You know I am a big fan of blocking . . .

Loss of Texture?

I was talking to a trusted adviser today (my therapist) and I said that when I conform too much to expectations I feel that I lose some of my texture.  I had to explain that to him, and that it isn't always a bad thing, but I wondered if by following external advice if I wasn't making my newsletter less fun for me, and potentially less fun for readers.

I adore Civility yarn from Elemental Affects, but truthfully, it is more interesting before it is blocked.  It remains beautiful after blocking, but I always love it all kind of crunchy and texture-y. 

Making Appropriate Choices

It is always important to choose your yarn so that your ultimate goal is achieved, because, well, at some point you will have to wash it.  Some yarns shine more than ever after blocking, some shine differently (Civility) and some stay the same, but kind of better.  Others lose their appeal in that particular application, signaling a less-than-perfect choice. It is one of the reasons that I swatch.  I need to know the final result, and to some extent, how it contrasts to what I see in its unblocked state.

What You See and What You Get

I saw the above post on FB Thursday.  It is a repost, and I think it may have been taken in 2017.  We took photos of about 25 designs.  It was exhausting, but exhilarating to get it done!  

This isn't exactly what you see anymore.  I have a different hairdo and color (different stylist) and there has been a definite softening of the jawline and neck.  

I've been trying to be a better marketer and to think more about branding. I'm not sure I like the result. Maybe my fully-textured self is better than the blocked-to-shape self. Maybe it is just that I don't like marketing.

So they say that people buy things because of why you do it, not what you are selling.  I feel I am failing to share my passion. Give a listen to the Knit.Design.Edit.Sleep.Repeat podcast to get a sense of me if you don't know, or need to be reminded.  I am not exactly short-form.  I talk for most of the hour!

There is a discount code that you can use to get a 20% discount on upcoming classes.  Honestly, I couldn't find it in the program notes, so it is knitdesigneditclass.  Good through 12/31/2022. Classes will release Friday or Monday.

Likewise, use knitdesigneditamalfi to get a 20% discount on those patterns.  Good through 10/31/2022. 

This isn't meant to be a pity-party, but I guess I'm feeling frustrated!

Take this survey and I'll give you a class discount code.  It will be on the last page of the survey. If you've already taken it, an email has been sent with the code.

I'm teaching at Yarnover in Minneapolis next week.  Registration is closed.

I am writing a book.  I have about 4 paragraphs left to write, which I will finish Thursday afternoon. That will be the end of the First Additions to my initial draft. I now have to make it all into one document so I can edit it, do illustrations, take photos, and likely write more.  Also need to start thinking about how to put it out in the world.

Please always email me with questions or comments!