Wow, what an absolutely change-filled week this has been! Just seven days ago, we were gearing up for the March Year of Fiber orders (they're coming and are SO good!) and reminiscing about how awesome Alt. Summit was. Today, we're all fully versed in quarantine, virtual schooling, social distancing and how to navigate toilet paper shortages. (I'm looking at you, Costco shoppers!) On top of all that, northern Utah experienced an earthquake. (Wait. Are we supposed to shelter in place or run outside? Sheesh!) Still, we're holding it together here at Created by Elsie B and practicing self care, largely due to the perks of being creative people. While the cliche about idle hands is distinctly old fashioned, it comes from a place of truth - keeping yourself busy, occupied and productive is good for you. If you find yourself peeking out from between your blinds and seeing a whole lot of loopy out there, take a deep breath and grab your knitting needles; creative people have measurable advantages - we've got this!
Posted on March 19, 2020
Rosa Zerkle
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As most of our readers know, Created by Elsie B is headquartered in Utah, and we have long, cold winters. (The state is famous for its great skiing!) Lately, however, we've been peeking our heads out from under the covers and seeing sunshiny skies and warm temperatures (this weekend is supposed to hit 60 degrees,) and it's making us dream of all things spring! While we expect several more cold snaps before we get an actual seasonal shift, the onset of March is always an exciting time with grass and tulips tentatively peeking out from snow-covered ground. Spring is in the air here, even if just for a moment, and we couldn't resist riffling through our bins to showcase some of our spring-worthy braids in all our favorite pastel hues. Whether you're already well into spring or still have a ways to go like we do, we're sure you'll find something in the mix to brighten your day!
Posted on March 06, 2020
Rosa Zerkle
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While having creative freedom and full control are the primary benefits of running a small business like Created by Elsie B, there is so much that goes on behind the scenes! Created by Elsie B began as a one-woman show, but today a team of skilled professionals assists LeAndra to keep it all running like a well-oiled machine. Over time, tasks like photography, management, shipping and content have been outsourced to free up our fearless leader to focus on the creative, hands-on aspects of the business such as dyeing, product development and design. In fact, Elsie B currently employs five women who work remotely in various parts of the business, as well as LeAndra's husband Sam who supports her in different ways as needed. We'd like to pull the curtain back and introduce you to the people who help Created by Elsie B grow and succeed, starting with myself (because I'm the easiest to reach!)
Posted on March 01, 2020
Rosa Zerkle
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At Created by Elsie B, we spend a lot of time playing with fiber. There is nothing we love more than blending color and having our hands in the dye pots, and we hope that reflects in the products that we are proud to send to your doors. However, we also like to (occasionally) actually turn beautiful hand-dyed fibers into wearable works of art as well. LeAndra weaves, knits and crochets, meaning she keeps a library of patterns on tap for when the need to create hits. These are some of our top most used and loved patterns at Elsie B headquarters for both personal use and handmade gifts, and we hope they provide as much inspiration for you as they do for us! All of patterns are available on Ravelry which is where we find most of the patterns that we love best. (P.S. The little sneak peek to the left is our combo knit pattern. We do plan to get back to that- be patient, and we'll share all the deets!)
Posted on February 20, 2020
Rosa Zerkle
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When you first visit us at Created by Elsie B, you may not realize that our product line has evolved over time, and we didn't find our passion in fiber arts immediately. For people that are new to our small business, we still sometimes get asked about exactly what it is that we do. Does Elsie B sell yarn? Is this roving? The short answer is that all of our dyed fibers start as combed top, but what, exactly, is combed top? How do you differentiate it from other types of fiber, and what is it used for? Today we'll tackle that question, breaking down wool processing to help you understand the properties of this versatile type of wool fiber.
Posted on January 30, 2020
Rosa Zerkle
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Here at Created by Elsie B, there are many things we love about running a small business. While getting to interact one-on-one with our customers is the fuel that drives us, we also value the opportunity that we have to take a hands-on approach to product sourcing and development. Taking care of the environment has always been an Elsie B value, and that made choosing wool as our primary product a bit of a no-brainer. There are dozens or reasons that working with wool is a responsible move, and this list is just a few of the many ways that wool is wonderful both for its versatility and its sustainability! We care about where our fiber comes from and how it's produced.
Posted on January 16, 2020
Rosa Zerkle
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We're right in the thick of celebrating all the winter holidays and while time is short to pick up fiber in time for holiday delivery, we didn't want to let the week pass without highlighting some of our very favorite seasonally appropriate Created by Elsie B colorways. Whether you already have these in your stash or want some winter-inspired options to add to the mix, we love each and every one of our seasonal picks. They make us think of snow and festivities and cold-weather coziness. There is just something about wool and winter that is well matched!
Posted on December 19, 2019
Rosa Zerkle
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No matter who's on your list this holiday season, it can be challenging to shop for family and friends. Maybe they have everything or you're just plain bad at anticipating what the best gift might be. (I can't be the only one!) Either way, if you have fiber lovers on your gift list this year or just those who admire the craft for afar, Created by Elsie B has you covered! We have a wide variety of products in a broad range of prices so you can find just the right thing for the special someone in your life - even if that special fiber lover is yourself! Settle in with a nice hot cup of holiday cheer while we unwrap our very favorite items to put under your tree this year.
Posted on December 12, 2019
Rosa Zerkle
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