For Christmas this year, for my friends Susie and Rachael, I came up with a plan that would result both in gifts I would be excited to give, and patterns I could sell.
It started like this: Rachael and I tend to spend ridiculous amounts of time on the phone looking at Etsy, and she kept showing me neckwarmers that knitters and crocheters were selling. I really enjoyed looking at the different ways people have of constructing them, and I told Rachael I’d knit her one for Christmas (she doesn’t knit).
I started thinking about designing a neckwarmer for Rachael that would suit her tastes and personality. It was a really fun exercise. And then, because Susie and Rachael were both among the friends I’d be spending Christmas with, and because they are both close friends of mine who inspire me a lot, I decided to do the same exercise for Susie.
I’m really happy with how they both turned out, and I think they’re fairly different from anything I’ve seen around. I’m currently knitting a version of each for myself, to test my patterns (and because I want them!). When they’re complete (they almost are), I’ll photograph them on me (or another willing human) and prepare the patterns for sale. I expect everything to be ready late next week.
I want to do a lot more design work this year than I have in the past, and plan to regularly release patterns for sale here. I have a couple of sweater projects in various stages of completion which will be on their way soon, including the revised version of this lacy summer sweater, which I was supposed to release last summer. (Erm… sorry about that.)
If you think you might be interested in purchasing the patterns for the Rachael or Susie neckwarmers, can you please let me know which you’d prefer: buying them separately, or buying them together (at a lower cost than buying both separately)? They will each be offered in 3 sizes.
Thanks for reading. I hope your 2008 is off to a great start!
23 Comments
ohh, I love them both and they are perfect for those small amounts of luxury yarns! I’d prefer to buy them together
can’t wait!!
Oh awesome!!
Hurray! I think you should photograph them on people – very specific people.
So pretty! You really are talented, you know?!
I like a twofer pattern personally.
lovely! i can’t decide which i like better, so i’d buy both too.
Wonderful neckwarmers! I would be happy to purchase them both together or separately. Happy New Year!
Very lovely, Mandy. Both are stunners, but am definitely drawn to the blue one. I guess I’d like to have the choice…to be able to buy each individually or both for a discounted price (which I’d probably do anyway!).
And now, waiting expectantly for the patterns to go on sale…
These are lovely…look forward to seeing more of you patterns.
I like both of them, but would like to know how the Susie one closes. As for the lace sweater, I’m all over that! I’d love any of your sweater patterns!! Something designed for someone with curves and style, I’m all over that!
these are so lovely Mandy. You are so talented! maybe I’ll take up knitting in the tropical climate.. haha
I’d be interested in buying them both — they’re fantastic.
Ooh, I wouldn’t mind making them both! And any chance of Sivia’s shawl coming out in pattern form? I just love those red beads!
I really like the blue one – I would like my mom to make that for me. I like the color you chose too. I think a twofer is fine. Most patterns have more than one option…
OH! I am so happy to hear you will be offering some of your designs for sale (I harbor a deep lust for that summer sweater). The neckwarmers, like so many of your designs, are absolutely lovely. My preference would be to have them offered as individual patterns.
I love them!
Hiya,
Those are both GORGEOUS! I would probably prefer to buy both together cuz I’m greedy like that
Heidi
Very beautiful, I’d buy them both!
together since they are equally beautiful!
alisonc in mn
oh my god that blue leaf collar is so beautiful!
I love the blue one. Does it have buttons? I can’t see on my monitor. Personally, I’d really prefer a version that opened and fastened, just because I could take it off without flattening my hair. Being able to open a neckwarmer is a real plus when you’re in and out of heated and cold spaces.
love
closetlies.blogspot.com
I love your neckwarmers–how about one for a giraffe?
Oh they are both gorgeous… I’ve been looking for the perfect ‘neck warmer’ pattern that screams me.. and Rachel is it! I’d love to get that pattern when you have it available! Given the option to buy one or both, I’d lean towards just buying one. Though am sure that if I could only get them as a two-fer deal, I’d still buy and probably make the Susan for someone as a gift (hmm my mom probably… it seems her taste)