This week we have a very successful Etsy seller…Amy Gaines! Many of you already know about her wonderful little knit creations, but I’m sure you’ll find out something you didn’t know in this week’s Etsy Artist Spotlight! Here’s Amy…
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I was born in Texas and raised there and in California. Moved to Mass. with my husband and baby daughter a little over eight years ago. I learned to crochet from my Grandmother when I was a little girl and I learned to knit when my daughter was born and literally couldn’t stop. Soon our tiny apartment was filled with yarn and toys! After I grasped the knitting basics, I began to develop my own patterns. I now sell my original knit and crochet amigurumi patterns in my Etsy shop, along with some finished toys and kits. This month my husband and I have purchased our first home, it was built in 1890 and needs lots of love- it will be my largest craft project to date!
What inspires you?
My Daughter Audrey, is 8 years old and very creative! I started making toys for her when she was just a baby, then as she grew older she began to request different animals and creatures. Before long, she started sketching out many ideas and requests. Many of my patterns are from her designs and sketches. She is truly my biggest inspiration!
What’s the best thing about where you live?
My husband, my daughter and I live in Central Mass. New England not only is amazingly beautiful, but the seasons greatly inspire me. The is nothing like knitting by the fire in a snow storm.
Is your shop a business or hobby to you? Did you start out that way?
When I began my Etsy shop, my daughter was 4 years old and just starting preschool. I always planned to go back to work once my daughter started school, but because we have no family close by and couldn’t afford childcare, my husband and I thought I should give Etsy a shot, never thinking it would turn into a family business, just a hobby that might supplement our income. I just passed the fourth anniversary of my shop and during that time both Etsy and my business have grown tremendously. Besides Etsy I do custom orders and wholesale orders to craft stores, sell patterns and do projects for yarn companies and magazines and I have two books out with Leisure Arts and another coming out in August (Little Knitted Creatures).
How do you promote your shop?
To be honest, I have no idea what I’m doing in the promotion/marketing arena.
We try all sorts of things and collect all sorts of data from analytics etc, but I can’t tell you what works and what doesn’t. We use Twitter, just started using Facebook, take out ads sometimes, and, of course, Etsy showcases.
What advice would you give to new Etsy sellers?
Hang in there! Etsy is a great venue that will give you lot of exposure. Through Etsy alone, I have been contacted by several large magazines, yarn companies, and even MTV for props for commercials. Also, Etsy has a great customer base that appreciate and understand the “handmade” philosophy. They are willing to pay more for something that is handmade instead of buying it factory made at a big chain store.
Could you share with us a couple Etsy shops that you love?
I LOVE Dannielle.etsy.com! My daughter has several of her fairy dolls that are so well made and unbelievable customer service!!!!
Also, staceywinters.etsy.com is truly amazing! Wonderful products, and fabulous service!!! I ordered a custom photo necklace as a Christmas gift for my sister, and it was the best present I have ever purchased!
6060.etsy.com is my most favorite safety eye supply shop. Such a vast selection and super fast shipping!
Where can we find you?
- My shop on Etsy: AmyGaines.etsy.com
- I have three pattern books out through Leisure Arts.
- Twitter: I am @amygaines
- Facebook: Amy Gaines
- Also I have a website with a blog that I haven’t really used but it has some pictures and links: Amy Gaines {blog}
Leisure Arts has been kind enough to give one Everything Etsy reader a copy of Little Knitted Creatures! It’s coming out in August, and you’ll be one of the first to have your own copy!
All you need to do is leave a comment on this post by July 26th to be entered.
Wasn’t Amy sweet to give us a peek inside her creative world? I love that she started out making these cuties for her daughter, and now her little creatures can be seen in bookstores everywhere. Her newest book looks amazing…good luck on winning a copy!
**This giveaway is closed. Thanks for all your wonderful comments! The winner is Diana from Diana Ann Photography…congratulations!
Thanks Amy!
~Kim
Ooh! I just had a baby so a knitting toy book would be great!
I love her stuff! It is so adorable! I’d love to win this book and get into knitting little creatures!
I hope so much that I win that book! This is probably the most exciting give away I’ve ever entered. >< That's so exciting that you've put out so many books. =) And that it all started because of your daughter. =D Best of luck for you in the future!
-Diana
.-= Diana´s last blog ..Mystic 4×6 Fine Art Photograph =-.
What a wonderful story- thanks for sharing. And well-deserved success. Her work is SO adorable!
.-= Zemphira´s last blog ..Tiny Fabric Art Quilts =-.
Im still working on my crocheting…knitting is next. What a beautiful way to express joy and creativity! Every photo of her work made me smile!!!!!
