Hey Craze Crew,
It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through the year! As I sit down to write this, I’m wearing my favourite Cardi (yes, with pockets — you asked, we listened 😉) and feeling extra grateful for every single one of you who has made Cardi Craze what it is today.
So, I wanted to pause the busy market days and packing up parcels to share a little behind the scenes. Here’s what we did, what we learned, what we loved — and what’s next for us all.
1️⃣ What We Did Differently — Fresh Threads & Fresh Starts
Earlier this year, we made one of our biggest (and best) moves yet: we rebranded from Medibody to Cardi Craze. Why? Well, let’s be honest — people kept thinking we sold vitamins or medicine! 😂
We wanted a name that instantly says what we’re about: colourful knitwear, bold cardigans, statement vests. Cardi Craze feels so much more us — playful, cosy, clear, and easy to find online when someone types “colourful cardigans UK”.
Alongside our new name, we also got braver with our designs — and this year, we even launched our first vests! Now you can layer up your personality even more. Right now, we have 5 new cardigans in production and 4 more designs on the drawing board — think clouds, cherries, chillies, mushrooms… all those fun patterns that take about 6–8 months to go from an idea to the hanger. I know you’re going to love them — and yes, the vests are here to stay too!
We also launched bundles and new loyalty card perks, plus special community-only sales. Because you, our community, are what keeps us going — and we want you to feel seen and treasured.
One thing that made me smile so much: at our pop-up events and markets, I overheard someone pointing at one of our cardigans and telling her friend, “That’s so YOU!” — moments like that remind me why we do what we do. These cardis are meant to match personalities, not just outfits.
2️⃣ Big Wins — 5,000+ Reasons to Keep Going
So far this year, we’ve sold over 5,000 cardigans and vests — yes, vests were new for us this year! — which means 5,000+ chances to change someone’s day with a pop of colour, a bold pattern, and that cosy feeling of putting on something that just feels right.
I’ll never forget the lovely customer who owns 11 of our cardigans. Every time her husband passes my stall, he says, “I want to get her another one, but I’m scared she already has it!” 😂 She wears a different Cardi every day — says it’s changed her mood, her confidence, and that she always gets compliments. That’s the magic right there.
We also had a lovely surprise this year — we were featured in Living North Magazine! Seeing Cardi Craze’s story in print made us so proud, and it’s a reminder that our little brand is reaching more people, one bold cardigan at a time.
And of course, you all keep telling me you love the functionality as much as the bold colours — which is why we’ve added pockets to our bestsellers and are making sure new designs have them too!
3️⃣ Our Bumps & Lessons — Behind the Seams
I won’t pretend it’s all rainbows and perfectly folded stock rooms.
Stock management? Not my superpower — yet. Sometimes we run out of your favourite designs too fast, or I supply way too much of something that doesn’t fly off the rails as quickly. So if you’ve got genius stock management tips — please send them my way! 🙏
This year I also travelled to our manufacturers abroad to discuss moving from polyester to cotton — because sustainability really matters to us. But after lots of tests and deep industry chats, we realised: for our signature 3D textured cardigans (which you love!), cotton just doesn’t hold shape well enough. It can easily stretch or warp after washing, and it works best for lighter pieces like T-shirts — not thick, cosy knitwear with complex patterns like ours.
We looked at wool too — everyone thinks wool is a good option, but when we tested it, we found it won’t keep our cardigans’ structure stable. Hang wool cardigans too long and they can stretch out, lose shape, or get too long and droopy. Wool can’t be made as thick as our style needs, and it’s also prickly on the skin — not comfy enough for what we want. Plus tricky to care for and we’re a vegan-friendly brand and don’t use animal fibres.
Our current fabric might not be perfect, but it holds the 3D ‘towel embroidery’ look, stays comfy and soft, keeps its shape after washing, and is easy to care for at home— all important for our bold designs. We’re still actively looking for better, greener options though, and we’re happy to pay more for it — if you know a supplier who can help, our inbox is open!
And yes, our iconic texture means you do need to treat it kindly. It can snag on sharp edges — but that’s why every Cardi comes with a care guide, and we even made how-to-fix videos on our Instagram and website. Tiny snags don’t ruin the party — they’re fixable, just like us.
