Making Time for Creative Play

As of yesterday, all three of my children are in school. A new era is upon our family, with new ideas and a sparkly feeling of freedom.

That said, I'm also feeling a little cautious. One thing I’ve learned in my years of parenting, is that without scheduling time to follow my joy, it just doesn’t happen. Spare time gets sucked up with endless numbers of jobs. Washing, buying sandals, feeding chickens, and work meetings, mean that my making often revolves around what needs to be done.

My crafting time gets taken up with craft jobs, rather than craft joy. There is of course joy in nearly all my craft but I very rarely get to make on a whim and just follow the creative spark. Experimentation occurs but generally only within the context of a given need. A kid needs shorts, I need some tops or a friend has just had a baby and so a quilt needs to be rustled up. Now creating to meet a given need is also fun, but nearly everything I make falls into the category of need-based making. You have to get your jobs done before you can have some fun - right? These days, I'm not so convinced.

What’s crappy about my current needs-based system, is that I have an ongoing deep-seated longing for time to play that is not being addressed. I have all these ideas - they buzz around my head in a frustrated fashion, thrown into the "one-day I'll get to it" category. These are the ideas that aren't based on a "need". These ideas fall into the “wouldn’t it be great if I could just play with that material” or “i wish I could just see what that would look like” or “I wish I could try that”. Just for fun. For the sheer joy of figuring out what was possible and what it might look like.

I'll give you a quick example. Ever since I got the Gee's Bend book I've been a little obsessed. Every time I look at it I see something new. Some kind of stunning alchemy of quiltmaking that is so different to my own. This week I'm moving into my new study space, and as I have less room, I'm having to go through what I own and downsize. This has meant scrap-sorting. And the scrap-sorting has lead to a brain-buzzing question "could I make something like those quilts?"

I mean look at it!

Could I? If I had a go, and did some practice, and put some scraps together. It is totally different to my normal kind of making. Maybe it wouldn't work at first, but when I started chucking scraps together I would learn about what was needed through practice. As I have written before - planning only takes you so far - sometimes the only way to figure out whether an idea will work is by making. The making gets your fingers involved with the materials, and it is there that magic is often made. Could I create in that way? Could I?

Since I wrote the What we can learn from watching kids craft post the idea of experimentation, and the lack of it in my crafting, has been bothering me. I’ve feel like I’ve fallen into a grownup (?) mindset whereby I’m always trying to achieve things. To get things done. To move things forward. I feel like I don’t have the space to experiment, or the time. In craft, and life, I write lists that say things like “post X, call Y”. I wake up and I start to cross things off. Grownup stuff. Grownup responsibilities. Using time to play – unless it is with my children or with my girlfriends – is something that has disappeared off my list of things to do.

As I’ve thought more about it, I’ve realized that I’m actually jealous of the kids and their seemingly endless time to experiment. And jealousy is an important emotion to watch for. It always has something to teach me, and what it’s trying to teach me is normally very bloody obvious. In this case – I crave time to play with my craft.

I recently read Better Than Before by Gretchen Rubin – a wonderful book – and one of the things that Gretchen very clearly laid out for me is that we need to (if we are a certain type of person) schedule time for every-single-thing we want to do. That includes the things that you would love to do but don't need to do. The things that will simply bring you joy. 

Scheduling them, is often the only way you actually get to do them. Without assigning specific time for play, there are always things that will take a higher priority in the short term.

So today when I was sitting in a cafe, having the first solo coffee of my new found freedom, I decided that I needed to firmly plant a stake in my schedule. And so here is my stake.

I'm scheduling time to play with my craft. Time I can’t use for “needed craft” and I can’t use for “comfort craft”. I can only use it for play - to experiment with ideas and just go with the bliss of the day.

I’m thinking an hour a week. I’d love two, but I don’t know if I can fit that in yet. I plan on being religious about it. No distractions. A lot of experimentation. I'm smiling with anticipation and joy as I type this!

