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2020 Reflections. 2021 Goals.

2020 was Promised Fibers first full calendar year in existence! So many things happened this year. We had some highs – figured out how to do our taxes properly! – and some lows – had our festival/conferences plans dashed due to the pandemic. Through it all we still managed to provide for our community. This year with your donations of ~$4,000, we provided a total of 21 mini-grants – 8 fiber artists and 13 small businesses. It was important for us to put more emphasis on small business this year due to the adverse effects of the pandemic on small businesses. I’m so proud of this community for helping Promised Fibers to provide for so many individuals and businesses.

We also accomplished a lot outside of the mini-grants. In February, we changed our min-grant structure so that recipients were chosen by the Promised Fibers Mini-Grant Committee. Thank you to Ashley, Jen, and Lisa for your hard work on the committee this year! We are looking for a new committee member and the application is available until January 4, 2021. In June, we turned 1(!) and hosted a make-along – the Make It Inclusive Make-Along or #miimal2020 for short. We were able to giveaway prizes to 12 fiber artists thanks to the generosity of participating fiber arts businesses. Thank you to Red and the Wolf Designs, Snickerdoodle Knits, Modus Operandi Fibers, and Bee Kind Yarn for your donations to #miimal2020. Also this summer, a website many fiber artists and small businesses relied on for their craft made some dramatic changes rendering their website inaccessible to many. We compiled a list of Ravelry Alternatives and Resources to Make Patterns Accessible to address the need for accessibility in the fiber arts community. Accessibility is not one size fits all, so there are many options to hopefully address many needs. In September, we launched the Community Notions Program. The program takes donated fiber arts notions and send them to people who request them. In November, we gave away 10 patterns so that fiber artists could participate in the Fasten Off YAL. In December, we provided a replacement package for a FibreShare participant.

2021 Goals

Thank you for your continued support! We hope we can continue to count on you in 2021 and beyond.

-Meesha

Crochet Garments Graded to At Least 60″ Chest by YelleyKnits

Yelley created a bundle on Ravelry of crochet garments that are graded to at least a 60″ chest. Promised Fibers, with Yelley’s permission, is sharing the list on the website as a resource outside of Ravelry. The pattern links will say if they go to Ravelry or to a different site where the designer sells their patterns. The bundle on Ravelry can be found here. If you notice any issues with links on this page, please reach out to Promised Fibers using the Contact Us page.

If you find resources like this to be valuable, show it with your dollars: Yelley’s Ko-fi. Promised Fibers PayPal.

The criteria for a pattern to be included on this list are as follows:

  1. Pattern must be sized to at least 60” chest including any recommended ease.
  2. Patterns that are formulas to create any size will be included if I review the pattern and it gives actual directions to do this, rather than just saying something like “this pattern is easy to adjust!”
  3. No patterns that say “one size fits all” will be included.

Yelley will be adding to the bundle/list as she finds more patterns that fit the criteria.

