This week we’re talking to Jo from Folksy shop Dolly Knits
“Dolly Knits! – Innovative urban hand knitted accessories”
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Dolly Knits hand knitted items are young, stylish and the simple posed photography against a white washed brick wall gives her items life. This time of year, with the temperature plummeting Dolly’s knits are at their most desirable! (Fingerless mitts are great gift idea for teen or tween that spends all day texting!)
Could you describe your shop?
Dolly Knits is a collection of simple and stylish hand knitted accessories made of great quality merino wools and cashmere. The knits are easy, colourful and fun to wear and are something a bit different.
Who does your Folksy shop appeal to?
When I design knits, I aim to appeal to a very wide audience so that everyone can enjoy them. I have sold to a wide range of lovely people from young teenagers to older ladies in their 80’s.
Is this your day job?
As well as running Dolly Knits, I work part time as a Gallery Consultant selling beautiful ceramics and original works of art. It is an inspiring place to work and I really enjoy meeting artists and learning about their work practices.
Have you been into craft and the handmade lifestyle for long?
Yes, I have always loved everything handmade and making bits and bobs while growing up. My Mum is an exceptional knitter and is always either baking, embroidering, sewing or making something or other so have been strongly influenced by her. I studied Textile Design at University and learnt how to use industrial knitting machines for fashion knit but it is not quiet the same as using a pair of needles and a ball of yarn.
Where do you promote and sell your stock?
I use Twitter to promote Dolly Knits ( @dollyknits) whether it be for a free postage deal or to Twit Pic something that I’m currently knitting. Twitter is a brilliant way to connect with people with similar interests and hobbies. I also use Facebook http://www.facebook.com/DollyKnits which is another brilliant promotional tool.
Find out more about Dolly Knits over on Jo’s blog
Do you have plans to expand your business in the future?
I would absolutely love to run Dolly Knits as a full time job and hope to be able to do so in a couple of years. I plan to expand Dolly Knits by creating collections of knitted accessories for Women, Men, Children and for the home. I hope to set a website up soon and also to sell in more boutiques across the UK. Eventually I want to run my own handmade boutique selling and promoting other artists and crafters work.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about opening up a shop here on Folksy?
Do it! Folksy is a brilliant community of like minded people and you couldn’t be in a safer place to set up a shop. There is so much support within the Forums and people are eager to help wherever they can. My top tip is to have good clear photos and descriptions of your items. Promote your shop with a blog or twitter and try to do that daily. Regularly update your shop and be a frequent visitor to the forums. It all seems a bit daunting at first but it becomes second nature very quickly!
We’d love to hear your comments!
Get in touch and let us know who you would like to see interviewed in our Shop Talk series, or if you have an idea for an article you’d like to see on the Folksy Blog – hilary@folksy.co.uk
2 comments
I love Dolly Knits! Period.
It’s a lovely shop, I hope your knits find happy homes this winter :)
Comments are closed.