a common thread blog

keeping track of your etsy expenses with outright

2010-08-02T09:30:00.001-04:00

if you sell things on etsy, or other handmade/vintage shops, then you're familiar with the one burdensome task of keeping track of your inventory, your expenses and reporting your taxes. i am such a spreadsheet person that the thought of keeping track of everything actually excites me. however, after about a month, i wanted to kill my spreadsheet. after doing a little research, i came across outright, which turns out to be the best thing ever. it's so simple, yet so clever. you just introduce outright to your paypal account, they make friends, and you never have to do anything else ever again.

first, in order for this to work completely automated, i make sure that ONLY my business transactions go through my paypal account. no personal purchases, no personal money in. i use my account to make all of my supply purchases, pay my etsy fees, etc. i also requested a paypal debit card, which i make all of my in-store purchases, post office mailings, etc. you could also have a separate credit card that you make business-only charges to.

second, outright meet paypal. paypal meet outright. login to outright and connect to paypal. every transaction through paypal gets imported into outright and once you define a transaction into a (tax) category, outright learns and then automatically assigns future transactions in the same manner.

that's it! then outright gives you reports, tells you how you're doing in sales (income vs expenses; by customer; by month, etc). and at tax time, they give you a handy printout that has all of your expenses, income, etc, all categorized for you and even tells you how much you owe (quarterly). magic!

one other thing...i also learned about shoeboxed when i signed up for outright. for the 1% of my expenses that i can't buy on my paypal account/debit, i take a picture of the receipt, upload it to shoeboxed, then outright also imports my shoeboxed expenses (and has a link to the receipt). so, if i ever need to pull up the receipt, i have an electronic copy of it.

a few blog favorites

2010-07-30T09:30:00.001-04:00

recently i've come across some really amazing blogs (and some i've been following for quite a while) and thought it'd be great to share.

off the rack - this blog is a wonderful mix of fashion and a d.i.y. mentality. they have links to great and fashionable products, often featuring smaller shops, and the occassional amazing diy ideas.

fieldguided - after reading just a few posts by anabela, i decided that at some point we were separated at birth. i adore her style, and she loves cats, and she sews! she has the best d.i.y. tutorials (like this miu miu collar!) and is constantly sewing or fashioning new brilliant things. and of course, featuring her cat.

calivintage - erin runs this great style blog and she has the best fashion sense! i adore all of her perfect vintage or vintage-inspired outfits, and i'm constantly learning something new from her. from a new way to tie a headband like a turban, or where to find a cute vintage shoes or purse, i'm constantly amazed.

make something - this blog is such a source of inspiration. i love all of her projects, and am amazed at all of her fabrics she uses. just reading through her wish list makes me want to run out and sew something immediately.

d.i.y. caftan

2010-07-28T09:30:00.001-04:00

a while back, i participated in a trade on etsy for this lovely red silk caftan dress, which was pretty long and flowy. i liked the flowiness for things like summery outings and cocktails on the beach, but for every day wear in the city, i thought it needed a little makeover.

i didn't want to permanently cut off the dress. so, going from this long length, i folded up the hem a few times, then put a hand slip stitch hem in place.

so, right now it's a nice short frock for city-wear, but i'm planning on pulling the thread and letting loose the long caftan for upcoming beach days.

new project: amish socks

2010-07-26T09:30:00.001-04:00

a few years ago, i came across a photo in vogue knitting of a pair of wild and crazy-colored socks, reported to be worn underneath the somewhat somber and muted clothing of the amish. i liked the idea that even though no one could see them, some pretty crazy and colorful things were being worn underneath those long skirts.

even though it's in the middle of summer and i'm probably completely crazy for wanting to attempt these at this time, i've finally knit enough (socks, projects in the round, tiny things) that i'm finally putting my own amish sock pattern together. eek! it's very exciting. i'm envisioning crazy things - bright colors, fun design patterns, and textural designs. right now, i have a single half royal blue footie done. posting pictures soon of the progress.

new stuff in shop!

2010-07-23T09:30:00.004-04:00

i've been working hard and made a few shop updates over the past week. check out the new items!

