TWO OF WANDS

Two of Wands, launched in 2014 by Alexandra Tavel, is a knitwear company with a modern approach to a timeless art form. Each finished item is handcrafted by Alexandra, taking anywhere from a few hours to over a week to meticulously create. The focus of Two of Wands is sophisticated knitwear made with simple stitches and techniques, with inspiration coming from the world around us - nature, history, culture, trends, and function. 

By offering patterns of each design, Two of Wands encourages others to find their creative energy and join in the magic and mindfulness of hand knitting and crocheting. From the meditative and cognitive benefits of the practice to the appreciation of the finished product, hand making garments and accessories is a healthful addiction for the mind and spirit. Each Two of Wands pattern has been thoughtfully written with the maker in mind. 

Since launching two years ago, Two of Wands has been an immediate breakout success and has been sought out by international customers and boutiques. Alexandra's garments and accessories for women and home have been featured in Mollie Makes Magazine, LoveKnitting catalog, Buzzfeed, Etsy’s Editor Picks and numerous fashion and craft blogs and sites. She has done collaborations with Lion Brand Yarn Company, DMC Thread, and Little Dandelion knits among others and plans to expand Two of Wands into menswear and home accessories in the next year.

alexandra's story

I'm so lucky to have been able to travel all over the world, and I always draw inspiration from the different countries I've visited and the local artisans who create such unique pieces in their communities. It was on one of my travels that the Two of Wands label was solidified. In 2013 I climbed to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, and when I reached the other side I met a woman who offered to read my tarot cards. The Two of Wands was drawn and my future was set in motion. This card is focused on taking the path of discovery and creativity, taking your ideas and desires and turning them into a solid plan for success. It is about stepping into that scary but exciting unknown and believing that you have the potential to shine. The name represents energy, spirituality, inspiration, creativity, ambition and expansion.

design philosophy

Hailing from a small town in the Midwest taught me the importance of making functional pieces that are approachable and not too out there, but living in NYC for over a decade and traveling around the world gives me great inspiration to design unique and stylish items at the same time. My style is chic but playful, and because as a consumer I tend to shop and wear so many different styles, my designs also have influence from many different directions. 

Combining influences from my experience with cut-and-sew garments, draping, and jewelry making as a Fashion Design and Costume Construction Technology student at Indiana University, I strive to design unique pieces with simple but unexpected details. My design process starts with a feeling – a moment in time that I want to capture with a garment or accessory. I love using a wide array of fibers and aim to source materials locally and sustainably. 

- FOLLOW ALONG WITH @TWOOFWANDS ON INSTAGRAM -