Twysted Yarn

3000 Fans Giveaway

2011-04-13T08:53:00.021-04:00

Here it is! The BIG giveaway! It seems that giveaways are a huge trend right now, but I never enter them because they require that I become a fan of 15-20 Facebook pages just so I can have a chance of winning. So I decided to survey my fans and was thrilled that you all said you would rather have a chance of winning a variety of Twysted Yarn items versus items from a variety of vendors, which also means you don't have to go through a LONG drawn out process to enter and win! I'm giving you my items simply for being my fans. So my thank you for your loyalty is a very simple entry process. All you have to do is copy and paste the following as your Facebook status and/or tweet it:

You have to check this out! Twysted Yarn is having a huge giveaway! There's something for everyone, and there will be 13 winners!! Click here to check it out! www.twystedyarn.blogspot.com

Once you've done that, simply comment on this post or on my Facebook fan page to let me know you've done it and leave an email address and your name will go into the drawing.

Throughout the giveaway, you can have your name entered into the drawing several times. Here's how:

Buy something from my Etsy shop. For each item you purchase, your name will go into the drawing. http://www.etsy.com/shop/twystedyarn
Refer friends to my Facebook fan page and tell them to post that you sent them. For each referral, your name goes into the drawing. http://www.facebook.com/TwystedYarn
Become a fan of my Newbie Noggins page on Facebook and be sure to post that you're from Twysted Yarn. (Newbie Noggins my newborn line, and I'll be giving away a $25 gift card at 500 fans!) www.facebook.com/newbienoggins

So guess what? If your name is in the drawing more than once, that also means you can win more than one prize!! I am giving away 13 items and will draw names at random for each item, so you could win several items!!

So here's what I'm giving away....

Lauren Headwrap--Espresso with Toasted Almond Flower--Size Women's

Harper Beanie--Aqua--Size 2T-4T

Raspberry Truffle Earflap Beanie--Size 3-6 Months

Sapphire Earflap Beanie--Size 2T-4T

Rustic Patriot Earflap Beanie--Size 12-24 Months

Hot Rose Cluster Beanie--Size 12-24 Months

Apple Cozy--Light Blue and Abbey Rose

Robin's Egg Mug Cozy

Apple Cozy--Chocolate and Shocking Pink

Longtail Stocking Hat--Baby Blues--Size 0-3 Months

Apple Green Cocoon Set--Newborn Photography Prop

Chunky Espresso Newsboy with Sage and Ivory Flower--Size 5T-Preteen

Men's/Women's Striped Slouchy Beanie

Rules and Regulations

1. You must be a Facebook fan of Twysted Yarn. www.facebook.com/twystedyarn

2. You must make your Facebook status (or send out a tweet) something about checking out Twysted Yarn's giveaway .

3. Once you have done that, go to my FB page and leave a comment that says you've done so (or you may leave your comment here). Make sure you leave an e-mail address or a link so I can contact you. In the event that you win, if you haven't left a way for me to contact you, you forfeit your prize.

THAT IS YOUR ENTRY.

4. LEGAL STUFF: My relatives may not enter to win. You will not be notified publicly via Facebook if you are a winner. You MUST be 18 to participate. International players may enter but may be responsible for the shipping in order to receive their prize. Prizes do not have cash value. There will be no returns/exchanges on any of the items. This promotion is in NO WAY sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.

5. Contest begins Thursday, April 14 at 7:45 P.M. EST and ends on Monday, April 18 at 9:00 P.M. EST.

6. Winners will be notified via email by April 19 at 9:00 P.M. EST and will have 24 hours to claim their prize.

Happy Anniversary to Me

2011-03-25T13:30:00.006-04:00

So today is my 5th wedding anniversary, and I'm married to the best man I know. I so often take him for granted and become self-centered. As a stay-at-home-mom, I easily slip into a "woe is me" mentality because I have to "deal with the kids" all day. In reality, we have the two most beautiful children on this earth and have such deep joy and love as a result of them. Not only that, but I married a man who is an incredible daddy. I love that my kids light up when he gets home from work...that they choose him over me when he gets home. That he puts everything on hold until after bedtime so that he can play, play, play. That he's not afraid to get his hands dirty and gets right in there with bath time, bed time, and even those dirty diapers. And that he loves me in spite of me. So here's to my love, my parenting partner, my best friend. Happy Anniversary!

