FAQs
Convention schedule edited 9/13/21
Convention schedule edited 9/13/21
How long have you been knitting? Cosplaying? How did you get into Commissioning?
It's been a bit of a journey. I taught myself how to knit and crochet in college through various books juuuust before the launch of Youtube. Cosplaying has been a hobby that I jump in and out of. These days I tend to participate more with groups rather than dress for myself. But I have been a part of the convention scene since 2003.
I started doing commissions in 2013. I was taken by a distinctive cat sweater worn by a character in Homestuck and thought "I could make that!" So I did, and I posted it online...and then people started asking if I did commissions. Thus Plays With String was born.
"Ah!" you might say. "But people haven't seen or heard anything from you since 2015!"
That is true! At some point I realized I needed to step away to focus on my health and family. To continue accepting work in that stage of life would have been grossly irresponsible. I felt that if there was a real chance I could not deliver your commission on time, the most responsible option would be to not take the job at all. But as of the fall of 2021, I am back in! I'm in a different phase of life and I am ready to jump back into these waters!
I started doing commissions in 2013. I was taken by a distinctive cat sweater worn by a character in Homestuck and thought "I could make that!" So I did, and I posted it online...and then people started asking if I did commissions. Thus Plays With String was born.
"Ah!" you might say. "But people haven't seen or heard anything from you since 2015!"
That is true! At some point I realized I needed to step away to focus on my health and family. To continue accepting work in that stage of life would have been grossly irresponsible. I felt that if there was a real chance I could not deliver your commission on time, the most responsible option would be to not take the job at all. But as of the fall of 2021, I am back in! I'm in a different phase of life and I am ready to jump back into these waters!
Do you sell patterns?
I've thought about it, and I honestly would love to, but the answer is currently no.
My sweater patterns are more of a visual schematic with a separate gridded image mathematically worked in. I haven't figured out how to best write a pattern and make it easy to understand for a variety of sizes. Plus the majority of my sweaters are machine knitted, which is at a different gauge than most hand knitters.
My sweater patterns are more of a visual schematic with a separate gridded image mathematically worked in. I haven't figured out how to best write a pattern and make it easy to understand for a variety of sizes. Plus the majority of my sweaters are machine knitted, which is at a different gauge than most hand knitters.
How long does it take for you to make something? Do you Work "First Come First Served"?
When budgeting for time, we're looking at 1-2 weeks to work out the details and order the materials if necessary, 2-4 weeks to actually produce the item, and 2-3 weeks to make sure it gets to you safe and sound. So about 2 months from initial inquiry.
Historically, work has been slow enough that I can work on a "first come first served" basis most of the time. But I ultimately plan out my schedule by the due dates. This way I don't have to refuse a sudden Christmas gift because I'm working on something due in June. However, this can lead to your actual completion date (not your deadline!) being in a state of flux. During the holidays, I might not be able to start the project for a few weeks. A rush job with a faster deadline may interrupt the project and delay shipping. But no matter what happens in between, I will always plan to have it done 3 weeks before your deadline.
Remember you deadline doesn't have to be the same time as your con. You are welcome to set a deadline months before the day you plan to wear it. I don't need to know what the commission is for. Just when you would like to have it by.
Historically, work has been slow enough that I can work on a "first come first served" basis most of the time. But I ultimately plan out my schedule by the due dates. This way I don't have to refuse a sudden Christmas gift because I'm working on something due in June. However, this can lead to your actual completion date (not your deadline!) being in a state of flux. During the holidays, I might not be able to start the project for a few weeks. A rush job with a faster deadline may interrupt the project and delay shipping. But no matter what happens in between, I will always plan to have it done 3 weeks before your deadline.
Remember you deadline doesn't have to be the same time as your con. You are welcome to set a deadline months before the day you plan to wear it. I don't need to know what the commission is for. Just when you would like to have it by.
How can I contact you?
Email is best. Though I regularly check into Facebook, Instagram, and DeviantArt. If you already have an idea and your measurements, there is a google form under "Contact Me".
What do you need from me before you start?
1. Reference materials. Be as specific as possible. No detail is too minor to point out.
2. A date when the commission must be in your hands. This is your deadline.
3. Allergies? Vegan? Most of the time I work with acrylic that I trust to hold up well. If you have a preference for wool or cotton, please let me know (However these fibers will require more care when washing the garment). In certain situations I will advise alternative fibers if it is more appropriate for the garment.
