Comments for Abby's Yarns http://abbysyarns.com Because one way or another, it's all about yarn. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:42:42 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Comment on Torn by Judy Hinkes http://abbysyarns.com/2011/11/torn/comment-page-1#comment-29130 Judy Hinkes Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:42:42 +0000 http://abbysyarns.com/?p=646#comment-29130 Torn - It was about that age (when my son hit middle school) that I learned from my son that he would rather I not volunteer so much at school (I had done lots in elementary school). He said to me "Mom, at this new school, I would rather they know me more than they know you"..... which said volumes to me about his desire for independence - and I think that was a good thing. I still volunteered to do things to help out, but I became a less active volunteer than I had been at pre-school and elementary school. Torn – It was about that age (when my son hit middle school) that I learned from my son that he would rather I not volunteer so much at school (I had done lots in elementary school). He said to me “Mom, at this new school, I would rather they know me more than they know you”….. which said volumes to me about his desire for independence – and I think that was a good thing. I still volunteered to do things to help out, but I became a less active volunteer than I had been at pre-school and elementary school.

]]> Comment on Choosing Your First Spinning Wheel by Spinning: what happened next : It's a Stitch Up: Adventures in handmade… knitting, sewing, jewellery, spinning, dyeing,crafting http://abbysyarns.com/2008/12/choosing-your-first-spinning-wheel/comment-page-1#comment-29055 Spinning: what happened next : It's a Stitch Up: Adventures in handmade… knitting, sewing, jewellery, spinning, dyeing,crafting Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:36:08 +0000 http://www.abbysyarns.com/wordpress/?p=6#comment-29055 [...] the specs of most available wheels in Spin Off magazine (log in required but registration is free). Abby Franquemont’s article ‘Choosing your first spinning wheel’ helped me clarify what I should be looking for and to hone down my particular requirements: [...] [...] the specs of most available wheels in Spin Off magazine (log in required but registration is free). Abby Franquemont’s article ‘Choosing your first spinning wheel’ helped me clarify what I should be looking for and to hone down my particular requirements: [...]

]]> Comment on Spinning for Socks: Colour by Mackenzie http://abbysyarns.com/2008/03/spinning-for-socks-colour/comment-page-1#comment-29042 Mackenzie Mon, 23 Jan 2012 03:11:07 +0000 http://www.abbysyarns.com/wordpress/?p=189#comment-29042 So...I just looked through every post from here onward, and I'm wondering if you're going to pick this theme back up. My comfort zone does not yet include a weight that when plied will produce sock yarn (just worsted weight...), but I've got some lovely alpaca here that I'd like to push in that direction. So…I just looked through every post from here onward, and I’m wondering if you’re going to pick this theme back up. My comfort zone does not yet include a weight that when plied will produce sock yarn (just worsted weight…), but I’ve got some lovely alpaca here that I’d like to push in that direction.

]]> Comment on Spindle Full, Spindle Empty, Need More Spindles by Susie http://abbysyarns.com/2009/05/spindle-full-spindle-empty-need-more-spindles/comment-page-1#comment-29031 Susie Sun, 22 Jan 2012 02:24:02 +0000 http://www.abbysyarns.com/wordpress/?p=249#comment-29031 Thank you, so much. This is most helpful as my new yarn is slipping down the spindle. Thank you, so much. This is most helpful as my new yarn is slipping down the spindle.

]]> Comment on Torn by Abby Franquemont http://abbysyarns.com/2011/11/torn/comment-page-1#comment-28951 Abby Franquemont Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:46:58 +0000 http://abbysyarns.com/?p=646#comment-28951 So Jenifer, I would buy that, and I even considered it as a possibility... except that the "no thanks" email came a few hours before the principal's first 'we still need volunteers," and except that I did mail the guidance counselor back again the following day and say "Still available, let me know," and got nothing back. I am so totally with you on teacher's schedules. Even as a teacher of adults, without parents and an overarching system to contend with, and without the need for grades, every hour of in-class time for me is between 1 and 2 hours of outside-of-class prep time. I invest emotionally in my students' successes and non-successes, and I promise that as a parent, I'm a very very very teacher-supportive one. So Jenifer, I would buy that, and I even considered it as a possibility… except that the “no thanks” email came a few hours before the principal’s first ‘we still need volunteers,” and except that I did mail the guidance counselor back again the following day and say “Still available, let me know,” and got nothing back.

I am so totally with you on teacher’s schedules. Even as a teacher of adults, without parents and an overarching system to contend with, and without the need for grades, every hour of in-class time for me is between 1 and 2 hours of outside-of-class prep time. I invest emotionally in my students’ successes and non-successes, and I promise that as a parent, I’m a very very very teacher-supportive one.

