Janice Austin, aka StitchinDesigns, sells easy to follow crochet patterns for trendy, cozy, and wearable accessories including neck warmers, wrist cuffs, neck cowls, hats, scarves, and fingerless gloves in a variety of styles.

All of her patterns are written with easy to read step-by-step instructions using basic crochet stitches. Any stitches or techniques that might be new for beginners are explained and/or illustrated with pictures.

She’s a wonderful lady, who prides herself on exceptional customer service.  Stop by her shop!

Here’s our interview with Janice…

1. Tell us a bit about yourself?

   My name is Janice and I live in beautiful Kelowna, British Columbia – the land of fruit orchards and wineries. I am married to the most wonderful, entertaining, intelligent, and encouraging man and am also “mom” to an adorable and very loving, rescued cocker spaniel. My previous working career was focused on administrative office work but I have been lucky enough to spend the last few years working from home and following my creative dreams.  I have been an online seller and buyer since 2002.

2. Apart from being ‘creative’ what do you do?

   Both my husband and I do our best to stay active and healthy. We both love to play tennis (although I am not very good at it!) or go for walks along the beach.  In addition, when I occasionally hit a “creativity brick wall”, I take advantage of the free time to crochet scarves and hats for donation to local charities.

3. What inspires you to do the kind of work you do?

   I have always been fascinated by the unending design possibilities provided by combining variations of colors, shapes, and textures.  This fascination has taken me through many artistic ventures including sewing, quilting, jewelry making, polymer clay bead making, and cross stitching… just to name a few.

4. Do you look up to anyone? Who? Why?

   My wonderful Mom.  She always taught me not only the importance of working hard but to also demonstrate integrity and honesty in everything that I do.  Sadly, she passed away 15 years ago, but I know that she would be proud of me and happy to know that I have found joy in both my life and my work.

5. What other passions do you have in your life?

   My husband, my puppy, my entire extended family, and my friends. (and I am also a wee bit addicted to TV shows Brothers & Sisters, Grey’s Anatomy, and Survivor.)

6. What do you like most about Zibbet?

   From the very first day that I started setting up my shop here, I was amazed and impressed. The site itself is beautifully designed, and the listing process is incredibly streamlined and easy. I had my first sale before I even finished listing all of my items.  Zibbet is very responsive to questions and requests which is a refreshing change from the many other handmade venues I have tried or still use.

   

   The selling fees are low, the new coupon feature is awesome, sellers are randomly and regularly featured in various areas of the site, the sales mode button is very easy to use, and I absolutely LOVE the friendly and positive atmosphere here.

7. What ‘new’ things would you like to see added to Zibbet?

   Zibbet already offers so many wonderful features, this is difficult to answer. Perhaps automatic insertion of our listings into Google Merchant could be slotted into the upgrades schedule. I would also like sellers to have the ability to delete unlisted/expired items.

8. How do you promote your work?

   Although I have a great sense of humour and love a good laugh, I am a shy gal by nature and I have never quite gotten the hang of social networking. I have tried it but to be honest, I found it uncomfortable, time-consuming, and a bit insincere. However, I do think that it is an incredible and powerful way to advertise, so I will likely try it again sometime in the near future.

   

   My promotion mostly consists of occasional advertising on blogs and websites related to crafting, crocheting, and needlecraft. I also keep my shop fresh by trying to add new items regularly, I maintain a high level of customer service, and I make sure that I am providing a quality product. In addition, I have my own web domain address, www.stitchindesigns.com, which is forwarded directly to my Zibbet shop, is included on each of my crochet patterns (regardless of whether I sold the pattern via Zibbet or not), and it is also included in my signature on all of my transaction emails.

9. How would you recommend other Zibbeters make the most of Zibbet.com?

   Besides promoting your shop both online and in person, continually strive to be the best you can be at your particular skill or craft, and take advantage of the fabulous selling features Zibbet offers.

10. In the future I’d like to be…

    …Happy, healthy, …and crocheting.

Tags: featured zibbeter, StitchinDesigns