  • 1920s Cardigan by Caroline LG: Designer Website
  • Aberfoyle Cardigan by Joanne Scrace: Ravelry
  • Abya Yala 2 by Cecelia Losada: Ravelry
  • Acre by Judith Brand: Ravelry
  • Alfresco Top by Jess Coppom: Designer Website
  • The Alluvium Top by I Need It Crochet: Ravelry
  • Alpine Bluffs Cardigan by Lorene Haythorn Eppolite- Cre8tion Crochet: Ravelry
  • Alsia by Reed Keyes: Ravelry [not yet published; pre-order Pom Pom Quarterly]
  • Andraste by Stephanie Erin: Ravelry
  • Anouk Pullover by Fiber & Fox: Ravelry
  • Anvard Cardigan by Joanne Scrace: Ravelry
  • The Aoibheann Sweater by Carrie M. Chambers: Ravelry
  • April Sweater by Kaitlin Barthold: Ravelry
  • The Aspirations Pullover by I Need It Crochet: Ravelry
  • Audrey Dress by Snakewood & Grace: Ravelry
  • Aurora Women’s Cardigan by Jennifer Middleton: Ravelry
  • Autumn Air Pullover by tigers Eye Handmade: Ravelry
  • Autumn Stripes Raglan by Knits and Knots: Ravelry
  • The Baja Hoodie by Cactus and Lace Designs: Ravelry
  • Basic V-Neck Sweater by Ashlea Konecny: Ravelry // Designer Website
  • Batwing Coat by Paintbox Yarns: Lovecrafts
  • Bayberry Cardigan by Sonya Blackstone: Ravelry
  • Beach Cover Up by Bernat Design Studio: Website
  • Beatrice V Neck by Holly Woodward: Ravelry
  • Beginner Cardi by Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby: Ravelry
  • Bifrost Top by Rebecca Velasquez: Designer Website
  • Bimini Tank Top by Journey Chanel Designs: Ravelry
  • Blackberry Sweater by Susanna Biaye: Ravelry
  • Black Out by Knits & Knots: Ravelry // Designer Website
  • Boat Neck Pullover by Patons: Ravelry
  • Bobble Stitch Raglan Cardigan by Joy of Motion Crochet: Ravelry // Designer Website
  • The Bonfire Beach Hoodie by Rachel Misner: Ravelry // Designer Website
  • The Boxed Baubles Cardigan by I Need It Crochet: Ravelry
  • Branch Out Raglan by Fiber & Fox: Ravelry
  • Break Free Tee by Sarah LarRieu: Ravelry
  • Bubblegum Tee by Designs by Tee: Ravelry
  • C2C Cardigan by Donna Bondy: Website
  • Callander Cardigan by Joanne Scrace: Ravelry
  • Cap It Off Topper by Bernat Design Studio: Ravelry
  • Captiva Crop by Laura Murphy: Ravelry
  • Cara Sweater by Wool Cuddles: Ravelry
  • Catacomb Crop by Master Yarnsmith: Ravelry
  • Cedarbrook Sweater by Mollie Conrade: Ravelry // Etsy
  • Celeste Cardigan by LeRoo Crochet: Ravelry
  • Chasing Summer by Knits and Knots: Ravelry // Designer Website
  • Chevie Sweater by Courtney A. Clark: Ravelry // Designer Website
  • Cirrus Open Shoulder Tee by Kristina Smiley: Website
  • Classic Raglan Cardigan by Joy of Motion Crochet: Ravelry
  • Coco Boxy Sweater by Cecilia Losada: Ravelry
  • Coffee Shop Cardigan by LeRoo Crochet: Ravelry
  • Cold Snap Cardigan by Joanne Scrace: Ravelry
  • Comfy Cozy Cardigan by Yay for Yarn: Ravelry // YouTube
  • Coppertone Top by Abbeymade: Ravelry
  • Cosgrove Crop by Louisa Sheward: Ravelry
  • Cowl Neck Tee by Yay for Yarn: Designer Website
  • Crimson Hooded Cardigan by Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby: Ravelry
  • Cropped Hoodie by LeRoo Crochet: Ravelry
  • Cupcake Tee by Tamara Kelly: Ravelry
  • Danica Pullover by Courtney A. Clark: Ravelry
  • Dapper Dad Pullover by Sentry Box Designs: Ravelry
  • Dark Princess Skirt by Red and the Wolf Designs: Ravelry
  • Darya Tunic by Sarah LarRieu: Ravelry
  • Daylily Tank by LeRoo Crochet: Ravelry
  • Dayracer Tank by KayKrochets: Ravelry
  • Deep Sea Top by Rachy Newin: Ravelry
  • Desert Stroll by Knits and Knots: Ravelry // Designer Website
  • Dots and Dashes Bolero/Shrug by Cindy Coleman: Ravelry
