Reflections

It's been a good year for us all at Cakes Knits and Cosies. We re-branded during the year to two new shops:

Lynne's Pattern Parlour - for fun patterns to knit and crochet
and
Lynne's Knitted Notions - for fun knits and fab gifts

You can find both of these shops on etsy and folksy and I'm pleased to say they're both doing well. My aim next year is to build up more stock for Lynne's Knitted Notions. My neck cosies are really popular, as are my flower neck scarves and my little amigurumi creatures.

My daughter has been a great help too - she helps me to knit when I'm really busy and is a great model, being so beautiful. She has some great marketing and business ideas - remarkable, considering she's only 16.

Our Waldo scarves are becoming more popular - I'm working on a new design for a Waldo hat, so watch this space. If you haven't heard of Waldo the Worm - click here to buy his fab book. Great for kids and adults too - the artwork is amazing ......

I've designed for Let's Get Crafting magazines - I've been featured in every issue this year, which is amazing. I hope it continues. So what's next for Lynnes Pattern Parlour and Lynne's Knitted Notions? Well I have loads of design ideas to write up and I hope to secure more magazine commissions throughout the year. I'll be planning, designing and marketing much more in 2011. Fingers crossed for more success my handmade goods and patterns.  Hope you've all had a good year too, and may 2011 bring every success.

My first Etsy treasury of Cakes, Knits and Cosies

I've finally created my first etsy treasury. I've been waiting for ages for the list to get below 333 so that I can create one. The way the treasury works is that once the active treasury list falls below 333 you can create a treasury of your own.

Then, last night at about 10.50pm, I suddenly remembered that the list was due to get to 333 at about 11.30pm. I quickly took a look on etsy and it was a good job I did. I must have miscalculated my timings as the list was already down to 333. So I waited patiently and it happened - when the next treasury expired and the list was at 332, the magic box appeared for a title. I couldn't believe my luck - I was 'in' and off I went, creating my own treasury. How exciting. There are so many gorgeous listings on etsy that I really was spoilt for choice.

I kept my treasury close to home - choosing my CakesKnitsandCosies name as a prompt. I chose my favourite Cakes, Knits and Cosies (although I included some crocheted listings as well!!).

I am really pleased with my treasury - it looks pretty.... It's expired now , so thanks to eveyone who left a comments.

Knitted Cakes

I love to knit and crochet cakes - they really make me smile. I don't know what it is that's so appealing to me, but it's great to create the perfect cake - with no sugar, no calories and no dreaded wheat or gluten. With my wheat and gluten allergy I suppose it's a case of - 'If I can't eat them, I'll knit them instead'.

People at work think I'm crazy with my knitting, I often knit them little 'treats', and actually they've been quite impressed, despite their cynicism. 'Why would anyone want a knitted cake' they laugh - but when they see one, they generally accept that they are quite appealing....

I am just on the point of finishing another knitted cake pattern. In fact I've revamped a previous pattern that sold well, but I felt it needed upgrading a little, due to the fact that I designed it a couple of years ago, when there were very few knitted cake patterns around. There are now so many other cake patterns on the market that my patterns need a bit of a make-over to give them the wow factor. Any day now the pattern will be ready - so keep looking for a sneak preview.

I thought I'd take this opportunity to show you a few of my favourite things on MISI - my top 5 cake related yummies......

Number one is this pretty Cupcake card from Dots and Spots - This would definitely make me smile...





Number two is this nostalgic print from SaintKitten - who also has some gorgeous vintage button brooches too. This cute little deer and french fancies take me back to my childhood. My favourites were the chocolate ones.

Number three was a difficult one to choose, because the Karen at the pink fairy cake has so many gorgeous things in her MISI shop. I decided on her felt cake, just because I love felt food and it looks so pretty.

Now I've got a dilemma as I just logged onto MISI and there's a new seller selling more felt cakes. These are so sweet that I must include them too. Daisy Daydreams has more handcrafted goodies for sale - so take a look in her MISI shop

Last but definitely not least is this yummy felt bunting from Nickynackynoo. What a great way to feel in the tea party mood all the time.

That all for now - I hope you've enjoyed my delicious delights from MISI.