]]> Comment on Torn by Jenifer http://abbysyarns.com/2011/11/torn/comment-page-1#comment-28945 Jenifer Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:50:44 +0000 http://abbysyarns.com/?p=646#comment-28945 Hi Abby! As a middle school teacher (and okay, as a knitter/spinner) I have to weigh in on your topic: Most likely, the school DID have enough volunteers, and that's when the counselor emailed you back saying they had enough. Then, most likely, as the date approached people backed out (because they're career people and can't waste a day talking to middle school kids!) and that's when the principal said that they needed more ... and if the guidance counselor didn't have 300 kids on his case, and if he had saved the emails of parents that had emailed him volunteering to whom he responded he didn't need their help, he'd have gotten back to you. As it is, working in the public school domain, I am always amazed at how little people understand about how many hours of work we need to do each day (generally 12-14) in an 8-hour day -- yikes! I took the day off today to take my daughter in to oral surgery, and spent the rest of the day at home happily spinning and dreaming of fiber projects, but it's a rare luxury that I even get to sit back and have thoughts .... my usual day is that I hit the ground running at work, and stop only when I rush out the door to pick up the kids. It's actually the only reason I clicked on your blog today ... :) (Wish I had time to read blogs all day!) So, on behalf of the guidance counselor, I apologize, but only to say that I really feel like you can't read too much into an email. I love it when my students are exposed to the many amazing things that people choose for careers, and I immensely admire your talent and skill, and the fact that you've made a real career out of it! I run a knitting club at my school and know that there would definitely be kids interested in what you do, because when I bring in my spinning the kids are AMAZED that not only do I knit (and knit more than scarves) but that I make my own yarn. I hope you still continue to volunteer! Hi Abby! As a middle school teacher (and okay, as a knitter/spinner) I have to weigh in on your topic: Most likely, the school DID have enough volunteers, and that’s when the counselor emailed you back saying they had enough. Then, most likely, as the date approached people backed out (because they’re career people and can’t waste a day talking to middle school kids!) and that’s when the principal said that they needed more … and if the guidance counselor didn’t have 300 kids on his case, and if he had saved the emails of parents that had emailed him volunteering to whom he responded he didn’t need their help, he’d have gotten back to you. As it is, working in the public school domain, I am always amazed at how little people understand about how many hours of work we need to do each day (generally 12-14) in an 8-hour day — yikes! I took the day off today to take my daughter in to oral surgery, and spent the rest of the day at home happily spinning and dreaming of fiber projects, but it’s a rare luxury that I even get to sit back and have thoughts …. my usual day is that I hit the ground running at work, and stop only when I rush out the door to pick up the kids. It’s actually the only reason I clicked on your blog today … :) (Wish I had time to read blogs all day!) So, on behalf of the guidance counselor, I apologize, but only to say that I really feel like you can’t read too much into an email. I love it when my students are exposed to the many amazing things that people choose for careers, and I immensely admire your talent and skill, and the fact that you’ve made a real career out of it! I run a knitting club at my school and know that there would definitely be kids interested in what you do, because when I bring in my spinning the kids are AMAZED that not only do I knit (and knit more than scarves) but that I make my own yarn. I hope you still continue to volunteer!

]]> Comment on Shop by The Knitting Doctor » Blog Archiv » And We’re Off Again http://abbysyarns.com/shop/comment-page-1#comment-28928 The Knitting Doctor » Blog Archiv » And We’re Off Again Tue, 10 Jan 2012 01:47:25 +0000 http://www.abbysyarns.com/wordpress/?page_id=3#comment-28928 [...] scroll down. I finished some pretty pretty yarn this week. A few months back, I scored a couple of Abby’s Batts. Here’s one of them all spun up. As usual, click to [...] [...] scroll down. I finished some pretty pretty yarn this week. A few months back, I scored a couple of Abby’s Batts. Here’s one of them all spun up. As usual, click to [...]

]]> Comment on Peruvian Spindles, My Spindles by Cindy Romero http://abbysyarns.com/2011/02/peruvian-spindles-my-spindles/comment-page-1#comment-28903 Cindy Romero Fri, 06 Jan 2012 20:30:40 +0000 http://abbysyarns.com/?p=523#comment-28903 Hi Abby, Purchased your book on handspindles about a year ago. Since I decided to try and finally learn to spin. I set out to purchase some different types of spindles as you suggested. My first purchase was two Peruvian spindles one small the other larger. When I first received them, I thought that's all there is? they were very simple. After a year of spinning on my smaller one, I use the larger for plying. I love my little Peruvian spindle so much! I started with alpaca, since after all that's what they were made for and they seem a perfect match. Anyway that's my input on Peruvian spindles. And I love plying with the larger one it makes the best plyed yarn and after all the times I dropped it while learning I was very thankful for it's durabilit. Hi Abby,
Purchased your book on handspindles about a year ago. Since I decided to try and finally learn to spin. I set out to purchase some
different types of spindles as you suggested. My first purchase was
two Peruvian spindles one small the other larger. When I first received
them, I thought that’s all there is? they were very simple. After a year
of spinning on my smaller one, I use the larger for plying. I love my
little Peruvian spindle so much! I started with alpaca, since after all
that’s what they were made for and they seem a perfect match.
Anyway that’s my input on Peruvian spindles. And I love plying with
the larger one it makes the best plyed yarn and after all the times I
dropped it while learning I was very thankful for it’s durabilit.

