Etsy, which ALWAYS has had low listing fees, long listing periods and low final value fees.  I love Etsy and I'm pleased with the sales I've had there (plus extremely grateful that I'm allowed to sell supplies there)...but I'm kind of an action junkie...I love the faster pace of eBay and the auction format.  Even if I don't make a fortune (my hourly pay stinks, btw, lol), I crave that constant activity.  I want it all, actually.

I'm looking into other sites to sell on.  I tried eCrater years ago with my handmade items, but it didn't pan out.  I don't know how my yarn would do there.  I joined Bonanza recently, but minutes after I registered, I started getting all these instant messages on the bottom of my computer screen from other members welcoming me.  That was nice, I guess, but soon after, I received a warning from my virus software that someone was trying to hack into my computer.  I couldn't figure out how to turn chat off on Bonanza, and I haven't been back since.

I just hope eBay reconsiders their fee structures to keep smaller sellers like myself there.  25 cents a pop is significant when most of your listings are between $2.50 - $5.00.

New Yarns Coming Soon to AlisonDesigns

Next week I should be getting in a variety of new yarns...I'll have at least 14 different types arriving, in about 25 different colors...some I've offered before, some will be new to my shops...here's what's coming:

Sport yarns...acrylic and wool/acrylic blends
Tweed-style knitting worsted yarn...wool/acrylic blend
92% wool knitting worsted yarns - w/ flecks of color throughout
Fleece yarns in white and lavender
Mohair-style brushed acrylic yarn
Chenille yarns in black, burgundy and red
Novelty yarns...including Bernat Bling Bling, Fanciful eyelash yarn, and more!
And other cotton & wool yarns...

You'll be able to find these great new additions in the coming days and weeks in my Etsy shop and on eBay.

What kind of yarn are you looking for? I always love to hear feedback about favorite yarns and other craft supplies. I purchase my supplies in bulk...and if I can find stuff at a good enough deal that will allow me to sell it at a great price, then I'll definitely look into it! :)

Murano-Style Pendants on eBay

Ending this morning on eBay...three auctions for Murano-Style glass pendants. Auctions starting at $0.99 + shipping!

Dyed Howlite Beads on Etsy

Available now in my Etsy store - two 15.5 inch strands of purple dyed howlite beads for $3.25 + shipping! (Buy multiple items and save with combined shipping rates!)

Tools of the Trade on eBay

Yarn is great, but without the right tools, there's only so much you can do with it!  Currently on eBay, I have a Q size plastic crochet hook and bamboo knitting needles in US sizes 8, 9, 10 1/2, and 11.  All of these auctions are starting at $0.99 + shipping!  While you're there, check out my #20 crewel embroidery needles and my shaggy yarn selection.

Bamboo Knitting Needles on Ebay

I'm a crocheter myself, but occasionally I dabble in knitting. I came across these bamboo knitting needles, and since most of my business is selling yarn, I figured why not offer knitters some tools for their trade, too? Some of the advantages to using bamboo needles, rather than plastic or metal, are that they are much quieter, they hold the stitches better, they're lightweight and they're eco-friendly, too.

These knitting needle auctions are starting at $0.99 + shipping!

Murano-Style Glass Pendants - Auctions Ending Today on Ebay!

I purchased a bunch of these pendants at a flea market in Florida. The vibrant colors under the bright lights of the shop made them irresistible to resist! I have several auctions for these pendants ending today on eBay - check them out!

Choose from a shark, a starfish, a palm tree (hmmm...I'm sensing a theme here) and a peace sign...and then there are auctions for more of these pendants ending in a few days!

Soft, Furry...and FUN!

It shimmers, it glistens, it's SO pretty!  Now listing on eBay and Etsy in a variety of colors!  Sundance Shaggy Shimmer.  87 yards of furry fun in every skein!

New Today: Semi-Precious Gemstone Beads on Etsy

New semi-precious gemstone listings in my Etsy store today! Buy multiple and save on shipping!

So Sad My Yarn Order Didn't Come In :(

Oh, bummer.  I was expecting a UPS delivery yesterday evening with a bunch of new yarns I was all pumped up to list and the shipment was delayed, probably due to the dusting of snow we got yesterday.  I had made the UPS guy some cookies and everything, since we missed him during the holidays.  Around Christmas, we had no idea when he'd be showing up, but now that I'm placing merchandise orders again and tracking them, I was all ready for him yesterday!  Oh, well, I'm sure it was messy out and he probably got behind on his route.  Delivery is expected today, "end of day."  (Seems that everywhere I live, we're always  the LAST stop on the UPS route!!!)