4. Your measurements. I must calculate an accurate pattern in order to provide a quote. Words such as "Medium" or number sizes (8, 10, 16, 22W, etc.) will not work. I will not be able to give a quote without a measurement in inches/cm. Most work just need a simple chest/waist/hips measurement.
If you are just curious and looking for a ballpark figure, a size is acceptable as long as you also provide the brand you are basing this off. But the actual cost of the item may change once a yarn is picked and actual measurements are taken. Please also take the time to mention any physical characteristics that make shopping for brand name clothes an annoyance. This is custom to you! It's not a problem to make an A-line sweater or extra long sleeves or whatever will make it a better fit.
You can use this site as a guideline on how and where to measure.
http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/sizing.html
For everything else I’ll specify over e-mail.
5.) A signed contract with photo ID. All agreements must be signed by a legal adult. Clients that have not yet reached legal adulthood must have a parent, or legal guardian, commission the item instead.
2. A date when the commission must be in your hands. This is your deadline.
3. Allergies? Vegan? Most of the time I work with acrylic that I trust to hold up well. If you have a preference for wool or cotton, please let me know (However these fibers will require more care when washing the garment). In certain situations I will advise alternative fibers if it is more appropriate for the garment.
4. Your measurements. I must calculate an accurate pattern in order to provide a quote. Words such as "Medium" or number sizes (8, 10, 16, 22W, etc.) will not work. I will not be able to give a quote without a measurement in inches/cm. Most work just need a simple chest/waist/hips measurement.
If you are just curious and looking for a ballpark figure, a size is acceptable as long as you also provide the brand you are basing this off. But the actual cost of the item may change once a yarn is picked and actual measurements are taken. Please also take the time to mention any physical characteristics that make shopping for brand name clothes an annoyance. This is custom to you! It's not a problem to make an A-line sweater or extra long sleeves or whatever will make it a better fit.
You can use this site as a guideline on how and where to measure.
http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/sizing.html
For everything else I’ll specify over e-mail.
5.) A signed contract with photo ID. All agreements must be signed by a legal adult. Clients that have not yet reached legal adulthood must have a parent, or legal guardian, commission the item instead.
But how much will it cost?
The simple formula is supplies + labor + shipping.
The supplies cost will always be calculated at retail price. I cannot guarantee anything I need will be on sale at a given time. Nor can I ethically provide a discount based on the surplus of a previous commission. It's like another client is paying for your discount...it just doesn't seem right.
Sometimes I might have surplus yarn from my personal collection that I have no other use for and may give a discount on that.
If you see a great sale near you and want to ship the supplies to me you are more than welcome to do so!
Labor is calculated by the estimated yard and projected difficulty. I start at 20¢ a yard for basic machine knitted work and 30¢ a yard for basic hand knitted work. Adjustments will be made for complicated colorwork and textures (cable work is particularly labor intensive and slow at can cost up to 50¢ a yard). But most of my commissions so far would lie in the 20¢ a yard category.
Yardage will be calculated using the same tools I use to estimate supplies.
So let's look at this sample: The client measures at a 36 inch (90cm) bust and wants a certain pink, oversized, sweater with a turtleneck and the image of a shooting star with a rainbow tail on it inspired by the sweater worn by a certain character living in Oregon.
Supplies (This is the same yarn I used for the sweater in my portfolio)
3 balls of Pink @ $7 each
1 ball of Yellow @ $7 each
1 ball of Orange @ $7 each
1 ball of Mint @ $7 each
1 ball of Periwinkle @ $7 each
Supplies Total: $49
Labor
1040 yards @ $0.20 per yard
Labor Total: $208
Shipping
$15.50 for USPS medium flat rate box (assuming this is the cheaper option) shipped within the US.
Total: $272.50 for the entire commission.
The supplies cost will always be calculated at retail price. I cannot guarantee anything I need will be on sale at a given time. Nor can I ethically provide a discount based on the surplus of a previous commission. It's like another client is paying for your discount...it just doesn't seem right.
Sometimes I might have surplus yarn from my personal collection that I have no other use for and may give a discount on that.
