Feature seller - interview with Socksandmittens

Today's feature is a mother and daughter team, Socksandmittens. When I came across their store here on Etsy I fell in love with the classic styles and wonderful colors of their knitted items! Tanya from Socksandmittens sat down with us today to share her vision of creative process.

- How did you find Etsy? How long have you been selling on Etsy?

I have been a member of a several Yahoo stitching groups, so someone mentioned Etsy once and I was curious to see what is there.
Everything in our store is hand knit by my mother, Valentyna, who moved in with us last year. Since she has been an avid knitter all her life, we thought she might like the idea of knitting & selling the items she makes. That's how our shop was born and we are going to celebrate our 1 year Anniversary this August!
- How did you choose the name for your Etsy Shop?

At first it was really hard to find a right name for the shop. Hundreds of papers with project ideas went into trash! But then we thought about the good old times, when life was simple and people were naming their businesses after their products. So we decided to name our little shop after the majority of goods we are selling, socks and mittens.

- How long have you been creating?
Valentyna is self taught and has been knitting non stop for over 50 years. She was born in Ukraine right before the World War II. As a child she was working hard to help her big family to survive all the difficulties of war period and first years of recovery. This made her very handy – I think she is still able to accomplish any project in any field!

- What are your main sources of inspiration?

Our inspiration is coming from nature with all it's bright colors and changing of seasons. Isn't it funny, how quickly you are hiding your favorite summer outfits back in the closet as soon as temperature drops and the air is nippy. You instantly reach for the warmer comfort clothing! These warm & colorful gloves, mittens and socks are making our lives a bit more cozy and brightening the gray chilly days.- What is the best reaction you have gotten from one of your pieces?
We had a lovely customer who placed a custom order for fingerless gloves with us once. She liked them so much that she ordered another pair. Shortly after that then another one for her boyfriend. Later she ordered a couple of more pairs for her friends, as a Holidays gifts. Isn’t it inspiring?
- Your message for all of us?
Creating and selling are two different things. You must plan for the ups & downs. Find your own niche and enjoy your creativity! Don’t get upset when you don’t have any sales yet, it will come! There is a season for everything.