The past couple of weeks have been a bit busy.  We've been spending a lot of time on the road for family things, so I've been knitting when I can squeeze it in.

I completed my first order on Etsy last week on a custom pair of socks.  That was extremely exciting and I've had a few other inquiries about other custom pieces since then.  You can see that fun pair of socks here.  

I also made my first sale on 1000markets last week.  It was a nice, cushy pair of wool-blend house socks, here. 

I'm working up several pairs of the Simple Luxury Alpaca Socks in different sizes (including another pair for myself!) for my various shops, so we'll see how those do.  

And, on top of all of that, I've started my holiday knitting!  Bet ya can see the sparks off my needles from here. :)

Since my last post, I have become entirely addicted to this stretchy cotton.  I finished my knee high socks (and still haven't taken pictures!) and have half a set of thigh high socks finished.  They're lovely, soft, look great with my snazzy shoes, and don't slide down my legs!  How much better can it get??

I really need to get cracking on some new designs for my shop, but I've been lazy.  I've got an interlac piece I need to finish for a friend, and an interlac scarf (in lime and royal blue) that I need to finish for my shop.  After that, I may make some mittens and hats, as well.  Autumn is here, and socks don't seem to be making quite the splash that I'd hoped they would.  Ah well. :)

Hopefully, my picture taking motivation will return in the next couple of days (I haven't been feeling particularly well), and we'll end the cotton adventure...at least for a little while!

While I packed up an order today, I decided to take a couple of snaps of what my packaging looks like. This pair of socks is on its way for someone's son-in-law.

Socks are folded and wrapped with a branded band. The band is made from cotton paper, printed with my shop name, slogan, fiber content and origin, care instructions, size, misc. manufacturing details (can you call them 'manufacturing' details when they're handmade??), and my website.

Then the banded socks are slid into a sock bag. I make these bags from 100% recycled, heavy duty, kraft paper. Pictured is mauve colored. After I cut and fold the bag, I sew it on my sewing machine, trim out a flap, and it's ready to be used! 

I close the bag with a strand or two of yarn in whatever coordinating color that happens to be in my scrap bag and slide my cards (a thank you card, a coupon card, and my business card) into the little loop.

All of this goes into a recyclable tyvec mailer and into the mailbox!

So there you have it: simple, clean, handmade. :)