frequently asked questions

Can I buy this? What does it cost?

I post new work for sale on my instagram. If something is available I will note it in the post. Often I am posting commissioned or claimed work, though I am usually open to remaking things or making something similar. I price everything on a sliding scale and am open to payment plans. The low end of the scale is intended to keep my art accessible for people with financial difficulties: please use your discretion about if this applies to you. I am also often open to trades, especially with tattoo artists. Please don’t take it personally if I’m not able to trade- sometimes rent is due!

Do you take commissions?

Often yes! It will usually say on my social media whether I'm open to commissions and of what kind. Right now I am excited about doubleknit tapestries, fabric and ceramic judaica, and quilting, but I’m open to discussing any ideas you have. I would also love to make you a shirt design, album cover, or piece for your gallery show. I may be open to commercial inquiries of this kind even if regular commissions are closed. I can be reached via email at irabeare[at]gmail.com

How did you make this? What is double knitting?

There is frequently an expectation that artists with a social media presence are required to fully explicate their processes. If I answered every question I got about how to make things, I wouldn't be able to spend time actually making them. Most questions I recieve are about my knit work. I hand knit everything I make, generally using double knitting. Double knitting is a technique that produces doubled reversible stockinette fabric, with reversible colorwork. I design my patterns in google sheets, often using archival references. I recommend you use stitchfiddle for pattern design: I just got used to google sheets 10 years ago and can't stop now. Everything I know I learned from YouTube tutorials (and my childhood librarian)! If you want to learn something, google will probably do a better job than me over dm :)

Can I make this for myself? Can you send me the pattern?

Please do not knock off or try to reverse engineer my work. Making things from your own brain will always be more exciting! I do sell some of my patterns, including the Joan of Arc(s) and the YouTube comment scarf. They are available on my etsy
. I may not sell patterns for everything I make, though if there is a piece you are hoping for a pattern of, I may be open to making one if asked. If you make something inspired by me or using one of my patterns, I would love to see it! You can always tag, dm, or email me :)

What do you teach? When will you teach again?

I have taught small classes in dressmaking and quilting (improvisational, traditional, and story) in-person in western massachusetts. I have also taken on private students for mending and alterations, sewing basics, and quilting. I am not currently running classes, but am open to new private students. I would also love to teach a class or workshop at your business/institution/library/artist co-op. I will likely run classes in-person again, and will likely not ever run classes online. For more information on classes, see my classes page.