And since I'm feeling so loved today, I'm going to share the love with you. I'm giving you a choice of what you want to win. Below I've posted 3 items...a Lauren Headwrap (size: women's), a Harper Beanie (size: choice of newborn-adult), and The Coastal Knotty Top Beanie (size 0-3 months). Post a comment of which item you would like to win. I will draw a winner tonight and post the winner on my Facebook page.

CONTEST OVER...winner has been determined. Thanks for participating!!

Talk It Up Tuesday

2011-03-15T15:17:00.006-04:00

I am so fortunate to work with a some amazingly talented photographers. My main girl is Erin Hoffman (pictured above in my Plum Blended Beanie) at Erin Photography. Not only has she captured beautiful pictures of my work, she's also a friend and from my hometown. Of course, she has taken beautiful pictures of my kids, Bear and Lila, as well, many that you've seen featured here. And to be completely honest, Twysted Yarn never would have made it off the ground without her encouragement, support, and guidance.

This first year in business has been a huge learning curve, but probably the number one thing I've learned is that I need professional photographers to help showcase my work, and they have to be people I trust. These photographers that I share with you in the next few weeks are women whose work speaks for itself. I am also proud to say that they are all local (Indiana) photographers, so if you need someone in Northern/Central Indiana, these are the women to contact.

So now, enough of my babbling. Let me share some of Erin's work with you.

Erin, thanks so much for all the work you've done for Twysted Yarn. I cherish our friendship and the work you do so much and look forward to many more years of partnering with you!!

Show It Sunday

2011-03-13T09:12:00.000-04:00

On Sundays, I'd like to share with you products in the works or new items that are coming to my shop or have recently been added. Today, I'd like to share my Harper Beanie. Sarah-Beth Photography captured this beautiful image of her daughter modeling one of these beanies. They are the PERFECT Easter hat for girls of all ages and sizes and can be made in sizes newborn-adult. And now for your viewing pleasure.

The Site

2011-01-05T15:56:00.000-05:00

Limelight Circus Beanie, photo by Sarah-Beth Photography

Chocolate Rose Cluster Beanie, photo by Erin Photography

I am so excited to turn a page in my business for 2011. I sort of accidentally created Twysted Yarn, so 2010 was a bit of an "oops" for my business. I didn't take the right steps to register my business for tax purposes and all that jazz, so I'm going to take quite a hit this tax season, but I had a few set goals for January 2011:
1. Revamp my Twysted Yarn website and add a shopping feature--check
2. Register my business and do everything correctly for taxes--check
3. Add new items--work in progress
4. Have items ready to ship--work in progress

It's so exciting to create new items and to work with wonderful photographers to capture beautiful images of them. Good photography truly sells my creations, and I am so fortunate to work with some wonderful photographers including Erin Photography and Sarah-Beth Photograpy amongst many others. Allow me to share with you some of the new items that I've added in the past few months and the pics that these incredible photographers have captured.

CranLime Stocking Hat, Photo by Erin Photography

Owlie Earflap Beanies, photo by Erin Photography

Product Post

2010-10-24T15:38:00.001-04:00

I love the trend in handmade right now. It seems that the more fun and goofy a hat is, the more desirable it is. Animal-themed, food-themed, and plant-themed are just a few among the popular styles right now. To let you in on some of the fun, I'm going to try to post a few pics weekly of some of the new things I've made. Right now everyone's thinking hayrides, pumpkin patches, and Halloween, so why not show some of my fall line? I love this pumpkin beanie pattern from Danyel at www.crazysockscrochet.com.

The other one that is coming soon to my Etsy shop is my "Owlie" hat. These are so fun for all ages. Whether it be for trick-or-treating or just because it's so darn cute, you don't have to have a reason for sporting this great hat. Scotti at www.InnerHooker.etsy.com wrote this pattern.

While everyone else is thinking pumpkins, I'm thinking ahead to winter wonderlands and Christmas! I can't wait to unveil some of the beautiful Christmas creations I'm working on. Posts and pics to come in the next few weeks!