.-= Jodie´s last blog ..Vintage Retro Christmas Ornament Needle Art Kit Elf Snowflake =-.
ooh congratulations on the book. i find your creations quite adorable.
i hope you have a crochet book in the works as well.
oop you already have 2 crochet books. i should follow the links before i comment.
.-= maryse´s last blog ..Quilty Progress =-.
I love her animals! So cute and full of personality. I think the Christmas Tree Ornaments are wonderful – That would be a GREAT project to do with children for the holidays…
oh my goodness, serious cuteness! Love all the animals. My girls would flip for those.
.-= Amber´s last blog ..Giddy for Gingham =-.
I don’t knit, so if you draw my name – – please draw a second time for your winner.
I just had to leave a comment to say that Amy’s work is so wonderful and simply adorable! I want every ornament. Great feature!
.-= Catherine´s last blog ..Busy- busy week =-.
Amy’s patterns are very easy to follow. I have made several of her knitted creatures and have thoroughly enjoyed them. I would someday like to meet Amy. Thank you Amy for sharing your love of knitting with all.
Her patterns are so cute; I’m excited to see a book with them! Cool!
.-= Katrina´s last blog ..Mallory – knit hat =-.
Too… cute, I wish I could crochet!
.-= alyssabeths´s last blog ..Royal Cupcake Resin Collage Necklace in Silver Plate Setting =-.
I have been a big fan of Amy’s work for a long time. I have several of her wonderful patterns and items. I love her previous books and am looking forward to the new one! It is wonderful to see when hard work and talent pays off. 🙂
Love these adorable crocheted critters! They are so delightful. I especailly love the Christmas ornaments. Too cute!
So lovely book,for me christmas ornaments are the best.
Fabulous work, everything is so cute! I would love to have a copy of Amy’s book. I also like hearing about another Etsy seller’s success, it gives me the motivation to hang in there until I finally get a sale! Thank you for the post! Do you ever spotlight new seller’s?
http://www.etsy.com/shop/yoyosandcandy
.-= anne maskell´s last blog ..Im Back! =-.
Oooh! Very fun giveaway! Thank you for the chance!
It was nice to “meet” you, Amy!
Amy’s patterns are amazing!!!!
Easy, clear and beautiful 🙂
Oh how I would love this book. I love Amy’s patterns – I have several of them and especially love the owl pattern that I have.
Amy is so talented. LOVE her stuff! I hope she continues to be successful.
I couldn’t knit or sew for that matter my way out of a paper bag.
Congrats to you!
.-= tricia richner´s last blog ..Wood Monogrammed Letter – Your Choice of Letter and Color – Buy 1 =-.
So CUTE. Since I can only knit in one direction {scarves anyone?} I just love to admire the work of awesome knitters! I especially LOVE the gnomes.
.-= Liz´s last blog ..Just a quick note… =-.
I absolutely adore amy’s work…
the cupcake and mushroom ornies are my favorite!
♥anne
It is so great to see another wonderful artist making her way in the world of crafting! I’ve been silently stalking Amy and her designs for about a year now, and love the fact that she is getting some well-deserved publicity! Thanks for featuring another great artist!
.-= Pandorasslave´s last blog ..Tour De Fleece Day 16 =-.
Amy’s work is stunning. And I’d be so honored to win the book!
I have several of Amy’s patterns. They are easy to follow, portable, and turn out so cute. I like that they have themes. I bought the sea creatures to knit for my baby girl. I was knitting them while I was in the hospital even. Congrats to Amy on the new book…can’t wait to see it!
Love your stuff, Amy and I loved reading about your daughter. My daughter, Bella, is also 8 and always comes up with new challenges for animals for me to chrochet for her.
Congratulations again Amy. Ever so proud of you and your achievements. Good products sell themselves…your customer service is great and you’ve also been a good friend and supporter to my work for the children I knit for. What goes around, comes around…you’re OK Amy…all the very best to you and yours…Faye(Australia)
I love Amy’s patterns and have made several of her creatures so far. I’d love to win this book – my girls would go crazy for all of the cute things in there! 🙂
.-= Deb – Mom of 3 Girls´s last blog ..Every one plays =-.
I will definitely be making super cute ornaments come Fall!!! 🙂 Thanks for being awesome.
.-= Stephanie´s last blog ..TMJD – Lock Jaw – I know- theres a joke in there =-.
Amy is so talented! It’s because of her amazing patterns that I persevered with teaching myself to knit and now I want to conquer crochet!
Wishing you every success for the new book Amy 🙂
Love the ornaments and appreciate how when you do something you love, the rest ‘falls into place’.
Enter Meeee!! I want to win!
I love her work.
