I've been a knitter since I was around 6 years old when my grandmother taught me to knit and crochet. I've had periods in my life when I've been a manic knitter and periods when I've not knitted. I recently returned to knitting when I realised I was too tired at times in the evening to indulge myself in art or writing but not tired enough to sleep, and knitting came to me as the ideal thing to do. But what to knit? I thought about knitting for charity, googled around a bit and found KAS, as well as some organisations that would like tiny baby clothes for premature babies. So that's what I thought I'd do! It's also something nice to take on train journeys ... I can knit and watch the world go by at the same time, and I don't even really notice the odd looks I get!
Generally, the more complex a pattern/design the more I love to work on it, though quick and easy is good too! Intricate and precise is a good description of how I can be with creative projects, not just knitting, but in my drawing and painting and other artistic pursuits too.
I'm hoping to get KAS into the school I teach in. The relatively small size of the squares means that the gratification of a finished project isn't delayed for too long, and there's plenty of space for creativity too!
I've also acquired some books about using knitting as a contemplative practice, to develop mindfulness, and that is something that I do my best to practice, and if knitting can help in the process then that's brilliant!
I'm not a fab crochet-er. I can do granny squares, and sometimes more complex things, but I find it difficult to get the right tension and to follow patterns.
Apart from being a knitter, art is a passion of mine, and I do enjoy writing though finding inspiration and motivation to do so can be difficult. Other passions include nature, steam locomotives, Romanesque and Gothic architecture, prehistory, jewellery making, reading, storytelling, spiritual things, cooking...and so much more!
As a person, I'm certainly happy in my uniqueness and individuality. I'm told I'm kind, helpful, a good listener, nice, funny. I certainly like to meet people and enjoy the diversity that there is in human nature.
Angela
Replies
Is your profile photo a sample of your art? If so, what medium was used for the piece? It's very interesting - a bit like "Starry Night" but more geometric.
Glad you're with us!
Yes, the profile photo is a bit of a piece of art I completed early August. I used acrylic inks to paint the background, then black technical drawing pens to pick out details and fill with patterns, and finally gold and copper watercolour paints to add the metallic richness. It took many, many hours of work - most probably around 35 hours, to complete, and it wasn't until the end I was pleased with what I'd created! I do tend to do a lot of fussy, intricate and abstract stuff. If you'd like to see more my art website is artwyrd.deviantart.com.
I can see what you mean about it looking a bit like Van Gogh's Starry Night, that wasn't the intent when I started it, in fact I didn't really know what was going to happen!
Angela
looking forward to seeing pics of your work
ask any questions, sure to be some part of the world for someone to provide answer.
xx
Oddly, my granny squares tend to work out fairly regular in shape - the only crochet that ever does for me.
Angela
As for getting KAS in your school, Sandy has created a Resource Guide for teachers and you can find it here: http://www.knit-a-square.com/teacher-resource.html
Happy knitting! :o)
I will do my best to get some photos soon - all of what I've done is pretty basic so far, no doubt it'll change over time!
I've noticed the teachers guide but not acquired it ...yet.
Angela
I haven't joined the UK group yet - I'm still trying to find my way around this little corner of cyberspace!
Angela