Monkey Business

2010-09-07T20:01:00.001-04:00

I recently had a request from a returning customer to create 8 monkey hats for a birthday party for a group of one-year-olds. Even though it meant closing my shop for awhile, how could I resist? I took an assembly line approach and made all the parts in shifts. I think they turned out great...now I'm hoping to receive at least one picture from the actual party with these adorable little models! :)

1000 Facebook Fans Giveaway

2010-08-22T06:38:00.001-04:00

Blended beanie. Made with two strands of yarn, so it's your choice of color. Size: Teen/Adult.

Textured newsboy in rust or steel blue.

Sage earflap beanie available in size newborn-preteen

It's impossible to imagine that 1000 people follow Twysted Yarn on Facebook, but it's really exciting!!! I'm so thankful for social networking and the way it's helped my business take off. I joke that some of my new best friends are customers I'll never meet, ones who live in places like Australia and Alaska. :(

To celebrate 1000 fans, I'll be doing a giveaway of one of the hats pictured above. To enter, simply comment on this blog post by leaving your name, a way that I can contact you (email), and which hat you would want if you were to win. And you can only enter one time. When I reach 1000 fans, I'll draw a winner (using random.org)!! So simple!

Buddy Walk Update

2010-07-06T10:52:00.001-04:00

Wow! One week ago I decided to register for the Down Syndrome Indiana Buddy Walk and to put sales from my pom pom beanies toward fundraising efforts for our team. I never would have guessed the response would be so overwhelming. During the hottest week of the year, my awesome customers placed $165 in sales, a large chunk of that coming from Michelle who purchased Bear's Jammies pom pom for $45!!! I'm incredibly touched by people's generosity, especially when it comes to those who have never met me. I'm thankful for big hearts and compassionate people. As we approach the event in October, watch for more specials and fundraisers! Thank you!

Buddy Walk Bidding

2010-06-30T22:22:00.000-04:00

Well, here's my little man in his jammies and matching hat!

So if you missed my post earlier today, we're raising money for Down Syndrome Indiana's Buddy Walk by auctioning off this hat. If you bid and win this hat, I will make one for you in a custom size and will never make this hat again, so only you and Bear will ever have a hat like this.

Here's how it works:
1. Minimum bid is $15.
2. Place a bid by leaving a comment with your bid.
3. Bidding closes July 5, 2010 at 10:00 P.M. EST.
4. Winner will receive this hat in a custom size.

Spread the word...send this link to everyone you know. Post it on Facebook, your blogs, your sites. And remember, if you don't win this hat but want a pom pom beanie of your own, all sales from my pom pom beanies from now until October will sponsor Bear's team for the Buddy Walk and will benefit Down Syndrome Indiana. Thank so much for your support!

Me and My Buddy Walk

2010-06-30T11:42:00.000-04:00

Many of you know me. Many of you do not. You know that I like to crochet, am a stay at home mom, and have two kids. But did you know that I have the most amazing kids in the world? I'm really not kidding at all. Seriously. My kids are the best babies ever, so loving, so full of joy.

Well what you may not know is that my first born, Bear, was born with Down syndrome. He is the most awesome kid I know. He truly brings light and joy wherever he goes. I love that with him, no one is excluded from his love. What a lesson for us all.

This year our family is participating in the Buddy Walk, a national event that is put on locally by state and local organizations, ours being Down Syndrome Indiana (DSI). DSI is the organization that advocates for children and individuals with Down syndrome, so we feel it's important to support them to ensure that Bear has a bright future in school and the workplace.

The Buddy Walk® has three primary goals:

* To promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.
* To raise funds locally and nationally for education, research and advocacy programs.
* To enhance the position of the Down syndrome community, enabling us to positively influence local and national policy and practice.

To raise money for our team, the Care Bears, I'm doing a couple of things. First, I'm auctioning this hat. This is "Bear's Jammies Hat" as it was inspired by his favorite pair of pajamas. I will not recreate this hat for anyone but the winner of the bidding, meaning that only the winner and Bear will own a hat like this (I will custom make one for you in your choice of size). I will create a post specifically for bidding on this hat.

The other way I'm raising money is that all sales from my pom pom beanies from now until October 22 will go directly to the Care Bears and Down Syndrome Indiana. So if you've had your eye on one, please place an order. I'm willing to make custom creations of all kinds. So far I've had 4 sales totaling $60, so we're off to a great start.

