Happy new year :D!! This update has been a long time coming, as we've been waiting on samples for a few of the items from this campaign... But they're all finally here to talk about! Also in this update, talking a bit about the new GPSR laws for the EU and what that means for shipping (see below)

We decided to try a sample from 2 different manufacturers to see what worked best. There are some pretty major differences between them, so we'd like help (especially from jacket backers) to decide which way to go!

Jacket sample 1.)

Details:
- Wool fabric and PU leather sleeves
- Embroidery for all designs, looks very close to the original artwork!
- The black patch under the spider is actually sewn in! (jacket 2 is screen printed)
- In our opinion, due to the lighter fabric colors it kinda comes off as "halloween costume-ish"
- The white stripes down the sleeves are sewn in as well! (Jacket 2 screen prints the white stripes. They are very high quality, though I do wonder about long term if jacket 2 will see any cracking on the sleeves...)

Jacket sample 2.)

Details:
- Melton fabric for the body and PU leather sleeves
- The fabric seems to get dirty VERY quickly, if you have long hair or pets with fur it seems to get all over this thing (any fabric suggestions or if you'd like to vouch for melton fabric, leave a comment!)
- Towel patches for sleeve designs + back spider. Webs are embroidery
- Due to darker color fabric, looks more cohesive!
- The back spider is missing the white outline, so image is a bit unclear
- Black square on back of design is printed on, if you are able to zoom in it's very noticeable...

Onto the close up comparisons!

While 1.) has a cleaner look, 2.) has a nice texture. There is also a difference in quality of the PU leather, 1.) seems to be less textured and also feel much more stiff. 2.) feels higher quality in the sleeves. The embroidery is also more stiff when you bend your arm, not really a big issue in my eyes but it may bother some!

Here is where the most MAJOR difference is, the jacket lining!! 1,) does not have any sort of lining. We've talked with our manufacturer, and we will be able to do lining but it will most likely be similar fabric to the rest of the jacket (just a bit thinner). 2.) feels great on the inside, and if you look it also has a part on the neck so you can hang it on a coat rack! 

And finally, a closer look at the backs. The screen printed black square on 2.) really stands out here.. If we do go with 2 as our manufacturer, the black square would be completely removed from the final product. 1.) has a much more clear image on the spider, but that is partially because the white outline is missing on 2.). 

Overall, we are leaning towards choosing jacket 2 with some slight changes. I've attached a poll below so you can vote, but comments are appreciated as well I'm excited to hear what you all think of our first ever varsity jacket!

We went through 3 different samples of this plush, but I feel like we've now perfected it! I just got it in the mail yesterday, and let me say it's even better to see in person! I'll have to take some better photos myself now that I have it, so expect that in a future update.

I'm sure many of you have already seen other artists and small businesses make posts about this, but unfortunately due to the new GPSR laws that started last month we may no longer be able to ship to any country within the EU. With the new regulations we would be required to hire an EU-based legal representative to oversee our compliance, which unfortunately would cost much more money than we'd make from shipping within the EU. We won't be refunding any orders yet in case there are new laws that loosen restrictions to smaller businesses to make it possible, but if shipping time comes around and there have been no changes I will make an update and refund ALL EU backers.

I will now be locking orders within the week since all samples are in, if you wanted to make any changes now is the time to do so! (if you need any help, of course you can email us at [email protected] and we will reply as soon as we can!)

Manufacturing will now begin for all items (besides the jacket, as we wait on your votes)! As a reminder, we have a visual timeline available in the story section of this campaign if you're ever curious about what step we're on in the schedule! Will update again when a jacket style is chosen :D