Holes
I have often lamented that I don’t know how to take the images and design ideas I see in my head and translate them into actual knitting. It feels like I have large holes and gaps at critical points in my basic information. I believe part of this comes from learning in isolation. Most of these skills — knitting, spinning, weaving, sewing, crocheting, etc. — are often passed on through hands-on mentoring. I have learned a bit here and a bit there from people, but the majority of my knowledge has been gained through books. I don’t always understand the books and sometimes I just make things up. But more often than not, I get stuck wondering what the “right way” to do something is.
With Mr. Knittiot becoming more and more involved in the crocheting (this morning he woke me up to tell me about this great idea he had that involved computers and yarn and other things, and right now he is sitting in his office crocheting and designing his own patterns), I am learning so much. Partially that is because there are teachable moments in which I need to be able to explain something to another human being that I normally just do without thinking. The fact that I am really looking more closely at some of the materials I have in the house is also helpful. But the most exciting and unexpected learning has been through my graphic designing, computer animating, illustrator and artist of a husband.
Yesterday as I was trying to explain to him what I wanted to do with my pattern for the Olympics, he said, “Well, based on what I know about crocheting you would just need to start increasing at this point and then start decreasing here.” He then went on to explain to me — using 3D modeling of images via computer as his point of reference — how general shapes are modified and transformed to create something new. It was such a simple concept in actual fact, but not one that I have any knowledge of, and just this brief little tutorial suddenly opened up new doors on design for me. Now that he knows how to crochet and understands how the yarn comes together and what decreases and increases are and the general vocabulary, he is teaching me!
Last night we went to a new knitting store that is a little closer to home and it was wonderful. Their selection was great and the staff was knowledgeable, friendly and very fun. It was a little bit crazy busy, but not claustrophobic feeling. Near their (very large) selection of Brown Sheep and Cascade, they had a display sample of the Fiber Trends Felted Clog sitting out and Mr. Knittiot and I started looking at it and discussing how it could be modified to include the pointy toe. We started chatting with the woman behind the counter and ran our thoughts by her and she confirmed exactly what my informative sweetie had said. Now that was exciting.
I’m still not entirely sure how to go about filling in all the holes. Looking at the list of classes typically offered at a knitting store, none of them really seem to be what I am looking for — they are usually too basic or too specific (focused on creating one item). I want a class on the history of knitting and fiber arts. I want design techniques and theory. I want color work for fiber artists. Creating texture. Adding shaping. Unique stitches. These are all things I am not likely to find in a yarn shop. I do know there are some local schools that specialize in textile arts and I know there is even a degree in knitting design. But that is a little too intensive for me.
So, I am back to books and self-directed study (which actually suits my learning styles pretty nicely). It’s nice to have a partner to bounce things off of who can understand what I am saying and provide useful feedback. I am also searching for a local group, which may take some time. I have a vision of this circle of people to knit and/or spin with that is pretty specific and who knows when I’ll either stumble upon or facilitate such a thing. Still, I’m always on the look out.
January 28th, 2006 at 12:07 pm
History of knitting is a tricky one; I’m in the Yahoo group for Historic Knitting (pre-1950) and there are hundreds and thousands of people all wishing that our ancestors had safely stashed away a few pairs of socks and a scarf or two, some with the needles still in them, so that the archaeologists of the 21st century could find them and realize it was worth publicizing. I’ve just found out about a mitten cuff that was found in 1946 in Estonia, because a member studied it and published her findings on her website in 2003. Aside from Richard Rutt (reprinted) and Irena Turnau (out of print), there isn’t a lot in any one book. Mostly you get snippets of information here and there.
FWIW, knitting seems to have been invented between the 7th century AD and the 9th century AD, but there are some tantalizing finds from the 2nd century AD (not the famous nalbinding Coptic socks).
For general fiber history, try Barber: Women’s Work, the First 20,000 Years (and her more detailed book that I forget the name of).
For shaping, Elizabeth Zimmermann and her daughter Meg Swansen, and Beverly Royce if you can borrow her book by interlibrary loan (out of print and now expensive).
For texture, I think it’s experiential: B.Walker’s various Treasuries are a source to start with.
Could you take a few classes at the textile school without having to be a degree student? My guess is that something like Garment Design for Knitwear might be offered. Could you strike up friendships with some of the students to find out whether there is an enthusiastic one willing to discuss their studies or loan/recommend textbooks?
You’ll probably have to facilitate the local group yourself, by choosing a time you can regularly assign - second Thursday, or some such - and asking local yarn shops if you can put up a notice. Or the YMCA or the health food store or Borders craft department or the library. Or all… and they might have rooms to hold it, too. Mind you, I haven’t done any such thing myself.
January 28th, 2006 at 1:16 pm
Thank you so much for all the information and suggestions. That’s just what I needed!
January 29th, 2006 at 3:24 pm
That sounds so COOL using 3D modeling of images via PC for sorting out your inspiration, concept and so on…! H
January 30th, 2006 at 4:46 pm
You can now read some of my early thoughts on the parallels of crocheting and 3d computer modeling at my blog, Man Bytes Blog.
January 30th, 2006 at 5:54 pm
I so hear you on the limitations of the kinds of classes usually offered. I’m not sure I want the same things you do but I am more interested in principles that I can apply more widely. And many of the classes seem like they are about following a pattern (which I can do on my own). I hope you find some like-minded folks local to you who you can talk about this stuff with. And check out the college courses. You might even be able to audit them (sit in but not do the assessment).
January 30th, 2006 at 6:14 pm
Oh, I hadn’t thought of just auditing the class. Thanks for the great suggestion. I’ll keep you posted about my quest for like-minded knitters…
November 16th, 2006 at 8:53 am
Hi, I’m a student in the UK and am writing a piece on the resurgence of knitting…..was therefore wondering if any body would like to take part - its just a simple survey, but I’m really interested in finding out fellow knitters / hand crafters views………..