If you want to give to the Care Bears and Down Syndrome Indiana but don't necessarily want a pom pom beanie, you can go directly to our First Givings Team Page to donate. Thank you all so much...I can't wait to see what happens!!

Pom Poms!! (and I don't mean cheerleaders)

2010-06-22T21:09:00.001-04:00

This is by far my new favorite hat. It is so stinking cute that I can hardly stand it. I wish I had unlimited time to make every variation I have brainstormed. These are GORGEOUS photography props for every age, and lets face it, they're just adorable on little ones. Who can resist this double-chinned babe in a hat like this? Coming to my shop soon!

Thanks to Kristi at RAKJ Patterns for this great pattern!

Sloucy Beanies/Berets/Tams

2010-06-22T21:01:00.000-04:00

These hats are awesome! They fit loosely so you don't end up looking like a drowned matted cat by the time you take your hat off. However, if your hair looks like that prior to putting on this hat, it's the perfect lightweight hat to cover it up! As a stay-at-home mom, I'm lucky to get into the shower before crawling into bed at night let alone sometime during the day. But I have errands to run, doctor's appointments to get to. And heck, I have to answer the door when I look like that drowned cat, so this hat is the perfect one to have hanging in my foyer to throw on when the doorbell rings, that prescription needs picked up, or the mail calls to me from the mailbox.

On Sale Now

2010-06-20T07:52:00.000-04:00

What a beautiful gift for the expecting mother. Cocoon/beanie sets make beautiful photography props for those newborn photo shoots. Just look at these gorgeous shots provided courtesy of Ryan Cook Photography, Twice Shy Design, and Erin Photography. Need a baby shower gift? Know a photographer? Take advantage of my Etsy shop sale now. Limited quantities available, so get yours now!!

Striking Gold

2010-06-19T14:22:00.000-04:00

As an Etsy artisan and seller, I am, of course, obssessed with other "Etsians" and their shops. I love seeing the talent, creativity, and ingenuity of people and am always blown away when I spend time perusing. Of course, I usually come away poorer from the experience because I can't help but shop a little, too.

My favorite shops to visit are none other than crochet shops. I came across "CinnamonYarn" the other day and was struck by the beauty and intricacy of her creations. I mean, lets be honest. My stuff is a dime a dozen. There are hundreds of shops doing the same stuff I'm doing. In fact, right now as I search "crocheted hat" on Etsy, 51,743 items meet those search requirements. Now, are they all of the same quality as what I make? Probably not. Are they as cute or lovely? Some of them yes. But every now and then you come across something and know you've struck gold. Nani (the name behind CinnamonYarn) has done just that. Her items are unique and fabulous.

Not only are her crocheted creations to die for, but Nani runs several other shops on Etsy, one being BlossomsCottage (Handmade Fabric Bags and Purse Organizer Inserts). Her items there are also orginal and very reasonably priced. I've got my eye on a few of them!

So the next time you're wanting to do a little Etsy browsing, I highly recommend checking out Nani's stores. You won't be disappointed.

Flowers Galore

2010-06-14T17:12:00.000-04:00

So excited to offer these beautiful flowers to embellish your hats, headbands, bags, and more. These pictures display the majority of the colors I have available.

June Giveaway

2010-06-10T12:27:00.001-04:00

Like these headbands? I LOVE making them! They're super cute and fit all sizes from about 12 months up. (Of course, they can be made smaller to fit babies, too). Well, the color combinations are endless, which is why I can't stop making them, discounting them, and giving them away. Soooooooo......

The June giveaway is two headbands in your choice of colors. The ones pictured here are only a few of the color possibilities, so in order to enter this giveaway, you must do the following (anyone who doesn't follow directions will be disqualified):

Comment on this post by
1. Leaving your name, an email address and/or website where I can contact you
2. Leaving your 2 color choices for the headbands

Your comment should look something like this:
Morgan Zoller
twystedyarn@yahoo.com
black and hot pink

The winner will be selected by random.org on July 1. Happy commenting!!

Twysted Tuesday Discounted Item

2010-06-08T20:46:00.000-04:00

First comment wins this beautiful flapper beanie in a newborn size for $10. Regularly $15.

Good on June 8 only. Buyer must purchase from My Etsy Shop within 24 hours or the prize will be revoked. Buyer agrees to pay shipping. Item will be listed as a "Custom Item for Buyer".

