knitting for a living

(The very first Drop Stitch Cowl I knit, November, 2011)

Way back in 2012(!) when I first shared my Drop Stitch Cowl pattern I had no idea where it would take me. At the time my Etsy shop was vibrant and profitable, but I was dealing exclusively in vintage goods. The idea of knitting for a living seemed impossible, if not scary. It's one thing if a customer passes on a vintage item but when you put your creative self out there and you don't get a response it feels like rejection. I wasn't sure I was ready for that.

But then something happened. The first time I wore my Drop Stitch Cowl out, several people asked me where I got it. I told them I knit it. They asked me to knit one for them. I thought, "what the heck?" and did it. That was a little less than three years ago and I've stopped counting but I've easily crossed the 300 mark. I've shipped all over the world. I have customers who come back every year. I knit a set of cowls for a bridal party (that was the coolest). I have run into people wearing my cowl randomly in different places. Locals have caught me knitting in line at the grocery store during the holiday season because that was the only way for me to keep up with orders. A Museum reached out to stock Drop Stitch Cowls in their gift shop. It's very, very satisfying. 

(Working on a Drop Stitch Cowl, November 2012)

We all know knitting projects usually takes a long time, material costs can be quite high and people who buy knitting are used to paying for machine knit pieces. How can a hand knitter compete? As I was designing the Drop Stitch Cowl, not only was my intention to create the "potato chip" of patterns, one you just couldn't stop knitting over and over again, but I also had economy in mind. The design takes just one ball of Super Bulky. One needle. And, depending on how quickly you knit, a couple of hours of your time. 

From there, I designed The Vermonter, the Textured Cowl and most recently the Spiral Cowl. Each one of these designs has the harmonious pairing of economy and fun at it's core. Each one offers an opportunity to share knitting, hand knitting, with local and global wearers, either by market, storefront or web site. 

(A bag full of Cowls for a local customer, December 2013) 

Up until now my patterns have been for personal use only, those still can be found on Ravelry, but I'm really happy to share that I am now offering Cottage Licenses for three of my most popular designs. That means if you've ever considered selling knit wear or would like to carry my cowls or hats in your shop or at your craft market you can now purchase a license to knit them for profit yourself. My intention doing this is to spread the wealth around and make knitting a viable option for income as we grow and support the hand made markets together. 

I am offering the License as a one time purchase. A lot of designers ask you to renew on an annual basis but I felt like this is the best way. Once you purchase the License for the pattern you'd like to knit you can knit away to your hearts content. This is the perfect time of year to begin as the holidays approach. With one sale, you'll make back your license fee. 

Licenses can be purchased through my website SpiderWomanKnits. If you hop on over there you'll be able to find all of the details about the extras I've included with the License as well. I'd love to know what you think, I'm excited to offer this opportunity to my fellow knitters. If you do decide to go ahead and start knitting my designs, I wish you much success and am here to answer any questions you may have.

Much love and Happy Knitting, Spidey xo

 

Comments

[Sara]

I love this. So glad you're back!

[MJK]

Congrats on your newest adventure!

[Abi]

Thanks, Sara!

[Abi]

Mwah xo

[Birdsong Sundstrom]

Your bravery is inspiring! I am glad all is well now, though it can't have been easy to get to that place. Hugs!!

[Abi]

Thank you, Birdsong!

[Shannon]

Hi, would like to ask about the drop stitch cowl design, the cast on of 47 stitches unable me to stitch in circular at all as it is too little. My 60cm circular needle can't do that. Any advice or where did i go wrong?