Saturday, October 4, 2008

The Financial Future of FIBER

The US economy is now in the toilet. Everyone is worried. Are you worried? Are you worried about where your next yarn is purchase is coming? How are crocheters and knitters going to finance their next yarny need? Will there need to be a government bailout of your LYS? Doubtful, but here are some tips to help you thru the recession (oh... I forgot. We are not in a recession. But it sure feels like it!). Anyway, back to what's truly important:

Tips for funding the Yarny Goodness Habit:
1. SWAP. If you're Jones-ing for some soft, luscious cashmere, but your husband won't let you refinance the house, trying trading some of your equally delicious (but less desirable to you) yarny goodness.

2. Dig Deep Into The Stash. Yeah, I said it. Use what you got! At some point you must have loved, or at least liked, some of that yarn way down in the dark abyss of your stash. Sure most of it hasn't seen the light of day for over a year, but just sniff it and pet it, and you'll remember. Check out Ravelry to see who else liked the yarn enough to make something with it and get inspired again.

3.Reduce your heating bill and knit/crochet more. Try convincing your family that dropping the thermostat 15 degrees is worth a pair of luscious socks, hats, mittens and scarves they'll have to wear indoors when the temperature drops below freezing.

4. Convince your financial institution that the loan is for a good cause and that they can hold the rest of your stash as collateral. If that doesn't work (which I can't see not working...that idea is fool proof!) try convincing the Benefits Manager at work that your need your 401K due to Yarn financial hardship.

So even though the entire world is up in arms over the economic crisis be glad you have yarn insurance (YOUR STASH) because you planned ahead. So feel free to gloat at your husband at your foresight to plan for the future unlike our government and financial institutions.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

It Begins

Welcome to the first entry of the KNitDesigns blog. This is not a new blog, but a re-invention of Beautiful Designs by Tian. Beautiful Designs by Tian is primarily about my jewelry making. Over the past year, I've re-discovered my love of crochet, developed my knitting skills and embraced pattern designing. I hope to contribute to this blog more regularly with updates on new knitting and crocheting design ventures, works in progress, and new jewelry designs.
About me:
My name is Tian. I am a wife of 7 years and a mother of a very smart Pre-Kindergartener. My full time job is in Finance and Accounting. I've been crocheting since 2001, making jewelry since 2004, and knitting since Jan 2007, designing (knit/crochet) since January 2008.
I am hoping to venture into Tech Editing in the near future. I have years of experience writing training/instructional manuals and policies, for all levels in the company (from hourly wage workers to Executives) to understand... all reading the same pieces of information. I also have experience testing knitted patterns for others and writing up summaries for what worked and what need improvements. I also tech edit all my own patterns. I think besides my strong analytical and mathematic skills, I am straight forward and honest. I aim for results and sugar coating it won't make get results!

Why I design? The Mission:
I love making things. Working thru the complex progress of figuring out the construction, just how it works, and then simplifying it for others to enjoy. I want to make attactive, stylish knit and crochet items that knitters and crocheters of all level, especially beginners will enjoy making with confidence. I currently have a few items for sale on Etsy and Ravelry, with lots more in the works.

My Motto:
You have to know what the End looks like ahead of the action. What that means is that every action has a reaction and a path. You have to be smart enough to see all the possible outcomes to make the best decision and flexible in your thinking to see things differently to get to the that end. The paths might change, but the end result remains the same.