I added her to my Etsy, Facebook and Twitter. So if I win for being the best stalker, then, well, I win! lol
xo
Oooh, I’d love a copy of Amy’s book. I have bought a few of her patterns, they look brilliant, just haven’t had the time to make them up yet. Congrats on the new book and new home, Amy 🙂
Amy is a wonderful lady
I love her work and have brought several
patterns all are simple to do and a joy to the receiver she deserves all the allolades she gets
Love Amy’s creativity. Congratulations on all your success!
Children are and always will be our inspiration. I’d love to get my hands on this book, haven’t done any crocheting for a long long time now so this giveaway is absolutely timely for me to get started again. Thanks for the lovely interview and the giveaway.
Amy, I’ve love your design! I can’t wait for the new book to come out. Thanks for sharing you gift with the world.
What gorgeous toys. My daughter would love the giraffe, I may have to get my knitting needles out again to make it for her!
ooooh, fun! i love amy’s cutie wee patterns… they are all so sweet, and they turn out perfectly every time. i bet her new book is a delight!
Love your pattern Amy!
I love your patterns so, I so hope I am the winner, good luck with the book
You’re patterns are adorable – congratulations on your book! Can’t wait to see it!
I think my favorite of her patterns is Marie Antoinette. I am very excited about a knitted pattern book – my crochet skills are what some might call “lacking.”
So cute! Love christmas in July or anytime!
Congratulations, Amy! Love your patterns and thanks for the giveaway!
I love Amy’s “little creatures”, they are too adorable for words. Congratulations on the new book Amy! 🙂
.-= Tina ´s last blog ..Own a small piece of the farm through a CSA =-.
Yippee! Can’t wait to knit from this book!
I LOVE Amy’s patterns – they are adorable and would LOVE to be in with a chance to win :o)
.-= michelle´s last blog ..Chunky Knitting =-.
I found Amy via Etsy about a year ago, and she is the go-to gal for beautiful, creative knitted and crocheted toys. If you need an idea, inspiration, or gift, she is the girl to check out!
I’ve knit up so many of Amy’s patterns, and everyone has been a big hit. I just finished four of them – including the giraffe – for a soon-to-be-born San Fran Baby, and the parents loved them. I sing Amy’s praises everywhere I go and let people know about her great products. Congrats on the book AND the new home!!!
I love Amy’s fun ideas and easy to follow patterns. I am so excited for her new book and can’t wait to look through it .
I love this seller! They are too cute- I think our new addition may need that knome looking guy- off to shop- I’d love that book!
.-= Kelly´s last blog ..School Baby Shower =-.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Amy’s Creations! 🙂
Squeeeeeee! I love her stuff-I like to surprise my little one with knitted toys on his bedside table-he’ll say “mummy the yarn fairy was here!”
Congratulations Amy!
I am so excited about these patterns–my animals actually turn out well! Thanks
I have most of Amy’s knitted patterns and I love them! They are easy to read and follow. She has some super-cute designs. Thanks Amy!
I have bought from Amy’s Etsy store, and have Amy Gaines books, so naturally I would love to have this one too.
Amy’s patterns are super-cute, easy to follow, and make smiles appear like magic. I love making Amigurumi to give to children when we are out & about. Especially at the doctor’s office where they are nervous, and at the coffee shop by the Interstate, when they are tired from traveling.
Thank You Amy for sharing your talent with us. Your work makes a LOT of people happy~
.-= Gail E´s last blog ..A RAK and a Hogtopus! =-.
I love Amy’s patterns…I have SEVERAL of them. I knit them for my daughter and as gifts for friends. Everyone just loves them…especially the owl. They are so easy to follow and I love that you don’t need to be an expert knitter to make these. I would love to win a copy of this book. 🙂 I’m so happy to see how well Amy is doing…as a new mom I hope to have an at home business like hers when my daughter gets a little older.
I love Amy’s designs. The directions are easy to follow and best of all they are for working with only two needles. My granddaughters are enjoying many , many of Amy’s Designs. I always check for any new designs. My goal is to make everything idea she comes up with. Thanks for all the fun to make and give.
Amy’s books are the best. I have her crochet one and look forward to the knitted one, too. Great instructions and super cute projects. Yay, Amy!
So adorable and delightful! Love!
.-= Jana´s last blog ..The Dragon =-.
How wonderfully creative, and sew sew cute!
.-= tera´s last blog ..I have a new shop! =-.
Her little creatures are just absolutely divine! I especially love the ornaments ones, too cute!
I love Amy’s patterns! I have several and they are always easy to follow and cute when they are knitted up 🙂
Loved the story of your craft journey. I was in sort of the same position 3 years ago moving from Ohio to Arkansas, no family around and with an 8 year old . I love to knit and crochet and I am always looking for a new project. I love knitting your patterns Amy, they are not only easy but the finished project is awesome! Looking forward to more projects!
