Getting back in the saddle
Back in the saddle
Originally uploaded by rchach
A lot of things have upset our little apple basket this past week, and have distracted me from getting a proper start on the new book. It wasn't until Friday of last week before I even got a chance to swatch. But I am getting back in the saddle again.
When I get into slumps of "I-don't-even-know-where-to-begin-my-to-do-list-is-so-long", I try to quiet my mind and pull out any hook and any ball of yarn and just get started. I have found that it doesn't matter what I crochet, just as long as I start.
I have my book sketches pinned up all around my office (aka dining room) and I pick one to focus on for the day. I grab a stitch dictionary and the yarn I think I want to use and just get started. I find if I think about it too long, I get designer's block. But if I just force my hands to work, I find that ideas will start flowing.
Every time I need a break, do something away from the office- like take Faye out or run an errand. Then come back and evaluate my swatches (once they are dry), pick out my favorites, and pin them up.
I probably swatch out half a dozen stitch patterns for all the garments, slowly narrowing down my focus to one in particular. It is not a quick process, but it is relaxing (esp when you put an audio book in and can check out for a bit.)
It does make for a bit of boring blog posts, but hopefully you guys will hang in with me this month as I hash out all the new designs.
4 comments:
What sort of surface is that that you use to block your swatches?
looks like cardboard with an inch grid drawn on...
anyway, if we follow your blog, it's because we love you and your work, and anything you post, we're going to think is amazing, so I, for one, don't mind :)
(that was probably a really confusing sentence...)
The surface is a blocking board. I got it at Webs (www.yarn.com) .
Not boring in any way. I loved this post. I envy your job although you clearly work so hard and deserve to have a great job.
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