It’s a Wrap. A self published shawl crochet pattern book journey
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Ideas and dreams are the things that get us out of the bed in the morning right? That is how this attempt to self publish a shawl crochet pattern book started. Read on to find out more about my idea for a book, the Kickstarter to raise funds to complete the project and how you can give your support and join the journey below.
Why self publish a shawl crochet pattern book?
Ideas and dreams go hand and hand in my head and sometimes, the things we do can inspire or motivate us to do other things. That is how my business as a crochet designer began, how it grows and this next step – self publishing book of crochet shawl patterns is a continuation on a theme.
I think this idea to self publish a crochet pattern book was a fully formed idea before I actually knew it. It’s essentially just a large pattern collection right? Not anything I haven’t done, just on a different and more deliberate scale.
Why a crochet shawl pattern book?
Because I am a crochet shawl designer. It is simple yet it isn’t. I am a crochet designer first, and while I know your supposed to niche down and all those buzz wordy things that the business guru’s tell you, I like making a variety of things. I know this is a business, but the ability to design different projects is part of what makes it fun. If I suddenly was only designing one thing forever I would struggle.
Yet. I am a shawl designer. I love them. Easy to make and wear, I did not know I would like them when I learned to crochet, but, as soon as I made the first one I was hooked. The majority of my designs to date, most of my ideas, and the thing I look for first when I want to make something designed by someone else is a shawl. They are also my muse. I get ideas for shawls while I am making a shawl.
Does anyone wear shawls and wraps though?
Yes. I do. Most days. Scarf, shawl, pocket shawl, pashmina, shawlette, stole – a decorative accessory that you wear around your neck and shoulders. Practical, comfortable, beautiful, simple or intricate they make a great crochet project, accessible crochet patterns and great gifts, which is how I got into making them. As a gift for a friend who wanted something a bit different to wear to an event.
For me, they are almost the perfect accessory – it might be a tie with bags and shoes. With the right stitches and fibre they work for everything, and can change the look/style of an entire outfit. Need something to finish your outfit for a Wedding? Christening? Glastonbury? To leave over the back of your chair in the office? Throw over your shoulders for that last minute BBQ?
There’s also thousands of designs so someone must be wearing them right?
Self publishing a shawl crochet pattern book – the project
Why self publish a book. I am a reader and while I mostly use the Kindle App today, I buy pattern and stitch books and real books and love the feel of them. The smell and feel of a new book is something I think only readers appreciate but is part of the attraction. It is also a new challenge, an extension of something that I already do and an opportunity to express it in a different way, learn and share new things.
I did not consider seeking a commercial collaboration opportunity for this, I don’t want to give publication rights to the designs to a company and I would like to choose the timescales and tools I use. This way is more personally risky, but I am comfortable with that.
What is it B what are you doing?
Ok so the plan is simple. A soft cover, paper back book with beginner accessible crochet shawl patterns. I say shawls, but I may include a couple of scarves/cowls things that are similar but cross over.
The inspirations and theme for the designs is occasions. I don’t mean just the things we get dressed up for, but every day events as well. They are all occasions and part of the mission, theme, or purpose is to show how versatile they are and all the uses. I am generally inspired by nature, colours, and patterns/prints and will be drawing on all those things and using some familiar favourites and new stitches to create the book.
When?
The planned public release date is June 2023 for the book and the Kickstarter is aimed at raising the funds I will need to complete the project. All the work started as soon as I hit the button on the Kickstarter really because, design, testing, editing and all the things take a lot longer than you might think, then there’s the logistics involved in delivering an actual physical thing.
I am hoping to do a lot of things with this project, one of which is fully sponsor the testing materials for the designs. I have an amazing group of testers who turn up for me all the time and I while I can’t afford to pay them for their time, I would like to be able to let them have a little yarn shop on me as a thank you. Each design is at least 30hrs of time spent per person – that is just the crocheting and none of the admin and writing etc of a regular pattern test.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/crochetwrapsforall/its-a-wrap-a-working-title
It’s a Wrap Book & Kickstarter details
A collection of 15-22 easy to make crochet patterns you will easily stitch up all the ready to wear style you need, whatever the event.
The Project:
Your support will help me to create a soft bound crochet pattern book with 15-22 brand new designs with detailed instructions to help you complete the projects with ease.
Within the project:
· patterns will be fully tested and edited professionally to ensure accuracy in the written instructions of all the crochet patterns.
· professional colour photography, modelled where possible
Inspirations
This collection of patterns will take its inspiration from previous fashion decades – (I think the 70’s came back twice already), nature, favourite stitches and techniques to create modern pieces that you are happy and confident to wear or share again and again, regardless of your age or the occasion.
Estimated Project Timeline
July 2022 – Pledging begins – invite to join me in this exciting journey
August 2022 -February 2023 – Pattern designing and professional editing
March 2023 – Photography, Book layout editing. Send to print.
April -May 2023 – Advanced copy delivered to supporters
June 2023 – Official Publication date
Design and testing timescales are based on my current experience and adding in some room for life happening.
So a little different from my regular posts but this is the start of the journey. The Kickstarter if successful will raise half the funds I need to pull this project off. The rest I will raise from my blog, personal finances and time.
Details of the proposed plan and timeline are included in the Kickstarter and I hope you will join me on the journey to find out how it goes.
I think the next instalment will be around October, once the mini is back to school and I can update on the progress of the fundraising and the designs are in progress.
Successfully funded via Kickstarter the book is now in production!!!!
You can now PRE-Order your E-Book copy of It’s a Wrap
Scared, excited and ready to get hookin’
LOL
B x
Join my Facebook Group to hangout with me and keep up with what’s happening, share your wips and fo’s I would love to see them.
For crochet shawl patterns to hook up while you wait for the release of the book, check out Shanae, Narcissus and Estelle Wrap my most popular crochet wrap patterns.