1. pyrite heart necklace                 2. black knit bowtie necklace
3. white lace crochet necklace     4. smoky quartz necklace
5. zebra necklace                             6. red crochet coiled necklace

crochet pattern: coiled medallion necklace

2010-07-21T09:30:00.000-04:00

the pattern for this coiled crochet medallion uses the bullion or roll crochet stitch. it's pretty fun to do, but takes a little practice before you can do it in one easy swoop.

the pattern and instructions for the little coiled medallion necklace is below...or if you're not so inclined to crochet, you can find the crochet necklace in the shop.

bullion stitch instructions
the actual bullion stitch is done by wrapping your hook 5-10 times (start small for practice) somewhat loosely, but very evenly. insert into your foundation stitch, wrap once, pull through foundation st. wrap once and pull through all of your loops. wrap once and pull through last loop.

PATTERN

*size C needle
*small thread

you can use any size hook and yarn/thread that you like. the smaller the daintier!

Round 1 - create loop (to knit in round) and dc into loop 10 times
Round 2 - ch 3 st, then into each dc, do 2 bullion 10-loop stitches

tie off end and weave in ends. attach to a chain and you're done!

handmade....shoes!

2010-07-19T09:30:00.000-04:00

the other day i stumbled upon a blog post that cited an etsy shop who made....handmade shoes. of all things! shoes are one thing i've never dared to try to make, so i'm completely impressed with anyone who can pull this off. at the time, i'd just ordered a pair of little leather oxfords from aldo, but they didn't fit and i was struggling with the whole hassle of exchanging them....only to stumble upon these shoes. with these handmade shoes being $15 LESS EXPENSIVE than the aldo shoes, and probably better constructed, i promptly returned my shoes and bought a pair of these wonderful goldenponies shoes.

i'm so excited about them! they did take a little while to make their way to me...but when i imagine the hard work the handmade shoe elves had to put into them, it's all worth it. they are super soft leather and are so comfortable! someone even commented on them saying they look like the shoes Baby wore in dirty dancing. that could possibly be the best compliment i've ever received!

candy necklace

2010-07-16T09:30:00.001-04:00

a while back i came across a very bright (and very expensive) mounsser necklace that i decided i could relatively easily make myself. i’ve been forever collecting bright-colored trinkets and hearts, and finally felt like i’d amassed the perfect dangly bits and the best matched gold chain, so it was time to put it all together.

it basically has a million little pieces that took forever to attach. but, i’ve set up my jewelry workspace to watch hulu to pass along the hours while i work. this necklace was happily made while watching episode after episode of 21 jump street (i was running out of tv options), so this necklace will forever conjure up an image of young johnny depp’s face every time i wear it.

crochet necklaces - new colors!

2010-07-14T09:30:00.003-04:00

i've been adding some new summer colors to the shop!

hot hot heat

2010-07-12T09:30:00.000-04:00

after picking up wendy mullin's dress making book, i was inspired to pull out this polka dot dress that i started working on, ahem, a year ago, and finish it up.

i made this dress with no pattern (a first for me!). i loosely followed this tutorial and photo by maryy from burdastyle, and sort of made it up as i went along. it has a sort of sweetheart neckline (with a gathered front), and a very full skirt that starts right under the bodice. if you’re feeling fancy though, burdastyle later created this pattern which is similar to the dress, but honestly it’s so simple you could do it without a pattern.

to start, i made the bodice following mary’s tutorial, but only stitching up one side seam, and pinching and sewing the middle to create a sweetheart neckline. i did end up adding in 2 vertical darts to the bust to make the fit a little better. then i made a separate full skirt by sewing 2 really long rectangles of fabric together at the side seam (and adding a pocket). then i gathered it around the waist til it fit me, sewed it to the bodice, then added a long zipper in the side seam, attaching it all together.

and, sewing this dress inspired me to make 13 dresses this summer!

burdastyle d.i.y. summer guide

2010-07-09T09:30:00.000-04:00

burdastyle is offering up a ultimate d.i.y. summer style guide with tons and tons of summertime patterns including bathing suits, maxi dresses, beach hats, etc.

dainty mitts

2010-07-07T12:50:00.001-04:00

after thinking about these, and plotting the yarn, and finally committing to them, i finally finished these mitts! they were actually very quick, given the tiny, tiny needles and yarn. i love that they have sort of a vintage feel to them. i'd like to think of one day (30 years from now) someone coming across them and getting very excited of such a wonderful, vintage handmade find.

i used Elann Peruvian Pure Alpaca Fina, less than 1 skein on US 4 needles. the pattern is by french kit. you can check out the other projects on ravelry.

