What Goes into a BraggAbout Creation?

I was recently asked about the reason to shop handmade.  I think the best way to answer that question is to understand the process of creating a handmade piece.  I’m going to walk you through the steps of making the latest BraggAbout Creation.

Step 1: Get Inspired

Regardless if inspiration comes from a skein of yarn, a photo, or a conversation there is always some sort of inspiration behind a great piece.  The latest inspiration was from Pascha from The Posh Blog.  She sent me the above photo and asked if I could create something similar.  Of course my answer was YES!  We then discussed price range, color, fiber choices, and changes that she wanted.

Step 2: Find the Perfect Yarn

I went to 4 or 5 stores and took an insane amount of photos before we were able to decide on a yarn that would be soft, chunky – yet not to hot, machine washable, and grey.  While this process has become much more difficult now that I have a 2 month old, it is still so much fun.

Step 3: Create Pattern

All of the pieces I make are ONE of a kind patterns.  Nothing is ever written down, I simply decide on shape and then begin knitting.  What you purchase from me will have a similar feel but it will be customized to its owner.  I am a firm believer that if you are supporting me I will be making sure no one else ever has the same thing as you.  I recently collaborated and purchased a “custom” headband for Tiffany, the owner then made and sold MANY more, and a woman that was in a similar circle of friends with ended up buying one without knowing where I had bought mine.  I was SO disappointed!  That is the reason all of my pieces are different.

Step 4: Reassess Pattern

This step is made much easier for me because I am engaged to an artist.  We are always discussing lines and continuity of the piece during the production of any of our art.  I redid the bottom of this cowl 6 times before I decided on the “bamboo” stitch.  I wanted something linear with a little curve to it.  This was a new stitch for me, and it has inspired a new cowl that I will be working on after the Holidays.

Step 5: Fill with Baby Snuggles

This one is really happening during the entire process.  My sweet baby will probably be a master knitter before she starts school.  I like the owner to know how much love was put into what I am making them, and I love taking 500 pictures of my daughter.

Step 6: Take Photos

Since I primarily sell online I have to convey the essence of my piece, and also make sure that the customer is pleased with what is being sent.  I always take photos to make sure that they are pleased before I mail it off.  In Pascha’s case she didn’t want the neck to be as big as the photo, so I had to confirm that this was fitting her vision.  Thankfully it was!  Currently this cowl is packaged and ready to be shipped off on Monday.

Have you ever had a custom piece created for you?  If so what was it and were you happy with the results?  I love collaborating on different knits.  If you have an idea you want made send an email to the BraggAbout Creation’s Etsy or Facebook page!

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In Honor of National Button Day

We are working on new creations.  What do you think, cute as a button?

 

 

Gearing up for the Holidays

In Texas, it doesn’t get cold very often, but when it does I take full advantage and spend as much time as possible outside bundled in as many knits as I can.  This cold front meant that Tiffany got to wear her Breast Hat Ever for the first time!  We celebrated the cool weather by going to the park and a baby love class.  Everyone loved the idea of a giant boob on my baby’s head, I must admit it is by far my favorite thing that we have made thus far.  Can you even tell I am feeding her in this picture?

BraggAbout Creations is now accepting Etsy gift cards and credit cards just in time for the Christmas shopping that is about to begin. 

As I was filling out all of the forms to accept credit cards, I realized I need to add more hats for adults, I always sell them before I can get any decent photos!  I got to finish a piece this week for a local Austin artist.  I snapped a few photos on my mangled mannequin before I shipped it off.

I have always felt like it is such an honor when people who value one of a kind things ask us to create for them.  BAC always makes our creations a little bit different because you would shop at Target if you wanted something everyone else had.  I got creative freedom for this slouchy hat, and so I tested out some new techniques that have been running around in my head.  This hat features a mixture of crochet and knitting for a really great texture.  It is pretty spectacular in person.  I hope we get some photos of her in it.

We took Christmas photos on Monday by a photographer I have been wanting to shoot with for 2 years.  I won a shoot with her right before I had Tiffany, and she let us hold off until after Tiffany made her grand entrance.  My 5 week old was less than impressed that I wore a dress that did not grant her access to her food.  One hour away from the boobs and you think I was torturing her!  Daddy is working on taking more photos of us together, I find this picture HILARIOUS!  Don’t worry I fed her right after this.

Hope everyone else is loving the Holiday Season!  What are you doing to get ready?

Getting the Hang of It

I’m finally getting the hang of handling Tiffany and completing the orders for BraggAbout Creations. I’ve learned that the quickest way to calm my screaming child is to take her outside.  A lot of knitting has taken place at the park and in our front yard this week.

The method is working, and TWO orders will be getting mailed out, and a third is almost complete. Currently there is a women’s slouchy hat on the needles.  I’m experimenting with texture and using both knitting and crochet for this one.  Fingers crossed it turns out well.

Hope everyone is having a great day!  I may be updating soon with a sneak peak from our Christmas photos =)