thoughts on closing up shop

Several months ago, I transitioned from selling patterns through Etsy to selling exclusively through Ravelry. There were many factors that went into this decision, one of the major ones being the fact that I knew, come Spring, I wanted to close up shop.

Let me back up a little bit here. For the past two years I have really enjoyed selling my handmade items. I did this a bit through both Etsy and Dawanda, as well as at shops and events here in Marburg. I also worked on a lot of custom orders over the past few years- working with friends and family to design something specific for their loved ones and then knitting it up for them. Though I had many positive experiences, my heart just hasn't been in it these past few months. 

And it just became time for me to face the facts and be honest about that reality. 

I put so much time and love into everything I make. This is not unique to me- the nature of knitting (and crochet) requires it. Our stitches create the fabric that becomes our finished items and those stitches are created using nothing but our own two hands. 

For the past few months, I dealt with a lot of stress and anxiety in relation to knitting for others. I worried the entire time I was knitting that the recipient wouldn't like what I had made. That it somehow would fall below their expectations and they would send it back. And my worries were not groundless- this did happen. Several times I got sent back the items I had worked so hard to design and make (that, after the cost of wool and shipping, I had made no profit on...) asking if I could just tweak this or that, or alter the item in some way. 

Obviously, this is no one's fault. I am simply not a machine that can crank out items left and right with no end. Neither am I a big box department store, with unending options for size and color all for the lowest price you can name. I am just me, sitting in my tiny living room studio with my yarn and my needles, producing made by hand, time and love intensive, uniquely designed pieces. This is what I have to offer. And I've come to realize that there is nothing wrong with that at all. Some people just aren't used to buying handmade and that is ok. Everyone needs to start somewhere. To be honest, the bigger hurdle is that I just don't feel that selling the items I make fits with what I want to do anymore. 

During the Fall and into the Holiday season, I missed knitting for me. I missed knitting for Waldi (who has worn every single imperfect thing that's ever come flying off my needles and landed in his lap). I missed having knitting as a creative and meditative outlet. And I knew that something had to change. 

So for now, I've closed up shop and am not taking any custom orders. I'm still making the occasional gift of course but they're mostly unexpected gifts that come from the heart. I am really thankful for all the experiences of the past few years- some were absolutely lovely. And I may very likely re-open the shop at some point. 

But for now, I'm just here, trying to keep it real and do what I love. 

Just as a side note, I will continue to sell patterns, and even have a few new designs in the works. You can find them all through Ravelry. When I transitioned from selling on Etsy, somehow the cowl shown above got lost in the shuffle. It was the first item I ever designed and the first pattern I wrote up to share and it has a special place in my heart. So it's been re-released today (under a new name!) and is now also available as a free download here. I know it's not the season for knitting cowls, but I hope you'll enjoy it anyways. 

Pattern Release: Rain Speckled Hat

After some unforeseeable delays, today I'm excited to announce that the pattern for my polka dot hat- the Rain Speckled Hat is now available! This was a bit of a last minute decision but in the end I'm glad I went for it. I had originally planned to publish the Moorland Mitts as my next pattern, but after sharing this hat several times on Instagram (both in progress and completed) I got so many questions about it that I decided to just go ahead and write up a pattern. 

The Rain Speckled Hat is designed to be both simple & feminine with understated polka dots to add texture. Inspired by cobblestone streets and cloudy days, it's the perfect hat to wear while exploring a new city- dashing in and out of bookshops and cafes to avoid the rain, or while puddle jumping down your favorite country road. It's a versatile design and can easily be made in a different size, or in only one colour. (I'm hoping to knit one up in one colour and then add a contrasting pom pom) 

I will also be selling this hat, ready-knit in my Etsy shop. 

I am so grateful for the encouragement and inspiration of the fiber community. I feel so honored to be a part of it, and to get to interact with you all via the Internet. Knitters are just the loveliest people. 

To say thank you, I am giving away a copy of the pattern for free! To enter you can comment here on this blog post, or on the photo of the hat on Instagram.

