ConnieLene – KnitDesigner

Mormor (mothers mother in Danish) can you knit bird pictures?

moi: yes I could, but I don’t.

Why?

moi: I don’t usually knit pictures.

Why not?

moi : Because I don’t like knitting pictures.

Why? Is it too hard for you?

moi: no, it isn’t too hard. Bird pictures are knitted using the intarsia method. I knit intarsia often. In fact, I love knitting intarsia. I just don’t knit pictures. Okay.

If you knit intarsia and that knits pictures why don’t you knit birds?

moi: Intarsia is the method I use to knit with many colours. I could knit pictures if I wanted to.

Why don’t you then?

moi: because I don’t really like knitting pictures.

Why not?

now you can see where this is going can’t you?

If you knit intarsia you could knit me a sweater with a bird on the front, couldn’t you?

moi: I could but you would not wear a sweater with a bird on the front, would you? and I don’t really like knitting pictures.

but you could, couldn’t you?

moi: yes I could but you would not wear it.

I would if you knitted me one.

moi thinking: this is a boy aged 8 going on 9 (in June) – would he really wear this sweater more than once? Would I really commit to creating one? I hate sweaters with pictures, I really do.

moi out loud: would you like me to knit you a winter telly watching blanket – that could have a kind of bird on it.

Yes it could, but I would wear a sweater with a bird on the front that you made.

moi thinking: this boy will go a long way

moi out loud: what say we stick to a telly watching blanket with a kind of a bird on it, would that be okay?

Yes it would, but I would wear a sweater with a bird on the front that you made.

moi thinking: oh no you wouldn’t.

Am I wrong? This is a boy who is passionate about birds, plants and animals. It is an honour to think that he would wear a sweater that I create with a bird on it. But he is nearly 9 and loves robots, cars, the planet, swimming, rugby and cricket and plays a mean game of sequence, tries chess, and thinks his mormor is too old to dance, climb hills and ride bikes. But he thinks I am good enough to knit a bird picture on a sweater that he will wear.

What should I do?

I was wandering about the internet – which is remarkably easy to do – and I happened upon a blog I have not read before and there in was the challenge. Knit Sisters Blog – A year of knitting dangerously

Excerpt from the blog: and do follow the link above and read the rest. It is good reading.

Item 1 on the list is – Learn something new

…… However, there are a couple of techniques that I’d like to tackle this year: entrelac and twined knitting. These seem worthy goals. (Please do not unkindly point out that I have not included intarsia in this list; I feel that intarsia should not be asked of anyone.)

I will not be unkind regarding the exclusion of Intarsia.

I will however take umbrage at the vague suggestion that taking up intarsia as a challenge could be somehow “unworthy”

Now I really am in a state of distress, my heart is going crazy. How could any form of knitting be considered unworthy? If you had remained silent, I would never have know of your view with regard to Intarsia.

Below are some points for Intarsia knitting which I personally regard as an important item in the arsenal of any knitter – especially the freeform colour work.

It encourages freedom that other knitting experiences cannot match

It is a stash buster

It teaches one about colour

It reduces stress

It teaches one about yarns and how they work together

It teaches one that there is freedom in knitting

It is beautiful

It always creates a unique piece

And I do have to say it again – I really want everyone to play with intarsia.

I do have to confess, even though I have done so many times before – I do have other knitting skills to be learnt on my list as well, such as the knitting of socks – (still on my to do list for 2010, and they were there in 2009 as well, and I am sad to say I have 2 IOU’s for 2 pairs of hand knitted red socks, for Best Beloved and Son) – and if you take up the challenge to knit a piece of freeform intarsia, I will add Entrelac and twined knitting to my list for 2010.

So to Knit Sister – Sarah

Take up the challenge – Knit dangerously with Intarsia please

Intarsia is a technique whereby you can create beautiful and colourful designs or pictures on your knitting. Usually done flat, it is also possible to do it in the round. There are no special requirements in terms of material or equipment. With knowledge of basic knit and purl stitches you are already well on your way to being able to complete an Intarsia knit.

Hopefully this website will also be of assistance to you! You can browse for ideas and inspiration. Feel free to send in your questions when you get stuck. Your creations might not look like designer clothes on your first try but remember that practice makes perfect. No matter what level you are, you will find helpful tips and tricks to guide you along the way. You can do it!

If you are new to Intarsia you may have questions that I could answer which will help you with what you are creating now. Those questions may also give me additional ideas on what should be included in my Intarsia book.

I have started a topic “Intarsia Knitting”, on my Facebook business page under the tab Discussions requesting questions and queries on Intarsia knitting.

The book, which has no name as yet, will cover the skills of knitting using the Intarsia method from working with a basic graph to how I work in the free form way.

It will cover the technical aspects – geared to a learning Intarsia knitter and develop the skills in increments from graph, geometric to free form, over a range of projects. The project patterns will be included. So far projects include a small wall hanging, a sweater, and a jacket.

This is an important project for me – and it has been rummaging around in my head for a long time. Now is the time for me to make it happen. Please join me on the ride as we can all benefit from each others skills, interests, and especially queries.

The Carbon Footprint graphs.

The photos are not of the full graph – the graphs are of 2 complete feet. One left foot, and on the angle, one right foot. They each fit on an A4 page. There are no instructions included for knitting them, as there are many online sites and videos that can assist you with that.

This is the graph of the carbon footprints only. It can be used to knit the footprints, using the intarsia method, on an item such as a bag, afghan, wall hanging, or sweater, where ever you might like to include the footprints and make a statement.

I do give permission for the graph to be used to create and sell a finished knitted or handcrafted product. The carbon footprint graph itself however, may not be sold or distributed in any form including within a knit, crochet or other craft pattern. Please point anyone that is interested in the carbon footprint graph to this etsy shop – to purchase the graph themselves. I would appreciate that. There will be another graph which can be used for shadow knitting the carbon footprints as well.

All rights reserved ConnieLene © 2010