The Handmade Holiday Gift Guide 2017

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Ok you guys... in an ideal world I would make every single gift I ever give. But let's be honest... that is just not possible. Plus, I like to give things I may not know how to make and support other artisans and makers buying from them. So I am still giving the gift of handmade (but made by a fellow creative and their hands not my own). With holiday mayhem, Black Friday and Cyber Monday and deals abound, I wanted to take a minute to share with you some of my fave handmade gifts ideas. Click each photo below to be taken to the shop directly.

Flowers are such a great hostess gift if you are going to a party or dinner. How about a handmade twist. If you follow me on social media, you know the wooden handmade flowers I have are one of the most valuable and important things I own. In that spirit,  I bought these from Stephanie at Triple Knot Studio and LOVE them. They are made so well, and she gives such care to shipping. A perfect gift that lasts a lifetime.

 

Want a little razzle dazzle? How about the perfect gift for your crochet or knit loving maker friend something that is really special? Check out this beaded hand dyed yarn from VanessaKnits. The color is one amazing aspect but then the pop and sheen of the sporadic beading makes it really just so special. 

 

One of my favorite things about being in a community surrounded by other talented peeps, is how I also get to support them Tanya posted this hat on Instagram one day and I instantly knew I had to have it. Sure I can get the colors and make my own but chances are it would look different and why copy when I can get the real deal from the original designer? Tanya so graciously sent me one and I have literally worn it nearly every cold day since. IT IS MY FAVORITE HAT EVER. Get one for yourself or if you run out of time to make all the gifts, get one for someone else!

 

The Sexy Knitter Tool Kit is in my bag and the perfect gift for makers on the go. I cannot tell you how many times I have been so happy to have this handy kit in my bag! You can get them in a variety of fun sayings and images on the tin cover. I love the mini sheep tape measure too.

 

 

Three things I NEVER leave home without: My yarn, my favorite TooShayCrochetHook handmade hook and my knitting project bag with my Clever Cove pins. For real.. this is me putting each in use while at a Coldplay concert. The bag is perfect and I decorated it with two of the cutest pins from the Clever Cove Shop on Etsy. . The hooks are my favorite because not only are they handcrafted wood handles, but the paint and design is just so special. I have a full set!

I have been a fan of my handmade crochet hook cases from Soyun Park ever since I got my first one a few years ago. I now have three - 2 for hooks and one for knitting needles. Soyun always does an amazing job with detail and her works stands up to my every day use. I LOVE THEM! If you have a special maker in your life or want to truly treat yourself, I cannot recommend Soyn's cases enough!

 

 

If you follow me on social media then you know one of my favorite things is my mug collection. It is not just fun, but really encouraging throughout the day to have a bit of fuel on a mug with a message. The one that started it all, this blog and my gusto if you will, is my Create. Hustle Repeat. mug from Small Glow. I am such a fan of Zenia and her maker small biz Small Glow. She took some time off after the birth of her new baby but is back with a whole new line of Boss Babe gear that is the perfect gift for all your maker tribe. And even for yourself!

 

If you are looking to to stat an amazing new project  then check out the kits from Mama Knows Luxury. Because trust me, Sarah (mama) KNOWS! I myself am currently working up something fun with her big merino wool and I tell you that this would be such a treat to get as a gift. For real... this is so much fun that you may want to get a kit for yourself. I have designed home items. accessories, and am working on a poncho now. SO MUCH FUN TO BE HAD WITH THESE!!!

So there you have it... awesome handmade finds for people who love handmade or even to Treat Yo’self this holiday season.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS !!!! 
xoxo
Michele
 

Handmade Mother's Day Gift Guide 2017

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Ok you guys... in an ideal world I would make every single gift I give. But let's be honest... that is just not possible. Plus, I like to support other artisans and makers buying from them. So I am still giving the gift of handmade (but made by a fellow creative). With mother's Day around the corner, here is my official handmade Gift Guide.

Flowers are such a traditional Mother's Day gift. How about a handmade twist. If you follow me on social media, you know the wooden handmade flowers I have are one of the most valuable and important things I own. How about giving mom, or nana, or anyone, flowers that will last forever? I bought these from Stephanie at Triple Knot Studio and LOVE them. They are made so well, and she gives such care to shipping. They will actually be both a Mother's Day gift and a housewarming gift for my bestie. A perfect gift that lasts a lifetime.