If you see a great sale near you and want to ship the supplies to me you are more than welcome to do so!
Labor is calculated by the estimated yard and projected difficulty. I start at 20¢ a yard for basic machine knitted work and 30¢ a yard for basic hand knitted work. Adjustments will be made for complicated colorwork and textures (cable work is particularly labor intensive and slow at can cost up to 50¢ a yard). But most of my commissions so far would lie in the 20¢ a yard category.
Yardage will be calculated using the same tools I use to estimate supplies.
So let's look at this sample: The client measures at a 36 inch (90cm) bust and wants a certain pink, oversized, sweater with a turtleneck and the image of a shooting star with a rainbow tail on it inspired by the sweater worn by a certain character living in Oregon.
Supplies (This is the same yarn I used for the sweater in my portfolio)
3 balls of Pink @ $7 each
1 ball of Yellow @ $7 each
1 ball of Orange @ $7 each
1 ball of Mint @ $7 each
1 ball of Periwinkle @ $7 each
Supplies Total: $49
Labor
1040 yards @ $0.20 per yard
Labor Total: $208
Shipping
$15.50 for USPS medium flat rate box (assuming this is the cheaper option) shipped within the US.
Total: $272.50 for the entire commission.
Why is it so much!? I've commissioned tops before that don't even cost half that much!
Pricing for pieces can range wildly depending on the size and the thickness of the yarn used. Larger sizes and thinner yarns means more stitches have to be knitted. More stitches means more time to knit them all.
Knitting, even when done by machine, is a much slower process than machine sewing. While both involve connecting pieces of fabric together to make a garment, knitting involves the added work of actually creating the fabric out of a length of yarn. Imagine having to weave all your fabrics before you sew it.
My rates allow me to be compensated around $15 - $20 per hour. That's actually on the low end for a commissioner.
Knitting, even when done by machine, is a much slower process than machine sewing. While both involve connecting pieces of fabric together to make a garment, knitting involves the added work of actually creating the fabric out of a length of yarn. Imagine having to weave all your fabrics before you sew it.
My rates allow me to be compensated around $15 - $20 per hour. That's actually on the low end for a commissioner.
How does the timeline work?
Your commission will involve 4 key dates
Deadline 1.) The "Deadline". The day you want the commission in your hands. Do not list the day of your event as the In-Hand Deadline. This can be set months in advance if you like.
Deadline 2.) The Shipping Deadline. This is the day the item must ship to stand the best chance of arriving on time. This will automatically be 2 weeks (within the US) or 4 weeks (International) before the In-Hand Deadline.
Deadline 3.) The Payment Deadline. All payments must be completed 3 days before the Shipping Deadline. No package will ship before all payments are finished.
Deadline 4.) The Completion Deadline is when the commission is to be...completed. This will automatically be set at 1 week before the Shipping Deadline/3 weeks before the In-Hand Deadline.
So for example:
"I live in the US and I want it in my hands by October 31st, please."
Arrives by: October 31
Ships by: October 17
Is fully paid for by: October 14
Work is completed by: October 10
"I live outside the US and I want it in my hands by October 31st, please."
Arrives by: October 31
Ships by: October 3
Is fully paid for by: September 30
Work is completed by: September 26
All work with less than 8 weeks notice (10 weeks international) will be considered "rush" and is up to my discretion whether I can take the job.
Deadline 1.) The "Deadline". The day you want the commission in your hands. Do not list the day of your event as the In-Hand Deadline. This can be set months in advance if you like.
Deadline 2.) The Shipping Deadline. This is the day the item must ship to stand the best chance of arriving on time. This will automatically be 2 weeks (within the US) or 4 weeks (International) before the In-Hand Deadline.
Deadline 3.) The Payment Deadline. All payments must be completed 3 days before the Shipping Deadline. No package will ship before all payments are finished.
Deadline 4.) The Completion Deadline is when the commission is to be...completed. This will automatically be set at 1 week before the Shipping Deadline/3 weeks before the In-Hand Deadline.
So for example:
"I live in the US and I want it in my hands by October 31st, please."
Arrives by: October 31
Ships by: October 17
Is fully paid for by: October 14
Work is completed by: October 10
"I live outside the US and I want it in my hands by October 31st, please."
