You know what I need - or maybe you don't . . .

That's right . . . I've been brainstorming ways to earn some dough. So far, this is what I've got -- and the progress I've made on each idea:

- Knitting lessons . . . pretty easy, right. All I need are students. I could have people come to our house (since the swing is guaranteed to keep Leo occupied) or have them meet me at the Knit Nook (if that's okay with the Knit Nookers) or even a coffee shop. I made a flyer on Word, but haven't printed it off or made copies yet. I am thinking I will primarily advertise at UofL and around Germantown.

- Selling the Epitome pattern . . . all I need to do is make copies. I am going to put the pattern on Etsy at first (which I guess I can do anytime, since copies aren't necessary) and possibly negotiate a wholesale deal with Kristin.

- Selling the actual Epitome hat, along with other basic knitwear, on Etsy and possibly at places around town. I'm thinking about spending next Monday visiting local stores (after a quick MySpace message to make sure it's okay if I stop in) and asking if they'd like to carry some Shizknit. I really love making the Epitome hat, and it's a quick knit, so it's a natural thing to sell. I want to make a couple more out of Cashmerino, but also some from Lamb's Pride to make it more affordable, and then price the hats accordingly. I feel kind of weird selling something unless it's from a pattern I wrote, or unless it's totally basic (like a garter stitch scarf). Any thoughts on this?

What do I want to do with this money, assuming it gets made? Buy more yarn, of course! Between Christmas presents, the electrician, doctor bills, formula and other crap the yarn budget has been pretty tight. Naturally the time that I have the fewest recources to knit with is when I'm having a creative surge. I have several new designs on paper, but they've stayed on paper. (It would help if I wanted to make this stuff out of less expensive yarn, but y'know . . . girl's gotta be picky about fiber!) I've decided, though, that the only way to make any money out of knitwear design (not that I plan on having a full time career, but it would be nice to get paid for something I'm doing anyway) is to treat it like a job and spend a designated amount of time each week knitting. Just because I'm home all day with Leo doesn't mean I can't work . . . why not take the time while he's snoozing and the laundry's not ready to be folded yet and make a swatch or a sample? Sooooooooooo . . . that's what I'm gonna do.

Now, I have to actually do it.