Issue 35, wrapping up my 100 Day Project

and revisiting an old one

“group shot” of all my pieces from the 100 Day Project

hey everybody,

The end of the 100DP is always bittersweet. It’s a bit of a letdown, the same way it is when any routine is removed from the schedule. Of course, it’s also freeing. I’ll admit it’s a relief to be finished with the photographing and the posting. And now, instead of adhering to my chosen intentions for the project, I can bounce around from idea to idea. You know, as unorganized as usual.

My goal for the 100dp was to “make things that aren’t me.” Whether it was the thing itself, or the materials, the colors, the gauge/weight, or any other component, I wanted something about each piece to be outside the parameters of what I normally do. Much of the time, this took the form of working with chunky yarns. Since I tend to work with lighter gauge yarns for more wearable freeform pieces, it’s easy to forget how satisfying it is to use heavier yarns. Everything feels so….substantial. It’s wonderful.

For many of the 100 days, I ended up settling into making log cabin square variations, which were challenging in all sorts of ways. Log cabin knitting with garter stitch is comfortable and predictable since the row gauge and the stitch gauge are the same as long as you stick with the same yarn weight. Picking up stitches for each new log is a cinch this way. When you disrupt the flow by bringing in different gauges, stitches, and techniques, it’s important to adjust stitch counts to make sure the pieces stay flat and square. It’s a little tricky to regulate, but it’s totally worth the effort. Besides, perfection is not a requirement.

the last group of project's log cabin squares

The 100DP is over, but there will be more log cabin projects in my future, I’m sure. They’ve been a favorite of mine for a long time, and I’ve used them in more than a few garments and accessories over the years. But they will also be useful as swatches. In their basic garter stitch form, with no gauge adjustments needed, they could be a fun, fast way to test yarn palettes for freeform pieces or other projects. I like to think that they will function as little sketches, a place to quickly swatch to see if various ideas and materials work together, or if they won’t.

past projects

I’m revisiting last year’s 100DP, especially the knitted mitered leaves and the crocheted spiral leaves.

Putting the Wonky Freeform Spirals guide was so much fun, I decided to develop a guide for freeforming these two types of leaves. It’s very much in the early stages for now, more information will be forthcoming.

artist for inspiration

I saw this photo on a Slow Stitching page on Facebook.

If I’m reading the photo correctly, it’s a vintage crocheted doily used as a base for stitching and buttons and all sorts of good stuff. What a fun idea! I love the combination of old and new.

a few things you might like

What on my playlist: jazz violin by Stephane Grappelli

What I’m watching: the new Stanley Tucci series, Tucci in Italy

What I'm reading: Democracy Awakening by Heather Cox Richardson, and I'm about to start Symphony of Secrets by Brendan Slocumb.

That’s it for today, thanks for reading!

Lisa

PS: The Freeform Yarny Things newsletter is sent once a month, and it's free to everyone. Thank you for subscribing! If you want more direct interaction and freeform inspiration, consider upgrading to a paid subscription that includes the Study Group, info available here: ldoherty.substack.com/p/freeform-crochet-study-group