  • Double Espresso Duster Cardigan by Sentry Box Designs: Ravelry
  • Dreamscape Tee by By Katerina: Ravelry
  • Easy Cold Shoulder V-Neck Top by Tamara Kelly: Website
  • Easy Summer Tee by Yay for Yarns: Ravelry // Designer Website
  • Elara Pullover by Whitney Hayward: Ravelry
  • Elizabeth Cardigan by Ashlea Konecny: Ravelry
  • Erwarton Cardigan by Joanne Scrace: Ravelry
  • Ettingsmoor Sweater by Joanne Scrace: Ravelry
  • Eva Cardigan by Rebecca Langford: Ravelry
  • Everyday Lace Tee by Sentry Box Designs: Ravelry
  • Fairy Wing Cardigan (Adult) by Journey Chanel Designs: Ravelry // Etsy
  • Feather Storm Coat by Krazy Kabbage: Ravelry
  • Feisty Fade Cardigan by Mollie Conrad: Ravelry // Etsy
  • Fenix by Nomad Stitches: Ravelry
  • Festival Crop Top by Christina Carpino: Ravelry
  • Follow You Sweater by KayKrochets: Ravelry
  • Fons Dress by Joy of Motion Crochet: Ravelry
  • Freston Vest by Joanne Scrace: Ravelry
  • Funfetti Frills Sarah LarRieu: Ravelry
  • Garden Cardi by The Stitch & Hook: Ravelry
  • Gertie Cardigan by Holly Woodward: Ravelry
  • Gigi Cardigan by Holly Woodward: Ravelry
  • Gigi Jumper by Holly Woodward: Ravelry
  • Gilmore Bralette by Knits and Knots: Ravelry
  • Goldstone Bralette by Knits and Knots: Ravelry
  • Gracie Jumper by Holly Woodward: Ravelry
  • Granite Yoke Tee by Knits and Knots: Ravelry
  • Hanabira by Eline Alcocer: Ravelry
  • Hannover by Anya Koleva: Ravelry
  • Hattie Tee by Holly Woodward: Ravelry
  • The Haven Cardi by Cactus and Lace Designs: Ravelry
  • Hello Yellow Crochet Top by Yarnspirations Design Studio: Website
  • Hilo Swell Tank by jellyKNITTING: Ravelry
  • The Home Town Cardi by Meghan Ballmer: Ravelry // Designer Website
  • Huldra Sweater by Tatsiana Kupryianchyk: Ravelry
  • Icing on the Crop Top by Inchworm Crafts: Payhip
  • ilo. Cardigan by Eline Alcocer: Ravelry
  • Intertwine Pullover by Yay for Yarn: Designer Website // YouTube // Lovecrafts
  • Jasmine Pants by Courtney A. Clark: Ravelry
  • Jubilee by Persephonaliac: Ravelry
  • Just Peachy Tank by April Gopwani: Website
  • Kiss My Shorty Shorts by Inchworm Crafts: Payhip
  • Lacy Days Coverup by Sentry Box Designs: Ravelry
  • The Laurel Tee by Alyssa Saccomanno: Ravelry
  • Lemon Sweater DayL by Paula Premazzi: Ravelry
  • Lemon Squeezy Pullover by Ashlea Konecny: Ravelry // Designer Website
  • Light Layers Tank by Patons: Website
  • Limeston Cardigan by Emily Marie Davies: Ravelry
  • Linden Cardigan by Knits and Knots: Ravelry
  • Lindridge Sweater by Kat Goldin: Ravelry
  • Making Waves Waistcoat by Creations by Courtney: Ravelry
  • The Malloy Cardi by Meghan Ballmer: Ravelry // Designer Website
  • Maple Woods Cardi by Emily Marie Davies: Ravelry
  • Mauve-A-Lous Duster by Sentry Box Designs: Ravelry
  • Mercantile Cardigan by Jess Coppom: Designer Website
  • Midnight Horizons Raglan by Stephanie Erin: Ravelry
  • Millie Melody Pullover by Lee Sartori: Ravelry
  • Morse Code by Joanne Scrace: Ravelry
  • Neapolitan Twist Top by Karina Agustina: Ravelry
  • Nebula Cami by Tigers Eye Handmade: Ravelry
  • Oberon by Joanne Scrace: Ravelry
  • Ocean Dive Tee by LeRoo Crochet: Ravelry
  • Ocean Pullover by Tigers Eye Handmade: Ravelry
  • Olivia Cardigan DK by Brianna Iaropoli: Designer Website
  • Once Upon a Dream Dress by Stephanie Erin: Ravelry
  • Openwork Top by Patons: Website
  • Oversized V Neck Sweater by Carrie M Chambers: Ravelry
  • Peachy by Elena Fedotova: Ravelry
  • The Penny Pullover by Eva Pack: Ravelry
  • Pick and Mix Cardigan by Joanne Scrace: Ravelry
  • Pick and Mix Sweater by Joanne Scarce: Ravelry
  • Pink Sunset Adult Blouse by Kaila Osborn: Ravelry // Etsy