I wish you all happy knitting- whatever you're currently working on!

in my studio: comfort knitting

I am a big fan of comfort knitting. You know the type. Projects that don't require learning many new skills and consequently ripping back and frogging. Projects that don't include reading a pattern but can be dreamed up in your head and then executed flawlessly. Projects that can be knit up in your favorite stitch pattern (garter stitch...yes, I am that boring), with your favorite fiber (wool & alpaca blends), on your favorite needles (6mm bamboo circulars- not too big or too small), in your favorite colours (brown and cream tones...again, I'm that boring). Just fill in the blanks and you've got you're comfort knitting recipe. 

Over the past few weeks, I've been working on this blanket in between holiday orders and gifts. It is just a simple diagonal baby blanket that I improvised, knit in garter stitch. (No, I am not pregnant, just thought I'd clear that up right away). Anyways, here are some progress shots in stitches and cups of coffee.

I was looking for a simple and comforting knit, something that I could work on when I was feeling overwhelmed or stressed by everything that needs to happen (or be knit) during this season. I am so SO happy with the result! It's not complicated or intricate, but it's still one of my favorite knits from this year.

I'm calling it the Comfort Baby Blanket, in part because it was such comfort knitting for me, but also of course because I hope it will be a blessing and comfort to the little one who will eventually be kept warm by it. I've also decided to list these in the shop in the new year. There will be several (neutral) colours available to choose from and each blanket will be hand knit by me with all the love I've got. 

Now of course, I want to know: what projects or stitchs or specific patterns are pure comfort knitting to you? Do you have a favorite yarn or fiber that you keep returning to? Is there a particular colour that consistently catches your eye? 

Dubliner Hat Pattern Release

Today I am very excited to announce that the Dubliner Hat Pattern is available both on Ravlery and in my Etsy shop. Yay! I've been working pretty hard on this pattern over the past month and I am so very excited to finally be able to share it today with all you knitters! 

This hat is inspired in part by an Irish fisherman's sweater made by my grandmother. Since visiting Dublin in 2013, I've been in love with this beautiful city. This would be the perfect hat for Winter days spent by the ocean, wandering through rainy city streets, or of course, heading to the pub to share a pint with some friends. I originally designed this hat for my dear friend Mone (it's German, so pronounce the "e"), who was kind enough to model the hat for the pattern photos. I love intricate cable and eyelet patterns, but I am also a huge fan of simple stitch patterns like garter, or ribbing. This hat incorporates both into a fun and wearable design. 

I also wanted to say a huge thank you to all the people who helped out with the process of publishing this pattern, specifically my test knitters! I'm continually overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of the knitting community, and this was no exception. Thanks for knitting though my pattern and sharing your thoughts, you guys! Also thanks of course to Mone for being my model and just generally an inspiring and lovely friend. 

Lastly, I wanted to share that I'm hosting a little giveaway for a free copy of the pattern over on Instagram. (You can find me @rwerwai to enter!)

Dubliner Hat

I shared this photo this morning on Instagram, but I thought I would post it here as well just as an FYI for all you knitters.

This is the Dubliner Hat. Originally, it was a custom order I designed for a good friend of mine but I love it so much, I've decided to release the pattern. I know you can't see much of it from this photo, but it's quite honestly my most favorite of all the things I've designed so far. When I finished it and put it on my head I had a real moment of I made this?!? awe. I was almost too excited to sleep that night (true story) and first thing in the morning I cast on one for me. 

So. To the point. I'm looking for a few more test knitters to knit up the hat before I release the pattern out into the world (well, at least the Ravelry world). I know it's a busy time with Christmas gifts and everything, but if you're interested either leave me a comment here with your email or else send me a message directly at raincloudandsage@gmail.com and I'll send you the details.

I would be really excited to have you on board!

creative blog hop

Recently I was invited by Kristina (from the lovely blog Litte Home by Hand) to take part in the Creative Blog Hop. I was so honored to be included and jumped at the chance to reflect on and share about these questions. It's no secret that here on my blog I love to share about my process and the reasons that I make things, and I so enjoyed thinking about my answers! 

Make sure to read Kristina's post here. 

what am I working on?

Fall is always a busy season for me. Not only is it the perfect season for knitting, but it's also the time of year where I feel the most inspired. I'm constantly starting new projects and working on making big ideas become reality.