I love Amy’s patterns and have been making them for a long time. The patterns are easy to follow and fun to make. I also enjoy the kits she has on her Esty shop too. I am still waiting for her to come up with a cute, adorable knitted cat pattern!
Happy thoughts, inspiration, sweetness, it’s all here. I love Amy’s patterns. She is a sparkly creative gem.
I love Amy’s patterns! When I first started crocheting I purchased her Momma and Baby Owls kit and was instantly hooked on amigurumi. Her patterns are so easy to understand and are adorable when finished! Can’t wait for her new knitting book – I need to practice my knitting in preparation! 🙂
I love Amy’s creations!!! I have many of her crocheted wonders, but I have yet to attempt a knitted ami! I have been creating ami’s for about 2 years and like Amy once you get started you can’t stop!!! There all over the place and I have given many away as gifts!!! I can’t wait to give it a knitted try from her new book!! Keep on creating, Amy!!!
Amy’s patterns are a wonderful use of the leftovers of many years of knitting for friends and family. With 9 grandchildren, and with friends who have grandchildren, I’m never at a loss for ideas for special gifts and surprises….Amy makes it easy !
we love Amy’s patterns! i love them because they’re so easy to follow and do and don’t take long at all and my daughters love their creatures i have created for them!! i look forward to receiving updates from Amy all the time!! good luck with the new book! xx
I agree with all the above. I LOVE my gnome and can’t wait to try the Dani doll.
oh my goodness, I love that wee Christmas tree, and that giraffe is going to make me smile all day. Priceless, thank you!!
I love to knit but have never tried making the cute critters that have become so popular. It would be great to win this book so I could try!
My first grandchild was born 7/4/2010 and I love making knitted things for her.
.-= Jeanie Babbage´s last blog ..Tesla Babbage is in the house!! =-.
Love her toys. I enjoying knitting toys for the kids in my family.
Me me me! My 17 month old got so excited when she saw these cute little creatures. I’d love to make some for her 🙂
I love it! They bring so much happiness by just looking at them! 🙂 *smiles*
Any is my inspiration! I have most of her patterns
and have given toys and 3 of each of her books away as gifts. She is so easy to follow and my work has improved with each toy. Too Cute!!!!!
I am having so much fun making amigurumi and have only just started this year…inspired by one of Amy’s books in the local woolshop. Now I am designing some of my own patterns, have crocheted body parts all over the house and have to force myself to completely finish one before I start the next. Can’t wait to see the new animal knitting book…I hope it doesn’t take too long getting to Australia!
That book looks so cute, thanks for having this giveaway!
.-= kala´s last blog ..Arthur Cookies =-.
How cute! I’ve really wanted to make some little toys like this, but all of the patterns I’ve found are for crochet. I don’t crochet, but I knit passably well, so this book would be great!
.-= Jeni´s last blog ..Masterpiece =-.
Love Amy! Fantastic, easy to read patterns! And I love that she creates Knit patterns! Would love to win this book-so would my daughters!
Wonderful write up about Amy. Thanks for the great info, and lovely photos.
.-= Holly B-Knitwithsnot´s last blog ..HomeGrangeCraft-Fiber-andFleaMarket =-.
I am so amazed at this beautiful work. Very inspiring too, I feel like picking up my knitting needles RIGHT NOW!
I am in love with Amy’s designs! I’m currently saving my pennies to buy her complete sets so I can make them all. Her book would be even more fantastic!!!
Xo
I enjoyed the interview with Amy, she’s so creative! The book would be wonderful to have
Thanks, Kim – – – Amy is an inspiration to us all!
Amy,
You are my inspiration for my shop on Etsy. When I saw your Etsy shop for the first time and saw how many sales you had, I hoped my shop would be half as successful as yours. I am well on my way and I love following you on twitter and on Etsy.
I want to thank everyone for all your wonderful comments and thoughtful wishes 🙂 You really made me feel good. Thanks also to Kim for setting this all up – you’re amazing!!
.-= Amy Gaines´s last blog ..PDF- Knit Marie Antoinette Doll Pattern =-.
I love Amy’s patterns and would be thrilled to win her book!
I’d love to try making some cute friends for my daughter, the book looks great!
These are adorable! I just started having a lot of friends with babies and these would be adorable shower gifts…
I love them, so cute! I could use them as christning favours for my daughters christening at the end of October. Hope she carries on making these as they are wonderful
Nice read, it made me smile all the way through :0) Adorable work, and really love that much of her inspiration comes from her daughter’s ideas, how cute! :0)
.-= Cherri´s last blog ..Driftwood Garden Sign -rain =-.