  • Pixie Dust Tee by Lorene Haythorn Eppolite- Cre8tion Crochet: Ravelry
  • Plus Size Autumn Garden Tank by Abigail Haze: Ravelry
  • Polly Cardigan by Courtney A. Clark: Ravelry
  • Poncho Vest by Wilma Westenberg: Ravelry // Designer Website
  • Possible Pullover by LeRoo Crochet: Ravelry
  • Pretty in PANK! by Stephanie Erin: Ravelry
  • Pretty Stitch Top by Rose Obom: Designer Website // Lovecrafts // Etsy
  • The Ranie Sweater by Meghan Ballmer: Ravelry // Designer Website
  • Retro Cropped Cardi by Tamara Kelly: Website
  • Ronnie Vest by Emily Marie Davies: Ravelry
  • Rosea Cardigan by Joy of Motion Crochet: Ravelry // Designer Website
  • Rosebud Raglan by Knits and Knots: Ravelry
  • Rosewood Cardigan by Stephanie Jessica Lau: Ravelry // Designer Website
  • Rhythm Tank by Tigers Eye Handmade: Ravelry
  • Rustic Ridges Sweater by Wool Cuddles: Ravelry
  • Sabrina Pullover by Journey Chanel Designs: Ravelry
  • Saturday Sweater by Tamara Kelly: Ravelry
  • Sawgrass Sweater by Sarah Watson: Ravelry
  • Scalloped Top by Lorna Miser: Website
  • Scoop Neck Vest by Gu’Chet: Ravelry
  • Seafoam Cardigan by Yay for Yarn: Ravelry // Designer Website
  • Seashore Tank by Knits and Knots: Ravelry
  • She Sells Sea Shells Top by E’Claire Makery: Ravelry
  • Shepherd’s Purse Tee by Joanne Scrace: Ravelry
  • Simple Crochet Tank Top by Bernat Design Studio: Website
  • Simplicity Pullover by Eva Pack: Ravelry
  • Somerville by Berroco Design Team: Designer Website
  • Spirogyra Tank by jellyKNITTING: Ravelry
  • Split Back Cardi by Lee Sartori: Ravelry
  • Spring Fling Tank by Knit a Bit, Crochet Away: Designer Website
  • The Starling Cardigan by Hailey Bailey: Ravelry // Etsy
  • Suavest Ease Hooked by Michelle Stead: Ravelry
  • Summer Breeze Top by Yarnspirations Design Studio: Website
  • Summer Crop Top by Carrie M. Chambers: Designer Website
  • Summer’s End Cardigan by Crystal Marin: Ravelry
  • Sunny Days Beach Cover Up by Jennifer Middleton: Ravelry
  • Sunset Sweater by Crystal Marin: Ravelry
  • Surprise Sweater by Rebecca Velasquez: Designer Website
  • The Tammy Sweater by The Secret Yarnery: Designer Website
  • Tarmac Tee by Connie Lee Lynch: Ravelry
  • Tattingstone Sweater by Joanne Scrace: Ravelry
  • Teme Cardigan by Joanne Scrace: Ravelry
  • Teotihuacan Top by Nomad Stitches: Ravelry
  • The Tern Tunic Dress by Hailey Bailey: Ravelry
  • Tessellated Cardi by Abbeymade: Ravelry
  • Thia Tunic by LeRoo Crochet: Ravelry
  • Touch of Merino by Wilma Westenberg: Ravelry // Designer Website
  • Tranquil Waves Crop Top by Sarah LarRieu: Ravelry
  • Tridacna Tee by jellyKNITTING: Ravelry
  • Triple Cross Vest by I Need It Crochet: Ravelry
  • TTK Crop Top by Sarah LarRieu: Ravelry
  • Two Circles Top by Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby: Ravelry
  • Two Row Tee by Joanne Scrace: Ravelry
  • Ulothrix Tank by jellyKNITTING: Ravelry
  • Urban Chic Cardi by Designs by Key: Ravelry
  • Vantis Peplum by Mollie Conrad: Ravelry // Etsy
  • Velvet Crop Top by Wilma Westenberg: Ravelry // Designer Website
  • Ventura Swing Tank by Stacey Tallman: Ravelry
  • Watson Waffle Cardigan by Lakeside Loops: Ravelry // Etsy
  • Wheat Petals Cardigan by Wool Cuddles: Ravelry
  • Wild Heart Top by Jennifer Xerri: Ravelry
  • Willow Pullover by Deni Sharpe: Ravelry
  • The Windfall Cardigan by Rachel Misner: Ravelry // Designer Website
  • Winter Belle Sweater by Tigers Eye Handmade: Ravelry
  • Winter Berries Cardigan by Svetlana Avrakh: Website
  • Wrap Sweater by Lyndsey Hanie: Designer Website
  • Wrapture Top by Pony McTate: Ravelry

