Showing posts with label wingspan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wingspan. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Creativity Series: Making a Plan

Making a plan is generally my next step in the creative process. This comes before gathering materials, unless, of course, my schema has the rule, "no new materials." which I frequently do. But not frequently enough.

I think through the project from start to finish, often mapping ideas in my sketchbook and keeping a running materials list as I progress through each step. At times, this includes a budget for the materials, where to get them, when to order, etc etc.

My current project is getting the knitting needles up on etsy.com. I have listed my materials and budget, and look forward to ordering materials on Friday. The only thing not as yet decided is the type of adhesive I want to use.

The planning stage is essential for the project to go well. Yes, surprises happen and on visual art projects I often allow the actual art making process to take a life of its own. My knitting projects, however, are frequently fully planned before I pick up a pair of needles. Pattern written and all. It makes it so much easier to stitch, quicker overall, and allows for the logic of the piece to make sense so frogging is not necessary.

Speaking of frogging, the previously mentioned wingspan in knit picks yarn is in the frog pond. Now, I've started it again in some hand dyed laceweight on size 4 needles. It is going really well.

I look forward to unveiling the new knitting needle project. It will be fabulous!

Friday, February 24, 2012

The Creative Process Series

I want to write to explore the creative process, both mine and the creative process in general. My brainstorming post started the series. I generally begin with the feeling of needing to create, or a certain unrest. This can come in the middle of another project (unfortunately) or between projects. I get bored with projects easily, at times. Other times, I can spend a month on a single project. For example, I spent 6 weeks working on my "permanent bracelet" that I have been wearing for nearly a year. I sewed it on March 14, 2011. It is showing no wear, as of yet.


I nearly always have multiple projects going. Right now I am working on knitting two shawls, and have two shawls ready to be presented. I am currently working on Wingspan and Arabella. Wingspan is being knitted with Knit Picks Felici in Moonlit, and Arabella is in hand-dyed Knit Picks merino silk bare. It is a beautiful, beautiful tonal red. I have a lovely lot of dyes now, I'm so excited. Lots of bare yarn and lots of dye; now I just need to knit faster!

What motivates you to create art?