Almost everywhere lately I hear it, the industry has changed. Which industry? Honestly all of them, but specifically around the fiber needle arts (knit/crochet/spin/weave) world, something has changed and shifted over the past few years and intensified in recent months. What does that mean for little acorn creations?
Nothing. Everything.
Really? Nothing?
little acorn creations has never intended to be my primary income source (though it was fun to daydream); it’s my side gig and around to keep me sane and balanced, at least until tax time. I plan to continue what I am doing for as long as the numbers make sense. With a few minor adjustments I expect to do so for the foreseeable future.
Everything.
However, for many working in the needle arts industry is their primary income, or at least it was supposed to be. Others more eloquent than I have remarked about this changing landscape:
- The great teaching kerfuffle
- Why I’m not Designing Knitwear Right Now by Kristin Nicholas
- Why not publish a pattern a week for a year?
and today saw an announcement which saddened me, Happy Fuzzy Yarn is Going out of business.
What am I going to do?
I don’t see much changing day-by-day, but I’m going to try to work deeper and bring an added je ne sais quoi to what I’m doing. The designing friends series began as my way to bring added awareness about the amazing work my friends create. That series will return next month and I’ll try to do better about re-sharing this content, it’s easy for these posts to get lost in the vast stream of information. If there is someone you would like to feature (yes, even yourself) please contact me.
I’m going to try to share a greater variety of content more frequently across social media, even though I’m trying to step back from being active on most channels so I can focus on producing greater quality work.
When my budget allows (I’m making more coffee at home & working at the public library instead) I’m trying to make an effort to purchase more handmade and if things work out, supporting more friends & artists through patreon.
What can you do?
Please be mindful of the individuals on the other side of these businesses. Many may look big, but behind that smiling face, things may be lean and getting tighter every day and perhaps downright scary. I know that every budget is challenging these days, trust me. Please think about where you make your purchases and why. If we don’t support each other how will we grow?
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