Today we’d like to introduce you to Cori Schrader.
Hi Cori, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My knitting journey began over 20 years ago when a friend taught me the basics in college. I used it to de-stress since college life can have intense moments. After playing around with the needles and yarn, I discovered a natural affinity for knitting. I kept at it. I started with simple garter stitch scarves and kept adding in new techniques—fast forward a few years. I had been making hats and mittens and other items for friends and family for gifts, and one day a friend said I should try to sell my items. I launched into manufacturing mode. I made tons and tons of hats and other accessories. I eventually launched an Etsy store and began selling at markets. It was fun but lots of work. Seeing someone try on my products, love them, and buy them always made me happy.
As the years rolled on, my skills grew more and more. I wanted to teach others the joys of knitting, and I got a job at a local yarn shop. I met so many wonderful people and had the opportunity to pass on my knowledge. It was here that the shop owner and friend suggested I start designing knitting patterns. I hadn’t given it much thought until she suggested it. Once again, I started with hats and branched out into wraps, neckwear, and sweaters. I moved my knitting products and patterns off Etsy and created my website. I decided to brand my items. As an event planner, the pineapple is very symbolic of hospitality. I often feel when I gift someone a knitted item. It is an extension of that hospitality vibe; hence the Knitted Pineapple was born. What initially started as a hobby became a wonderful and fun small business. Eventually, I published some books: 60 Quick Knits from America’s Yarn Shops by Cascade Yarns and Malabrigo Book 15: Time for Hats. It was fantastic to see my designs in print! I am still creating and designing. My patterns are available on both my Ravelry.com page and my website, TheKnittedPineapple.com.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Yes, it has been a smooth road for the most part. My biggest struggle was building my own website and spreading the word. I am thankful for the website-building platforms out there, along with social media.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in unique knit items you cannot find in brick-and-mortar stores. I hand-make everything on my website. I have a selection of items I have an inventory of so that purchases can be immediately shipped. I also do custom work. The biggest seller by far is my Ruffle Cowl. I could not keep those in stock over the holiday season. I am known as the pineapple lady, so the branding worked! What sets me apart from others in my industry is the speed at which I can complete orders and how uniform my stitches are. The greatest compliment a knitter can receive is when someone says this looks machine-made. I am proud to say that I have received that one several times.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting?
For those just starting in the knitting world, practice, practice. Eventually, it will all come together; we were all flawed out of the gate. I wish someone had warned me about how much of a fiber addiction this would become! HA! I try to keep all the yarn in my office. However, it sometimes migrates to other areas of the house! (Sorry, husband!)
Contact Info:
- Website: TheKnittedPineapple.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/theknittedpineapple
- Facebook: facebook.com/KnittedPineapple
- Other: https://www.ravelry.com/stores/cori-schrader-designs
Image Credits
All photos are by Dennis Schrader Photography