Trading at outdoor markets in wild British weather? We’ve done it all — howling winds, rain sideways. But when I see you brave the elements, try on a Cardi, and walk away beaming — it’s worth every soggy sock.
4️⃣ Our Community — The Heart of Cardi Craze
When we first started Cardi Craze, we imagined our dream customer — Freya. Funky, quirky, bold. Someone who loves to stand out and express herself through colour and pattern. And we were right — but along the way, we realised something even better: our community is so much more than just one type of Freya.
Our customers come from every age and every walk of life, each bringing their own personality to our cardigans. I still remember one day at our stall — a quiet young woman stopped by with her lively mum and her witty, sarcastic grandma. They each found a cardigan that felt just right for them — three generations, three cardigans, one moment that made me so happy.
We’ve had older customers too — like the lovely woman who told me she’d keep her cardigan in the family and pass it down through generations. And we’ve met so many of you at markets, dancing in your Cardi Craze knits, popping by to say hello wearing bold colours that lift your mood and turn heads wherever you go.
Hearing you say, “I get so many compliments!” or “These colours changed my mood!” — that’s why we do this. Every kind word, every fun selfie, every time you ask, “What’s the next design?” reminds us that what we make is more than knitwear — it’s a little boost for your day, your confidence, and even your mental health.
You are the heart of Cardi Craze — and we can’t wait to meet more of you as this colourful journey grows. 🌈✨
5️⃣ What’s Next — A Cosy Future Ahead
So, what’s on the needles for the rest of the year?
Looking ahead, we have plenty in the pipeline to keep the Cardi Craze spirit growing. New products and fresh patterns are already on the way — and we can’t wait for you to see, touch, and try them at this year’s Newcastle Christmas Market. There’s nothing like feeling the fabric in real life, chatting with us face to face, and soaking up that festive buzz. At the same time, we’re planning to reduce some of our market days so we can invest more energy into our online shop — because we believe online has even bigger potential to help more people find their perfect Cardi. But don’t worry — we’ll still pop up at our favourite regular markets, so you can always see, feel, and try on in person too.
Behind the scenes, we’re working hard to make our website better and easier to use — from adding a smoother My Account page to building a rewards programme that connects our online and offline customers even more closely, so you can track your orders, manage your perks, and shop your next Cardi in just a few clicks. We also had some beautiful new photos done this year with TTM Management, which has really helped people pick their favourite pieces online with more confidence. And we’re making sure our emails won’t just be sales pitches — expect practical, helpful content too, like guides on how to pick cardigan colours that suit your skin tone. One big dream of ours? To see Cardi Craze on the shelves at places like Fenwick one day — we’re not there yet, but we’re taking each step with that goal in mind!
Whatever we do, one thing stays the same: staying bold, staying comfy, staying unapologetically you.
6️⃣ Inside & Out — A Judgment-Free Craze
At Cardi Craze, it’s never just about cardigans — it’s about you. Every design we create is meant to help you express who you are, inside and out. Bold colours, playful patterns, soft pastels, deeper shades — we’re expanding our range because we know our community is beautifully diverse.
Whether you’re bright and bubbly or quietly creative, there’s a Cardi Craze piece that can lift your mood and show a bit more of your personality to the world. We love the idea that two people could pass each other on the street, spot each other’s cardis, smile, and know — we’re part of the same Craze.
Most importantly, we want this community to stay judgment free. There’s enough noise out there telling people how to dress, what to wear, who to be. Here, it’s simple: no judgment, just joy. We’re here to encourage each other, celebrate differences, and lift each other up — not blend in or follow the crowd.
So here’s to more bold. More comfy. More you. Always. 💛✨
Whether you find us at a local market or discover us online, we hope Cardi Craze stays your favourite indie knitwear brand for bold statement cardigans and colourful cardigans UK — made for self-expression and everyday joy.
💛 Thank You for Being Part of This Craze
If you’ve ever danced in your Cardi, braved the rain to see us at a stall, or simply sent us a kind DM — thank you. We’re not just selling cardigans — we’re building a community of people who believe in self-expression, zero judgment, and adding a pop of happiness to every day.
Here’s to the next half of the year — can’t wait to keep making bold, comfy, you. Come say hi anytime — online, at our stalls, or in your DMs. We love hearing from you!
With love & colour,
El & Laura