a common thread tumblr

2010-05-07T17:13:00.000-04:00

as evidenced by my lack of posting, sometimes it's too much to compose a full post, but i have lots of d.i.y. ideas floating around that need to be chronicled and organized SOMEWHERE. sooo...(even though i really don't need ANOTHER website) i'm very excited about the new d.i.y. inspiration tumblr. with only a handful of projects to start, i have plenty more to add, and will be very soon.

off catching dreams

2010-04-06T13:03:00.002-04:00

my friends, gina and jason of land-rich, have put up gorgeous new DREAM CATCHERS for sale. i love ALL of the colors.

pattern: mesh crochet necklace

2009-12-14T10:00:00.000-05:00

I wanted to put together a simple mesh crochet necklace, almost like a kerchief-style scarf. here's what i came up with. pattern is below, or if you're not so inclined to make your own, check them out in the shop.

Pattern

Materials:

E/4 - 3.4mm crochet hook
DK weight yarn (I used a cotton/linen yarn)
gauge doesn’t really matter.
CH 40 sts
row 1: dc into 4rd ch from hook, *ch1, skip 1 ch, dc into next st*, repeat from * until end of the row (ending with a dc). turn.
row 2: sl st into first st, ch 2, *ch 1, skip dc on previous row, dc into next ch st. repeat from * across row. (always end row with a dc, which will be 1 st shorter than the previous row. you’re decreasing 2 st each row - 1 at the beg and 1 at the end).

repeat row 2 until 1 st remains. bind off.

to make it bigger or smaller, just do your initial chain in any odd number of stitches + 3.

land-rich // beautiful handmade shop

2009-12-06T13:24:00.005-05:00

my friends gina and jason have just opened up a new shop, Land-Rich, with beautiful classic items inspired by raw nature.

the current edition has four amazing ornaments filled with simple, raw elements. my favorites are the reindeer moss (essential food for reindeer) and the tallow bulbs (small versions are just $10!). just in time for the holidays!

sale in the shop

2009-11-27T11:02:00.000-05:00

hey guys, just letting you know that i'm holding a little sale in the etsy shop. everything is marked down 10-20% or has free shipping!

tv dinner time

2009-11-25T09:00:00.000-05:00

i've always been a fan of tv dinner style trays and decor, and absolutely loved this wallpapered tv tray from design*sponge.

this is such a clever and perfect way to making a vintage item beautiful and modern. i've been a long admirer of this wallpaper and have considered adding it as a touch of color to one wall in my living room. but having it cover something useful, such as this cute little tv tray is perfect.

and a tv tray stand wouldn't be complete with the most adorable tv dinner plate. i love this porcelain version of the old plastic types. and it even keeps your food separated!

then there's also the plastic version of the prison lunch tray. i actually bought a set of these in stainless steel a while back, but it looks like only the plastic version is offered now.

vintage charm jewelry

2009-11-24T09:00:00.002-05:00

i recently came across some wonderful vintage finds, and created some necklaces featuring them as charms. i love the mix of the gold-tone brassy colored charms mixed with the darker patina chains. now available in the shop.

the lone wolf

a big ole' gold heart

the panda bear eating bamboo (!)

d.i.y. wall decor + organization

2009-11-23T09:00:00.002-05:00

i've noticed a few ideas and tutorials popping up out there that i'd like to try around my apartment. first there was the most beautiful toilet paper roll decor from design*sponge that i've ever seen. originally designed as "kid art"...hmmmm...

i really liked the idea of it, but something about toilet paper rolls just seemed...not fitting. then i came across this design with cans!

green + sturdier than cardboard rolls + functional! i love that you can actually store things in the cans. maybe this would be the perfect decor/storage in the craft/office room.

handmade holiday gifts to knit or crochet

2009-10-08T09:00:00.005-04:00

i know, the holidays are like, a quarter of the year away still, but i like to give everyone a little something handmade, and hate feeling rushed when there's two days before christmas and i *only* have to finish knitting and sewing a million things. so, just to get started a little early this year with some ideas, this will be part 1 of the handmade holiday gift ideas. this set includes quick knits and crocheted items.

item: denim knit kerchief
pattern: from the book last minute knitted gifts. (i checked this out from my local library). OR a similar free alternative is the silk kerchief.
yarn: i used elann den-m-knit pure indigo cotton (1 skein)
perfect for: daughters, moms, nieces, or perfect for just about anyone, probably a female, but whatever -nobody's judging.
notes: i made it out of denim cotton and like to pretend like i'm a robber when i wear it.