#miimal2021

It’s time for Promised Fibers’ annual make-along! The Make It Inclusive Make-Along is meant to highlight those patterns that are size inclusive and/or designed by a POC. #miimal2021 will run from June 1 to June 30 to celebrate Promised Fibers turning 2 in June! There will be prizes!

Read on for participation guidelines and prize descriptions.

Participation Guidelines

Anyone can participate in #miimal2021. However, if you want to be eligible for prizes, please adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Work on a size inclusive patter and/or a pattern designed by a POC. The pattern can be knit, crochet, or sewing. [Minimum available sizing of 60″ bust/60″ hip after accounting for ease]. Please, try to choose a designer whose actions align with Promised Fibers’ values!
  • Post your wip to Instagram with the hashtag #miimal2021 and tag @promsied.fibers. Include the designer and name of the pattern you’re working on. There’s no need to make more than one wip post, but you can if you want!
  • Make sure you’re following @promised.fibers on Instagram!

There will be prizes for knitters, crocheters, and sewers. Prizes will be announced weekly on Instagram. If you are a business and would like to donate a prize, please reach out via the Contact Us page!

Resources to Make Patterns Accessible

With the lack of accessibility efforts shown by Ravelry recently, the call for accessibility in the fiber arts community as a whole have grown. One aspect of the community that needs accessibility considerations is patterns. This list only includes free resources (for crochet, knitting, and sewing) because it is recognized that everyone may not have the funds to access paid options. Also, many of the options below mention Excel and people may not be able to afford that software. Some free Excel alternatives are Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel Online, Apache Open Office, and WPS Office Spreadsheets.

There are resources for both designers and crafters, but the resources could be interchangeable depending on individual needs. Accessibility is not one size fits all. Do what is best for you and your audience and be open to feedback!

Designer Resources

Crafter Resources

  • Contrado – A blog post explaining essential sewing vocabulary.
  • Crochet Guru – A site with tutorials on different crochet stitches.
  • Knitting Stitch Patterns – A site with tutorials on different knit stitches.
  • Local Library – Your local library may have fiber arts materials to lend out. They may also have a knitting group with people who may be willing to help you learn new skills. And of course, they have books! Books can offer you insight on different stitches and techniques.
  • Made to Sew – A YouTube channel with machine sewing tutorials.
  • Promised Fibers – Apply for a fiber artist mini-grant to assist with purchasing project materials. Use this Affordable Fiber Arts Patterns & Supplies blog post to help you find patterns and supplies that meet your budget.
  • YarnSub – Allows you to search for yarn substitutions based on different yarn characteristics or brands. Also has articles about choosing yarns and making swatches.

Ravelry Alternatives

In light of Ravelry’s lack of commitment to accessibility, many designers have chosen to leave the platform or to offer their patterns in another location in addition to Ravelry. Some people stated that having those alternatives listed in one place on the blog would be helpful to them. This list is not all of the options available to you for knit and crochet patterns. Also, please understand that some designers are unable to leave Ravelry. This post will be sorted into the following categories: Individual Designers; Other Pattern Hosting Platforms; and Apps/Extensions for Ravelry. None of the links below go the Ravelry itself.

If you would like to add anything to this list or notice anything problematic with something on this page, please reach out using the Contact Us page.

Individual Designers

Other Pattern Hosting Platforms

  • Etsy – Etsy is an online marketplace. It charges listing fees, transaction fees, and some ads fees. Etsy sellers have had issues with the website and its shipping fees and ad fees.
  • Fiber.Club – Fiber.Club is an in progress platform created by @lizamakesthings on Instagram. Follow @fiber.club on Instagram for updates on the platform.
  • LoveCrafts – LoveCrafts is an online platform for selling patterns. They handle VAT and customer queries for designers.
  • Payhip – Payhip is a platform to sell digital downloads. They have a free option with a 5% transaction fee.
  • Threadfolio – Threadfolio is a new, work-in-progress platform for digital copies of patterns. Currently, there are no fees for posting patterns and patterns posted are free. As the site grows, there will be small transaction fees to the designers for paid patterns. @chain.two.crochet/@threadfolio on Instagram will post updates on the site.

