Call for Submissions: Annual Four
With our third Annual on its way to the printers, it’s time we turn our attention to next year’s issue. When we’re not arms deep in fibre, machine oil on our dungas, you might find a lot of us Mill Folk out in our gardens, with our hands in the earth, nurturing growing things. So, of course, the theme of The Annual (issue four) is Cottage Gardens.
We’re thinking rose gardens, sturdy boots, summer afternoons in hammocks, veg patches, apple orchards, thatched cottages, artfully rumpled linen, billowing cosmos, organic shapes, sweet pea tendrils, wandering chickens, socks and sandals, wicker baskets and dirt under your nails.
Please find a mood board below, brimming with images. If you’re feeling as inspired as us and you fancy joining us in our Cottage Garden next year, then we would love to hear from you. We’re looking for knitting and crochet patterns influenced by plants and that can be worn and loved when you’re tending the garden, as well as exciting articles, puzzles, recipes, illustrations and any other magnificent features that you think fit our Cottage Garden aesthetic.
View our Annual 4 mood board here.
If this has galvanized your creative juices, then pop your submission, including any sketches, and an outline of your bio in an email, to [email protected]. The deadline for submissions is October 16th and we can’t wait to hear from you talented folks! The mood boards are there to inspire and inform but not necessarily dictate. We can’t wait to hear where they have taken you, please just fill us in by explaining your creative thinking in your submission.
Designs
For this issue of our Annual we are mainly looking for accessories, but if you have an absolutely blinding idea for a garment, please feel free to present it too. We are after patterns that won’t take too much space to print: hats, scarves, cowls, gloves, mittens, shawls, socks, or homeware. We will be printing 5-8 patterns depending on length of pattern text. All crafts are encouraged; show us your knit, crochet, embroidery, or tapestry ideas. Can it be made with our yarn or tops? We’d love to see it!
Articles or Other Ideas
Did our mood board get your creative juices flowing? Did inspiring topics and ideas start fluttering through your mind? If you think you’ve had a brilliant idea for something other than a pattern do let us know! We’d love to hear your thoughts on articles, puzzles, illustrations, or anything else you think might work within the pages of our Annual.
Compensation and Support
We will, obviously and happily, provide the yarn needed for your sample. Any and all of our ranges can be used in your design, and we would love to know if you have a favourite. We are planning on having each design worked up in two samples, to show off as many of our bases as possible. This year we are also planning on having a few items worked up with hand spun. For this reason, designs which can be made in more than one thickness or gauge are welcomed.
Compensation is offered on a scale of difficulty of the design. We will provide tech editing for the finished pattern and the designs will be professionally photographed. The designs will be beautifully presented in our Annual 4 magazine in print and PDF format. We will have full rights to the design for 12 months after publication after which the rights will revert to you.
We will pay the designer on a sliding scale between £200 and £400 depending on complexity of pattern. All other submissions like recipes, illustrations, puzzles and articles are also compensated. Payment is by bank transfer in the UK and PayPal or Wise if you are abroad. Each contributor will receive a printed copy of the Annual.
Timescale
Submission deadline – 16th of October 2023
Designers notified of selection – 1st of November 2023
Samples and patterns due by – 30th of January 2023
Publication date – September, 2024
Want to Submit?
Please provide a design proposal in PDF format with your design, swatch, suggested yarns and / or tops, design inspiration and how it will work with our issue theme. Please also include a little bit about yourself and your previous design work. Please email your design submission to [email protected] We look forward to hearing from you!
Questions? Please email us at [email protected]
Diversity and Inclusivity
We believe a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment is one where all employees & customers, whatever their gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, religion, education, or disability, feels valued and respected. We are committed to a non-discriminatory approach and to keeping all John Arbon Textiles spaces (be they at our Mill, our Shop, a yarn show, or online) safe and enjoyable for all. We respect and value diverse life experiences and heritages and wish to ensure that all voices are valued and heard.