Recently I've been working together with a friend to create little handmade stands at events here in Marburg. We're raising money for the organization Open Hands by selling our handmade products. For me, this has meant knitting a ton of mitts as well as working together on some Christmas themed products. Excited to share more about this soon!

In terms of my shop, I've got a few patterns in the works that I'm hoping to finalize and test knit soon. I've also started a custom queue for Christmas. This basically means I'm working together with some friends and family members to design the perfect item for the loved ones on their Christmas list. 

And finally, I'm currently teaching a few friends to knit, and planning to host a holiday crafting party. Crafting together with others and passing on this skill is so important to me- it's a way to honor the women who passed it on to me. 

 how does my work differ from others of it's genre?

I truly believe that the process and perspective behind our crafting is different for all of us. I'm inspired by very specific things that make up who I am and where I've come from- a mix of a cozy life at home and the wild wilderness I grew up surrounded by. These things shape the way I see the world. As knitters, we may be working with similar materials (namely, wool or yarn) towards a similar end goal (a scarf, hat, sweater or pair of socks) but the inspiration behind my work, the process and the mistakes I make between Point A and B are all my own. I love this about crafting. 

More specifically, I try to create a cohesive brand with my photos, packaging and products to set me apart from the work of others. I'm still learning so much about this, but I want people to see my work on Instagram, or my blog or in my shop and recognize it as mine. I want it to fit together and share something about who I am. My goal is to create a brand for my work that stands out with it's own unique story.

 why do I create what I do?


I've shared a lot about this before, but I craft because I believe in handmade. I believe that it's both life giving and subversive to spend hours making something with my own two hands that I can then wear or use or give to someone I love. Crafting also connects me to my community and helps me to tell my story.

I mostly knit or crochet because of the process involved. I love picking out the perfect yarn and then slowly seeing it become what I dreamed up or designed. I love that I am somehow involved in each stitch of that garment- it's a kind of magic I just can't get over. I do, however also make things because I want that end product. I want to hold it in my hands, wear it, use it, gift it. Sometimes I come up with my own patterns because I can't find exactly what I'm looking for and sometimes it's because I just want to go out on a limb and try something my own way.

how does my creative process work?


I find that inspiration comes from everywhere- my own life, my city, my friends. Nature and the change of seasons. Books and movies, or a really good meal. Sometimes even a specific colour combination or a new-to-me material.

Once that inspiration strikes and I've got a new idea, I'll usually start working on it right away. I know many people recommend that you let your ideas sit for awhile, but I find I'm often just too excited about it to wait. I want to know right away if it's going to work out. Sometimes it turns out great, and sometimes it's a disaster, but I think that's ok. I like to process my ideas and thoughts and even emotions by making (or writing- which is how I end up with so many long and rambling posts here on this blog). 
I end up abandoning a lot of ideas, but I think it's worth it- I learn so much along the way. 

And sometimes I strike on that one really great idea. If that happens, I get to making it and writing up the pattern. There is a lot of cozy afternoons with coffee and my favorite podcasts involved in this part of the procedure. Then Waldi and I photograph it and I give it a name (if it hasn't already found one for itself along the way) and then (hopefully) I make it a bunch more times!


So there you have it- a little peek into my creative process and inspiration. Thanks for reading, and thanks so much Kristina for inviting me! 

Happy Fall sale!

just wanted to stop by today and let you know I'm running a little Happy Fall sale in the shop! From now until Sept 30, use the code happyfall14 for free worldwide shipping!

Also wanted to mention how much I love my new thank you postcards, designed by my very talented hubby. You can expect to find one tucked in with all orders this season. 

I hope you all had a lovely first day of Autumn!

exciting news!

just wanted to stop in quickly today and share something exciting with you all. For months now, I've been wanting to use the proceeds from my little online shop to do some good. Now that my Fall line has officially launched, I've decided to go ahead and donate 25% 100% of all proceeds made (online & through stock lists) this season to Open Hands Charity. The photos above were taken at the first of (hopefully) many events that I'll be selling at over the next few months. Together with a friend of mine, we hope to sell a variety of handmade goods raising money and awareness for Open Hands, as well as encouraging people to buy handmade and support artists in their community. 