Apps/Extensions for Ravelry

  • If you choose to leave Ravelry, you can download all of your pattern .pdfs. The link goes to a YouTube video where the speaker is using the old Ravelry.
  • Alpaca – Alpaca is an iPhone app that can give you access to your Ravelry patterns, project pages, and Ravelry search without needing to be on Ravelry. You will likely need to get through the Ravelry login screen to connect the two.
  • Browser Extension – @evanitaewm on Instagram has created a browser extension that when installed shows Ravelry to users in more subtle colors.
  • knitCompanion – knitCompanion is an iPhone and Android app that makes .pdf patterns interactive. You can link it to Ravelry and also upload .pdf patterns from anywhere. This app has a free and a paid version.
  • Ravit – Ravit is an iPhone app that can give you access to your Ravelry patterns without needing to be on Ravelry. It is $4.99 in the App Store. You will likely need to get through the Ravelry login screen to connect the two.

Promised Fibers Turned 1!

Happy birthday to us!

Firstly, thank you! Thank you to everyone that has donated to and supported Promised Fibers. Thank you to those who have participated in #miimal2020. Thank you to everyone who puts in the work to make the fiber arts community inclusive and accessible. A special thank you to Lisa, Ashley, and Jen for serving on the mini-grant committee and to Morgan (@knitcraftandknittery) and Rin (@modusoperandifibers) for their input and support from the beginning. I am so grateful for it all.

Second, I wanted to check in regarding the goals I made for Promised Fibers for 2020 (which you can read in the Reflecting on 2019 blog post). Our number of monthly donors has gone up and I hope that number will continue to grow so that mini-grants can continue to be provided. I have not written any educational posts this year, but this year has been a doozy. So much has happened in society this year, that my focus has been helpful. We’ll see what the rest of the year holds for this blog space. The connections between Promised Fibers and other people/businesses in the fiber arts has definitely grown. There were scholarships for fiber arts conferences and retreats in the works, but coronavirus has postponed those plans. I hope that in 2021 I will be able to show you all more of those connections.

And finally, business. Promised Fibers will have less of an Instagram presence in July. The mini-grants will still be available this month, there will just be less posting. I need the time to spend with family, work on my dissertation, and figure out the tax paperwork for the state of Pennsylvania (there are so many forms). If you need to get in touch this month, I’ll be available via email.

-Meesha

#miimal2020

Promised Fibers is hosting a make-along! The Make It Inclusive Make-Along is meant to highlight those designs that are size inclusive and/or POC designed, and that we all want to wear! #miimal2020 will run from June 1 – July 1 to celebrate Promised Fibers turning 1 in June! There will be prizes! Read on for participation guidelines and prize descriptions.

Participation Guidelines

Anyone can participate in #miimal2020. However, if you want to be eligible for prizes, please adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Work on a size inclusive and/or POC designed knit, crochet, or sew pattern. [Minimum of 60″ bust size and minimum of 60″ hip size available for your chosen pattern].
  • Post your wip to Instagram with the hashtag, #miimal2020, and tag @promised.fibers. Include the name of the pattern you’re working on in the caption.
  • Make sure you’re following @promised.fibers on Instagram!
  • There’s no need to make more than one wip post, but you can if you want!

Prizes

There will be prizes for knitters, crocheters, and sewers. This list will be updated as more prizes are added. If you are a business and would like to donate a prize, please reach out via the Contact Us page! If there is a particular prize you’d like to be considered for, then please mention that in your #miimal2020 post.

  • Modus Operandi Fibers yarn
  • Modus Operandi DIRT + DYE Seedlings membership
  • Snickerdoodleknits Shawl pattern
  • Red and The Wolf pattern
  • EWE Fibers gift card (anonymously donated)
  • Bee Kind Yarn – 2 skeins of choice

Changes for 2020 and Beyond

In my quest to expand Promised Fibers’ reach, I began looking into the rules for raffles in the state of Pennsylvania. According to their definitions for games of small chance, the way the mini-grants were done previously were too similar for own comfort. So before trouble has the chance to blossom, I’m going to avoid it by changing the mini-grant regulations to clearly differentiate them from the raffles we hope to do in the future.