Is time to play something that you lack? Is scheduling something that you think about, or something you've done? Do you make time to play? Have you come up with a way to make play happen? Do you just do it naturally? Any and all thoughts gratefully received!

Felicia x

Connection through time.

On the way home from our summer holiday last week we popped in to Canberra. As you do - the nation's capital and all that. We took the kids for a quick one hour walk around Government House, and on our way out of town we decided to take them to the Australian War Memorial. We weren't surewhether it was the right decision as my kids are still young. We've talked mental illness, disability, homelessness.....but we haven't yet got to war in any detail.

And so we were looking through the exhibits in a pretty superficial way - one that was keeping them away from photos of things they weren’t yet ready to understand. But I kept coming across craft made during the war that I didn't want to leave.

The jumper in the photos is one such item*. I don't know anything about the facts of this jumper. All I know is what you see in the photo below and what a quick internet search will tell me. It was made by a soldier called Duncan - Sergeant Duncan CarseIdine - his Red Cross Wounded and Missing record is online and shows he was a prisoner of war in Limburg, Germany from 1917-1918. I don't know any details about it's making other than that I can see it was made from scraps. It has colourwork and cables and a saddle shoulder. There is at least seven colours of yarn.

What I do know is that as I stood there in front of it I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes. And I've thought about it and Duncan ever since.

It made me grateful that I make. Grateful that I understood what was involved in making it. That I could feel the stitches in my hands. That I understood that to design and make what Duncan had made, it would have provided him with comfort and respite from whatever else was going on in his world. It would have given him that feeling of flow one enters when one is manifesting an idea into a tangible product. I was grateful that he had the chance to make it, and grateful that I could recognise the feeling.

It's the collar that really got me. Maybe it was the fashion at the time (?), but it felt to me like he just wanted to go on knitting.

Seeing pictures and exhibits at a War Memorial for me is often a disconnected, almost distant experience, as I don’t have a personal experience similar to the people whose stories are being shared. But the craft makes the exhibition something alive and deeply human.

Felicia x

*Photos were taken with permission.

Stash Less Challenge #1 - Taking Stock

In 2016 we invite you to join us in your own personal Stash Less project. Stash Less is a project whereby we work towards having a mindful stash. Each month we will be posting a challenge for you to use in your own journey of discovery and change. Please feel free to join in at any time. We can't wait to hear what you find out! Previous Stash Less posts can be found here.

Challenge #1 - Taking stock

So we want to start at the very beginning. A very good place to start. And that means taking stock; of what we have and how we came to have it.

All it involves is a couple of hours work, a pen, some paper and a bit of emotional recall.

Why do we start here? Because in order to change our behaviour around our consumption we need to understand why we consume. Understanding the why is the key to change. It gives us something to look for and tells us what our purchasing/stashing triggers are.

Some of you have been watching my journey and have been thinking about the Stash Less project for some time. Some of you have already created your own versions (which I love) and have already considered your stash. I would ask though, that if you have never gone through your whole stash before, that you do now. It is such a worthwhile exersize and one that cannot be overrated in terms of what it can tell you. On the simplest level it creates a baseline. On a deeper level it really allows you to be totally mindful of just how much you have. Taking the time to really sit down with all you own and go through it means that you don't allow yourself to have blindspots - bits of your stash you can't quite see as stashing.

I know when I sit with my stash and really do a proper inventory, my mind starts whirring at incredibly speed due to all the crazy, wonderful, exciting, magical possibilty that lies within it. And due to it's size. There is always more than I think there is when I take into consideration what is hidden in that cupboard, .... oh yeah and that basket over there. And then all those books, and my goodness all those patterns and then there is that special yarn that I keep in a different place...... And so on it goes.

Taking the time to take stock in a considered way will really change your perspective.

How to take stock

You need to write it down. All of it. If only so you can see it all on the pages at the end.

For those of you that want to be thorough I would suggest that you create a table. Write down the product, the amount you purchased, where you purchased it (online, a fair, a shop) and the why/s. There will generally be multiple whys. If it is something that has stayed in your stash for a long time you should also include information on why you haven't yet used it.