One of my favorite new handmade items was actually a birthday gift to me from my husband and would be perfect for mom too. This HANDMADE breakfast tray was custom made by Sam of Giving Tree Woodshop and legit... I cannot express to you how much I love it. I use it almost every single day as either a snack tray, work station on the floor or in bad. It is so perfect. The legs fold up and are held by a strap (because let's face it, clutz that I am would snap it off if it wasn't) so it can literally be used so many ways. Sam worked with me to pick the right wood and finish and man... I love it. And it was SO AFFORDABLE ( I expected to pay double what he charged to be honest) so yeah... this would be a delight for mom. Serve her up some awesome treats on an awesome handmade serving tray.

Looking for something with a special message? For Christmas I got my fellow makers a handmade wood burned ornament from Ashley at Made of Embers. She also made the coasters for our Stitch Up Chicago gifts bags. Ashley makes wall hangings (I have one in my studio) and wooden serving spoons and so many other things. She is so creative. So if you've got a Mother's Day message to send, send it hand burned with love.

For something truly unique, check out Globe In. I talked about the importance of finding the right brand partnerships recently, and I could not be more excited that we partnered with Globe In for Stitch Up Chicago. Not just about Fair Trade, but in short, Globe In brings artisans from around the world to your door. I still use the items they sent me from my Comfort Box. Maybe get mom a subscription for the Artisan box or a really special handmade gift from around the globe.

 

If you are looking to send mom a project to keep her busy (or hint you want her to make you something) then check out the kits from Mama Knows Luxury. Because trust me, Sarah (mama) KNOWS! I myself am currently working up something fun with her big merino wool and I tell you that this would be such a treat to get as a gift. For real... this is so much fun that you may want to get a kit for yourself. She is even giving you guys a discount: code hustle10 is good for 10% off anything until June 30, 2017. WHAT?!?

 

So there you have it... awesome handmade finds for mom or even to Treat Yo'self ;-)

Oh 2016, How You Are Appreciated

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I love year end recaps and lists. It's such a great way to look back and see how far we've come. See what lessons I've learned. Failures and triumphs along the way all add up to one heck of a ride and I wouldn't trade any of it.

2016 was particularly bittersweet. It was a big a year of transformation for both me and my small business. Personal & professional goals set and smashed. New opportunities, connections and collaborations formed that are like gifts. Some new friendships made and some friendships coming to an end. I took a pause from my production career to focus on my family and small business. I launched my first sweater collection and several items sold out! Oh yes, 2016 was quite a year and One the biggest gifts of 2016 is this community!

See, I had this idea last year for a community blog - a place to share give back & pay it forward. A place to encourage other creatives & small business owners and share what I've learned along the way as well as invite others to do the same. A place to build a community over competition environment so we can ALL thrive. I started planning in January and then launched Stitch & Hustle in March. It hasn’t even been a year and watching this dream, this idea to create a blog for the community of creatives who hustle come alive and grow has been amazing. Seeing so many come together and be part of it has made my heart smile. I have met some of the most amazing and talented and creative people since this journey began.

So to thank YOU, members of this community and those who've supported my own small business 144 Stitches, I have put together this Appreciation Giveaway featuring a few of my fave fellow makers. And man I think it is something special.  But the biggest thing I want you to know is that I am GRATEFUL for YOU; this community and for my customers who buy my patterns and my creations and other makers who support this community and this journey. THANK YOU seems too small but know you are appreciated!

Ok.. so here is what you will win and you can enter below. Do not miss out. 

If you follow me on social media you know that I LOVE me some coffee and on a cold winter day nothing beats Slow Drip. You may have read about when I discovered Chemex a while back. Well, Chemex is giving you one of their classic Slow Drip Coffee Makers (and 100 filters to get you started). HECK YEAH!  And since you will need something to drink that yummy delightful slow drip coffee in, how about a 'Yarn" mug from The Yarn Mamas, who we all know I just love! You will also get a limited edition handmade Stitch & Hustle Ornament handmade from Made of Embers. But wait... there's more!

Have you heard that Pantone announced 'Greenery" to be the color for 2017? Well, I teamed up with three of my favorite fellow makers and we have you covered! You will win The Everly Beanie in hand dyed shades of green from Stephanie at Triple Knot Studio. You will also win an amazingly soft hand knit infinity scarf from Ali at Ford Explorer Knits. And pull the ensemble together with these adorable hand warmers from Evie at Everything Evie Crafts. And how about a little green to spend? You will get $100 gift card to my shop 144 Stitches. And it all arrives with this market tote. Now THAT IS A PRIZE PACK! Don't miss out. Lots of ways to enter below.

And again... THANK YOU! Thank you for being part of the beginning of this journey in 2016.