Mini-grant recipients (fiber artist, small business, & specialty) will be chosen by the Promised Fibers Mini-Grant Committee – more on that near the end of this post. The applications will be changed to include the following:

  • Mini-grant recipients will be referred to only as recipients and not “winners”.
  • The description at the top of application will now include: “Applicants do not have to make a donation to Promised Fibers.” [This was always the case, I just wanted to make it explicit]
  • The acknowledgment section will now include: “I understand that mini-grants will be awarded on the basis of need and furthering the goals for inclusivity. Applications will be reviewed by the Promised Fibers Mini-Grant Committee made up of volunteers and the Promised Fibers director. Volunteers will NOT have access to the names or contact information of the applicants. Projects will not be funded if they intend to infringe on the copyright or trademarks of another person or company.”
  • Fiber Artists Applications will include this question: “I identify as…” with checkboxes for BIPOC, disabled, low socioeconomic status, LGBTQ, Other.
  • Small Business Applications will include this question: “My business is committed to inclusivity and/or diversity by…..”

The Promised Fibers Mini-Grant Committee does not exist yet, but it will be a group of unpaid volunteers who with me to review the submitted applications to decide on the monthly recipients. It will be a once a month commitment that they can leave at any time. Committee members will be emailed a spreadsheet of the application responses MINUS identifiable information and asked to discuss/vote. The voting process is not decided yet and will depend on the needs and ideas of the chosen committee members.

If the committee is something that you are interested in participating in, please apply!

Reflecting on 2019

These 7 months have flown by! Promised Fibers, Inc. was started this June with the help of the fiber arts community. In that time we have:

  • Created a list of accessible/affordable fiber arts patterns and supplies
  • Created a list of size inclusive fiber arts patterns
  • Raised over $3000 to help with non-profit fees and mini-grants
  • Provided 18 mini-grants
  • Made connections with businesses to begin offering sponsored grants

This means so much to me and to this community. I am glad that I took the leap of faith to start this non-profit and I look forward to expanding Promised Fibers’ reach to help more people in this community.

Some goals for next year:

  • Increase our donations/income to continue our work and provide more mini-grants
  • Write at least 4 educational posts related to the fiber arts
  • Increase our connections with people and businesses in the fiber arts community

Thank you for a great 2019! Best wishes for a healthy and prosperous 2020!

-Meesha

Designers with Patterns Graded to 60″/152 cm Chest/Bust/Hip

Being inclusive is a key value to Promised Fibers. Patterns with extensive sizing should not be hard to come by and one day we hope they won’t be. This list is divided in crochet, knit, and sew pattern designers. Designers included have a majority (or all) of their patterns written up to at least 60″ chest/bust or hip measurement (size 5X according to the Craft Yarn Council’s measurements). Designers were only included if their pattern pages have the measurements noted specifically and not just letters (i.e. XL) or numbers (i.e. 9). Based on the information listed on pattern pages, it is assumed that these designers are size inclusive AFTER accounting for ease of the garment. If you experience trouble with the links on this page or notice any errors, please reach out to Promised Fibers using the contact form on the home page.

Sewing Pattern Designers

  • Blueprints for Sewing: Blueprints for Sewing offers two options for chest/bust size in their patterns depending on your measurements. Patterns go up to a 60″ chest/bust and a 61″ hip.
  • Cashmerette: Cashmerette has patterns up to a 62″ chest/bust and a 62″ hip.
  • Friday Pattern Company: Friday Pattern Company has patterns up to a 60″ chest/bust and a 63″ hip.
  • Itch to Stitch: Itch to Stitch has patterns up to a 63″ chest/bust and a 62″ hip.
  • Muna and Broad: Muna and Broad has patterns up to a 64″ chest/bust and a 71.5″ hip. Their website states: “if our size chart is too small to include you, we will grade our patterns up to your size at no additional cost.”
  • Patterns for Pirates: Patterns for Pirates offers patterns up to a 60″ chest/bust and a 64″ hip.
  • Stitch Upon A Time: Stitch Upon A Time has patterns up to a 60″ chest/bust in patterns they designate as Men’s.

Crochet Pattern Designers

  • By Stephanie Erin Designs: Some of Stephanie’s patterns go up to a 62″ chest/bust.
  • Counting Crafty Sheep: Counting Crafty Sheep currently only has one pattern that fits the requirements of this list – The Melanie Tee written with up to a 62″ chest/bust.
  • Cre8tion Crochet: Cre8tion Crochet offers patterns up to a 62″ chest/bust.
  • DeniMade: DeniMade offers patterns up to a 62″ chest/bust.
  • For the Frills: Link is to their ravelry page. For the Frills offers patterns up to a 62″ chest/bust. All of the patterns are free. Specific measurements are found on their website which is linked on each pattern page.
  • Joanne Scrace: Joanne Scrace offers patterns up to a 62″ chest/bust.
  • Knits N Knots: Knits N Knots offers patterns up to a 62″ chest/bust.
  • Rachel Choi: Rachel Choi offers patterns up to a 62″ chest/bust.
  • Raeli Masina: Raeli Masina currently has a top and a sweater pattern up to a 60″ chest/bust.
  • Rebecca Velasquez: Rebecca Velasquez offers patterns up to a 60″ chest/bust/hip after ease. Many of the top patterns offer a finished hip measurement but no bust measurement.
  • White Owl Crochet Co: White Owl Crochet Co. offers crochet sweater patterns up to a 60″ chest/bust.

