I am what you might call a crafting spectator. I am so inspired by those who make things with their own two hands, yet I very rarely pick up my own projects. Allow me to admit Exhibit A, my first knitting project:
This was photographed last summer…and it looks exactly the same today. But no more! I declare 2012 the year of craft. This year I will cramp my hands knitting so many hats, scarves and coasters, I will sew cushions for my couch and embellish things with pom pom trim and apply vintage wallpaper scraps to the interior of my bookshelves. I may have declared this before, but this year I really mean it. Ha!
To inspire and motivate myself, I have been obsessively devouring the Electric Sheep Podcast from Hoxton Handmade. I mentioned this the other day, but if you haven’t checked it out yet you must. She has one of those devilishly charming British accents, and each podcast is an absolute treasure trove of tips, advice, and a large dose of humor. Through a recent podcast, I discovered Brooklyn Tweed, a small, independent knitwear design company who also spin up luscious yarns made here in the States.
The names of their yarn colors alone are enough to make you want to pick up your needles: homemade jam, long johns, embers, hayloft, button jar, faded quilt, and soot are a few of my favorites. And the images in their gorgeous look books remind me of the Kinfolk aesthetic – rustic/organic but with a modern twist.
Now, I fully admit that none of these patterns are meant for me – at least, not this year! I need to start much smaller. But I love the imagining/pining/drooling phase when all is possible and perfect in your mind, don’t you?
Okay, now fess up: Are you a craft voyeur like me? If so, would you like to join me in my goal of creating more with my own two hands this year? Or are you one of those amazing people who actually makes things on a regular basis? If so, do you have any tips or inspiration to share? I can use all the help I can get!
Happy weekend my dears, xo Laura
(all images: Brooklyn Tweed)
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I must admit that I am a much more accomplished crafter than a designer. Luckily I completely love everything I do so it still brings a sense of accomplishement. I have become such an obsessive knitter in the Past few months that my thumbs hate me. But thank you for a fresh dose of insporation and good luck with all of your crafty aspirations!
Xoxo
Courtney Ann´s last [type] ..jessica-fortner:
SERIOUSLY
Last November I took up knitting; I knitted 4 pairs of fingerless gloves (easy and quick projects), and now I’m working on a shrug…but this is a bigger project and it’s taking me FOREVER! And suddenly knitting is a but less fun…
All in all, I guess I’m more a designer..
I mean, I love making things with my hand, but they have to be small projects that I can finish quickly, otherwise I tend to lose interest and perceive them as a chore.
.maybe you could try with small projects too?
Good luck :)
Cristina | Positively Beauty´s last [type] ..A bit of snow
Yes, Cristina, I am with you – small projects are exactly what I need! I am thinking perhaps a hat for Bixby, some fingerless gloves for me, and a few little squares to use as knitted coasters sounds about right! xo Laura
I have loved crafting all my life, but it has frequently either taken a back seat to life or been left at the last gas station until I had a spare few moments. I think Cristina’s suggestion of small projects is a good one. Also very simple ones. I have another suggestion that I wish I had thought of many years ago — either latch onto a very knowledgeable knitting friend who can help you the same day you have a question, or find a knitting store where you can go at least once a week to an open knitting group. Store owners and employees are always very knowledgeable and usually quite helpful. The camaraderie of sister knitters is so wonderful too. Sites online also can be helpful– with video segments on difficult issues – especially for those late-at-night questions. I know you will find great satisfaction in knitting, and in gifting and using your creations. It feels wonderful to be part of a womanly art that goes back many centuries.