Arrives by: October 31
Ships by: October 3
Is fully paid for by: September 30
Work is completed by: September 26
All work with less than 8 weeks notice (10 weeks international) will be considered "rush" and is up to my discretion whether I can take the job.
How much is the deposit? Do you take Paypal? Square? Do you take payment plans?
The deposit is the cost of materials and 50% of the labor fee upfront before any work is started. This is a nonrefundable deposit, even if you decide to terminate the commission. This covers the time spent researching yarn and drafting the pattern as well as any initial knitting.
While the entire deposit must be paid upfront, the remaining labor may be paid in installments. We can negotiate these payments later.
I invoice my clients through Paypal, which doesn't require a Paypal account to use. If Paypal is not acceptable, I can take payments through Square as well.
While the entire deposit must be paid upfront, the remaining labor may be paid in installments. We can negotiate these payments later.
I invoice my clients through Paypal, which doesn't require a Paypal account to use. If Paypal is not acceptable, I can take payments through Square as well.
What about Shipping? Do you insure your packages?
I ship from New Jersey, USA using USPS. I ship items with tracking numbers by default. I also ship internationally unless you live in a country not covered by my insurance.
Once shipped most domestic orders take anywhere from 2 to 10 business days to arrive. Most international packages will arrive in 1-3 weeks, but can take longer if delayed passing through customs. You are responsible for any additional fees or taxes. No commission will be marked as a gift on a customs form.
Most shipping charges will be calculated by the weight of the package as it is almost always the cheaper option.
However the USPS also provides a flat rate option for Priority Mail, which can more economical as the shipping distance gets further away. I live on the east coast. Sometimes flat rate is the most economical way to ship to California. But whether it's flat rate or by weight, the cheaper option will always be selected.
The flat rates (as of 9/11/2011) for a single sweater are as follows:
$15.50 within the US
$54.65 - $89.85, depending on location, outside the US.
(ranges were based on shipping to Canada and Australia respectively)
For the sake of the the Client and the Artist, all packages will be insured by a 3rd party company. This will be paid for out of my pocket and is not factored into commission costs.
No commission will be shipped until it is paid in full. Commissions that remain unpaid 60 days after the In-Hand Date passes become my property to do as I wish, including selling them to another interested party.
Commissions can be washed before shipping if requested. Please tell me if you are allergic to any detergents.
Once shipped most domestic orders take anywhere from 2 to 10 business days to arrive. Most international packages will arrive in 1-3 weeks, but can take longer if delayed passing through customs. You are responsible for any additional fees or taxes. No commission will be marked as a gift on a customs form.
Most shipping charges will be calculated by the weight of the package as it is almost always the cheaper option.
However the USPS also provides a flat rate option for Priority Mail, which can more economical as the shipping distance gets further away. I live on the east coast. Sometimes flat rate is the most economical way to ship to California. But whether it's flat rate or by weight, the cheaper option will always be selected.
The flat rates (as of 9/11/2011) for a single sweater are as follows:
$15.50 within the US
$54.65 - $89.85, depending on location, outside the US.
(ranges were based on shipping to Canada and Australia respectively)
For the sake of the the Client and the Artist, all packages will be insured by a 3rd party company. This will be paid for out of my pocket and is not factored into commission costs.
No commission will be shipped until it is paid in full. Commissions that remain unpaid 60 days after the In-Hand Date passes become my property to do as I wish, including selling them to another interested party.
Commissions can be washed before shipping if requested. Please tell me if you are allergic to any detergents.
Do you have a refund policy?
I do not offer refunds...*
I take great pride in my work and I will not send you a garment that I would not wear myself. You will receive photos of the garment throughout the production process and as soon as it is finished. No commission will be sent without your approval.
No refunds will be given for improper fit due to inaccurate measurements or improper care of the garment. Due to the nature of knitting, I can do repairs but I cannot re-size a garment. It is imperative that you give me accurate measurements.
Commissions that remain unpaid 60 days after the arrival deadline become my property to do as I wish, including selling them to another interested party. No refunds to the original client will be given.
I do not offer discounts or refunds for the following:
- "Taking too long". If you have questions about where I'm at in the process, please ask. I've commissioned things too, I've even been scammed, and I understand that it can really be anxiety-inducing to wait and wait and wait. So please don't be afraid to ask for a quick status-report. But as long as all deadlines are met, it's not late and therefore not eligible for a refund/discount.
