Tuesday 19 February 2008

Why I Craft - and why I get frustrated sometimes...

Well, I've been doing quite a lot of thinking about this recently, mostly because I've just spent two days crocheting a top for myself (shock horror - something that wasn't orginally destined for the shop or a present!). I was really excited about the project, as I've recently got a back issue of Interweave Crochet and fell in love with almost every pattern in it... And I'd also decided to make something for ME, like I said.

So Monday, I went to a local yarn shop (cum dry cleaners, oddly...) and found some LOVELY pale green Sirdar Baby Bamboo, and got lots in order to make this top. And I started well - the pattern is very simple, and lovely. And it was going very well until about lunchtime today, when, about 5 rows from finishing, I realised that once again I was deluding myself, and although the pattern itself is nice, and the yarn is very soft and drapey, and the colour is wunderbar, once again it's not for me.

So I come back to the question - why do I craft? Well, some of it definitely is that I enjoy the process, and having DM! also gives me the opportunity (and excuse!) to try different yarns and patterns and colours than I would usually. But I think some of it is trying to find something that I would like to make that actually looks good on me. I've made over 100 projects in the last 18 months, and I wear three of them. Now, I didn't make all of them for me; but still, many of them I did intend to keep for myself, but I can't seem to find something that I'm happy with for me. Now, I know I'm pretty picky as far as clothes go for myself, but I also think maybe I'm not being adventurous, or maybe advanced enough, for myself.

So, I guess what I'm trying to say this that yes, I craft because I love the process, I love the creativity, and I love the relaxation that it affords me after my day job, but also that I guess I'm on a quest for the perfect pattern...

I just hope I eventually figure out what I'm looking for...

1 comment:

glasfaden said...

I think, crafting is simply good for us, since we need to do something to be happy. Don't think about it too much or you'll end up like me in questioning too many things and finally blocked to do anything! Just continue to follow your heart, create beautiful items (for you or as a present or to sell - it doesn't really matter) and be happy!!