inTANDEM zine

a collaborative knit + crochet publication

Created by knit and crochet pattern designers, inTANDEM is a seasonal periodical that highlights the value of community support and collaboration. The participating designers are members of Pattern Design Circle, a community where they are each other’s biggest cheerleaders, moral support, and helping hand; they believe our community grows stronger when we support each other and work together.

About the Project

inTANDEM started as Jessica's brain child: an idea for knit + crochet pattern designers to work together to create a printed book they could hold, share with friends, and see on the shelves of local yarn shops.

In January 2022, the interested designers from Jessica's membership community, Pattern Design Circle, started to discuss what collaboration meant to them and what they'd like the project to look like. That's when we chose to create a four-issue series that aligned with the seasons, each featuring a different element of the theme "movement, flow, and dance." We decided to create issues that were exclusively knit or crochet but that featured a range of designs to fill your seasonal wardrobe gaps.

In May 2022, we hosted a successful Kickstarter campaign, which funded all of the up-front expenses to bring the project to life, including but not limited to, tech editing, photography, and legal contracts.

Over that summer, we sent a proposal to Malabrigo Yarn for yarn support for all four issues and were so delighted to receive a "yes!" to our proposal.

We were excited to incorporate folks from all over the industry in the project, from Malabrigo yarn to guidance from other publications; tech editors and test knitters; and even our photographer and models.

Now it's spring 2023, and we can't believe that Issue 1 is nearly ready to find its place in your hands. To become an artistic masterpiece filled with love, creativity, warmth, and beautiful designs that we hope will find their place in your wardrobe.

inTANDEM is proof that everyday humans with big ideas can come together to create great, beautiful projects.

Year 1: Issues 1-4

When we first met as a large group to discuss this project, we knew our overarching theme for the entire publication would be collaboration, but we didn’t know how that would translate into each issue. As we discussed our ideas, everything seemed to connect to the visual of a tree.

Within inTANDEM, the designers, like roots, unite from various backgrounds and ways of living to connect as a unit (the trunk of the tree) before spreading out as branches, each with their unique art. Nearly every other idea that was presented found a connection to the tree: the required movement of ideas and responsibilities, the flexibility to work for the greater whole, the balance between members, and beyond. These illustrations have become the basis for each year’s topic.

Our first four issues are inspired by movement, flow, and dance: the idea that the members of a successful collaboration must work together with grace, flexibility, and ease. We paint a picture of branches swaying back and forth as if to dance: giving a little here, taking a little there, bending this way with an understanding ear, and bending that way with a request for help. There must be trust and cooperation in the dance: if one member is unmoving or uncomfortable, the collaboration is much more difficult.

Issue 1

The first issue of inTANDEM is our autumn-themed issue. It explores the overarching theme of "movement, flow, and dance" through curves and twirls. The designers each interpreted this differently, including short rows, ruffles, mosaic colorwork, texture, and slipped cross stitches.

Within the issue, you will find 6 knitting pattern designs: a pullover, a skirt, a cowl, a hat, a scarf, and socks.

The designers featured within this issue are Mary Beth Kelso, Kristin of Gourdgeous Knits, Karen B Designs, Jessica of Snickerdoodle Knits, Beth of Fig & Filament, and Jacki of The Woolly Badger.

Issue 1 is available for digital download.

Issue 2

The second issue of inTANDEM is our winter-themed issue. It explores the overarching theme of "movement, flow, and dance" through cables: each winding in its own direction and according to its own rhythm.

Within the issue, you will find 6 knitting pattern designs: a wrap, a hat, a pair of socks, a shawl, a cardigan, and a cowl.

The designers featured within this issue are Mary Beth Kelso, Iza of Woolberry Collective, Katie of Mindfulness Makes, Katherine of Jojodabom, Karen B Designs, and Natalia Pleshko.

Preorders will be open November 10-25, 2023.

Issue 3

The third issue of inTANDEM explores the overarching theme of "movement, flow, and dance" through traveling stitches and lace, providing a more intricate interpretation of the theme.

Within this issue, you will find 6 knitting pattern designs: a pair of mittens, a pair of socks, a cardigan, a headband, a cowl, and a pullover.

The designers featured within this issue include Yvonne of Gamer Babe Knits, Kristin of Gourdgeous Knits, Stacey of The Knitting Tutor, Jacki of The Woolly Badger, Katie of Mindfulness Makes, and Trish of PHiberOptics.

Preorders will be open February 22 - March 7, 2024.

Issue 4

The fourth issue of inTANDEM explores the overarching theme of "movement, flow, and dance" through crocheted waves in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Within this issue, you will find 6 crochet pattern designs: two t-shirts, a beach bag, a sun hat, a shawl, and a wrap.

The designers featured within this issue include Asia of Yarnfixation, Natalia Pleshko, Trish of PHiberOptics, Yvonne of Gamer Babe Knitter, Katherine of Jojodabom, and Beth of Fig & Filament.

Preorders will be open May 16-30, 2024.