I have created the simplest of templates here if you want something to work from. I've left it as a .doc file so you can fiddle with it to your heart's content to make it something that would work for you.

The Craft Sessions Inventory Template

A quick word of warning. Depending on who you are, and how you stash, this might not be an enjoyable exercise for you. It might be difficult to sit with your stuff and your emotions around it. You might avoid it or you might want to walk out halfway through. Or you might need a friend to help you do it. It's all good - just pay attention to how you are feeling and remember that it is the feelings that we are really looking at. So all feelings, avoidance, boredom, annoyance..., are useful. Those feelings will tell you things about your relationship with your stash. And that is what we are trying to figure out.

A few words on "why"

The why could be multiple reasons and you should try to include as much detail as you remember. The why is actually up to three things;
1. The emotion that was "around" the purchase. Excitement, fomo, tiredness, desire, boredom, stress...
2. What you were purchasing it for? A particular project or as a base?
3. Why haven't used it yet.

After you get a little way into your inventory you will see patterns appear and this will get easier.

I have written a few posts about the "whys" I found, and what I learned, when I initial did an inventory of my stash, however I would encourage you to read it only after you have had a go at doing it by yourself, with your own head and heart. I'm worried that by reading them before you take stock, you will have my ideas in your head about why you might stash, and you might overlook a reason you have for purchasing that I haven't even thought of. When, and if, you read those posts then please read the comments. Other people have added the "extra" reasons they have found. So helpful!

A final word

If possible please set aside time to go through your whole stash in one go. This will really give you a good understanding of what you have. The brain is a crazy powerful thing and without doing this step properly, I believe there is the possibility that you (and I) can trick ourselves into believing what we want to believe about what we own.

For me it took me leaving my stash for six months to give me some clarity of perspective. Hopefully you can get yours in an afternoon.

If you are sharing your journey in any way on social media then please leave a link to your instagram, blog or facebook in the comments to this post. I'd also just love your comments on what you found, what you discovered about your whys or what surprised you about what you have. As always the instagram hastag is #stash_less.

I can't wait to hear what you learn!

Felicia x

The Craft Sessions Simple Hat Pattern

I improvised this simple hat "pattern" many years ago and have made it many many times, and made many versions. I wanted to share with you my basic recipe, as this pattern suits everyone and fits a wide range of heads. My two favourite versions fit me, my three kids (who are between 5 and 10) and my fella.

It is hat knitting at it's absolute simplest and the awesome thing about it is that it looks great whether it is a bit tighter or a bit slouchier. Mine tend to slouch up over time, to the point where I need to give them a quick wash to get them back into shape. You can see my oldest and most stretched version in the picture below.

My oldest slouchiest version that I wear running which has a 3.5" ribbed section and is a smidge longer. It is made from Rowan Kid Classic on 5mm needles.

This hat is my go-to quick knit as it can be made in a night or two in front of the tele, or on a long car drive. A simple hat in a gorgeous yarn is the perfect gift, for yourself or someone you love.

One of my favourite things about it is the crown. I love an odd number of points in a crown decrease. It just feels a little more balanced.

Just be aware that this "pattern"* is really loose - not that the knitting is loose but rather that the pattern is really simple and easy to alter. For example I love the three inch rib but have been meaning to make one with a 3.5 or even 4 inch rib. It might rock.

So I've included two of my most knitted versions -  one with an 18 stitch recommended gauge and another with a 20 stitch gauge. And I'd love to see your versions so don't forget to hashtag your creations #tcssimplehat on instagram.

I purchased these two skeins at Purl Soho to give their yarn a trial. On the left is their Worsted and on the right is their beautiful Flax Down!

Your yarn choice will give you a totally different hat.

Thinner slouchier version: If I want a slouchier version I use a yarn with some kind of alpaca or silk content and use a say a DK yarn with the 20 stitch gauge.

Chunkier version: I use a a worsted or aran weight yarn that is 100 percent wool. I would use the 18 stitch gauge version.

