FAQs
Custom Order FAQ’s
How does it work?
Custom order openings will always be announced over on Instagram and our newsletter first. A date and time will be given for the launch with this announcement. I typically give at least a weeks notice but usually more so you have time to prepare and ask any questions before hand.
On the specified day and time the custom order service will be purchasable on our website. To secure your order you will pay a deposit amount of £50 + postage.
Once your order has been placed and you’ve received your confirmation email please pop me a message on Instagram confirming your order number and postcode so I can verify it’s you and we can start discussing your order.
Typically customers prefer chatting to me on instagram, I find it much easier and more relaxed that way but if I haven’t heard from you within a few days I will send you an email to get the process going.
This is then the point we discuss budget, theme ideas and any other details you’d like to include in your design. You can have a fully fledged idea, a sketch, just a rough theme idea, have a few designs I’ve done previously that you like or have no clue at all. I usually find just chatting with you that a plan will formulate and I’m there to help guide the design process, suggest ideas and explain what’s possible/not possible within your budget and theme.
Generally my custom orders are send-ins, which means you supply the base knit, I can also offer advice with finding the perfect base or if you’re looking for something handknitted I can direct you to a lovely group of ladies so you can arrange that.
Once we have a finalised brief for your knit I’ll then give you a quick recap message with what we’ve discussed and a quote. This is the final opportunity to change things up, add/remove elements in the design or if the quote is out of budget alter the design to get it somewhere you’re comfortable.
Once I have your go ahead you will receive an updated invoice for your order through Shopify emails with a link to pay the remainder. While I am pretty relaxed and don’t have a definitive timescale for the discussion and final payment to be completed I do ask that you are as prompt as you can be to avoid me needing to chase you for this.
Once the invoice amount has been fully paid I add your order to my list. (The quicker this part is actioned the higher up the list you will be) I’ll then provide you with my address to send your knit to or if you’ve opted for a hand knitted piece from my recommendations they can send straight to me and once I’ve received it I’ll let you know.
Then it’s just a case of waiting for me to work my magic and bring out idea to life.
Most of my customers love what I do and are super happy to leave it up to me after this point and be surprised with the final result but if you’d like progress photos or see colour scheme suggestions etc please do let me know and I’ll be in touch when working on your order with all the sneak peaks!
Please note my turnaround time starts from when I have received the knit for your design. So again the quicker this process happens the quicker your finished knit will be with you.
How often do you open for custom orders?
The custom order service opens when I have capacity for more orders. My aim is to do a reopening every 2 months (ish) to give me plenty of time to work through the last batch of orders before opening again.
This year I have made a decision to focus more on my ready-made collections as they bring me so much joy and this is the reason I started this venture in the first place. This does mean I have less capacity for custom orders but I am still taking them when I have the space to as I adore bringing your ideas to life for you.
Instagram and our newsletter is always the first place to hear about openings so do sign up and follow us over there to be the first to hear of the next opening.
Can I order more than one custom knit at a time?
Yes! There is no limitation to how many custom order slots you can purchase.
1 knit = 1 custom order slot, so if you want 2 custom knits you’ll need to buy 2 slots.
The slots are limited and lots of people are trying to get one so I do ask that you’re considerate but you’re free to order as many as you need.
I want a hand knitted item for my custom order, do you have recommendations?
I will always champion a hand knit for a custom order, these knits are special one off pieces and if you’re going to splurge on them I say go all the way and get a gorgeous handknitted item for your design.
I do work with knitters and occasionally open up made to order spaces for my custom orders but as I’ve got busier it’s very hard to keep up with the demand of that for my full time knitter. She’s fast but she’s just one lady! So these aren’t always available when I open for more custom orders.
But to still offer handknitted pieces I have a few knitters I personally order from that I totally trust and cannot recommend enough. I’ve linked their instagrams below for you.
Please note if you use one of these talented knitters they can send the item straight to me to cut postage costs. I’m more than happy to wait longer for a handknit item so it’s also worth mentioning you do not need to have this ready to go, please only order for a design with me if you have a slot secured already.
