Flippin' Brilliant!
(yeah, so I'm shamelessly self promotional - well, it's a damned good idea!)
I figured that flip books would be a common thing, but I'm discovering that a lot of folks have never played with them - so I wanted to make a little video to show how they work. Here it is if you'd like to see it.
Not bad for a little over 3 hours work! I was going to take the sound out, but I sort of like it in the background, so I left it in. I'm also taking the plunge and purchasing ad space in a few magazines and some online sites - it pays to advertise! It would be nice if it weren't true, but sometimes word of mouth needs a gentle nudge. Given my budget, it's pretty much a light tap on the shoulder.
Bones and Other Dense Things
This morning was the first time that all of us really felt like we were sinking into our new routine. The kids got up, got ready, fixed their breakfasts. Hannah checked her new watch and left for school on time, Max checked his new watch and told me when it was time to walk to the bus.
What a good feeling - to begin to be part of the routine. As soon as this cold snap ends at the end of the week we'll take Atticus to get his Spring cut (we have sweaters if it gets cold again...) and get him a checkup at the local vet - his birthday is in April.
There is still SO much unpacking to be done, but it's the kind of stuff that has to be done delicately - I can't unpack it until I actually have a place to PUT it! I did put up a shelf unit in the bathroom, so now our shampoo has a home.
Gerry had a bone density scan this morning - I drove him because his back was really killing him. I never would have thought that my husband would have one before I did, but there it is. We're getting spoiled by Minnesota. We showed up a bit early for the appointment, he filled out the forms, everyone was so nice, he was in and out much quicker than he'd expected, and we were done. Now we just wait for the results. Tomorrow is my turn with the MN health system, and I'm looking forward to it!
Back home, lots of pattern writing work, catching up on emails, working up a print ad for Flip Knits (to the right - que pense?) a trip to the Post Office, another trip to Ikea, and yet I still found time to make my pre-teen daughter's life a living hell. My work here is done.
So tonight is Heroes - does anyone else think Mr. Nuclear looked like the Geico Caveman? Apparently ABC has a deal in the works to create a sitcom based on the caveman concept. They're going to be living in Atlanta. I'm not kidding.
I'm forcing myself to knit on something that I like - something for ME or a gift item - at least an hour every evening. Gerry took one of his brand spaking new pain pills at lunch and seemed like a new man in the afternoon - yay!
The small things make life good.
I figured that flip books would be a common thing, but I'm discovering that a lot of folks have never played with them - so I wanted to make a little video to show how they work. Here it is if you'd like to see it.
Not bad for a little over 3 hours work! I was going to take the sound out, but I sort of like it in the background, so I left it in. I'm also taking the plunge and purchasing ad space in a few magazines and some online sites - it pays to advertise! It would be nice if it weren't true, but sometimes word of mouth needs a gentle nudge. Given my budget, it's pretty much a light tap on the shoulder.
Bones and Other Dense Things
This morning was the first time that all of us really felt like we were sinking into our new routine. The kids got up, got ready, fixed their breakfasts. Hannah checked her new watch and left for school on time, Max checked his new watch and told me when it was time to walk to the bus.
What a good feeling - to begin to be part of the routine. As soon as this cold snap ends at the end of the week we'll take Atticus to get his Spring cut (we have sweaters if it gets cold again...) and get him a checkup at the local vet - his birthday is in April.
There is still SO much unpacking to be done, but it's the kind of stuff that has to be done delicately - I can't unpack it until I actually have a place to PUT it! I did put up a shelf unit in the bathroom, so now our shampoo has a home.
Gerry had a bone density scan this morning - I drove him because his back was really killing him. I never would have thought that my husband would have one before I did, but there it is. We're getting spoiled by Minnesota. We showed up a bit early for the appointment, he filled out the forms, everyone was so nice, he was in and out much quicker than he'd expected, and we were done. Now we just wait for the results. Tomorrow is my turn with the MN health system, and I'm looking forward to it!
