1. How do I place a custom order?

Simply select "CUSTOM" in the options menu and leave a note upon checkout describing the color/s you would like.  Each item has a maximum number of colors.  (ie, the Strappy Phone Cozy can be customized with up to 4 colors.)  If you are ordering more than one custom item at once, just let me know in your note.  (ie, "Strappy Phone Cozy in maroon and blue, Nail Polish Cozy in green and white.")  Additionally, if you have any special requests regarding a pattern, let me know that too.  (ie, "2 coasters red/blue/red/blue, 2 coasters blue/red/blue/red.")

2. Can I contact you for a custom item that isn't available in the shop?

Absolutely!  Use the Contact Form above or shoot me an email at [email protected].  Additionally, if you check out my Facebook group, you can see many other items that I've made and have available for sale.  Chances are, there is a pattern for whatever you're looking for, and I can almost definitely make it.  We can discuss pricing and customization via email.

3. How long does it take to fill an order?

Since I create custom items, I do not keep anything in stock.  As a result, it can take up to two full weeks (14 days) for me to send something out.  If I am swamped with orders, this turnaround time may be extended.  I will always do my best to keep customers updated as to the status of their order.  Sometimes, I have to order the right color of yarn from the internet, as physical stores are limited in their variety.  This tends to create an additional delay in orders, and is something that I will communicate with customers who may have to wait longer for their products to arrive.

Bulk orders (see question #9) will almost always take longer than two weeks.  If you wish to place a bulk order, please allow up to four weeks for shipping.

4. How much is shipping?

Shipping is a flat rate of $6, no matter how many items you're buying.  I use USPS First Class packaging.

5. Do you ship internationally?

Unfortunately, not at this time.  Shipping even to Canada from the US is quite expensive, even for a small Flat Rate box.

6. Are your products allergen-free?

That's hard to say, because everybody is so different.  I live in a smoke-free, pet-free home, so that knocks out two of the biggest concerns in crocheted products.  Some people might be allergic to cotton, acrylic fibers, animal fibers (such as wool or alpaca), or any of the other fibers commonly used in yarn.  If you have any kind of fiber allergy, be sure to order a CUSTOM item and leave a note describing your allergy.  I will be sure to use an appropriate type of yarn to accommodate your needs.

7. Are your products machine-washable and dryer safe?

Most products are, yes.  Some types of fibers, such as wool and most animal fibers, are not machine washable.  Most of the products that I make are made with cotton or acrylic yarn, or a combination of the two.  These are machine washable - recommended in a garment bag and on the gentle cycle.  (Tied up inside a pillowcase works in place of a garment bag!)  These yarns are also technically dryer-safe, as in the dryer won't destroy them, but the heat may shrink them a little bit, so air drying is always recommended.  Any time an item is made with hand-wash only materials, I will specify that in the product description and/or in a note with your package.

8. Do you accept returns?

Unfortunately, due to the custom nature of my products, I cannot accept returns.  However, at Kate's Crochets I make customer satisfaction my top priority.  If, for some reason, you are completely dissatisfied with your order, please contact me and we can work something out.

9. Do you offer discounts?

I may occasionally offer sales on certain items.  If you are interested in ordering in bulk - 10 or more of the same item - contact me before placing your order and we can discuss bulk rates.  Note: this does not apply to set items such as coasters unless you are ordering 10 sets (a set consists of 4 units).  Ordering 3 sets of coasters for a total of 12 will not count as a bulk order.  The same goes for pair items such as fingerless gloves: bulk rates are available when ordering 10 pairs of gloves, not 5 pairs.

I also offer a discount to professional photographers ordering props for their photo shoots.  Contact me before placing your order for details.  Please include "Photographer discount" in your subject line, and provide a link to your business website (Facebook pages accepted) in the body of the e-mail.  Note: this discount only applies to items purchased for your business.  For example, an infant photographer can only receive a discount on baby clothes/props.  Coasters, adult outerwear, phone cozies, etc cannot be discounted for a photographer who photographs babies.