This morning on eBay - ending soon - semi-precious gemstone beads! Two 7-inch strands of rounds starting at $1.50+shipping!

Red Heart Symphony Yarn - 3.5oz/310yd (Juniper) - Etsy

This is my last skein of Red Heart Symphony Yarn in "Juniper."  Available in my Etsy store for only $2.25 + shipping.  Symphony is a brushed acrylic yarn with the softness of mohair - easy care with an elegant feel!

Lenox Dogwood Vase - 7 1/2 inches Tall - Ending Soon on eBay

I'm pushing my eBay auctions tonight...over the holidays, I'd had lots of merchandise listed not related to crafts/handmade/supplies, etc. Anything that doesn't sell tonight goes into storage, probably until next holiday season.

This Lenox Dogwood vase is a creamy color with a vibrant deep pink Dogwood pattern. It's gorgeous. 7 1/2 inches tall...auction starting at $9.99...and Priority shipping is based on your location within the United States.

Check out my Facebook Fan Page! I FAN Back!

Do you have a Facebook Fan Page? I want to be your fan! Visit me HERE and "like" my Fan Page. Remember to leave a link to your fan page on my wall so I can find you easily and "like" you back! It's a great way to gain exposure and increase traffic in your Etsy store and other venues. I made a nice big sale due to my Facebook Fan Page, so it's definitely worth utilizing!

Ending Monday Morning on Ebay - Single Skeins Moda Dea Dream!

I have three lone skeins of Moda Dea Dream Yarn...pink (Waterlily), purple (Plum) and green (Leaf).  It's a fuzzy yarn...acrylic/nylon blend...and made in Italy.  Auctions starting at $1.30+shipping!

More yarns available on eBay and Etsy!

Ending Today on eBay - Chunky Chaps Bracelets

I'm selling off some jewelry I bought over the holiday season...here are two Chaps stretch bracelets that are about to disappear...one in a turquoise color and the other brown...













Turquoise colored bracelet:
Suggested Retail:  $20.00...my auction starting at $4.25+shipping!

Brown bracelet:
Suggested Retail:  $20.00...my auction starting at $4.95+shipping!

Nob Hill Wool Blend Yarn on Etsy

Nob Hill Nature's Twist - "Birch" - now available in my Etsy store!  $4.75+shipping for TWO skeins!

Ending Today on eBay - Muench Lucky Eyelash Yarn

Ebay auction starting at $4.00+shipping for TWO skeins! Suggested Retail $12.90/skein!
Soft and silky, made with wispy eyelash yarn, thin metallic strands and paper-like ribbon flags throughout.  Made in Italy.

Check it out HERE!

For more unique yarns at great prices, visit my Etsy store and my eBay auction page!

I Don't Know About You, But I'm Ready for Summer!

Three weeks into winter and I'm done with the cold weather!  Since I can't control Mother Nature, I can at least dream about warm weather and start thinking about my summer projects.  I have listed some great new yarns on Etsy that make me think of hot sunny days, lighter clothing and being outside all day long!

Sundance Krinkle Cotton (cotton/Acrylic blend) in a beautiful deep pink

Bertagna Filati Cielo Ribbon Yarn in Summer Bloom

Bertagna Filati Cielo Ribbon Yarn in Mango Sorbet

I also have these same yarns (ribbon yarns in different quantities) listed on eBay.

Two Days Left on These Ebay Auctions!

I have new yarns in both my Etsy store and my eBay page!  I also have a bunch of eBay auctions ending in a couple of days...

Check them out here!

On Ebay today...

Today on Ebay, check out Knit Picks Crayon Boucle Yarn - TWO SKEINS of Jalapeno Green - auction starting at 3.95 (+shipping)!  Compare to other brands around $7.50/ball!


100% Pima Cotton
1.75 oz per skein (128 yards each)
Made in Peru


Pima cotton is a superior cotton blend that features long, luxurious fibers.  It's durable and absorbent. It may also be referred to as Extra Long Staple (ELS) cotton.

