Introducing The Green Violet

[photos by Megan of The Green Violet]

Another Tuesday has rolled around which means it's time for another member profile! This week we're delighted to meet Megan Green of The Green Violet.


Living the Etsy Life:

How long have you been selling on Etsy?
Since January 2009... but I've been buying for much longer!

What types of items do you sell in your shop?
Currently, all my items are crocheted, but I will probably branch out into other mediums! I'm just so excited about being able to create and sell things that I love. Right now, my favorite items to make are laptop cozies, wrist warmers, bookmarks, hats, and new surprise item that I'll be posting this week! I'm always looking for more things to crochet.

How long have you been making items that you sell on Etsy?
I have been knitting and crocheting since high school, so for about 10 years. I only recently joined Etsy, I posted my first items the second week of January and am still waiting for my first sale (that isn't to a friend or family member).

Describe your Etsy experience:
As a buyer, I have never been disappointed with my purchases from Etsy. They are always lovely and unique, and I really enjoy knowing that I am supporting artists rather than mass producers of crappy items. I just recently opened my shop on Etsy, and it has been a great experience so far (even though I haven't sold anything)! Everyone in the forums has offered great advice and critiques for my shop and I'm very excited about the Asheville Esty Team, it seems like a great opportunity to meet other crafters in the area. All in all, Etsy seems like a wonderful community that I am very excited to be a part of.

Are there other places outside of Etsy where you sell your work?
I don't currently sell items outside of Etsy, but am very interested in pursuing other possibilities.

Do you have any advice to someone who is new to Etsy?
I am new to Etsy, I welcome your advice! So I guess my advice is to listen to all the veteran sellers and be open to any suggestions.


Creative Endeavors:

What are your favorite materials to use in your crafts?
Yarn and lots of buttons!

How did you learn your craft?
My mother taught me how to knit in high school, my roommate taught me how to crochet in grad school, and I never follow patterns! I love to make things up as I go along, that way the final product is always a pleasant (or unpleasant and needs to be remade) surprise.

Do you work another job in addition to Etsy?
In my real (surreal?) life, I am a geologist and my specific research interest is groundwater. I know, crazy, right? I was lucky enough to complete my master's degree in beautiful northern Arizona, and then moved to Asheville this past summer where I am currently completing a year of service with Americorps. I work for the NCSU Water Quality group, our goal is to improve water quality throughout western North Carolina by installing small scale, natural stormwater treatment systems. You can see our rain gardens, stormwater wetlands, and green roofs at Carrier Park, the Richmond Hill frisbee golf course, UNCA, the Reed Creek Greenway, and lots of other locations throughout the region! I love to talk about the importance of groundwater and water quality, so let me know if you are interested!


Of Local Interest:

What's the best thing about living in the Asheville area?
I LOVE Asheville. I moved here from Flagstaff, Arizona, and I think many people have a romanticized view of the western U.S.. Let me tell you, Asheville is much more fun! There is so much culture, music, and art, and the people are much friendlier! I suppose that you can take the girl out of the south, but you can't take the south of the girl. I've been trying to get to Asheville for a while now, and I am very glad that I finally made it here. I'm hoping to stick around!

What's your vote for best place to eat in Asheville?
I know it may be a bit cliche, but my most favorite restaurant (maybe in the world) is Salsa's.


Random & Fun Questions:

What quote do you find yourself saying most often?
One of my favorite quotes is "love many, trust few, and always paddle your own canoe".

What are your non-crafting hobbies?
My new dog, Petey, attempting to play the banjo, wine, porch sitting, long back country river trips, not cleaning my house, rocks, and water.

What was the last book you read? Did you like it?
Ok, I'll admit it, I just read the Twilight series and I loved it! Well, except for the last book, I thought it was a little lame after about the first two chapters. Currently, I'm reading The Blood of Flowers by Anita Amirrezvani and am really enjoying it.