Payment Options

 Here's a detail from one of our great sewing kits. It includes that cute button and everything else you need to make an adorable clutch. 

Customers have had two ways to pay for their purchases for the past few months: PayPal and Credit Cards. We originally had only the credit card option but I knew that Paypal is very popular for fiber folk who are used to using it for purchasing pattern downloads and much more. So, I tried a bit of an experiment and ran both payment options for a while. Paypay has shown its way to be the clear "winner" of the two, among our customers.

I know that every payment method has its own set of issues, but for Krafti-kit and its growing collection of downloadable patterns, it seems very much the way to go right now.

Sometimes people ask me what the purpose of becoming a "user" on our site means. Well, it gives you the option to receive special sale notices and newsletters. I very often will offer repeat customers special discounts, so don't miss out! I like to reward those who support Krafti-Kit is every way I can. (Have you gotten a special "something" in your packages lately?)

New customers, welcome! Old timers, keep coming back and spreading the Krafti word ;-)

Anatomy of a Kit

Some kits, like the Oregon Tweed socks above, are pretty straightforward. The yarn from PicoAccuardi Dyeworks is a no-brainer for me as are the LaurelHill needles. I love introducing folks to both of these companies and we use their stuff in our kits because they're just my favorite materials to work with. The pattern in this case is mine so it creates a simple kit to put together, test and get to market!

As you can see by all the bits and bobs here, the Snowflake Bookmark is another one of our kits, but it takes a bit more to come together. This is a kit that's truly inspired by the first "counted" needlepoint kit I ever purchased in Scotland, so many years ago. We wind off just the right amount of each color, plus a little, cut the canvas, backing and give you a couple of needles. Then there's the pattern. I love to graph my patterns for needlework and knitting in Knit Visualizer.

The draw to kits for me is straight from my childhood. I remember ripping open a box, counting all the pieces, the strands, the parts of a needlework kit and diving in. It's still that way for me. About 6 months ago I found the original 1950's loom that I learned in, boxed and waiting for me on Ebay. It was not to be! Heartbroken but still searching for that memorabilia to add to my collection, I am trying to create kits for others that inspire.

Tell me about your first kit love!

En Vogue

There's a long but boring story as to why it took me so long to show off this great mention in Vogue Fall 2010. But, here it is featuring the Magic Carpet Socks. We liked the part where they asked for a second kit so they could actually KNIT them. How's them apples?

So, let me say again that these socks are an absolute blast to knit. There's just a few bobbles and they're right on the top for full effect. Never let me say a negative thing about a bobble again. I now love them.


The big ad campaign for the Clearance Sale is starting Monday, Nov 1st, so if you've got your eye on something, act now. These are limited addition kits, kiddos.

It's Anniversary Time

 Here's the handspun crochet shawl that kept me busy for a few weeks this early fall.

Yep, and that means a sale of epic proportion as I make way for new designs and products at Krafti-Kit. We're talking like...half-off most of the store! I love those packages going out. And things are moving quickly out that door so if you like it, snag it.

I also just got my first little newsletter out the "door". It was little, minimalist and I hope that it will be more in the future, but I didn't have time for the learning curve on this one and needed to get it out.

There are so many ways I like to communicate with other crafters. Just a couple of days ago I was on Twitter, chatting with other crafty folks the #craftsocial conversation that happens once a month. We were talking about pricing our work and once we got started, there were so many aspects, the 2 hours just flew. The main take-away points were educating our consumer about how exactly we make what we make so that they will understand what they are paying for. The second big point was to become "activists" for creating a culture in which craft artisans are paid a livable wage or more. Really relevant conversation for everyone there.

I'm going to take a little look through the blog archive here and see what else I can tell you about when it comes to this process of creating kits. But, before I end here I'd like to remind folks that I'm still on my path to turn you all into needlepoint nerds. Free mini kits are going out until I'm out of these babies. The little needlepoint pattern goes in a card for a completely impressive gift when finished.

When Things Don't Come Easy

 These are the first socks I ever designed. a beginner pattern now available on KK

On October first, we moved all the Krafti biz stuff into our SUV, a day before Laura's memorial gathering. It's difficult for me to write about the emotion behind all this right now as I am still just all in it. I am still in disbelief.

I do want all our friends, vendors and customers to know that the Krafti has been on a fast-track lately with all the press we've gotten this early Fall. Difficult timing of course, given this loss of Laura.

You know, I was always the voice in her ear, telling her what business move to make next. Now it's Laura's voice in my ear, saying "Just go ahead and do it. Do the business. Do Krafti-Kit"

I think if I weren't hearing that voice so clearly in my head, I would not be doing it, for sure.

So, first blog post behind me, I am moving forward and I hope you will all join me.

--Melissa

Life

Laura Cohen passed away September 21st at approximately 9 pm PST after a long battle with lung disease.

From her husband, Jonathan:

"Laura and I had no illusions that her ongoing bronchiectasis would kill her sooner or later but we never imagined how hard or how fast the end would come. In the end every moment I could spend with her was precious.  We were together for 25 years, married for 15, and I was proud and grateful to have such a loving and caring companion who never once faltered in her love for me.

I want to express my deepest thanks to those of you who were sending your prayers and positive thoughts.  They were a great help to me to keep me strong for her.  There will be a memorial at my home in the coming days and I will send out an official announcement.  In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the American Lung Association."

As Laura's business partner, I'm in a state of shock. Of course this is an awful turn of events. I expect to write more in the coming days and also thank you for your support at this difficult time.

----Melissa

Update

I just wanted to post an update on what's going on here at Krafti-Kit:

This past month, we've been very lucky to have gotten reviewed in Vogue Knitting, Interweave Crochet and the KnitCircus gift issue. It was the fruit of much hard work to get our brand out there and I know that Laura is very happy about this.

In news about our family here, Laura is quite ill and hospitalized. I wanted to give you all the chance to put her in your thoughts and prayers at this challenging time for Laura and her husband, Jonathan. There's not much more I can say right now.

As many of you know, I've moved to WA, 3.5 hours from Portland, OR where the Krafti home is. That of course makes this time particularly difficult. I do want you all to know that you can still connect with Krafti through me. I can be reached through Melissa@krafti-kit.com and invite emails from anyone who may need questions addressed during this period when Laura will be unable to answer her emails.