Semi-Precious Gemstone Beads

I just got in a shipment of more semi-precious gemstone beads yesterday.  I need to get all my pictures taken this morning so I can get them listed in my Etsy store and on my eBay page.

I currently have these types of beads listed on Etsy, THREE 7-inch strands for $2.95 + shipping.

I also have semi-precious gemstone beads listed on eBay, auctions starting at $0.99 for TWO 7-inch strands + shipping.

This are unlabelled general assortments - the following types of semi-precious beads may be included in the mix:

Black Onyx, Blueberry Quartz (glass), Cherry Quartz (glass), China Jade, Goldstone, Green Agate, Jasper (Dyed), Kiwi Jasper, Moss Agate, Opalite (glass), Peach Aventurine,  Picasso Jasper, Purple "Sugilite" Insect Jasper, Rose Quartz, Red Aventurine, Russian Jade Serpentine, Serpentine, Snowflake Jasper, Tiger Eye, Turquoise Howlite (dyed), Turquoise Jasper, Unakite, Wood Jasper, and Yellow Turquoise


These exact types are not always guaranteed in the mix, but you will ALWAYS receive the beads pictured in individual listings.

I offer combined shipping, so buy multiple and save!

Pushing eBay items today...CLICK HERE

After the eBay post-Christmas doldrums, I'm listing at least 100 items this week.  I have 74 to go, yikes - I better get moving on it!

I have some Simply Vera Wang jewelry up for auction, such as this bracelet/earring set






Also, the auction for these Simply Vera Earrings is ending today:

It was exhausting working on my eBay auctions throughout the holidays.  When you work from home, you're pretty much on-duty 24 hours a day (at least I am).  But for me, it's worth it...my  hourly pay stinks, but being my own boss suits me.

I'll be listing some additional items on Etsy today, too - often I purchase yarn and beads in bulk, so sometimes you'll see similar listings on my eBay page and in my Etsy store.  And I'm getting a bunch of yarn in this week, so I will be a busy lady!

Have a wonderful day!

Yarn and Beads For Your Crafting Needs...at AlisonDesigns

Happy New Year from AlisonDesigns!

Looks like it's been a few years since I've been here!  Well, here's what's been happening...

I was selling handmade jewelry and crochet items on Etsy after I burned out of a 12-year career in wine sales.  I enjoyed the crafty aspect of it, but to be honest, I was putting a lot of time and money into it for very little return.  That was fine for a while, but let's face it, I'm not the most artistic person in the world.  You give me a crochet needle and yarn, and I can crochet anything as long as you provide me with a pattern!  But creating my own stuff???  It just didn't work out so well, and I could only make so many dish cloths and scarves before I had had it!

I became very antsy and desperately wanted to get a regular 9 to 5 job again, but not in sales!  So I became a dental assistant.  I went to a school, graduated at the top of my class, met a lot of neat people, and found that I could retain any information about the human mouth that was thrown at me, lol.  Apparently, I really have a knack for dental knowledge.  Too bad I didn't realize that when I was 18 and trying to decide what to do with my life.  :)  Hindsight and all.  Well, anyway, I worked as a dental assistant for 2 years - I enjoyed the work, but after my husband and I weighed the benefits vs. my take home pay, we decided that me being at home would be more valuable to us than what I was getting out of my job.  So this past April, I turned in my notice.

Being home again, and quickly becoming antsy AGAIN led me to sell household stuff on eBay, then unused craft supplies from my own stash, and I loved it so much that I now go in search of deals on craft supplies (primarily yarn and beads) and sell them for great prices on both eBay and Etsy!  I think I've found my niche.  I'm a yarn fanatic and I love crocheting...just because my imagination is limited when it comes to artistic creations doesn't mean I can't still be involved...and if my "thing" is to be more of a supply-guy, well then so be it. 

Of course, I'll still work on small projects to sell, like my fingerless gloves (using my own patterns) and macrame necklaces...so those will be posted in my store from time to time...

Here is where you can find me:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/AlisonDesigns

http://shop.ebay.com/atruslow/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686

http://www.facebook.com/pages/AlisonDesigns-on-Etsy/115375798535732?v=wall  (please drop by and "like" my Facebook Fan page - once I reach 100 fans, I can shorten that hideously long URL!!!)

And of course you can find me on this blog...I'll try not to take 3 years to get back here!  Happy New Year!