This is a Welcome Back to me since I’ve not blogged in ages. I got so involved in writing patterns that I just didn’t have time to do much writing elsewhere. Plus, whenever I go silent, things are changing in my head, but I don’t quite know where they are going, so I don’t say anything.
If you are part of my Jill Wolcott Knits Ravelry group you have stayed up-to-date on things I’m doing. Sometimes there is so much going on that I cannot keep up. Here’s a little catching up, but do read my upcoming newsletter for more interesting Welcome Back, Jill stuff.
Welcome Back on Ravelry
I decided in 2019 I would pay more attention to Ravelry. Quite honestly, I sell patterns there, do some other business-y things there, but I’m not much for social media. I like to do my work. No work is that interesting on a day-in-day-out basis, but I’ve been showing what I’m knitting on, and we all know I can blather. So check in on my Ravelry group if you want to see what I’m working on. The up side is that I’ve been putting more projects up. The downside, well, I haven’t published most of those pattern! So from here out, look for patterns. I’ll have some slick non-Ravelry deals for those of you who follow me here and in my newsletter.
Standing Up
Some weird outcomes from the Ravelry banning of white supremicist speech. Old accounts are being used to get onto Ravelry (presumably by those opposed to the ban). So one more thing to do: figure out if it is an inactive account that has been taken over. So far, a couple of anonymous friendings and some weird guy. I get the weird guys on IG and FB too. Fortunately since I don’t really care about building numbers, I am careful about who I allow into my world.
On the whole ban and Standing with Ravelry: There is no need for me to have a whole conversation. I believe that speech should not be harmful, and that everyone deserves to be protected. If you espouse any of the following, it is not free speech, it is bigotry: White supremacy, the Confederate flag, racism, sexism, colorism, genderism, religious, ethnic, or any other form of exclusion. I’m strictly a Golden Rule gal. Be kind. Plus, I don’t like bullies. We are living with a president who is a bully, and I cannot bear what it is doing to discourse. So, if you have unkind thoughts, you probably don’t want to engage with me.
Honestly, Jill Wolcott Knits is pretty white, because I am. But I welcome you, regardless of where you are — unless you are a bully or a bigot. Then, just, no thanks. Life is too short!
IG – No Need for a Welcome Back
I need little welcome back to Instagram as it is the easiest place for me to show up. But I do get exhausted sometimes, or am just thinking about other things, and don’t get knitting-related posts up. Check my stories. I put photos there when I don’t have a lot to say and sometimes it is sneak peeks at things.
My Color of the Day posts are almost automatic, as is some of the content you may or may not have seen before. I use a scheduling platform because there are not enough hours in my day. As I was explaining to someone at TNNA how it works, we both realized I do totally have to create everything, but on the assumption that not everyone sees everything, I do re-use content.
I do need to welcome back a little more content on current activities.
Welcome Back to My Figure
Six weeks ago I started doing Noom. I just couldn’t stand being another middle-aged woman with a muffin-top that was a little beyond a few too many good meals. For the most part I have kept myself height-weight appropriate, but I have always had to pay attention. I have allowed some extra weight as I got older, but over the past three years it has gotten a little — well, much. On the day I joined Noom’s 14-day trial, I weighed in at 152+. Undoubtedly I had lost a few pounds prior to that trip to the scale. I have lost nearly 10 pounds. I am seeing shape in my face, and figure, which are delighting me! Plus my pants are getting loose (my preference) and two of my belts needs new holes.
I recommend the program if you are looking to lose some weight. Although I have been successfully eating my entire life, I have learned some new approaches that are helping. It is a full-person program and I just needed a little guidance and accountability. Plus a reminder that fruits and veggies are filling and satisfying!
FB – Maybe Not
In order to have an extra hour in my week to run (see My Figure, above), I have vowed to spend less time on social media or generally starting at a screen. We all know this is good for us, and it is harder than you think! In order to have a little more attention for Ravelry and IG, and because I really don’t feel energized after spending too much time on Facebook, that is where I will primarily be cutting back. (I know they own Instagram, which is slowly being ruined by FB.) Probably I’ll be the only one to notice! I use my scheduling platform to put things up there, I just don’t want to spend much time scrolling through it anymore.
Single Patterns – Welcome & Changes
I have spent the past two years developing a lot of new patterns, which costs me a ton of time and money. The reality is there are so many choices available, I cannot make money off patterns. My patterns are admittedly expensive (and I have lots of reasons why). But I will only be offering single patterns in limited availability, as part of classes or other education, or as an adjunct to other things I am offering. So if you see something isn’t available on Ravelry or other non-Jill Wolcottt Knits platforms, just email me to find out how to get it. I understand timing isn’t always right. If you enjoy the other content on Jill Wolcott Knits you might consider buying a pattern. I plan to put a tip jar on my blog pages, but who knows when!
When you do notice a discount from me, take it! I don’t usually go back and put things on sale again.
Online Classes – The Threat is Real
Ha, ha! I’ve been threatening this for a couple of years. I did my Grading Class, which I’m tightening up for new release, and I enjoyed it and see so many possibilities in that format. I will be offering one-time lower prices when I release classes through my newsletter. After I’ve worked the bugs out, they will be full-price only. I have to work on the scheduling, because I have a trip planned this fall, and I always go to TNNA, but once I set the schedule, please sign on if you want reduced pricing.
I just got word that I’ll be teaching at YarnOver in Minneapolis in April, 2020, so the schedule gets more complicated! I’m super excited as I get to meet my primary knitter — and any of you who might be there. If you know of any nearby shops that might like to host a class or trunk how, let me know!
Now, I need to work on clearing some space on my desk so I can spend more time doing what I want to be doing! It is always knitting related.
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