Open Hands works alongside families and children struggling with poverty and racism in Romania. I am really excited to be able to support them in this small way. If you want to find out more, please stop by their website (gibt's auch auf Deutsch) or Facebook Page, where you can also view more photos from the event (and find out how you can purchase the items!)

in my studio: it's Fall in the shop!

it's officially Fall in the shop! Scarves, cowls, mitts and wrist warmers are now available in addition to patterns. I've added a few new designs as well as brought back my favorites from last year's collection. The photos above are of the Woodland Scarf and the Moorland mitts. Both were inspired by my summer reading and designed to keep you warm and cozy as the crisp Fall days begin.

Expect to see a few exciting things here over the next few months as I add a few new designs and patterns, as well as sell at a few local Brick and Mordar stores and events. But for now I'm super excited to have my Fall items back in stock! 

crochet pattern: country cottage washcloth

Today I thought I would share a little pattern with you all. Last week, I was talking about knitting & crocheting in warm weather, and I think this would be a perfect project for any Summer afternoon! These simple crochet cloths are super fast and easy to make, but a lot of fun. Plus the colour combinations are endless! 

(Note: I am using US crochet terms for this pattern. You will be working in treble crochet stitch (tr), or in UK terms, double treble crochet stitch)

You will need:
cotton yarn (in two complimenting colors)
3.5-4mm crochet hook 

using main colour yarn, chain 27. chain an extra 3 to form your building chain.

row 1: work in tr crochet stitch, starting from 4th chain from your hook to end of row (=28 stitches)

row 2: turn work, chain 3 (counts as 1 tr stitch), and work one tr crochet stitch into each stitch in the row below (=28 stitches)

repeat this row 8 times, until you have 10 rows in total. cut yarn and weave tail through loop.

switch to contrasting colour, slip stitch into one of the corners of your work.

*chain 3, skip 1 stitch, single crochet (SC) into 2nd stitch from hook. repeat from * around until you have a complete border. end with a slip stitch in your first chain 3 space.  

Now all that's left is to make a stack of them in different colours and store them in your kitchen for easy use! 

If you're not a crocheter, I also sell these here and here. 

(I originally shared this project when I was featured as Cut out And Keep's Knit & Crochet Superstar. You can see the interview here)

summer knitting

I am a knit-all-year kind of knitter. 

I know that not everyone is- and with good reason. But let's just say that summer is not one of my 3 favorite seasons (there are many reasons for this, one of them being that I have a mild allergy to the sun...yes, the sun. as my husband likes to remind me the source of all life) and so I wouldn't want to make it worse by taking away one of my very favorite creative outlets. 

That being said, I do often switch the sorts of projects that I work on. For example, using plant fibers, working on smaller projects, or even switching to crochet are all great solutions for when it gets really warm out.

But sometimes a girl's just gotta knit. And when the inspiration strikes in 30+ degree weather, the only thing to do is to pick up those needles and design that big cozy scarf that no one's even going to think about until Fall.  

(if you're a knitter, I'm curious...do you knit all year round?)

Spring Launch

It's finally here! 

Spring has definitely arrived here in Marburg, and now it's arrived in the shop as well! As of this week, all Fall/Winter items have been replaced with light and lovely pastel colored items for your house & home. Everything is still handmade by me in my home studio, and most of these items are crocheted from 100% cotton yarn. I've tried to include a nice selection of Spring colors- mint green, peach, plum, turquoise and neutral shades of brown and grey to balance it all out. 

I think my favorite may be these little pouches, perfect for holding phones, cameras, cosmetics, or really anything that you don't want bouncing around loosely in the bottom of your bag. I've been using mine as a wallet for a few weeks now and I love the look of the lace trim with the wooden button. Right now they're available in both gray & brown (as base color) but I'm hoping to add more colors very soon!
  

There are also a few trivets/washcloths (including the Farm House Trivet from last Fall) and patterns will still be available all Summer. I've been using my Country Cottage washcloths (pictured above) for weeks now. They make great cloths, napkins, trivets...perfect for brightening up my daily kitchen routine a little bit.

