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How fibersandtwigs got started
Introduce your Etsy shop and tell us your story. How did you begin and decide on what to sell on Etsy, and how do you create your products?
Hi, I’m Jan, the owner and designer of Fibres & Twigs. My shop offers downloadable and printable sewing patterns that are simple, functional, and a little whimsy. I enjoy creating things that have unique colours, textures, and, most of all, a purpose. I have a love for felted wool sweaters. There is just something about the texture of a wool sweater after it has been washed in hot water. The fibres are tight, thick, and cosy.
My first pattern I designed using felted wool sweaters was a pair of mittens. I loved how the mittens felt on my hands, and I got to thinking about how good they would feel on my feet as well. So, I designed a slipper pattern, and the rest is history. Many patterns later, using felted wool, I am still coming up with ways to use this unique material. Bags, hats, slippers, hand warmers, bunnies, bears, toys, flowers, and even birds have been made using my stash of felted wool sweaters.
I started selling my patterns on Etsy in 2009. (This is when each order had to be manually emailed, which really slowed down and bottlenecked the process.) Now each pattern is instantly downloaded after purchase. The patterns in my shop are created and designed by me.
Favorite items
What are your favorite items? What makes these so special? Why do you think these items might be selling well?
One of my favourite patterns is, of course, my Upcycled Wool Sweater Mitten Pattern. This is one of my best-selling patterns.
Another favourite pattern is my zipper pouch pattern. It’s a great project for those new to sewing a zipper. (Many of my patterns are linked to a video tutorial.)
This fleece headband, ear warmer, or neck warmer is another favourite.
Getting sales on Etsy
How long did it take for you to earn your first sale and how do you currently attract customers to your Etsy shop?
It did take a little while to get things moving and visible. I’m not sure of a time frame, as it has been so long ago. I use my website and blog, Pinterest, Youtube, and Instagram to direct people to my shop. Instagram seems to be my ticket.
Managing fibersandtwigs
How do you manage your shop? Are you running solo or do you have any team members? What tools or services do you use to run your shop and how do you handle fulfillment?
I am the only one designing, editing, and listing my products. I use Canva a lot to edit photos and create Instagram reels and posts.
The future of fibersandtwigs
What goals do you have for your shop in the future?
I am the only one designing, editing, and listing my products. I use Canva a lot to edit photos and create Instagram reels and posts.
Advice for new sellers
What’s your advice for a new seller starting an Etsy shop?
Be patient! It may take a bit for your shop to be noticed. Use social media if that works for you, and use a lot of tags for SEO. Research your titles and descriptions before listing your items. Have fun and be passionate about what you do.