Knitters:
Susan Hopkins - https://www.instagram.com/knitsbysusanhopkins?igsh=MWpkb2lwbGZtbHJqcw==
Poppyscarletts - https://www.instagram.com/poppyscarletts?igsh=MWU2MXA1dTM1d3Q4OQ==
One Off Knits - https://www.instagram.com/one_off_knitts?igsh=N2tnbm8xMWt6cnVh
Woollenstuff - https://www.instagram.com/woollenstuff_etsy?igsh=eW15eG9wbTB1cjRw
I’d like a design with ‘XXX’ theme, can you do it?
There isn’t a lot I say no to but there requests I don’t do for designs as well as somethings just not being possible. There isn’t a definitive list of things I won’t/can’t do so if you’re unsure do pop me a message and I’ll try and get back to you, but I’ve listed the most frequent requests that I DO NOT do below :)
Design requests I do not do:
- Anything Disney/Pixar character (happy to use wording e.g. to infinity and beyond but will not do Disney characters)
- kids tv shows/films (e.g. bluey, peppa pig, paw patrol)
- designs from other knitwear/crochet businesses, if you’ve seen a design you like elsewhere please go to that artist, I’m happy to take inspiration from other businesses (with in reason) but please note I will not directly copy and the finished piece will be in my own personal style and will differ from the original artist.
- pets/family members - generally pets/people are hard to get a likeness to and I personally don’t feel like I’m ever able to achieve an accurate depiction of them to feel comfortable including them. Often pets are dark colours and it’s difficult to make a black dog look like something other than a black blob. This isn’t a hard no but it does depend on your pet so it might not be possible to include them.
Ready-to-ship FAQ’s
How does it work?
My ready to ship collections are always announced first on Instagram and our newsletter, along with the date and time they will be available to purchase.
The knits in the collection will be first shared over on Instagram. Once a preview of all the knits have been shared over there you will then be able to see them on the website for a few days (before launch day). They will be marked as sold out to allow you time to check measurements, details and pricing so you can prep for the design you want to snap up.
On launch day the knits will disappear from the website until the specified time (usually 8PM GMT) where they will then be available to purchase.
My collections sell quickly so it’s advised that if you’re trying to get a hold of a knit you’re on the website before the specified time ready to refresh and checkout as quickly as possible.
What sizes do your ready-to-ship knits come in?
The size range is determined by the size knits I can get a hold of from knitters for the collection as all of my ready to ship collections are on handknits.
This means I cannot garantee a specific size range, but I do try and cater to the ages 0-5 year where possible across each drop of knits.
How many knits of each design are available?
My ready to ship designs are always one of one. The size and measurements will be stated and there will just be the one piece with that design. I often find unique hand knits for the base of the designs so having a full size range of one of pieces like this is impossible.
My aim for these pieces is to always be completely unique and a way to inject some new designs into the shops rotation so it’s not my plan to make multiple of the same.
However, I’m pretty good at guessing the knits that people will love the most and I will often do some variations of similar designs across the different size ranges for the designs I feel will be most wanted.
If I miss out on a knit I love, can I request the same design as a custom order?
Yes absolutely! Any design I’ve done previously can be requested again as part of the custom order service.
The design may need to be tweaked to accommodate a different size/style knit but for the most part there is no problem and we can do the design again!
Shipping/Pricing FAQ’s?
Do you ship outside of the UK?
Yes! International shipping options will be available at the checkout for customers outside of the UK.
I currently ship to the following,
- United Kingdom (excluding Northern Ireland)
- USA
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
Where are you based?
I’m based in the United Kingdom, and live in the county of Dorset.
Do you have a shipping price list?
Shipping prices are listed below in pounds (£)
UK
24 hour tracked - £4.50
48 hour tracked - £3.50
USA
International tracked - £17.20
Australia/ New Zealand
International tracked - £23.10
Is shipping free?
No shipping is not free. I realise that can be annoying, however I only allow tracked postage for the safety of the knit and protection for both myself and the buyer and that does come at a cost I cannot absorb, especially for international customers.