Back home, lots of pattern writing work, catching up on emails, working up a print ad for Flip Knits (to the right - que pense?) a trip to the Post Office, another trip to Ikea, and yet I still found time to make my pre-teen daughter's life a living hell. My work here is done.So tonight is Heroes - does anyone else think Mr. Nuclear looked like the Geico Caveman? Apparently ABC has a deal in the works to create a sitcom based on the caveman concept. They're going to be living in Atlanta. I'm not kidding.
I'm forcing myself to knit on something that I like - something for ME or a gift item - at least an hour every evening. Gerry took one of his brand spaking new pain pills at lunch and seemed like a new man in the afternoon - yay!
The small things make life good.
31 Comments:
I love flip books and agree that you came up with a brilliant method of showing knitting techniques. But I'm not sure if I just saw that ad if I would know what it was. Maybe there's a way to show some pages partly open? Or perhaps add your line about flipping through the pages.
To quote you, those are FLIPPIN' BRILLIANT! They should go like hot cakes. :)
It's been fun reading your posts about St. Paul. My husband and I are in Vienna, Austria for 4.5 months so it's especially nice to read your perspective on the city we call home. If you find yourself battling "transplant syndrome" (hard time making new friends there), let me know. I'm a transplant, too, as are most of my friends. And we knit (well most of us do). :)
That caveman sitcom is going to bomb.
I love Heroes... I'm bummed that the next episode isn't until April 23rd!!!
I think the flip knit books are fabulous and have already ordered a set to be able to show people what the knitting process looks like. I think I'll likely want to have some on hand to give away to new knitters. I can't wait to see more as they become available.
I think the Flip Knit books are a great idea! Given the success of websites that have video to demonstrate techniques, it's a good guess that there are people who'll like to have a visual reminder like this that they can tuck into their knitting bags.
Did you know you can ship packages at your neighborhood CVS? The drugstore that used to be right across the street had a deal with the USPS to ship packages and there was a huge uproar when CVS bought them out but chose not to take over the shipping service. They finally changed their minds, which I guess is hugely appreciated by the neighborhood residents. It's certainly more convenient than driving to the nearest post office and probably has shorter lines, too!
I can't believe they're planning to make a whole tv show with those cavemen. The best comment I heard connected with this whole thing was something like "That's almost as bad an idea as Dinosaurs! Almost." I agree wholeheartedly.
Just so you know, March is MN's snowiest month. There will no doubt be more snow. Probably not very cold, but snowy. In fact, sometimes we get snow in April. It really confuses the robins. Welcome to Minnesota... land of weather.
Flip Knits looks like a great concept! Might I ask, what do you mean by "Grama Increases, Grama Knits & Grama Purls"????
I thought we were trying desperately to get away from these "grama" references with our knitting!! Just a thought...
Susanne,
The 'grandma' tag refers to the stitch below the stitch on the needle (that's the mommy, the new stitch created is the baby) The stitch below the grandma is the great-grandma - all the way back to the original slip knot; Eve (or Lilith if you've started and ripped out...)
just a different way to think of stitch placement.
But as far as Grandma's go, I'M certainly not trying to get away from grandma references - I liked my grandma! At least, I liked one of them.
I feel that knit and crochet should be open to EVERYONE, no matter what age. I also believe that by marginalizing the older knitters we won't necessarily make the younger 'hip' knitters more inclined to pick up the craft.
Folks will stick with knitting because they love it - the multi-generational aspect is one of the things I love the best about it!
Instead of thinking, "Not your grandma's knitting" I prefer to think, "Not just> your grandma's knitting!"
Oh - I LOVE the books!! They are even better than I imagined!
I hate to tell you, but it will get cold again. You can't write off the snow as being gone officially until about June for sure! Allthough,the worst of it is over it will be cold off and on until May.
Glad you are liking the midwest! I am hoping to be able to take one of you classes in Neenah, WI this spring!
I was wondering what the "grandma" stitch is? Is it the Brioche stitch? Thanks!
And thank you, Annie, for sharing your adventures of moving to a new city!
Lisa
I like the ad. Nice and simple. Great catch line: "Flippin Brilliant!" Nice!
