Q: How do I wash my scarf/mitts/hat?
A: Your handmade item was made with love, so I recommend that you care for it with love as well. Handwash in cool water and use a gentle soap. Lightly squeeze and do not agitate too much, especially if your item is made of wool. Rinse and carefully press out as much water as you can with your hands, and then press out more water by sandwiching your item in a clean, dry towel. Lay flat to air dry completely. If you have a felted cute-tility pack, you may want to stuff it with some plastic grocery bags while it's drying in order to retain its shape. Brooches and hair clips should be spot cleaned with gentle soap and a wet cloth.
Q: What kind of payment do you accept?
A: Right now, I sell mostly on Etsy and accept payment by PayPal only. However, you can still use PayPal to pay me even if you haven't signed up a PayPal account.
Q: How do you ship? Do you ship internationally?
A: Within the U.S. I usually ship via USPS First Class with Delivery Confirmation or Priority Mail with Delivery Confirmation, depending on the weight of your package. If you need something in a rush, please contact me before making your purchase so we can discuss timing and pricing. Insurance is extra and optional. I do ship internationally, however I cannot be held responsible for long customs delays (for instance, up to 2 months in Italy). I ship via USPS International First Class. Tracking is only available if you decide to purchase Global Express shipping.
Q: Do you charge sales tax?
A: Currently, sales tax is included in the price of the item.
Q: Do you accept returns?
A: I do not accept returns unless you feel I have grossly misrepresented the items. Please ask if you have any questions before you purchase. I am happy to answer or take extra photos if needed.
Q: Do you take special orders or commissions?
A: Yes, I do on a limited basis depending on how busy I am. Special order scarves will start at about $150, but the final price will depend on the design you choose and whether I have to write a new pattern for it. The materials you choose will also affect the pricing. Feel free to email me and ask if I'm taking commissions at that time. Also it helps if you have a pretty good idea of what you are interested in. I always appreciate a sketch with your intended colors. Don't worry if you feel you lack artistic skills. I can't draw, either! It's just a basic guide for me.
Q: Do you take wholesale orders or consign?
A: I can't really take wholesale orders, since the margins are so small with handmade crochet items, but I do wholesale/consign on a very limited basis if I have a favorite shop that is interested. Wholesale inquiries should mostly go through my "Yummy You!" brand which has more affordable pricing.
Q: How long does it take you to make a scarf?
A: This really depends on the scarf, how many pieces I have to sew together, whether or there are accents I need to add, how intricate the pattern is. I've never really clocked the hours before, but I would imagine the average is from 6 to 10 hours of straight work. I spend a lot of time on each piece to ensure that all ends are properly woven in, and that I've added as much detail and love as I can to make your scarf as cute as possible.
Q: Do you write your own patterns?
A: All my designs and patterns are original, but I do learn new stitches from time to time from other books and pamphlets.
Q: Do you sell your patterns?
A: The patterns available for sale are in my book, "Twinkie Chan's Crochet Goodies for Fashion Foodies," which is available at major book retailers and online. My patterns are intended for personal use only.
Q: What color hair dye do you use?
A: I used to use Special Effects in Virgin Rose, but now I use a mix of Special Effects Cupcake PInk and Atomic Pink, and sometimes Manic Panic Cotton Candy.
Q: Where did you get your tattoos done? How long did your sleeve take?
A: Here in San Francisco at Idle Hand in the Lower Haight. My artist is Holly Ellis. I never calculated how many hours my sleeve took, and it's not really even finished yet!