Customers do tend to order more than one knit so this is the best way to make sure nobody is paying for more shipping than they need.
Do you have a price list?
I don’t have a price list due to every piece being so unique.
Pricing can be difficult to fit into a box when so much goes into the overall cost, for example, the size knit, the design theme, whether it’s a design I’ve done before or something completely new, how full is the design, is the detail basic or very intricate. Often designs can look more complicated than they are or vice versa so having a structured price list is impossible.
Because of this I have a clear price range which is £70-£220.
I appreciate that is a big gap and for a lot of people it would be unsettling to commit to something not knowing the final cost. This is firstly why the slots are reserved with a deposit to secure the space, allowing you to quickly get a space secured without having an in depth conversation with me.
As part of the discussion that then follows I always ask about your budget and where the max threshold is for you, alternatively please do let me know this information as soon as possible. With a budget in mind we can then work around your desired theme idea to create something that stays within a price point you’re comfortable with.
Once the brief has been finalised I then let you know the total cost and the amount left to pay, allowing a final opportunity for you to either add or remove design elements to adjust the final price, before going ahead and sending you an invoice to pay through via email.
I’m not here to money grab, I want to create something beautiful to cherish at a price point you can afford and I’m there the whole step of the way to work with you to reach that end goal!
Examples of simple/medium/intricate designs
My Instagram highlights, in the FAQ section shows great examples of different design levels.
It’s not a one fits all box with pricing as a small cardigan design could be packed with lots of intricate detail and a larger design be super simple so each knit is priced individually to its unique specifications.
But my FAQ highlight does show some great examples or simple/medium/intricate designs to give you can idea where something may fit in the price range.
D&R - https://www.instagram.com/daisyandrivershop?igsh=MTVrNDZnMnBnYW05ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
General FAQ’s
How best can I reach you for a query?
You can message me through the website or social media channels if you have any questions.
I’m most active over on Instagram but I also get lots of messages daily and I cannot always answer everybody. My FAQ page is extensive now, in an aim to help everyone as much as possible so sending me a message isn’t always necessary. So please do read through all the information here first as I’ve covered almost everything I can here already :)
How quickly can I expect my order?
My lead times change depending on the product you’re ordering and the time of year. This is not my full time job, so to ensure expectations are met and to avoid disappointment I do have a longer turnaround time on average of 6-9 weeks for custom orders. (This can change so keep this in mind)
Please note for the send-in-service this time frame begins once I receive your knit not at the time of purchase.
That being said if an item is needed quicker I can usually accommodate that providing the time provided is realistic, so please message me to discuss before placing the order.
My ready-to-wear designs are waiting to be shipped so these are sent out within 3-5 working days, no matter the time of year
What payment methods are available on your shop?
Apple Pay, Google Pay and Shop pay are all available at checkout.
Do your knits sell out quickly?
Yes, it’s always hard to predict how each collection or custom order opening will do, but based on the level of interest I have all the time and the speed in which I’ve previously sold out drops you do need to be on the website at opening time to stand a chance of snapping up an order I’m afraid.
I had an item in my basket and now it’s gone?
Unfortunately adding an item to your basket does not reserve the item for you, so it’s best to check out as quickly as you can to avoid disappointment!
Can I buy a name knit, without knowing the name yet?
Yes, please just leave a note stating that you don’t know the name yet and a rough date of when baby is due so I can reach out to you nearer the time to discuss your order further.
Do you offer custom orders?
Yes!! Depending on availability I have custom order slots open throughout the year.
These consist of either a made to order, hand knitted cardigan or jumper (up to age 5) or a send-in service (up to age 7).
The custom service runs on a deposit system, meaning when slots are available you can secure your space with a deposit without having the whole design confirmed before hand.
Once a slot is secured I will contact you to confirm you design ideas and you will receive a quote for the piece. You will then be invoiced the remaining amount due via your Shopify order.
For more information I have a section in my FAQ’s dedicated to custom orders.