Customer Service & Handmade Business: 5 Things Every Small Business Owner Should Know and Do

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The idea of taking our talents and passions to the next level and turning it into a business is incredibly exciting. The thought that people will want to actually PAY for what I / we create is one heck of a piece of awesome.  And the truth of it all is that happy customers spreading the word is what truly grows a small artisan business. Customer reviews matter!

But when we take that leap and find ourselves running a business it is essential that we take a beat and are prepared for some of the changes that will come. Sometimes talent isn't enough. Once we make the leap into a business it is essential to shift our mindset to be successful. Our art then becomes only part of the package. We must now center our focus on the customer experience.

This was a review from a customer who received the wrong item. The solution turned this customer experience into a win.

I recently had a horrible customer service experience with a small artisan business. Part of me was so frustrated as a customer I wanted to scream. It was in actuality one of the most horrible customer experiences I have ever had. But more importantly than that, part of me was sad & frustrated as a fellow artisan small business owner that this person and her business simply do not have the basics for a successful customer service program. And the worst part was that in the whole exchange she wasn't even open to feedback to see this.

In the case of my recent experience, this artisan was simply unprepared to handle an influx of business, meet delivery dates and couldn't deliver on promises she made. She lacked customer communication skills to solve problems. All of which are essential in customer service. Especially the communication.

This experience is what inspired me to want to do a Customer Service series and why I've invited a few of my favorite small business owners who I also think have exceptional customer service to share their perspective on winning customer service.

Over the series we will cover:
The Basics: 5 Things Every Small Business Owner Needs To Know
It's OK To Say No
Custom Orders & The Collaborative Experience
Turning Mistakes Into Rave Reviews

First up: Krista Cagle from the Yarn Mamas and the basics of what every small business needs to know and do.

Now, if you follow me on Social media then you know I am practically a walking billboard of advertisement for the Yarn Mamas gear. Yes, Krista curates and serves up top quality and fabulous offerings. Comfy cozy wear and coffee mugs that keep my creative vibes flowing. But way more than that, her customer service is beyond reproach if you ask me. Aside from products I love, it is the thing that keeps me coming back again and again. In an era where we have choices of where to spend our dollars, I prefer to spend mine with small businesses who put the customer experience first. Krista embodies that concept. I thought she would be the perfect person to kick this series off with the basics:

 
5 Things every Small Business Owner Should Know and Do

Customer service is an important part of every small business. Here are five of the top things that I have done to create a positive experience for my business and brand.

1. Ask for Help

My business YarnMamas is built under my franchise Rescued Paw Designs. When I first started I quickly realized how incredibly hard, time consuming and stressful it can be to run two small businesses simultaneously. I felt like I was being pulled in many directions and I knew that if I wanted to continue to bring the same quality product to my customers, something had to change. I learned an important lesson: Don’t try to run a small business all on your own, ask for help. Once I hired a Virtual Assistant I was able to focus more on the quality of my product, customer feedback and building designs, which improved my overall customer service satisfaction.

2. Engage Customers on Social Media

I make it a top priority to engage my customers on social media. It shows consumers that you care, that you’re listening, and that you want to be involved. When sharing others projects and posts you are creating a community around your brand.

 3. Respond Quickly to Questions

I make sure to respond quickly and promptly to customer questions and to always keep them informed of their orders. My customers are notified, via messenger & email, when their order is placed, shipped and delivered. This has helped tremendously with customer satisfaction. I also send a follow up email after the customer’s order has been delivered, asking for feedback. It is important to keep communication open between you and the customer. If there ever is a concern, I always make sure to rectify the issue so my customers will want to come back again.

4. Listen to Customers Ideas

I occasionally receive messages from my customers who are looking for a particular design or look. I always keep the feedback of my customers in mind when I’m designing my clothes. I want my customers to feel heard and also, I want to make my customers happy and coming back for more. So when running your small business, always brainstorm new ideas and listen to your customer ideas (they know what they want!).

5. Updated Email List

An easy, but important aspect to customer service is to keep up an updated email list of your customers. It’s as simple as putting an email signup form on your website (I use hello bar) or an opt in button on your checkout page asking if they would like to receive marketing. I use this email list to send important updates, new designs alerts and as a way to keep past/potential customers engaged in my business. People lead very busy lives and it’s important to keep customers interested and informed about your business so they keep coming back.

I LOVE Krista's approach to the basics. It is those fundamentals that have set her new business on track to soar. What is your Customer Service approach? Share in the comments below.

Follow The Yarn Mamas on Instagram       
Shop Yarn Mamas Gear         

The 2016 Stitch & Hustle Shop Small Holiday Discounts & Gift Guide

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It is the First Annual Stitch & Hustle Holiday Gift Guide!  And boy oh boy does The Stitch & Hustle Season of Giving continue in an EPIC way.  Our community continues to amaze me with the generosity and man have we got some awesomeness for you from some of my favorite small business shops & artisans... check out these deals and do not miss out.

YARN MAMAS:
If you follow me on Instagram, you know how much I LOVE the Yarn Mamas. Krista, the owner, is not only a fellow yarnieand avid crocheter, but launched the Yarn Mamas with amazing gifts for fellow yarnies. Top notch customer service and great products keep me coming back. Now you can save 15% with code HOLIDAYGIFT on all orders through December 1st. Get a great gift for yourself or a fellow yarn loving friend from this awesome shop!
 

ATELIER DE SOYUN

I first "met" Soyun about 3 years ago when I was searching for the perfect Crochet Hook Case for my longer Rosewood Hook collection. She custom made the most amazing case for me. SInce then I have been back several times for another hook case, a knitting needle case, and a project tote. Not only is she an amazingly talented artisan, she is super easy and fun to work with. Check out this deal:
* Purchase by Nov. 6 to get 15% of entire order using a coupon code 'EARLYBIRD2016'
* Purchase by Dec. 1 to get 10% of entire order using a coupon code 'JOY2016'

PAWLEY STUDIOS

I had the wonderful gift of meeting Amanda and her husband of Pawley Studios at Stitches Midwest. I instantly fell in love with her creations and her vibe. Not only are her yarn bowls insanely awesome but her collection of yarn sayings mugs are on point and so fun.  Use coupon code "stitchandhustle" for 10% off through Nov. 15

JESABELLE B PROJECT TOTES

Jesabelle of Otterburn PQ makes the most wonderful knitting project arm bags. Read my review here and see why I literally use mine every single day and never leave home without it! Now Jesabelle is offering the community 15% off everything in her shop from now until Christmas with code STITCH15.

SMALLGLOW
If you've seen my instagram feed, then you know my yarn loving, small biz owning, inspirational coffee mug game is strong. One of my favorite small biz owners and source of many great mugs, including the mug that helped launch this blog is Zenia of Small Glow. Now you can get 10% off with coupon code: YAYHOLIDAYS now through 12/1/16

MAD LOVE SHOP

I had the privilege of meeting Angel of Mad Love Shop when our booths were across from each other in the Etsy Pavillion at the OOAK Show.  We've become friends and collaborated many times since. Her shirts are among my faves and staples in my wardrobe. Perfect to bring a pop of art to my wardrobe. Get your own piece of Angel's wearable art and use code SPECIAL20 for 20% off through the end of the year. What? yup expires 12/31/16

TOOSHAYCROCHET HOOKS
Ok guys - SO MANY of you have asked me about my crochet hooks. Well Angelika, the amazing artist who makes them is giving you guys 10% off with code TooShayCrochet on orders of $50 or more through 12/31/16. Now I happen to have 5 of her hooks and can honesty say that are unmatched. They are premier ergonomic hooks and the wood means they are durable. I LOVE them!

WONDERLAND QUILT CO.
I have to be honest, even though I CAN make baby blankets, it is my least favorite thing on the planet. So I outsource baby gifts lol. My go to is the Wonderland Quilt Co. I met Eileen, the maker, at an Etsy event a couple of years ago. Her quilts are amazing. Use code HOLIDAY16 for $10 off any purchase over $100 now through 12/31/16.  These are simply the perfect gift for any little one. To quote my last gift recipient:  "Thank you guys so much for Lily's present!!! The quilt is adorable and Lily loves it! She tries to cover herself with it all the time. And the star is a permanent toy in her crib. Great idea and we are all super grateful! Thanks so much for thinking of us. Lily will give you lots of hugs and kisses next time"

CLUCK CLUCK BOOTS

You guys - one of my fave mugs comes from Kathy at Cluck Cluck Boots. Every time I share it on Instagram in stories I get so many messages. People love it. Now you get get 20% off her yarnie mugs, patterns and more with code HOLIDAYHUSTLE20 now through 12/5/16.

144 STITCHES

And because I think you are all awesome, as a thank you from me, use code STITCH20 for 20% off my site and Etsy Shop now through 12/31/16.

OTHER AMAZING SMALL BUSINESSES & GIFT IDEAS

PASSION PLANNER: Ok guys - I am telling you my Passion Planner was a Game Changer. I am more efficient, more productive, and reaching goals like never before. The concept is simple. Invest time in yourself and get a plan to get to the next level. They always have deals and sales if you follow them on IG. Cannot rave enough about it!

 

 

RAINGIRL DESIGNS

 I discovered Joanna's shop about 3 or so years ago on Etsy when I was in search of the perfect iPad case. I wanted someone to create a case that could be a pouch as well. In my mind it would be fabulous of course. When I contacted Joanna, she seemed to understand exactly what I was after and made the ordering process super easy. I was so impressed with the craftsmanship and customer service that I went back for my project totes.  Joanna looked high and low to find the right fabrics to fit my color palette and style. She created these perfect project totes for me.

KNIT BAAH PURL

I met Paula of Knit Baah Purl at Stitches Midwest over the summer. I grabbed up her "For The Zen Of It" and "Lay Flat To Dry" yarnie & sheep shirts. Her sheep themes gifts are perfect for anyone in your knitting or fiber circle. Mugs, gift cards and witty sayings on wine glasses. I could go broke in Paula's shop. Check her out here.

 

KNITATUDE
I met Chantal online in the Instagram community. I am such a fan of her vibe, her work and her constant push to grow the community through her weekly Knit Nights. She recently launched her Knit Kits which as a beginner knitter I must say are AMAZING! Fun pouches to hold your notions and they come with all a knitter needs to get going.

 

There it is. The Stitch & Hustle Top Gift Ideas and so many discounts. Thank you to all the generous shops who feed into this wonderful community. Happy shopping season!

Shop Small in 2014

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It's that time of year again. Every retailer on the planet is clamoring for your hard earned dollars. Steals and deals abound. Stores open at all hours to serve up holiday shopping splendor. That's all fine and good, hey I won't knock capitalism at it's finest. But I will take this platform and opportunity to encourage you to consider shopping small, handmade and even local this holiday season. here is a list of some artisans, small business and fellow entrepreneurs that I encourage you to check out not just for the holidays but all year round. I have personally shopped from every one of these so these suggestions are based on my own experiences. No one paid to be on this list nor were they notified in advance of the list.

This is just me talking to YOU reminding you to shop small!

First up is Mad Love Shop. I met Angel, the owner of Mad Love Shop at the One Of A Kind Show in Chicago last year. We were both featured artists in the Etsy Pavilion and her booth was across from mine. As soon as she started hanging her screen print creations her work caught my eye. I LOVE wearable art. Angel doesn't use a machine screen printing process. She hand screens prints all of her original designs. Come on! THAT is wearable art at it's finest. I own and enjoy several of her designs at this point including a messenger bag, hoodie, and several tank tops.

During the show and since, Angel and I have also gotten to become great friends. She is such a fabulous woman. I encourage you to check out here work at Mad Love Shop here and on Black Friday you can even us code Thankful for 30% off. Um… hello… THAT is a deal!

 

My Rain Girl Bags

Next: is Joanna from Rain Girl Designs.  I discovered Joanna's shop on Etsy when I was in search of the perfect iPad case. I wanted someone to create a case that could be a pouch as well. In my mind it would be fabulous of course. When I contacted Joanna, she seemed to understand exactly what I was after and made the ordering process super easy. I was so impressed with the craftsmanship and customer service that I went back for my project totes.  Joanna looked high and low to find the right fabrics to fit my color palette and style. She created these perfect project totes for me. In fact they are so fabulous, i even use them as purses in summer.

Check out Joanna here and see what fabulous accessory she can create for you.

 

For the sassy fun party & foodie crowd, allow me to introduce you to Dell Cove Spices. Now, discovering Dell Cove was quite a fun thrill. They have everything from BBQ rubs, pop-corn seasonings to drink rim sugars. I mean… they make me drool. I also love following them on Facebook where there is always something cooking or a new recipe to drool over. Someday when I learn to cook, I will probably go broke in their shop. I got a variety of sample packets of the drink rim sugars to include in my gift bags a couple of years ago and they were a HUGE hit. Everyone loved them and you will too.



 

And last but not least is me. Hats, scarves, wraps and more. Get cozy and warm in hand crochet Cozy Chic Accessories.  Use code MC2014 for 20% off items in my Indie Made shop here . If you are looking for one of a kind or want to see all I have to offer check me out on Etsy as well and use code FR8FREE for free shipping through December 2nd.

Do you know of a fabulous small business or artisan? Share their info below in the comments. Let's band together and support small biz!