alpaca

Prism

{Though today’s post is about a specific piece, each month I write a letter to you where I share all my latest creations and discoveries. Click here to subscribe - or scroll down and to the right - I love connecting with you}

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One of my favorite ways to use the remaining fiber from previous projects is in a method I call “gradient.” While technically not a true gradient, the projects that employ this method involve one color transitioning to - and interweaving with - neighboring fibers and colors.

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You can see this method in the Favorite Things and Firecracker pillow covers, and the Hot Mess pillow cover currently at BedStraw Studio.

The remnants I use are any combination of cotton, linen, alpaca, silk, and wool that are either conventionally or botanically hand-dyed or are natural undyed shades of white, cream, brown, or grey. The finished piece is truly unique and one-of-a-kind because it’s entirely dependent on what and how much fiber I have on hand - I literally can never make the same item again.

This wall hanging, called Prism, is also fashioned using my “gradient” method. The crochet stitch I use can be thick, which means the bigger the piece, the heavier it becomes. Hanging a piece like this in a flattering way is a challenge.

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I knew I wanted to hang the piece from a perfect piece of smooth silver driftwood I found a few years ago in Boulder Creek, Colorado. At first I tried crocheting a chain of yarn that could be looped through the piece and around the driftwood multiple times. This did not cut it - a picture of this method is not even worth sharing!

When I finally realized I needed more overall stability, I turned to the process I use for all my gradient method pieces (and also for all pillow covers) - hand-sewing the crochet top to a linen cover.

I used several pieces of white and/or cream linen from my stash to create a large linen back to this piece and hemmed its edges.

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Then I created wide linen loops. They required a bit of sewing by hand to get the lengths and shape just right.

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I adjusted the length of the loops to accommodate the undulating shape of the driftwood. This means that the driftwood lays a specific way through these loops so when mounted on the wall, the piece hangs straight.

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When I got the loops to the lengths I wanted, I then sewed the loops to the inside of the linen back so that they would be sandwiched neatly between the linen back and the crochet top.

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I then sewed by hand the crochet top to the linen back using “invisible” stitches.

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I love the clean and finished look of the chunky linen loops! And I love the weight and the stability this piece now has.

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I believe life reflects art and art reflects life. It is not lost on me that while I was working on the linen structure of this piece, our yarn community was / is having intense conversations about marginalized people like BIPOC and LGBTQI+.

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Ravelry’s recent statement helps communicate how hate speech and actions have no place in a just and peaceful society that values equality and safety of all persons.

KnotKnot Yarnables and I, Trista, emphatically support marginalized individuals in our communities. I am in solidarity with the most marginalized, and am committed to learning how to best support those adversely impacted by ongoing justice and equality issues.

This Prism piece - and more photos - can be found in the shop at this link. May we do the work to create more just and peaceful communities and societies, locally and globally. May we do the work to ensure every person feels valued and loved.

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