Size guide
Hand Knitted Cardigan Sizing
Size |
Chest (pit to pit) |
Length (neck to waist) |
| 0-6 Months | 21 CM | 23 CM |
| 6-12 Months | 23 CM | 25 CM |
| 1-2 Years | 25.5 CM | 28 CM |
| 2-3 Years | 28 CM | 30.5 CM |
| 3-4 Years | 30.5 CM | 32 CM |
| 4-5 Years | 33 CM | 34 CM |
Hand Knitted Jumper Sizing
Size |
Chest (pit to pit) |
Length (neck to waist) |
| 6-12 Months | 29 CM | 29 CM |
| 12-18 Months | 31 CM | 32 CM |
| 18-24 Months | 32.5 CM | 35 CM |
| 2-3 Years | 34.5 CM | 39 CM |
| 3-4 Years | 36 CM | 43 CM |
| 4-5 Years | 38 CM | 47 CM |
What do the inside of your cardigans look like?
Naturally you will see stitching on the inside of the knit, however I pride myself in making the inside as neat as possible.
No loose knots are visible as I weave in the ends which adds an extra layer of protection to them and avoids them being pulled/loosened with wear. This also means the inside of the knit is as flat as possible and your little ones will not notice or be irritated by the stitching.
I have examples of the inside of knits saved in my FAQ highlight over on Instagram if you’d like to see a visual.
Can I use a knit I already own?
Absolutely. My custom orders work predominantly as a send- in service. Meaning you can send me the knit to work on. Whether that’s an heirloom, something you’ve had hand knitted for the order or a shop purchase.
How do I wash the knits?
We know keeping your Daisy & River knit looking as good as new is important to you, we include a care label with every garment but just incase you misplace them you can find a recap of the recommended care instructions to keep your knit looking its best.
- Machine wash at 30 degrees, or a gentle hand-wash.
- Wash inside out where possible.
- Do NOT tumble dry.
- Do NOT iron.
- Do NOT bleach.
- Reshape whilst damp and dry flat.
We offer a free embroidery repair service incase something out of the ordinary happens with any stitching on your item. Please just reach out to us to arrange this if you feel it’s needed!
Please note that all hand knitted cardigans/jumpers are not made by me, but from other fibre artists I work closely with. As these are handmade, naturally you may see some imperfections in the knit (nobody is perfect right?), but these add to the charm of a truly handmade item of clothing.
While these items are made to last, extra care given to how they are looked after by you will preserve them best (no messy paint or muddy puddles please!)
Do you make the handknitted items?
No I don’t make the handknitted cardigans/jumpers myself. I either source these from other fibre artists or commission them from a handful of knitters I work with.
Are the cardigans made with real wool?
As the nature of these items are handmade and I sometimes acquire second hand knits for my ready-to-wear launches I cannot always guarantee the fibres used in the item.
That being said, I work closely with a lady who knits just for me and a large proportion of the knits used in my store come from her directly. She predominantly uses acrylic or cotton based yarns.
If you have any concerns on fibres used please do message me and we can accommodate your needs.
Patterns/Crochet FAQ’s
Do you sell your crochet patterns anywhere?
I currently do not sell my patterns.
This is always something I’m considering and as time has gone on I do feel like this is something I’d love to introduce to the D&R world but for the time being I do not sell patterns.
You’ll all be the first to know if that changes!
Do you design all your appliqués yourself?
Yes I do. Back when I first started I used some patterns from other creators but I found that limiting and wanted to explore designing my own to create pieces that have a distinct flare and are unique to D&R and now all designs are crocheted (free hand) by me (Est) and it’s something I’m so proud of!
How did you learn to crochet?
I learnt on maternity leave with my son. He was a contact napper and I found doom scrolling while he slept didn’t help my postpartum struggles so I picked up a crochet hook, watched countless tutorials on YouTube and just had a go.
I’ve now been crocheting for over 3 years and with lots of dedication and experimenting am able to create some truly unique pieces!
My Instagram highlights in the ‘get to know’ section are full of tips and resources I used to get started if that’s something you’d like to do to! And as always my dms are open to help if you need some pointers.
D&R insta: https://www.instagram.com/daisyandrivershop?igsh=MTVrNDZnMnBnYW05ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr