Yesterday I was making a few more of my Folk Art Hearts when I became agitated by one of my own design choices. "Why did I do that?" I asked myself, and "Wouldn't it look better this way or this other way?"
The "that" I was referring to is these four stitches that I've circled in white. Why did I make them yellow and not green? Or better yet, why didn't I keep carrying on with the spiral design in which case they would be red?
All of the sudden, this pattern that I had been perfectly happy with, became a source of anxiety. I could not move on until I explored the other obvious design options. In the moment, it seemed that making each section an obvious and separate field of color would look more striking.
I stopped what I was doing and made a heart in which the four stitches in question were green. That didn't look right to me as it seemed to be too much a break in the spiral pattern. I ripped it out and carried on with the spiral. While this was a bit better, it still felt off. I missed having the spiral shape completely framed in green.
In the end, after spending at least an hour going back and forth and back again, I decided that the original design was in fact the most appealing. It was more interesting to have the colors sort of bleeding into one another as opposed to three separate parts.
The reason I'm sharing this minor freak-out is because I think it's interesting how many decisions go into even the smallest design. A lot of time and effort can go into something as simple as a heart. I confess that I am guilty of looking at a finished product and thinking that I could make that in a cinch. Of course it's easy to think that when you are looking at the completed effort and all of the design decisions have already been made. Next time I find myself thinking such prideful thoughts, I will remember this humbling little heart.
Hello. I have pieces and thoughts on my mind today. How's that for a strange theme? By pieces I mean the little bits of tatting and crochet that I tend to carry from room to room these days. They are components for my Fiberpunk™ Jewelry which I find oddly satisfying to make. I say oddly because individually, they are such tiny, little projects. I think that's what I like about them. I can take little rest stops in my day and make a piece or two and feel a sense of accomplishment. It has become how I transition from one activity to another. I am currently planning to amass a huge assortment in every color and shape and then I'll have endless possibilities with which to design and play, like raking up a big pile of autumn leaves and then jumping in!
As for thoughts, well, that's less specific. I guess I've just been thinking about how I miss blogging regularly. I like the mental exercise of putting words together and seeing how they sound. There are times when I talk myself out of writing because I'm certain I have nothing to offer and the reality of that is halting. I have decided to not let that stop me anymore. Poignant or pathetic, I think I'll go back to sharing the bits and pieces that comprise the day to day life of this fiber loving person that I am.
Last weekend, as I was putting away holiday decorations and replacing them with our everyday things, I noticed that my crocheted coasters were looking a little shabby. I began to think about a heart coaster design as Valentine's Day is coming. I didn't want to make an ordinary heart, so I began to play with something less symmetrical and more whimsical. The result is my latest crochet pattern, the Folk Art Heart.
The finished heart measures 4.5" by 5", the perfect size for a coaster or mug rug. It can
also be used as an appliqué to add some homemade goodness to your
favorite jeans, t-shirt or tote. The size can be adjusted simply by increasing or decreasing the weight of the yarn and using an appropriately sized hook. Although I made mine in a cotton/linen blend, it could be fun to add some texture. Can't you picture a fur trim?
Anyway, I just wanted to wish you a Happy New Year and share this new little pattern. I hope 2015 brings everyone happy and healthy days filled with love!