I'll recommend some yarns for the different versions at the start of the pattern. But this hat was made for stash scrap knitting, and for pom poms if you are into them.

Edited to add: If you are a loose knitter when knitting rib you might want to consider going down a needle size to do your ribbing. I don't but you might. This is especially true if you are using a yarn that is not very elastic.
 

Verions #1 20 stitch gauge in Purl Soho Flax Down.

The Craft Sessions Simple Hat Pattern Version #1 - 20 stitch gauge

Gauge: 20 stitches per 4"/10cm

Fits: Heads from 20-23"/50-58cm - That said my partner's head is over 24" and it fits him too.

Finished Measurements:
Hat length from cast on to crown - 9.5"/24cm
Unstretched width 18"/45.5cm

Yarn Suggestions
Rowan Kid Classic or Purl Soho Flax Down for a thinner version. Or any 20 stitch gauge yarn with mainly woollen content. Shelter is nice. As is Quince's Owl. Or Berrocco's Ultra Alpaca.

The 20 Stitch Simple Pattern
Cast On
Cast on 96 stitches using a 4.5mm needle. Please note that you should use whatever needle size you need to get gauge given the yarn of your choice. Place a marker to mark the start of round and join to knit in the round.

Ribbing
Knit 22 rounds of [k2,p2] repeat or until ribbing measures 3"/7.5cm

Hat Body
Round 1: Repeat the brackets 2 times [Knit 48, M1] - 98 stitches total.
Round 2 onwards: Knit all stitches until the hat measures 6.5"/16.5cm from the cast on edge.

Crown shaping
Round 1: Repeat brackets until end of round [Knit 14, PM].
You should have 7 markers in total including the start of round.

Round 2: Repeat brackets until end of round [Knit until 2 stitches before marker, k2tog]
Round 3: Knit
Repeat Rounds 2 and 3 until there are 7 stitches between each marker - 7 times in total - 49 stitches remain.

Then repeat Round 2 until 7 stitches remain. Using a needle thread a few inches of yarn through the remaining 7 stitches.

And you have a hat!

Version #2 18 stitch gauge version in Purl Soho Worsted.

The Craft Sessions Simple Hat Pattern Version 2 - 18 stitch gauge

Gauge: 18 stitches per 4"/10cm

Fits: Heads from 20-23"/50-58cm

Finished Measurements:
Hat length from cast on to crown - 9.5"/24cm
Unstretched width 19"/48cm

Yarn Suggestions
Purl Soho Worsted for a chunkier version. Or Rowan Felted Tweed Aran or any 18 stitch gauge yarn with mainly woolen content.

The 18 Stitch Simple Pattern
Cast On
Cast on 80 stitches using a 5mm needle. Please note that you should use whatever needle size you need to get gauge given the yarn of your choice. Place a marker to mark the start of round and join to knit in the round.

Ribbing
Knit 20 rounds of [k2,p2] repeat or until ribbing measures 3"/7.5cm

Hat Body
Round 1: Repeat the brackets 4 times [Knit 20, M1] - 84 stitches total.
Round 2 onwards: Knit all stitches until the hat measures 6.5"/16.5cm from the cast on edge.

Crown shaping
Round 1: Repeat brackets until end of round [Knit 12, PM].
You should have 7 markers in total including the start of round.

Round 2: Repeat brackets until end of round [Knit until 2 stitches before marker, k2tog]
Round 3: Knit
Repeat Rounds 2 and 3 until there are 6 stitches between each marker - 6 times in total - 42 stitches remain.

Then repeat Round 2 until 7 stitches remain. Using a needle thread a few inches of yarn through the remaining 7 stitches.

And you again have a hat!

Enjoy and feel free to ask questions. And don't forget that hastag #tcssimplehat. They will make me happy!

Felicia x

*Some people on instagram mentioned the similarity of my hats to the gorgeous Simple Hat by Hannah Fettig that you can find here - similarities that makes sense as there are only so many ways you can make a simple hat. I don't have Hannah's pattern nor have I ever seen it - and our versions are different. Different ribbing, different crown length and different crown shaping. Also my "pattern" has only one size in two gauges. I know from experience that Hannah's patterns are incredibly well thought-out and well written, and her simple hat has many sizes and I believe three gauges so please check it out if you are interested.

