Thursday, February 18, 2010

New Again

Yep, we have a new site!
We had some issues with the functionality of our previous ecommerce store so we've moved it and redesigned. It's already so much easier, we're really happy about it.

I keep reminding myself of letting go of the things that are not working to embrace the new. New businesses are a challenge!

So, here we go and I hope you all will check it out. We hope you'll check it out and take advantage of our free shipping through the month of February.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

My Kit Love by Laura

I first learned to knit from a kit.


I was recovering from an illness and was bored, so I declared to my husband that I was going to learn to knit. And I did. I bought a book and the cutest kit to make a snake puppet. The kit included black and red yarn, pattern and instructions, eyes and yes, needles. I can’t seem to locate that puppet, or there would be a photo. (Melissa rolls eyes...)


I love the idea of having everything I need to complete a project presented to me in a nice little package

One of the great things about the purchase of a fiber arts kit is, it won’t go spoil or go rotten sitting in your refrigerator like that biology experiment in the vegetable crisper (oh yes, it’s in there).


My love of kits has come full circle; from learning how to knit and (a little) crochet to running this exciting business with Melissa.


I believe our kits inspire learning a new craft and falling in love with an old one.

What are you inspired to learn, to improve upon, to hand down to a friend or loved one?

Leave a comment 'cause we'd love to know.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Notes From Laura: Faerieworlds

All photos courtesy of Micki Da Re

When my sister Erin and I were kids, my parent took us to the original Renaissance Pleasure Faire in California every summer. I remember dancing, theater, music, wandering poets, food and booths. I don’t remember when my family stopped going and until recently, I never gave it a second thought. That is, until I was presented with the idea of showing the Krafti-Kit wares at a similar celebration, Faerieworlds Winter Celebration in Eugene, OR.


Melissa had managed to talk her friend and the producer of this Fae party, Robert, into attending Black Sheep Gathering and the connection to Fiber-Arts was made. So, booth and demo space was procured and the planning got into full swing.


What’s my experience with Krafti-Kit’s first show as an exhibitor? It’s a lot of work. Not just the logistics, but I was “on” all day for two days. I did enjoy myself however. I enjoyed having my husband, Jonathan, hang with me in the booth, staying with friends, observing the attendees, meeting the different vendors and watching Melissa demonstrate her spinning and weaving skills.


The demo area of our booth was by far the most interesting. At one point, Melissa had a fan club of boys, ages 7-12 watching her spin and wanting to learn. Melissa definitely has the teacher buried deep inside and is always looking for a chance to show someone a new skill, like me.

Melissa teaching with our Drop Spindle Kit


Over the past few months of our working together, Melissa has taught me the basics of hand sewing and needlepoint. I can’t say that I am an expert at these skills, but the seeds have been planted. What did she teach me that stuck? Weaving. Krafti-Kit borrowed a small rigid heddle loom from fellow exhibitor, Eugene Textile Center and Melissa declared “Laura, you will learn to weave”. Well, actually I think she said “I am going to teach you to weave.” And I did. Now I want a rigid heddle loom. The seed has been planted, a monster created. All thanks to Melissa and Faerieworlds.


A fun first experience and I am looking forward to the Summer Celebration.