Etsy Sellers: littlepurls

This is the first of what is going to be a series of regular features on Etsy sellers- who they are, how they work, any selling hints, and just a kind of "getting to know you" event. It beats speed dating, trust me. :)

My very first featured seller is littlepurls (aka Tally). I met her in the Etsy forums when she posted this item that I have since fallen in love with: the Cabled Neck Cuff in Orange with Vintage Buttons. All of her items are charming, simple, and creative. I interviewed Tally, and she had this to say about her work on Etsy.

How long have you been knitting?

I've been knitting now for 3 years. My wonderful sister (Holly) taught me a few Christmases ago. The first thing I knit was a hat, and it was horrible. Didn't fit, bad colors, I don't think I even have it anymore. But I knew when I was done that I was hooked.

Knitting is addictive for me. The act of designing and creating something is like a drug. It's also like being caught in an avalanche, because while your designing and making, new ideas occur to you, improvements on the last one and its endless, new ideas spiraling on forever. That's what I love about craft, the limitless possibilities.

When did you start selling on Etsy?

I found out about Etsy through a friend who spins and dyes her own yarn and sells in there. She knew I was designing and thought it would be a good venue for my work. I officially starting selling on Jan. 25, 2008. The first few things I posted were pretty boring (most of them are still for sale so you can see for yourself!). I was trying to find a niche for myself. I tried knit baby onesies, but they were to time consuming to make and there was no way to make it cost effective. About a month ago, on a trip to Portland, OR, (where it was terribly cold) I came up with the the scarflette cuff. My Mom and I were going to a concert and I wanted something around my neck to help me keep warm, but I also wanted something that was part of my outfit. And being newly single, I wanted something that would make me stand out from the crowd.

Do you have any advice for Etsy sellers?

Essentially, the goal was to make something unique, something that hadn't been done before and I think it's possible that I did. I guess, like everything, it's a work in progress. If I had to give some advice to new Etsy sellers, I guess I would tell them to stay persistent, and don't be afraid to try something new! Etsy can be a great sounding board for new ideas! If it sells, make another one. If it sells twice, you've got something, make ten more!

Pictures are also important. I take all my pictures myself, of myself. The best thing to do is to take your items outside. The best time of day to do this is either in the morning or in the evening, as bright midday sun often bleaches out your photos and your items. I really like contrast in my photos, mostly with colors, but also with textures and light. It's really important to have a background that sets off your item. Its also nice to convey the 3-dimensionality of your product by having low angle light that highlights shapes and contours. And, just like everything else, don't be afraid to try something new! The more unique your photo is the more views you're gonna get. And the more views you get, the more sales you get. If you have a crazy idea that you think might be too weird for Etsy, just remind yourself: nothings too weird for Etsy!

And littlepurls now has a blog! Visit it here.