Stash Less - The Paradox of Freedom

Stash Less is an ongoing series whereby we discuss having a mindful stash. Previous Stash Less posts can be found here. 

So I'm reading a book at the moment that is not at all related to Stash Less. However, it just connected the dots for me on something that has bugged me for many years. One of those moments when your brain goes ping and your realise you finally have a good explanation for something that you understood in your heart but did not have any words for. 

And that is the difference between the idea of freedom, and true freedom. And how by engaging in the first type of freedom you can lose the chance at the second. Who doesn't love a paradox?

We have a cultural idea about freedom, our right to it, and what that freedom means. We value freedom very highly, as we should. Every country, and even every subculture, has a slightly different interpretation of what that freedom means depending on their history and heritage. Some cultural versions of freedom are more focused on individual rights, others on workers rights, others on community rights, or women's rights. Then of course, we individually form our own ideas about freedom and what it means to us, based on our history and experience.

The common thread that holds most of these versions of freedom together is that freedom is about our right to do as we please without restriction. If we are restricted then we aren't free, right?

Why is this important in the context of Stash Less? Because this here blog is ramping up to set some challenges around what we own, our consumption of materials in relation to our craft, and our spending patterns. From the comments over the last year, I feel like some people might feel that although they like the idea of Stash Less that it all feels a little too restrictive*. Like a burden - and that by setting some rules around their spending they would be giving up their freedom. Their right even! Their right to do what they want and purchase the pretty things. To feel that thrill of purchasing, possessing and having. The freedom to engage in our consumer culture with joy. Yippee?

So I wanted to offer my take on "freedom to purchase" as I'm now a year and a half into this project - and I've felt all of those feelings. I've sometimes felt that Stash Less is impinging upon my freedom. And my rights. And my life. :)

My realisation yesterday was about the paradox of freedom in the context of craft. Because for me it is a paradox. By engaging in my right to exercise my freedom to purchase, I created a situation where I didn't feel free.

By exersizing that very freedom (by purchasing whatever I want when I want it) I enslaved myself to to purchasing it when I didn't need it and to stuff. To being distracted by the idea of purchasing. To being distracted by FOMO. To shopping, rather than creating, when time was thin on the ground. To the idea that more stuff will make me more happy. To keeping up with all the goings on in the crafting world. To feeling guilt that my purchasing wasn't in line with my values around consumerism.

By engaging in a consumeristic version of freedom (to purchase with no rules or restrictions), I created a situation where I was weighed down by the realisation I owned too much stuff. And owning that stuff was restrictive in so many ways.  

A year and a half in I've realised that there is another version of freedom - one that is much more aligned with how I want to live. It's light and it's joyful and it's mindful.

By choosing to restrict myself in a way that is in line with my core values, I'm engaging in a much deeper form of freedom. Not freedom in the moment, but rather the feeling of freedom that comes from living my values. 

I am not weighed down by the psychological weight of owning too much. I am free (er**) from wishing and wanting - from being stuck in desire. I'm free from shopping as a pastime. I'm free from having to keep up. I'm free from the guilt of being excessive and knowing I'd made questionable choices. 

Therein lies the freedom paradox! One where by purchasing freely, I created a bondage of stuff. Conversely by restricting my purchasing, I create a life of freedom. 

Over the last year and a half, deciding what to craft and crafting itself, has become a more mindful practice for me. A quieter one with less buzz from the outside world and all the sparkly things on display. And that feels pretty good. 

I'm off to bed now - but really hoping my realisation made sense?

The first challenge will be up next week and I'm truly grateful so many of you are interested in  joining in. 

Felicia x

PS. I'll be back Friday with my Simple Hat pattern that I promised you eons ago. Post is written (almost!)

*Please note that in no way does Stash Less involve restrictions set by anyone other than your-lovely-selves. :)

**This is a work in progress.