Sweater Club 2020
Now closed.
Thank you to everyone who joined!
Note to customers outside the US:
Please read below about shipping / customs details.
Things are a little different this year.
That’s certainly an understatement.
One of the best parts of being an independent designer is the freedom to choose what to produce and when. That doesn’t mean there isn’t a certain amount of anxiety present when making those decisions, but I recognize it’s an enormous privilege, especially when it all comes together successfully for the people who participate. This year, the anxiety has been extreme, and I know all of you are feeling it, too.
For those hearing about Sweater Club for the first time, this is an annual opportunity for me to offer two designs paired with featured yarns to knitters for a limited time. In previous years, Sweater Club has been a multi-step process: $30 to register, get private access to the full details, order your project, receive a kit (that included both patterns), and knit your sweater at your own pace. As I considered Sweater Club this year, I decided that process was too complicated, and there was an opportunity to evolve.
With that in mind, I’ve made a few changes to Sweater Club that will hopefully work to most everyone’s benefit. The main one is there is no longer a pre-registration process. All the details are out in the open. Also, the patterns are broken up, which lowers the cost for everyone. If you want to participate, simply order the design(s) you wish to make, and you’ll receive a beautifully packaged kit in the mail (including a little treat), sure to lift your spirits and give you some pleasurable knitting and sweater-wearing. And, as always, I’ll be here for you.
It’s all about comfort.
Let’s face it, now that the safest place for us to be is at home, the clothing we choose from our closets is a little different. Most days, I’m guilty of wearing pajamas until noon. The drawstring has become my new best friend. I’m looking for any excuse to add comfort to each day. More than ever, I want simplicity, versatility, and value. I’m guessing it’s the same for you. All of these things were top of my mind as I have been working on Sweater Club this year.
Several years ago, a little box of yarn arrived, and I began a new friendship with the person who sent the box—Astrid, the delightful owner of Biches et Bûches. It’s no coincidence that I chose to feature their humble, soft, homey, lambswool that comes from a family-owned fiber mill in Scotland, and their finest quality silk & mohair from Italy in this year’s designs. Their yarns check all of those boxes I just mentioned.
I’m really pleased to show you the two designs: Maron and Whelan. Each one is available individually.
Maron
Hold a strand of light fingering lambswool with a strand of lace silk/mohair, and there’s no reason to add anything more; the fabric says it all. This v-neck pullover embraces the pure beauty of stockinette stitch and subtle, perfected tailoring. The available size range of Maron is flexible to suit your individual preference for fit. If you want a traditional fit, consider going down a size; if you want an extra loose fit (shown on the patten page), consider going up a size.
Maron is worked in pieces (including the double-thick neckband) from the bottom up and sewn together. I’m guessing you’ll want to knit more than one.
Maron uses Le Petit Lambswool + Le Petit Silk & Mohair
Biches & Bûches Le Petit Lambswool
100% wool
270 yards / 248 meters per 50 g skein
Biches & Bûches Le Petit Silk & Mohair
30% silk, 70% kid mohair
230 yards / 210 meters per 25 g skein
Left to Right: Off White, Beige, Dark Orange Gray, Blue Green, Dark Blue Turquoise, Dark Blue Green. (Color substitutions available upon request.)
Whelan
After you’ve finished drooling over the gorgeous cables, take a moment to zoom in on the beautiful worsted/aran yarn, rich with character—this is a cardigan you can live in every day. The armhole circumference is generous enough to allow for plenty of layering options. The back of this cardign is sure to make people stop and stare (okay, once it’s safe to go out in public again).
Whelan is worked from the bottom up in pieces and sewn together. No fussy band or buttons necessary; you’ll zip through this project quickly and be wearing it all the time.
Whelan uses Le Gros Lambswool
Biches et Bûches Le Gros Lambswool
100% wool
210 yards / 192 meters per 100 g skein
Left to Right: Off White, Light Gray, Dark Yellow, Medium Brown, Dark Red, Dark Gray. (Color substitutions available upon request.)
Parlez-vous Français?
I’m super excited that Astrid has translated both patterns into French, and we are happy to send you the digital translation upon request. Please fill out this form or simply reply to your order email. Astrid has also generously agreed to ship certain orders from France, which is great news for many (keep reading).
Some details about shipping during Covid-19.
Due to the strain Covid-19 is putting on shipping services, packages have been taking longer to arrive. This year I am calculating shipping charges at different rates, based on the best freight service available per country. For some, this will mean higher shipping rates; for others, lower rates. Certain orders will be shipped from France (lowering customs fees for many countries), as listed below. The good news is all the amounts are discounted from the actual rates, and packages should arrive more reliably/quickly.
Notice to International customers: Before ordering, please check your individual country’s import/customs taxes/duties for goods received, so you are aware of any additional expenses that may be incurred upon arrival.
Here is the shipping/transportation charges breakdown*:
$8 - USPS Priority
United States
$9 - France Postal Service
France
$18 - France Postal Service
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom
$24 - France Postal Service
Belarus, Iceland, Morocco, Norway, Serbia, Ukraine
$28 - UPS or DHL
Canada
$42 - USPS Priority International or UPS Worldwide
Australia, Bahrain, China, Japan, New Zealand, Philippines, Russian Federation, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand
$52 - USPS Priority International or UPS Worldwide
Hong Kong, Indonesia, Israel, Kazakhstan, South Africa, the Republic of Korea
*Please contact me to inquire about rates to a country not included above.
When will your kit arrive?
While yarn is in stock, orders will ship immediately. Yarn will be re-stocked on a bi-weekly basis (this includes any color substitution requests). You can expect to receive your order within approximately 2-3 weeks, we appreciate your patience.
Once your package has been shipped you will receive tracking information so you can follow its progress. If there will be a delay for any reason outside our control, you will be notified.
Will the patterns be released individually?
Yes, Sweater Club patterns always become available the following year. Maron and Whelan will be available as digital downloads in September, 2021.
Each Sweater Club is an honor for me to produce, and a vital part of what keeps my independent business going. Thank you for your continued enthusiasm and support.
I wish you all good health and happy sweater knitting!
— Juile