And, magically, The Sweatshop of Love is 5 years old.
I have a hard time imagining I’ve been doing anything for 5 years, much less owning my own tiny business. But here we are! In 2006 I graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a Fiction Writing major and no idea what I was going to do. So I put up a CraigsList post claiming I could teach people to knit. I threw together a MYSPACE listing classes. And that is how I operated until 2008.
I really had no idea when I started that The Sweatshop would ever be anything but a way for me to hang out with knitters and be creative when I wasn’t slaving/wasting away in corporate real estate. But in the summer of 2008 I finally clued into it’s potential and quit my job. I got a real website that I made by watching youtube how-to videos. I started this blog shortly after. I started building a mailing list and an etsy shop. I started writing my own patterns for classes, building a viewership outside of Chicago, getting in on social media.
Every year of The Sweatshop’s existence has experienced exponential growth, and I’m planning on keeping it that way.
I have all of you to thank for that. When I say this has been trial and error it’s seriously an understatement. I’ve never taken a business class. I’ve never taken any kind of class to help me get to where I’ve gotten – I’ve just done it.
Very, very simply: Thank you. I have students that remember when I taught at the original Filter, and customers that buy everything I’ve ever put out. It’s you that keeps me going and I love you for it.
The Loop Entrelac Top
Figured out where I’m going with this?! The LEAST I can do is have a big sale and give some fun things away!
Traverse City Tube Top
We’re talking YARN and PATTERNS and all kinds of fun things. Be sure to check back on Monday for our first giveaway for the week and to get in on my big sale! And if you like The Sweatshop of Love on Facebook and follow me on Twitter you’ve got even more chance to win.
Have a great weekend, y’all! Happy knitting.
Congratulations, Allyson! It’s inspiring to read this. I don’t intend to turn my creative stuff into full time work, but it’s encouraging to know someone who really made it happen. GO YOU!
Comment by Ashley — April 22, 2011 @ 7:46 am
I love this. I’ve been fortunate enough to see the amazing progression of The Sweatshop for almost three years now. I’m constantly amazed at your dedication to your business; and I am never surprised to see its incredible rate of growth. Your passion and and willingness to leave a comfortable job to carve you own path is truly inspiring. There’s no doubt in my mind that your hard work will continue to pay major dividends, and you’ll continue to be force to be reckoned with in the knitting world.
SWEATSHOP 4 LYFE!
Love,
PT
Comment by PT — April 22, 2011 @ 9:03 am
hey lady! congrats! i’m consistently impressed and awed by your talent and go get ‘em! AND i recommend your blog to every knitter/crafter i know. keep kickin butt!
Carole´s last [type] ..My Current Yarning
Comment by Carole — April 22, 2011 @ 2:59 pm
Congratulations! This extremely exciting, and I’m glad to have followed you for the past year. You are a huge inspiration, and I’m so glad I’ve gotten to know you through your online presence! Huzzah!
Katie´s last [type] ..friendship bracelet giveaway!
Comment by Katie — April 22, 2011 @ 11:40 pm
Where’s the “like” button for PT’s comment?
Congratulations on The Sweatshop turning 5!
Comment by Alaina (biblioholic) — April 23, 2011 @ 9:34 pm
Happy 5th Anniversary and CONGRATS!
Things HAVE really taken off for you even since I found you (what’s it been well over a year now??)
Just imagine where you will be in another 5!!!
xoox
Comment by Cindy — April 25, 2011 @ 10:41 am