Bethany of Hudson Bear Knits
**I am lucky enough to live right down the street from the very talented, very sweet Bethany of Hudson Bear Knits, an Etsy shop owner and mama of two who produces the most beautiful knit baby products! With the holidays and cool weather right around the corner, I thought it would be the perfect time for an interview. Check out Bethany & Allison’s shop here, and enjoy the interview!***
Knitting? Really?
We get asked that A LOT! Knitting is making a comeback and it isn’t just for grandmas anymore! We instantly fell in love with needles and various yarns and what you could create from those things together. Taking yarn and creating something substantial for use is incredibly satisfying for us. We both love design and beauty, and being able to create everything (feel, color, size, texture, etc.) about an item is amazing!
Why a hand-knit item?
Whose little ears will be kept warm by this sweet little hat? Who will be cuddled and played with on this cozy blanket? Perhaps the child who grows up with this blanket will learn their colors while playing on this blanket!
Those are just some of the thoughts that run through our heads as we knit our items. A handmade item has been loved before it is ever even used for its primary function. We have found so much satisfaction in making and using handmade items for our own littles and we wanted to share that joy with those of you who may not know how to knit yet or simply don’t have the time.
Why did you start Hudson Bear Knits?
Allison & I had been in the same knitting circle for awhile and people had started complementing our handiwork. It was organic really…we loved to knit and made a good team together. It was a great creative outlet for us and we hoped that if we could make it available, people would buy it!
Our shop launched this July, but we have been knitting like crazy up until this point. We also worked on our graphic design (the packaging is adorable when you get your item!) and photography for the shop. We felt like there was a need for really simple hand-knit items for kids. We both have two children and desperately wanted to find beautiful, functional pieces for their everyday life that were simple and classic. We couldn’t find any that we LOVED, so we both created the pieces that we envisioned for our children. Ultimately, we believe in beautiful things for beautiful people…even little people!
What is unique about your blankets/hats?
Well – they are absolutely gorgeous. The yarn and the colors are so vibrant and soft. Our materials will wear well for everyday use, but the pieces are unique enough to become heirloom pieces for your family. We believe that classic and simple is the best way and items for our children are no exception.
Do you sell adult sizes and women’s?
We have been getting this question often and are exploring the idea about making some items for women (cowls, hats, etc.). We are currently making prototypes of them. If you are interested in being an “alpha” user, let us know and we might just send you a sample to get your thoughts and to help us spread the word! Email us at hello@hudsonbearknits.com if you’re interested!
Where can I buy your items?
Etsy! www.hudsonbearknits.etsy.com. If you go to etsy (www.etsy.com) –> search by shops –> type in Hudson Bear Knits.
Do you take custom orders?
Absolutely! Message us on etsy or email us (hello@hudsonbearknits.com) and we can talk about it!
***Thank you Bethany, for taking the time to share your beautiful blankets and hats with the blogosphere! They really are incredibly soft and unique– any babe would be lucky to have one!***
Oooh! Oooh! Pick me pick me! I wanna be an alpha mama user! Pretty beautiful stuff. You can’t beat hand knit items, I have a weakness for them. My own last project is still sitting in a bag from when I was pregnant with Liam (age 3.5) so I really admire a lady who can knit and parent at the same time. Nice tribute, Lauren.
p.s. Happy Birthday Andrew!
Funny because I was about to leave almost the identical comment to Annie. These pieces are beautiful and very impressive. I used to be a knitting fiend and then I started a baby blanket while pregnant and it’s still only half done 2 years later! We joke that I’m trying to finish it before he leaves for college. These are some talented ladies!
Lovely stuff. I have been learning to knit and enjoying it, but not doing it as often as I should.
So beautiful!!! Makes me want to get back into knitting…
Happy Birthday to Andrew! I tried to get Jamie to send a video message where he was singing to Andrew, but he wouldn’t go for it…no idea why. Hope you guys have a great date!