Twysted Tuesday Rules--Read Before Playing

2010-06-07T16:48:00.001-04:00

"Twysted Tuesday" is a time that combines some of my favorite things: friends, crocheted goodies, and competition. Here's how it works: I post a picture of an item and list its price as well as rules on how to win it. I will make every effort to begin on Tuesday evenings at 9:00 EST; however, being a mom and wife, there may be occasional times that we get started later due to a family need. I appreciate your understanding.

Here are the rules:
Please comment that you agree before playing the game.

1. First comment wins (unless otherwise specified in wall post by seller). You may only comment once per round. There may possibly be a tie. If so, both people win.

2. You can only win one item per week.

3. Items must be purchased through My Etsy shop within 24 hours or the prize will be revoked.

4. Buyer agrees to pay shipping.

5. Items will be shipped within 7 days of the game but not until payment is received.

Overall, this is a night that I get to show my fans some appreciation and have fun doing it.

Little Boutique

2010-03-23T23:17:00.001-04:00

I'm excited to announce that flapper beanies and newsgirl caps are now available at The Whole You Kidz Korner in Decatur, IN. Website and more info to come.

And I just got off the phone with Brittany in Arkansas, and these items as well as a couple others are going to be available at Swanky Tots Boutique in Fayetteville, AK. Again, more info to come!

Pricing

2010-03-23T09:27:00.000-04:00

From the beginning my aim has been to keep my prices fair. Fair to my customers, fair to me, and fair to my family.

Fair to my customers. Most of us won't go shopping for a hat or beanie and pay more than $15-$20 for it, so why would I outrpice myself so much and ask that of my customers. While using quality materials, I figure the cost of materials, shipping, shipping materials (bubble-lined mailers are not cheap), Etsy fees (my online shop), and Paypal fees. Depending on what I'm making, those fees alone can add up to $7.

Fair to me. It takes anywhere from 1-3 hours to make a hat. Needless to say, after subtracting the cost to make, post, sell, and ship an item, my hourly rate is pretty sad. I could make more working at McDonald's (but a double cheeseburger isn't nearly as beautiful as a flapper beanie!).

Fair to my family. As noted above, it takes me anywhere from 1-3 hours to make a hat and that time comes in my "free" time. But lets be honest. Moms and wives don't get free time. Free time comes with a cost: guilt. We feel bad that we aren't doing someone's laundry, paying bills, cooking dinner, etc.

So pricing hats between $15-$22 is about the only way I can see to be fair in all three areas. I'm shocked at the number of sellers/crocheters on Etsy who sell their items for $25-$30 and are SUCCESSFUL! I mean thousands of sales! (One seller that I follow just listed a metal headband w/ a crocheted flower for $18, and she has over 2000 sales in her shop!!! For Pete's sake, maybe I am going about it all wrong!)

I'm working on streamlining my items and their prices, so when there's an official price list, I'll post it for ya. Until then, happy shopping!

A Few Earflap Beanies

2010-03-20T23:00:00.000-04:00

These earflap beanies are adorable! As much as I love spring and summer, I'm excited for fall to unveil an entire line of these. What a fun summer of creating!

More Spring and Summer Looks

2010-03-19T13:57:00.000-04:00

Who can resist a little one in legwarmers and a matching slouchy newsgirl hat? Or a beautiful girl in a sunshine flapper? Or a gorgeous Easter look of an aqua flapper complimenting a sweet girl in her yellow dress?

Oh Baby!

2010-03-19T13:10:00.001-04:00

Went to the doctor for my 34 week checkup yesterday and found out that this baby's trying to make her way into the world early (apparently she's already trying to follow in big brother's footsteps. He came at 35 weeks). I stay home to be a mommy, but it's hard to think of putting Twysted Yarn on hold for awhile. I feel like things are really just taking off, but at least it's not fall or winter (prime hat making/selling season!).

Etsy Shop and Website

2010-03-14T17:43:00.000-04:00

While waiting for all the technical side of things to be created/developed for my business, I used this blog as my selling tool. That is no longer the case, which is why some of you may be confused about where all of my products went. I want to share a few other sites that feature more, most, or all of my products. To be honest, the very best way to purchase something is to simply visit my online shop (Etsy). But if you want to get a feel for some of the other things I've created here are the ways you can view those:

Facebook. Become a fan to receive info on my newest creations and items available to purchase. I occasionally offer incentives to my FB fans and also upload nearly all of my pics to my photo albums on my fan page.