Anyways, thanks for letting me share with you what I've been up to the last few weeks. If you've got an extra minute or two, stop by the shop and check it out!

Spring Clearance Sale

this week, I'm clearing out all my Fall/Winter inventory to get ready for Spring! At the end of March, most of the items from my Fall line will no longer be available in the shop. I'll be launching all my new products in the first week of April, but until then, everything is 15% off. Just use the code welcomespring14 when checking out! 

oh, and happy Spring of course! 

spring crochet

I cannot believe it's already the middle of March! The days are longer and warmer and fresher...I can practically measure the increase in my own creativity and inspiration. It's amazing what the change of seasons can bring. I've got a few exciting things coming soon for Spring in the shop (and also a sale early next week- stay tuned!)

We spent the last week in Berlin with friends, wandering through streets, stopping in cafes and shops, and talking well into the night. I will share more about this soon, but for now I thought I would share my most recent crochet project. I've been making these cute little apples from a back issue of Simply Crochet magazine. So far I've been using them as coasters, but I'm thinking it would be fun to turn a few into a cute little change purse! Now the question is just red or green...? 

vormittags

(a quiet moment working on a pair of market mitts)

(morning light streaming into my workspace)

I've never been able to call myself a morning person. 

But since beginning to learn German, I have discovered a new and wonderful word: Vormittags

This is the word that Germans use to describe that late morning period- you know, before lunch, but after those few unearthly hours before coffee...


This time (between 8:30ish and noon) is one of my favorite parts of the day. On days when I'm able to work from home, I like to drink my coffee slowly while working on creative projects or reading through my favorite blogs. Then comes a few very productive hours of work- writing, studying, designing, or working on administrative tasks for my shop. 


I love the quiet of this time, the possibility and freshness of a new day full of the small wonders and simple pleasures that are around all the time, if only we take a moment to notice.

Valentine's Sale

 hi everyone! working on a few changes to the blog that will hopefully be live by the end of the week. Yay! In the meantime I wanted to stop in and share quickly that I'm having a sale in the shop right now. 15% off of everything using the coupon LOVEHANDMADE. 

The sale is on now through Feb 14. 

I'll be back on Wednesday to share February's quote!

pattern: Alpine Hat

I shared on instagram a few days ago that I now have hats available in the shop. Yay! Well, to be more specific, I have one hat available...The Alpine Hat.

The Alpine Hat is a simple, cozy design inspired by clean lines and crisp days. Since moving to Germany, I’ve discovered I love snow! This is my ideal hat for any snowy day activity- be it sledding in the mountains, ice skating on a frozen pond or just window shopping in the city.

I thought I would share the pattern, for anyone out there who's interested. It's a really simple design, suitable for someone who has never knit a hat before. 

(note: if you would prefer to download a PDF of this pattern, you can do so through ravelry)

Happy Knitting!

Alpine Hat Pattern (Ruth Werwai)

Supplies:

50g of chunky (5) yarn

size 9mm  40 cm circular needles

tapestry needle

stitch marker (optional)

Finished measurements:

hat measures 6.5 inches (16 cm) by 12.5 inches (30 cm)

The pattern for this hat is worked over 4 stitches. So if you want to make your hat wider, simply cast on more stitches in groups of 4 until you have your desired size. Also, you can easily add rows in before the decrease to make your hat longer.

Gauge:

14 stitches and 15 rows= 4 inches in k2p2 rib

Abbreviations:

k: knit p: purl

k2p2 rib: *k2, p2 repeat from*

k2tog: knit two together

p2tog: purl two together

Directions:

Cast on 48 stitches. Place marker, and join for working in the round, being careful not to twist.

work in k2p2 rib for 5 inches (12 cm)

next row: *k2, p2tog, repeat from *

next row: *k2, p1 repeat from *

next row: *k2tog, p1, repeat from *

*k1,p1 repeat from* for two more rows.

cut yarn, leaving a tail approx 6 inches. weave tail through remaining stitches and pull tight. sew in ends and block lightly as desired.

Only one step left: bundle up in your new hat and head on out into a snowy Winter’s day! Let me know if you make this hat, I would love to see your version!