- Late packages caused by shipping delays on rush work (especially if express shipping options are refused). This is an additional risk you take on when time is short.
- Delays caused by harassment, ghosting, or late payments. Harassment is not simply asking for a progress report. Harassment is disruptive and you will receive a communication warning you that your commission will be terminated if it continues. It prevents work from getting done. As for ghosting, if I have questions that consistently go unanswered, I may take the "I will interpret a lack of response within the next 48 hours to mean _____" and act accordingly so that deadlines will be met.
*...But that doesn't mean I won't work make things right if honest mistakes are made.
I'm a one-person operation and anything ranging from personal injury to catastrophic loss could cause me to miss a deadline no matter how much I try.
If I terminate the commission, you will either
- receive a full and complete refund if you don't want the materials and work
- receive a pro-rated refund (up to 50% of the total labor) if you would like the work and materials shipped to you as-is.
I reserve the right to terminate the transaction at any time for any reason.
I take great pride in my work and I will not send you a garment that I would not wear myself. You will receive photos of the garment throughout the production process and as soon as it is finished. No commission will be sent without your approval.
No refunds will be given for improper fit due to inaccurate measurements or improper care of the garment. Due to the nature of knitting, I can do repairs but I cannot re-size a garment. It is imperative that you give me accurate measurements.
Commissions that remain unpaid 60 days after the arrival deadline become my property to do as I wish, including selling them to another interested party. No refunds to the original client will be given.
I do not offer discounts or refunds for the following:
- "Taking too long". If you have questions about where I'm at in the process, please ask. I've commissioned things too, I've even been scammed, and I understand that it can really be anxiety-inducing to wait and wait and wait. So please don't be afraid to ask for a quick status-report. But as long as all deadlines are met, it's not late and therefore not eligible for a refund/discount.
- Late packages caused by shipping delays on rush work (especially if express shipping options are refused). This is an additional risk you take on when time is short.
- Delays caused by harassment, ghosting, or late payments. Harassment is not simply asking for a progress report. Harassment is disruptive and you will receive a communication warning you that your commission will be terminated if it continues. It prevents work from getting done. As for ghosting, if I have questions that consistently go unanswered, I may take the "I will interpret a lack of response within the next 48 hours to mean _____" and act accordingly so that deadlines will be met.
*...But that doesn't mean I won't work make things right if honest mistakes are made.
I'm a one-person operation and anything ranging from personal injury to catastrophic loss could cause me to miss a deadline no matter how much I try.
If I terminate the commission, you will either
- receive a full and complete refund if you don't want the materials and work
- receive a pro-rated refund (up to 50% of the total labor) if you would like the work and materials shipped to you as-is.
I reserve the right to terminate the transaction at any time for any reason.
But what if it gets lost/stolen/damaged while in transit?
Missed deadlines cause by shipping stinks for all of us and I don't want either of us to lose a significant amount of money thanks to the mistake of the shipping machine. I order to make things right for both of us, we will need to work together.
Lost packages will be handled on a case by case basis. Without exception, I insure all packages with a 3rd-party company and everything is shipped with tracking numbers whenever possible. My insurance defines "lost" as >20 days for domestic shipments and >40 days for international. No refunds on lost packages will be given prior to this time. In order to qualify for a refund on a lost package, you must sign an affidavit stating it was never received so that I can file a claim.
If the package arrives late, but not "lost", you may keep the commission for a 30% refund on the labor OR send it back for a full refund. I will compensate you for shipping and insurance. The refund will be given once the package is back in my hands.
If a commission arrives damaged,
I can repair it (or remake it if needed) for free if time allows
OR
You can send it back to me for a full refund on supplies and labor.
To qualify for a refund or a remake I must be alerted to damaged commissions within 7 days of arrival. Please provide a photo of the damage for insurance purposes and so I can asses whether or not it is fixable. I will compensate you for all shipping charges in both cases. We will need to work together to file a claim with the insurance company.
Lost and damaged packages stink for both buyer and seller. Let's work together so that everyone gets what they are owed.