]]> Comment on How Do You Usually Price Handspun Yarn? by treasure http://abbysyarns.com/2007/02/how-do-you-usually-price-handspun-yarn/comment-page-1#comment-28801 treasure Sat, 24 Dec 2011 08:18:19 +0000 http://www.abbysyarns.com/wordpress/?p=66#comment-28801 Wow, I can't believe how many people can't even read or comprehend this article. Commenters don't understand what BASELINE means even though you explained it Abby! Yet they jump to the conclusion that you personally are selling your yarn too cheap. Reread the article folks. Besides that, there is no secret fishing hole of how to price yarns. Don't worry about offending anyone just take a class called "Small Business Management 101." You can take it online or at any local college or university in your area. Abby is totally right in her calculations. In fact she is just starting you off in the direction of where you would ADD to the calculations. I am just guessing she is trying to open your mind to the idea of including wages and equipment in the first place. Wow, I can’t believe how many people can’t even read or comprehend this article. Commenters don’t understand what BASELINE means even though you explained it Abby!
Yet they jump to the conclusion that you personally are selling your yarn too cheap. Reread the article folks.
Besides that, there is no secret fishing hole of how to price yarns. Don’t worry about offending anyone just take a class called “Small Business Management 101.” You can take it online or at any local college or university in your area. Abby is totally right in her calculations. In fact she is just starting you off in the direction of where you would ADD to the calculations. I am just guessing she is trying to open your mind to the idea of including wages and equipment in the first place.

]]> Comment on How Do You Usually Price Handspun Yarn? by Wednesday http://abbysyarns.com/2007/02/how-do-you-usually-price-handspun-yarn/comment-page-1#comment-28800 Wednesday Sat, 24 Dec 2011 08:09:10 +0000 http://www.abbysyarns.com/wordpress/?p=66#comment-28800 I don't use most of the yarns I spin (though I do use some - it would be a little foolish imo to not work with what you spin at least a little bit to get a feel for any errors in trying to create an FO), so I try to sell them. There is of course a learning curve, as one becomes quicker at spinning better quality yarns, so pricing beginner yarns would need to be different than those from professional spinners. If beginners priced by the hour with their startup costs factored in they would hands down be WAY more expensive than professionally handspun yarns, which if purchased would have a bigger effect on professionals. Underselling starter yarns is ideal in my mind because it's a few dollars on yarn that perhaps a beginner knitter, crocheter, or weaver would be taking from higher quality stores. Just my 2 cents, though. Pricing for what I believed my yarns to be worth, based on your calculations, yardage calculations, or comparitive calculations all got me absolutely zero sales. There are other factors, of course, but I recently turned instead to ask my LYS if they were interested in purchasing my yarns for sale. They were, and that's quite a bit better than having a bunch of unused skeins sitting around collecting dust (plus I find people are WAY more enthused about buying yarn they can touch and squeeze rather than view online only)! At the very least, it allows me to make back cost to purchase more fiber and improve the skill. My question at the end of all of this, however, is how might one price yarn for wholesale? If I charge what my time, equipment, and product is worth ideally, it is disadvantageous for both the shop and the buyer and I probably won't have much luck selling them more in the future - since after the profit the shop would tack on a buyer would be better off buying direct, which they weren't from me in the first place. I would love to make a living on spinning one day, but in the meantime, the cost of the hobby is taking its toll on my ability to continue it. Ideas? I don’t use most of the yarns I spin (though I do use some – it would be a little foolish imo to not work with what you spin at least a little bit to get a feel for any errors in trying to create an FO), so I try to sell them. There is of course a learning curve, as one becomes quicker at spinning better quality yarns, so pricing beginner yarns would need to be different than those from professional spinners. If beginners priced by the hour with their startup costs factored in they would hands down be WAY more expensive than professionally handspun yarns, which if purchased would have a bigger effect on professionals. Underselling starter yarns is ideal in my mind because it’s a few dollars on yarn that perhaps a beginner knitter, crocheter, or weaver would be taking from higher quality stores. Just my 2 cents, though.

Pricing for what I believed my yarns to be worth, based on your calculations, yardage calculations, or comparitive calculations all got me absolutely zero sales. There are other factors, of course, but I recently turned instead to ask my LYS if they were interested in purchasing my yarns for sale. They were, and that’s quite a bit better than having a bunch of unused skeins sitting around collecting dust (plus I find people are WAY more enthused about buying yarn they can touch and squeeze rather than view online only)! At the very least, it allows me to make back cost to purchase more fiber and improve the skill. My question at the end of all of this, however, is how might one price yarn for wholesale? If I charge what my time, equipment, and product is worth ideally, it is disadvantageous for both the shop and the buyer and I probably won’t have much luck selling them more in the future – since after the profit the shop would tack on a buyer would be better off buying direct, which they weren’t from me in the first place. I would love to make a living on spinning one day, but in the meantime, the cost of the hobby is taking its toll on my ability to continue it. Ideas?

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