~Purpose is what drives me.
When I am at the helm of making a project I love to analyze it from the start to the finish, from the end to the beginning, sideways, on the diagonal, and juxtaposed. Finding the best purpose for the fiber or the best fiber for the purpose is such a sweet dance. I value the whole shebang, and I want to use it all to its best purpose! How about you? In a side note of personal revelation, it even kills me to throw away the last little bits, but with natural fiber that is easily fixed with the ability of being biodegradable and useful in compost or the garden.
If you have been tangled up in knitting for a while the next progression is to start asking: “What is the best yarn for the project I am knitting?” And why not? When you start on the journey of using your precious time to create, you want that project to be the embodiment of what you dreamed. At the very least, work for the outcome, and last to its potential. The best way for that to happen is to work with the natural propensity of the fiber and its characteristics. When we cram the fiber into what we want or the project we have in mind like Cinderella’s step sisters it may not be the perfect fit.
Is there really a wrong answer when it comes to fluffing? Yes
~There is no such thing as bad wool, just misguided purposes
Now I am not saying that like a glass slipper there is only one fit for that sweater you have in mind, but I am saying there is more to it than any kind of yarn will work. If you want the ideal outcome of purpose, lowest maintenance, and longevity. There are some very important principles to keep in mind. Knowing why you are going against the tendency of the fiber can give you understanding of the results you will get.
~Knitting is such an amazing purposeful process
There is something so satisfying in creating something good. You can go from a ball of string that can be easily tangled and thrown around the room by your favorite furry friend to; a garment that will fit every curve and match not only your color palette, but your unique personality perfectly. Something precious to wear proudly, and starts molding to your particular frame, while giving you the feel of a queen. A garment that works with the way your body works to make you more comfortable in your environment and your own skin.
~There is purpose in a good planning session~
What is your end product?
What do you want or have to work with?
Not just material, but tools, and notions,,,
What is the aesthetic I am going for?
Subtle, wild, vintage, classic, fairy tail,,,
What is the fibers natural propensity; to hug you, or drape, or somewhere in between?
Would you like to focus on pattern or texture or both?
Do you want a little texture?
Should the knitting be your texture?
What is your color scheme?
Do you want to wing it and see how it goes?
Are you following a precise pattern?
Would you like to modify the pattern?
How will it end?
Will it wear well?
Will I be able to maintain it for a long time?
What is purpose?
As I looked up the definition of purpose, #1 is the reason for which something exists or is done, made, used, ect. I love reasoning, mulling over the purpose scratches a huge itch of mine. There is satisfaction in bringing a project from a formula in your mind to a beautiful piece of functional wearable art. Art that will last, and is low maintenance. A piece worth purposely thinking threw.
When we start to reason through something there is the value in knowing what it is best for. Why was it created? Meaning that there are ways that it shouldn’t be used. So many times, I see a chosen pattern and a chosen color of yarn that wILL fit the pattern. And let’s be honest, may be Ill fit for the pattern or concept. Or a project not started because that specific yarn is not available. There are so many options out there, and it is important to play with more than two values when purposing your time to make a lifetime item
Are you thinking about your new project?
I hope these questions have helped you in planning what you will knit next.
Are you having a hard time deciding your best fiber purpose?
Or do you need inspiration for that beautiful yarn you bought? I would love to be your fiber consultant!
Can I show you what I have learned?
I have been flingin’ the fluff for 20+ years and find that it isn’t enough to just knit up the mittens in Red Heart. That was my first knitting project, and when that was complete I found a real yarn shop in my area. I will never forget agonizing over the wool with my limited budget. I chose some cascade 220, and I haven’t looked back. When I make a gift or project I want it to last a really long time, be perfect for the recipient, and low be maintenance.
Who am I?
Recently I thought about changing my name to the Schizophrenic Fiber Artist. Everything about business says niche down and specialize in one thing… BUt I LOve to do it all. It is such a pleasure to take a piece from farm to finish - grass to gorgeous. I would love to help you do the same. From any starting point.
How can I help you?
I specialize in knitting, spinning, and felting. From picking the fluff, to modifying or making up your own pattern, and everywhere in between. Let me show you how to start in any part of the process and work your way to the project that fits perfectly and lasts for generations. I won’t tell you that one is too hard for you. Because we can do it. There may be some practice of good technique here and there, but it will be well worth it.
Your support keeps this little farm going...
Why? Because angora doesn’t make a good knit rug and Navajo Churro isn’t the best choice for cabled underwear.
Set yourself years ahead. I’d love to hear what you want your next project to be. You can always email me: molly@theeartinme.com It would be so fun to set up a workshop just for you, and or a friend.