My website. Here you can view my gallery of nearly all of my creations. Beautiful photography provided by Erin Photography and amazing site created by none other than my loving husband, Dan Zoeller.

My Etsy Shop. This is where you go to make a purchase. You can also request custom made items by contacting me on Etsy.

Hopefully this will steer you in the right direction and clear up any confusion. I can't wait to create something beautiful for you!

Hooray for Spring

2010-03-14T15:57:00.000-04:00

I've been crocheting my fingers to the bones these past few weeks. First off: spring is here! Which means it's time to set aside some of these winter styles and start playing with color! Secondly: I've been asked to set up a booth in a children's boutique, yet another great thing to be excited about. With the boutique proposal and only two and a half weeks to create items for it, I knew I had to start on the spring line, so I've begun with the flapper beanie and the newsgirl cap, both absolutely darling.

I could not have achieved any of this without my wonderful friend and photographer at Erin Photography. She flew around like a mad woman gathering kids of the right ages and sizes to model my hats, and where she could not, she put together an awesome manikin of silver vases to artistically shoot my products. I am so excited to share some of her gorgeous pics with you. (In case you're wondering, these items are now listed in my Etsy shop at Twysted Yarn on Etsy .

Best in Show

2010-03-08T21:17:00.000-05:00

YEA!! Twysted Yarn was voted Best in Show on Cafe Handmade Virtual Craft Show . If you haven't been on this site, it's worth checking out. It is exactly what it sounds like. It's a craft show online. So instead of having to pay to get into a craft show and risk that there are no booths worth your time, check out Cafe Handmade Virtual Craft Show for free and find unique booths with amazing items.

Twysted Yarn

2010-02-28T22:10:00.003-05:00

Twysted Yarn

Posted using ShareThis
So excited to be featured on Cafe Handmade Virtual Craft Show this week. Follow the "Twysted Yarn" link at the start of this entry and vote for me as "Best in Show" to help me secure an ad spot for next week's show.

Blogging, Revisited

2010-02-17T11:24:00.000-05:00

So I know I've been misusing my blog. And to be honest, I hate the appearance of my blog. I'd really like something much simpler, cleaner. I'd like to trash this whole blog, and maybe eventually I will. But for now, too many of my customers know how to contact me through my blog only. As word gets out about my website and etsy shop, I'll eventually overhaul this whole thing. But for those of you who care and follow my blog, I'd like to turn this into a blog and not an advertising/marketing site.

That being said...here's a little about myself and my journey in establishing Twysted Yarn. I'm a pretty simple girl. Grew up on a farm, taught myself how to crochet in high school. Became a teacher. Got married. Quit teaching when I had my first baby. Picked up crocheting again when I found out during my second pregnancy that I was expecting a girl. Taught myself how to crochet hats. Posted pics on facebook to see if my friends liked them. Had nearly 30 requests for hats within the first week. Decided to start a business. And two and half months later, I've made over 150 hats and am venturing into online selling and marketing. (Thus my etsy shop).

So since I'm a simple girl, I'm pretty content with being a mom and a wife, but I love having a hobby that allows me to make a little extra money on the side and helps to supplement our family's income. I'm really excited to work with one of my dear friends, Erin, at Erin Photography to create an image and branding that's unique and beautiful. I'm excited to provide beautiful gifts for my friends and family. I'm excited to share my gift with my customers and to create unique items for them.

And I'm excited to share the "look" that I'm going for. Thank you, Erin.

Bubblegum Baby Beanie

2009-12-15T17:18:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Suzanne at Elle Photography for this beautiful picture of her daughter Ella. Bubblegum Baby Beanie. Stripes are in chocolate, cream, and raspberry. This is one of my bestsellers for little girls.

My First Week

2009-12-15T16:00:00.001-05:00

Some of the first few hats I completed. Though everyone has to start somewhere, it's funny how embarrassed I am by some of those first few hats I made. However, a few of them are amongst my bestsellers including the midnight cloche, spring green cloche, and coffee and cream blended beanie.