item: oh my god these are so cute - mitts!
pattern: french kit (4 euros)
perfect for: daughters, moms, nieces or any female whose hands need stylish warmth.
notes: i love love love these! i currently ordered up some peruvian pure alpaca to make these beauties (for myself...ahem)

item: knit purse
pattern: ipbolaget.com (free)
perfect for: daughters, moms, nieces, grandmas, aunts, or any female
notes: i haven't personally knit this one up but it's been in my queue for a while. i love how simple and clean the design is.

item: amy march slippers
pattern: tiny owl knits (free via ravelry)
perfect for: anyone who has feet
notes: adorable! this is on my queue, and i will be making them...for myself.

item: urchin beret
pattern: ysolda teague via knitty (free)
perfect for: women with heads
notes: i made this (again, for myself...selfish) and love love it. it was so simple i made most of it during a meeting at work, and wear it constantly throughout the fall.

item: owlets
pattern: roman sock (free)
perfect for: children or anyone who doesn't hate animals
notes: i've yet to make these, but again, on my list (i even bought the eyes). looks like a perfect way to get rid of that fuzzy lion brand yarn that would actually look good all matted-up on this owl.

item: finally something for men! a cute hat with a twist at the top.
pattern: marsan watchcap (free)
perfect for: men! boyfriends, dads, grandpas, uncles. or women too. i think it would look nice on women. but i've been seriously lacking in my gift ideas for men, so here you go.

ok, that's enough for now. but i've got many more and will do a handmade holiday gifts part 2 soon.

knit pattern: moss stitch bow headband

2009-10-20T09:00:00.003-04:00

this was a little bow that i created a while back for a friend's birthday present, but now i'm thinking of creating these little bows for everything. necklaces? bracelets? bow ties?

the pattern is pretty simple here, and you really only need the idea to make your own. the yarn, gauge, needle size, or following the measurements in the pattern are not critical. make it as big or little as you like. all of the details i used to make this bow are listed below, but if this all looks too daunting, you can always buy one here.

Materials
- Worsted weight yarn (I used Lion Brand Wool-Ease Solids and Heathers) Less than 1 skein
- US #8 knitting needles
- size G crochet hook

Gauge
18sts and 24 rows = 4”

Notes
Gauge, nor yarn weight is critical for this project. For a larger or smaller bow, add or decrease cast-on stitches, making sure to keep the total number an odd number.

Seed stitch pattern: K1, *P1, K1. Repeat from * across.
Repeat for all rows.

PATTERN

Main bow:
Cast on 13 stitches.
Work in seed stitch until work measures 5.5 inches.
Bind off in pattern.

Loop:
cast on 5 stitches.
Work in seed stitch until work measures 3 inches.
Bind off in pattern.

Headband:
Using crochet hook, chain stitch 3 ropes about 20 inches long (or size to fit around your head).

Piecing it together:
To make the bow, wrap the loop around the center of the main bow and stitch it together on the backside. Run the 3 crochet chains through the back of the loop and join to the beginning of the chains.

new jewels

2009-10-21T09:00:00.002-04:00

i made up a few new items and added them to shop.

this necklace is made out of the most beautiful magnesite. i've never really heard of it before but i love the crackles and the little snowflake looking designs in the stones. i combined it with swirling and tangling multi-chains.

i love the look of freeform coral and the sparkle of crystal prisms. all combined together on a vintage gold-tone chain.

knots of love

2009-10-30T09:00:00.002-04:00

so, first things first, i finally created a facebook page to keep track of updates, goings-on, fun links, etc. you should join!

A Common Thread on Facebook

and second....a night or so ago, as i was perusing etsy, i joined a virtual labs session waaay too late, but ended up in a nice conversation with a few other etsy sellers. one of them had the lovliest jewelry. i've been really into knots recently and absolutely loved this love knot ring by meganlimjewelry. it's so intricate and i love how each one is always a little different.

megan also has a nice selection of hair accessories and other statement rings as well. and, megan herself is such a sweet person!

vintage pattern: peasant sleeved jumper

2009-11-01T09:00:00.002-05:00

i was recently at a yard sale, where i came across a ton of vintage knit patterns, some of which are dated back to the 20s and 30s, which i believe are all now public domain. i thought i'd pick out a few of my favorites and post.

Peasant Sleeved Jumper