Knitting Pattern Designers

  • Ambah O’Brien: Ambah offers patterns up to a 60″ chest/bust.
  • An Caitin Beag: An Caitin Beag offers patterns up to a 64″ chest/bust.
  • Anne Hanson: Anne Hanson offers patterns up to a 62″ chest/bust after accounting for ease.
  • Aroha Knits: Aroha Knits offers several patterns in 60″+ chest/bust.
  • Baby Cocktails: Baby Cocktails offers patterns up to a 62″ chest/bust. Link is to their website; they can be found on Ravelry as well.
  • BiggerThanLife Knits: BiggerThanLife Knits offers patterns up to a 62″ chest/bust.
  • Born & Raised Knits: Born & Raised Knits offers patterns up to a 62″ chest/bust.
  • Boyland Knitworks: Boyland Knitworks offers patterns up to a 56″ chest/bust after accounting for ease.
  • Carolyn Day Designs: Carolyn Day Designs offers patterns up to a 62″ chest/bust.
  • Dragon Hoard Designs: Dragon Hoard Designs offers patterns up to a 60″ chest/bust after accounting for ease.
  • Drea Renee Knits: Drea Renee Knits offers patterns up to a 62″ chest/bust after accounting for ease.
  • Hannah Fettig: Hannah Fettig offers patterns up to a 62″ chest/bust.
  • Ivy and Autumn: Ivy and Autumn offers patterns up to 66″ chest/bust.
  • Jacqueline Cieslak: Jacqueline Cieslak has patterns up to a 72″ chest/bust.
  • JellyKnitting: JellyKnitting offers patterns up to a 62″ chest/bust.
  • Jessie Maed Designs: All Jessie Maed Designs are offered up to a 62″ chest/bust.
  • JP Knits Things: JP Knits Things has patterns up to a 68″ chest/bust.
  • Just Run Knit Designs: Just Run Knit Designs offers patterns up to a 68″ chest/bust after accounting for ease.
  • Kniterator: Kniterator offers the opportunity for knitters to generate a raglan sweater pattern customized to their measurements.
  • The Knitted Dingo: The Knitted Dingo offers patterns up to a 62″ chest/bust.
  • Knitosophy: Knitosophy offers patterns up to a 63″ chest/bust.
  • Knitting Expat Designs: Knitting Expat Designs has sweater patterns up to a 60″ chest/bust.
  • Park & Knit: Park & Knit offers patterns up to a 62″ chest/bust.
  • The Petite Knitter: The Petite Knitter offers patterns up to a 62″ chest/bust.
  • Pip & Pin: Pip & Pin offers patterns up to a 64″ chest/bust after accounting for ease.
  • Ponder and Ply: Ponder and Ply offers patterns up to a 62″ chest/bust.
  • Shay Johnson: Shay Johnson offers patterns up to a 66″ chest/bust.
  • Skeinanigans: Skeinanigans offers sweater patterns up to a 72″ chest/bust.
  • Skeindeer Knits: Skeindeer Knits offers patterns up to a 62″ chest/bust.
  • Softsweater Knits: Softsweater Knits offers patterns up to a 64″ chest/bust.
  • Summer Lee: Summer Lee offers patterns up to a 64″ chest/bust after accounting for ease.
  • Swanky Emu Knits: Swanky Emu Knits offers customizable patterns to fit you perfectly.
  • Tanis Fiber Arts: Tanis Fiber Arts offers patterns up to a 62″ chest/bust.
  • Tellybean Knits: Tellybean Knits offers patterns up to a 60″ chest/bust after accounting for ease.
  • Truly Hooked: Truly Hooked offers patterns up to a 62″ chest/bust.
  • Woodhouse Knits: Woodhouse Knits offers sweater patterns up to a 60″ chest/bust.
  • Ysolda: Ysolda offers patterns up to a 60″ chest/bust.