Lost packages will be handled on a case by case basis. Without exception, I insure all packages with a 3rd-party company and everything is shipped with tracking numbers whenever possible. My insurance defines "lost" as >20 days for domestic shipments and >40 days for international. No refunds on lost packages will be given prior to this time. In order to qualify for a refund on a lost package, you must sign an affidavit stating it was never received so that I can file a claim.
If the package arrives late, but not "lost", you may keep the commission for a 30% refund on the labor OR send it back for a full refund. I will compensate you for shipping and insurance. The refund will be given once the package is back in my hands.
If a commission arrives damaged,
I can repair it (or remake it if needed) for free if time allows
OR
You can send it back to me for a full refund on supplies and labor.
To qualify for a refund or a remake I must be alerted to damaged commissions within 7 days of arrival. Please provide a photo of the damage for insurance purposes and so I can asses whether or not it is fixable. I will compensate you for all shipping charges in both cases. We will need to work together to file a claim with the insurance company.
Lost and damaged packages stink for both buyer and seller. Let's work together so that everyone gets what they are owed.
How do i care for my commission?
Most of my commissions are made with acrylic yarn, which is machine washable. However my main concern is to keep the stitching nice. So I strongly suggest washing most commissions on a delicate or hand wash cycle and tumble dry low.
Wool is not machine washable and must be washed by hand or soaked with an enzyme cleaner.
All commissions will be shipped with washing instructions appropriate to their individual needs.
Wool is not machine washable and must be washed by hand or soaked with an enzyme cleaner.
All commissions will be shipped with washing instructions appropriate to their individual needs.
IS there anything you won't make?
- I don't normally accept rush orders but you are more than welcome to ask if I'm available for one. If communication is really quick, I have the time for it, payments are prompt, and you live domestically then the bare minimum of time I feel comfortable with is 4 weeks for a machine knitted item and 8 weeks for a hand knitted one.
- No amigurumi (knitted or crocheted).
- I have no experience at all working with dye other than T-shirts and Rit in my washing machine. I can knit a dyable item but I will not do any dyework.
- No full costume sets or wigs. Yes I have seen this and it is amazing but I'm not a good fit for that kind of job.
- No lingerie or tights/pantyhose.
- No NSFW.
- If you intend to commission something that exists in an officially licensed form (I'm looking at you, Dr. Who and Hogwarts scarves), please seriously consider buying the official merchandise instead. You will likely save money.
However I won't refuse the commission based on this. If you are willing to pay my fee it's probably because you think I can "make it better".
- No amigurumi (knitted or crocheted).
- I have no experience at all working with dye other than T-shirts and Rit in my washing machine. I can knit a dyable item but I will not do any dyework.
- No full costume sets or wigs. Yes I have seen this and it is amazing but I'm not a good fit for that kind of job.
- No lingerie or tights/pantyhose.
- No NSFW.
- If you intend to commission something that exists in an officially licensed form (I'm looking at you, Dr. Who and Hogwarts scarves), please seriously consider buying the official merchandise instead. You will likely save money.
However I won't refuse the commission based on this. If you are willing to pay my fee it's probably because you think I can "make it better".
What cons are you going to? Can I pick up my commission in person?
I plan to be in attendance at the following conventions:
AnimeNext 2022
AnimeNext 2022
Can I compete with my commission?
You MAY use your commission in contests and masquerades with written permission. Please do ask. I want my clients to have fun with their costumes and if anyone gives you flack, you have written proof that I'm alright with it.
You MAY NOT claim my craftsmanship as your own. Please review the contests rules, play fair, and give credit where credit is due.
You MAY NOT claim my craftsmanship as your own. Please review the contests rules, play fair, and give credit where credit is due.
What else?
Unless you request otherwise, I will be taking pictures of your commission and post them on the internet. Most photos will be posted on my knitting blog and the finished results on my blog and DeviantArt.
If you don’t see anything in my gallery or Deviantart that indicates I can handle your job, please ask anyway. I’ve been doing this long enough to know what I can do, what I know I can easily learn, and what I should learn on my own time first.
Unless you request otherwise, I will be taking pictures of your commission and post them on the internet. Most photos will be posted on my knitting blog and the finished results on my blog and DeviantArt.
If you don’t see anything in my gallery or Deviantart that indicates I can handle your job, please ask anyway. I’ve been doing this long enough to know what I can do, what I know I can easily learn, and what I should learn on my own time first.