Michelle, ma belle... tres bien ensemble
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Michelle ma belle, sont des mots qui vont très bien ensemble,

Tres bien ensemble

Relatively.

10/15/2013

15 Comments

 
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It's often my experience, as I'm sure it is for most who knit and/or sew, the non-crafting community holds the impression that we, as crafts(wo)men, save exorbitant amounts of money by sewing and/or knitting. This usually provokes my defensive response and a lengthy dialogue on the costs of materials vs. labor in individually produced vs. mass-produced goods...  Yada, Yada. Of course, there was a point in history when it was far more economic to sew and knit at home- You know, like back when gasoline used to cost 11 cents a gallon. 

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TImes have changed. Inflation. All that. Still, there are exceptions to every rule and opportunities for us to have an economic leg-up over  the non-knitting population. In my opinion, it all breaks down to a quality over quantity. Winter accessories, for example, are a fantastic demonstration of this. Most box stores sell an array of cotton/poly scarves/hats/gloves for bargain prices. Wool accessories, however, are another story. In our world of low-cost-mass-production, natural fibers are a luxury.   For instance: this 85% wool, 15% poly Tory Burch snood is available to purchase for $175. However, a knitter could far out-luxe Ms. Burch by knitting  Jill McGee's Twisted Sister Cowl with Amy Blatt Nunki (71% Wool 29% Yak) for roughly $50 material cost + time. Not bad, eh?

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We have a great advantage when it comes to compiling our collections of wooly accessories, and these types of projects are especially wonderful for unselfish, gift-knitting. I'm sure there's more than a handful of knitters out there who are already thinking about their holiday knit-list. Just for fun, here's a little list of infinity scarf projects that will keep you smiling all the way to the bank:

1.
BUY: VINCE wool blend infinity scarf (59% wool, 26% cashmere, 15% polyamide)- $220@ Nordstrom, KNIT: Strange Loop,by Morgen Dammerung using The Gossamer Web's 52/2 Blend (60% merino, 20% cashmere, 20% silk)- $30 + labor

2. BUY: Helmut Lang Soft Corded Knit Snood (alpaca, silk)- $255@ Neiman Marcus, KNIT: Luxery Cowl by Liz Tekus using Mirasol Sulka (60% Merino, 20% Alpaca, 20% Silk)- $5.95+ ~$30+ labor

3.
BUY: Ann Demeulemeester Glitter-Flecked Ribbed Infinity Scarf (Mohair, Polyamide, Wool, Polyester) $480 @Saks Fifth Avenue, KNIT: Lilac Wine by Amy Christoffers using Kid Seta Lux (71% Mohair/20% Silk/9% Lurex )- $34 + labor

4.
BUY: Portolano Popcorn-Knit Infinity Scarf (Polyester, Wool) $175 @ Bergdorf Goodman, KNIT: Twistberry by Rag Lana using Rowan Pure Wool DK (100% Superwash Wool)- $34 + labor

5.
BUY: Rag & Bone Davina Infinity Scarf (Wool, Alpaca, Acrylic) $225 @ Saks Fifth Avenue, KNIT: 
Escarpment Cowlby Kelly McClure using Knit Picks Cadena (70% Peruvian Highland Wool, 30% Superfine Alpaca)- $21 + labor 

6. BUY: Stella McCartney Knit Circle Scarf (Baby Merino/Rayon) $290 @Saks Fifth Avenue, KNIT: Casey Cowl by Robyn Devine using Malabrigo Chunky (100% Merino) $11 + labor

7. BUY: Donna Karen Cashmere Infinity Scarf (100% Cashmere) $595 @Saks Fifth Avenue, KNIT: Fino Circle Scarf by Jocelyn Tunney using Jade Sapphire Mongolian Cashmere (100% Cashmere)- $141 + labor

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What do you think? Would your knitting prowess out-shine the luxury knitwear market?

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This particular cowl is a gift. It's the Brioche Infinity Scarf by Unnur Eva Arnarsdóttir knit using four skeins of Berroco Flicker. And, I bought my stamp HERE, in case you're curious. ;-D 





15 Comments
Meg the Grand
10/14/2013 11:01:36 pm

The cowl turned out beautifully! And I love all of your suggestions of what to make ... shall we go yarn shopping again soooon? (I need you to be the strong one and say no here). Also, your stamp is tres adorable :)

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Gail link
10/14/2013 11:35:57 pm

I love your cowl! I immediately scrolled through the whole post to get to the pattern link, then went back and read it :-) Great yarn choice too - I love the little sparkles!

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kristieinbc link
10/15/2013 12:13:09 am

The cowl is beautiful! I'm sure the recipient will love it. Thanks for the links for all the great cowl projects!

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zilredloh link
10/15/2013 01:18:19 am

The cowl turned out wonderful: I love how long and luscious it looks.

Those stamps are the best! Such a great touch on a handmade gift.

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Tasha link
10/15/2013 05:34:58 am

The cowl turned out beautifully! I always laugh when people suggest knitting is cheaper than buying, or that I should knit to sell things because I'd make a lot of money. Ha! I love your breakdown for cowls. We can definitely out-luxe store bought in so many ways. :)

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Gina link
10/15/2013 04:28:32 pm

I'm constantly trying to explain to people why I can't make them a dress just like the one I made myself or why I wouldn't really be able to make money selling my things on Etsy. I've tried to tell them that if my objective was to make extra money with my spare time, I'd be better off getting a waitressing job, but I think they all just believe I'm crazy or confused. So I love this post!

I'm also grateful for that awesome list of projects - I'm keeping them all in mind for when I've mastered this knitting thing! I've started my Craftsy class and I'm making a sad little scarf that's already chock full of mistakes, but I can see that I'm improving as time goes on.

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sezza link
10/15/2013 07:33:04 pm

I think you are right on the money! For comparable items it is cheaper to knit - and they are so much nicer than those cheaper store bought replacements! the cowl is beautiful. Woolly christmas gifts don't go down so well over here - its often one of our hottest days!

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Lynn link
10/15/2013 10:09:17 pm

This is SUCH a great post. I love this! Not to mention... love your cowl! ♥

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Katie link
10/16/2013 02:34:56 am

Love the cowl! Thanks for linking my shop :)

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Loran link
10/16/2013 04:23:57 am

When I used to sew for a living I had to explain to people ALL THE TIME why I wasn't cheaper than a dress at Ross...or why the silk they wanted would cost more than the limo they wanted to rent... I love your list of "buy this or make this". Since I don't knit much this gives me a great place to look for a project that works for me so thanks : )

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Alicia link
10/16/2013 05:47:48 am

Ooooh this is such an excellent post! The whole cost of materials/price of clothing thing is so complex and has always bugged me. And I hate hate hate how synthetic most mass-produced clothing is, especially since becoming a knitter and learning about fiber.

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Nat @ Made in Home link
10/17/2013 05:36:47 am

I have to make one of these! Love love love the stamp!

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steph link
10/23/2013 02:37:51 am

I love (LOVE) your cost comparison!!!! Good job...and your cowl outshines anything you could buy---no matter the cost---because you knit love into it. Try that, big box/fancy box stores!!!

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Spinster Beth link
10/23/2013 07:53:35 am

This is SUCH a universal problem! I have a friend whose mother wanted me to keep her grandkids in knitted socks, because store bought ones are so expensive (!). A co-worker constantly says "you can make me xxx" and no one seems to understand how much effort goes into knitting! SO frustrating!

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tanyamaile link
10/25/2013 04:16:54 am

This is so gorgeous and inspiring!

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