Cup cozies - what do you think

[Former_Member]

Hi, I spend the last week designing and knitting cup cozies. I wanted to make them

- unique
- beautiful
- useful

Please have a look at my shop - shop critique is always appreciated as well (who doesn't like a bit of feedback) and tell me what you think of them. I know it's very specific, but even if I love them and like using them, it's others who should like and buy them. You don't need to be nice, constructive critique is what I need.

Thanks guys!

[Former_Member]

Hello!
Have you thought of making an entire sleeve? I tend to hold warm cups with one hand around the cup and the other hand underneath because I'm clumsy and some cups are too flimsy. Or a sleeve that encompasses the whole circumference of the cup.

Good luck!

[Former_Member]

Good idea, I could then use the leaf design on a simple purl background.

[Former_Member]

I think Kori is right...I am not always good at holding onto things! I think they should be simple and easy to put on, too.

I thought your wrist warmers were pretty!

Judith from crotchetymama

[Former_Member]

I think that they are very pretty. I'm not a coffee drinker, but they look functional. I don't know if it was an issue with my browser or not, but some of the photos didn't pull up at all. It just had an x on it. My wonder is with a couple of them is how fluffy they are, would that make it difficult to hold? Like I said, I've never used them, so they may be fine.

[RebeccasSoapDeli]

I like cozies for my pint of Ben & Jerry's. In fact I own two that I purchased here on etsy from two different sellers.

[Former_Member]

They look fluffy but the wool is not particularly soft so it's very easy to hold on to things. Thanks for your feedback Kylie.

[AtHomeWithLolly]

I think making some a bit larger and putting them on a real coffee cup helps too. You could add that in to your 5 photos. I know they seem to be very popular during the cooler months when people are drinking more tea, coffee and hot chocolate. Maybe show them on a counter top or all white background where you beautiful yarn will really stand out!

I bought some made out of fabric and I keep them in my car for the to go drinking. Also cuts down on the cups "sweating" in your drink holder!

[Former_Member]

They are pretty. I make and sell cup cozies, too, but mine are crocheted. I haven't sold one yet, maybe because it's summer, but a few have been put in treasuries, so I think when it gets cold, they might become more popular. I like your headband/earwarmer!

[ModernHermine]

I am having some issues with all that grass I can't really see the cozie it's super distracting. I think a simple flat plan white or cream background could help and I can get a feel for what it looks like, they are cute but I can't see them really?

Hope that helps I just keep looking at the grass blades

[Former_Member]

I agree that your backgrounds are busy - something simple like a white background, coffee cup with cozy and a white background....

My other thought is wool yarn may deter some people due to allergies - might you offer other yarn options.

[Former_Member]

Thanks for the grass blade comment. I re-adjusted some of my pictures, so they show mainly the item and not the grass. However, I thought about using a simple white background and made the decision not to. For jewellery a white background is suitable I think, but for knit items? I had a look at many different shops and I never liked the sterile? feeling it gave me. When it comes to clothing etc. outdoor pictures look best. But that is only my opinion. I totally agree that the cup cozy pictures were not the best. The light wasn't right. Anyway they now show the item more clearly.
I will also add a normal cup with a cozy when I take the next batch of pictures today.

Other yarn: No, I only use wool (from whatever creature grows it). Cotton is what most people use and there are too many knitters out there already - my things need to be different. Acrylic or other "plastic" yarns will not see my needles. I simply don't like them. Most of them don't let air through properly so you start sweating and they are very electrostatic (not a good thing if you've got longer hair). Hemp might be an alternative. It's not available in every shop. Need to have a look when I used up my stash of wool.

It's great to hear your comments, keep them coming. I'll go on and make notes.

[Former_Member]

haha, wool(from whatever creature grows it)!! A sheep! :)

[krochetlady]

While I understand your reasons for using wool, have you considered what happens to wool when washed? It felts when washed in hot water.

I love cup cozies and I tend to be messy, I prefer cozies that are washable.

Are your cozies washable without losing their unique beauty?

[Former_Member]

I've got loads of woolen garments, some including alpaca, mohair, etc. (not grown from sheep ;) and never had any trouble washing them cold. However, I haven't actually spilt any coffee on them...will need to test that. The leaves will stay in form though. They are not blocked, so do not need to be re-blocked after washing. So, well, not sure about coffee stains and handwash-only, but otherwise still wool-fanatic.