Hi Annie -- on the flip-books, not sure if this is a regional thing or not, but for some folks the "Flippin' Brilliant!" catch-phrase is going to be a barrier. That is, "Flippin' Brilliant" would be regarded as a variation of "Fucking Brilliant", which would be regarded as somewhat coarse language, and possibly has a wider range of meaning/usage than you are intending (being also used as a very harsh put-down). Cool phrase for your web-site, as your readers are already used to your "lightly salted" language, but maybe not the best fit for all your advertising.
I think your stuff is great, by the way!!!
Great concept, the books are adorable, and the video is brilliant. I like the print ad but I am wondering if your money might be better spent selling the print ad to online mags like knitty rather than traditional paper magazines and driving your customer to the flipknit site where you post the video. The 2-D ad doesn't really get across what the product actually is. For print mags maybe you can push them to review? The review would have to describe the product...just my .02 cents at any rate. Good luck!
You're getting some really good feedback. Things I hadn't thought of. I was thinking how much I liked "Flippin' Brilliant" and hadn't thought about the substitution of Flippin for the other word... I don't know that it's that big a deal really. I think most folks will read it as it's meant.
But I agree that the ad doesn't "say" what these books are. Maybe a smaller image of it flipping below the website address?
Or are you trying to tantalize people? That's an idea too...
And I liked Dinosaurs! But I'm wierd.
I'm not killer concerned about the word "Flippin" offending many people. If folks are going to be upset at the substitution of one word for a nastier word, like "darn" for "damn", then they're looking for things to complain about.
Some folks enjoy being bent out of shape, nothing I do would be okay with them.
I am also advertising on Knitty and some blogs - I agree that those are my best bets for book sales. But I don't want to ignore the non-web audience, and I've learned that the best way to get editorial coverage is to advertise a bit - unfortunately I don't think there's much chance of any of the flip books being reviewed - so a "news and views" is what I'm hoping for.
I do want the ad to be a bit of a teaser. I basically want to get the idea of FLIP out, get folks to remember the word FLIP, and if they do they'll remember flipknit and visit the site.
Maybe it's a silly strategy, maybe it's not, but a description of what the books do is so wordy. If folks get it - fabulous! If not, perhaps they'll at least remember FLIPknit and they'll be intrigued enough to visit the website!
In short, the flip books ROCK!!!
I love the flipping book concept and the adorable video you shot (including the audio). I think it conveys the idea very well. The not-too-specific ad didn't bother me; I would be tempted to click on it just to find out what's up.
Are you going to expand into crochet as well before someone else swipes your idea? Hmm, what would that first title be, the Flippin' Hooker? *kidding*
These books would be a nice little inexpensive gift to include when giving a set of needles, yarn, and simple pattern to a newbie knitter. Low-tech coolness. I hope you'll place some with the five local yarn shops (4 in Memphis area and 1 new one in nearby Hernando, Mississippi); we're truly blessed to live in a knit-friendly market.
Have you considered marketing them to knitting teachers (of adult or child knitters) as items to sell to their new knitting students? Just a thought. I know there are frequent knitting classes at Hobby Lobby, Michael's, and the YMCA around here in addition to the usual classes at yarn shops.
Just one more thing, a dumb question here from a long-time lurker. I've seen your name written so many times -- I can't imagine a knitter who hasn't -- but I don't watch many knitting shows on TV and haven't (yet) gotten out of my local area to any big knitting events ... so I have to confess I don't know how to pronounce your last name. Is it MOD-es-itt? Mo-DES-itt? I'd love to mention your new book concept at my knit guild meeting without sounding like a total dope. ;o)
Carolyn, just for you, check this out:
MOD uh set
I put it up in my links at the right
Very cool sound file with your name! I had it wrong all along :(
I agree the flip books are awesome - you might also create a little button, because some readers (like me) would possibly put it on our blogs just because it rocks, and I like that the video showed combination style - some folks don't get what that is and it's neat to have the reference to show them AND drive the sales.
I think they'll be great little add in gifts, stocking stuffers, and something fun for things like secret pal exchanges (which I'm doing soon!).
