inTANDEM: A Collaborative Symphony of Craft, Community, and Color with Malabrigo Yarn

Greetings, friend! Welcome to the vibrant world of inTANDEM, a seasonal periodical where the artistry of knit and crochet seamlessly converges with the power of community support and collaboration. Crafted by 14 self-published designers, inTANDEM is not just a collection of patterns but a celebration of shared creativity and the joy of making. Join us on this journey as we introduce you to the heart and soul behind the scenes.

Pattern Design Circle: Nurturing Creativity and Community

More than just a community for knit and crochet designers, Pattern Design Circle a space where creativity blossoms, mutual support thrives, and dreams take flight. Since its inception in September 2021, Pattern Design Circle has evolved into a dynamic hub offering group coaching, accountability, courses, and workshops. But at its core, it remains a sanctuary for designers seeking genuine camaraderie and growth: and more than that, it's the birthplace of inTANDEM and where all our discussions began.

inTANDEM's Inception: A Fusion of Ideas and Passion

In the fertile grounds of creativity that Jessica curated within Pattern Design Circle, the idea for inTANDEM sprouted between our fourteen designers, aiming to create a tangible artifact of our usually digital work. The seeds of collaboration were planted as a unique concept to showcase lesser-known indie pattern designers in local yarn shops. Born out of a shared passion, the idea took shape when our creative community came together, driven by a desire to collaborate and make a collective impact on the fiber industry.

Recognizing the need for broader support, we decided to turn to Kickstarter. The campaign wasn't just about raising funds; it was a call to unite in creating a designer-led, collaboration-focused publication. The vision was to compensate designers directly from sales, fostering an environment where everyone had a stake in the project's success.

Launched in April 2022, the Kickstarter campaign exceeded expectations, securing funds for Issues 1-4 within a month. The overwhelming support demonstrated the power of collaboration, transcending individual contributions to create something greater than the sum of its parts.

Now, nearly two years later, we're looking both forward and back. The heart of inTANDEM lies not just in the individual stories of our designers but in the collaborative spirit that brought this transformative project to life. The narrative is one of shared creativity, unity, and the collective joy that arises from collaborative endeavors. The story of inTANDEM is a testament to the strength of a community bound by a common vision, weaving together diverse talents to create a vibrant tapestry of shared inspiration.

Kickstarting Dreams: From Concept to Reality

The birth of inTANDEM wasn't without its challenges, but we believed in the power of collaboration. To fund our vision, we turned to Kickstarter, sharing our passion for designer-led projects and the joy of collaboration. In just a month, the response was overwhelming, paving the way for Issues 1-4. Today and each day in the future where we see the fruits of that labor, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to every Kickstarter supporter who believed in this dream.

Issues 1-4: Movement, Flow, and Dance

Delve into the heart of inTANDEM as we explore our first four issues, each echoing the theme of movement, flow, and dance. Like the interconnected roots of a tree, our designers unite, creating a visual symphony where collaboration is the dance of ideas and responsibilities. A graceful sway, a delicate balance – this is the essence of our collaborative journey.

Malabrigo Yarn: A Kaleidoscope of Color and Craftsmanship

We are thrilled to have Malabrigo Yarn as our yarn partner, infusing each issue with the vibrancy of their hand-dyed yarns. A family-owned company from Uruguay and Peru, Malabrigo Yarn brings a palette of over 400 colors, inspired by nature, landscapes, art, and daily life. Their commitment to quality and passion for inspiring creativity aligns seamlessly with our vision for inTANDEM.

Conclusion: A Tapestry Woven with Gratitude

As we stand on the precipice of this creative journey, we extend our deepest gratitude to each person who has supported inTANDEM. Together, we've woven a tapestry of craft, community, and color that transcends the pages of our publication. Join us in celebrating the joy of collaboration, the beauty of handmade creations, and the endless possibilities that unfold when a community comes together inTANDEM.

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