Just out of curiosity.. do you generally also bring those to sell when you do classes and such? It'd be great to buy some direct over ordering because I'm lazy that way LOL. Besides.. I want an AUTOGRAPHED Flip book!
Oh ya.. on the name.. I DO think some people will realize the double meaning in the name.. but I imagine most will think of it as a cute play on words rather than being offended by the possible reference - at least I am =)
Anne
those flip books look FAB - what an incredible idea!
and your husbands back... is it painful as a result of an injury or is it arthritic related or similar??? just wondered because I have a painful back as a result of an injury (L1 crush fracture caused by a car accident) as I am youngish (not quite 40) the assumption by the medics is that I have osteoporosis or a similar condition - I am also allergic to dairy products, but have never had a bone density scan done because it is not usually offered to premenopausal women in the UK, and that the osteoporosis may have caused the fracture (the accident was not sufficient to normally have caused the sort of damage I sustained)
I had my accident 2 years ago but am still suffering the concequences (and pain) from it... I hope your husbands problems are not so long lasting!
Since I want to be the first kid on the block with the Flipbook, (and they are flippin' brilliant!), I just ordered. I wish you much success with this!
Knitting Flip Books are brilliant! Way to go. My deepest sympathy for the loss of Butkis. Cats are amazing companions. My creature comfort loving cat is sleeping on the back of the chair as I write this message.
I am so excited about France, and am already planning my wardrobe and making things to wear. It is tough finding time for that along with everything I have to do for the shop.
The move to MN sounds like it is going well. As a southern girl I can't imagine all the snow, put it is beautiful!
Take care and stay warm.
Sheryl
... and it's such a NICE block, Mary!
Oh yes, I forgot to mention my condolences on the loss of Butkis. I am *so* very sorry.
As a longtime cat owner I was faced with those same difficult decisions. And we chose to allow them to go outside as well. One of my cats made the decision for me... she tore the screen out of the window.
I have experienced the same loss due to the dangers intrinsic in that choice... and I have had a cat who lived to almost 20years old in spite of those same dangers.
There is no way to be sure of anything... except that my cats are happy and well cared for, and, especially, loved.
Just as Butkis was.
OMG! That is so cool! I'll definitely be getting one of those!!! I'm glad you all are settled in nicely in MN and getting into a routine. I was also very sorry to read about Butkis. Yeah, the caveman thing. I hate those commercials and I can't imagine why someone would do a sitcom. To each his own I suppose!
My daughter and I BOTH finally realized that night that he looks like the caveman...but then I saw the commercial and I thought - oh gee, not so much. But man, he really did!
Flip Books? Way cool :)
Are you going to sell the flip books at Yarnover?
Another local event you might be interested in is the annual Shephard's Harvest. It isn't as large as Maryland Sheep and Wool, but just the right size for a day. It's coming up in May and is a Sat/Sun event. Mother's Day Sunday actually. - A piece of MN trivia - Mother's Day is also fishing opener. I suspect that's why that weekend was selected.
They are still taking applications for vendor booths. Your friend Jenny the potter is signed up already.
My daughter loves going. They have kids crafts and she loves seeing the animals. She still has a ball of raw fleece she shows off. "I saw them shave this right off the sheep and they let me take some. Isn't it cool?" She also gets a kick out of watching someone spin angora straight from the rabbit in her lap. Last year they had a felted Yurt - that sure was neat to see up close.
The URL is http://www.shepherdsharvestfestival.org/index.htm
The video looks great and the books are indeed brilliant.
And the nuclear dude looks just like the Geico cavemen to me. I've been saying that since his first appearance.
I'm glad Gerry has found a little relief from his pain.
Oh, my gosh, you ARE flippin' brilliant! Those little books are GREAT! Man, you have been blessed with an incredibly creative mind! You go, girl!
Hey, I just checked back and got your response -- thanks for the sound file on your name. Now I'll finally say it right. ;o) Best wishes for a grand success with your flippin' book idea!
Post a Comment
Links to this post:
Create a Link
<< Home