Tag: Craftivism

Erasing

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Pencil lines that will become lettering

A few years ago I had a disagreement with some drawing researchers about erasing mistakes. They said all lines are important and should always be kept. I don’t think we were talking about the same kinds of drawings, or if they draw at all.

Yesterday I was drawing with an eraser, adding highlights not removing mistakes. That reminded me of the odd discussion. Today I’ve been moving lettering around. Lots of lines have been changing position. I’m glad I’m not forced to keep all the previous versions as it would’ve been a solid block of lines by now.

Jig or Reel?

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Brown lino and a pencil rubbing

I found a very old lino offcut which was exactly the right size for a little print. It was quite difficult to cut but not too bad after being warmed to soften up.

The image is loosely based on an etching from 1525 by Urs Graf.

Pencil rubbing to check progress

When I inked the lino there were still some mistakes. I cut deeper lines, using tweezers to remove the tiny pieces. I liked the idea of a little rocking card, so some of them are printed on circles…

Spiral

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I’ve knitted a lot of hats. They disappear when needed. I thought the family cyclist should have a bright hat for any smidsy moments. The neon orange yarn I bought in the 1980s would be too painful alone, so pairing it with black stripes might be better. There again, a spiral could be interesting…

Black and orange spiralling

The Maths for this is easy in theory, moving each colour over by one stitch on every row. In practice I’ve had to stop and think occasionally. Knitting in the round usually involves spiralling upward, rather than the to & fro of two needles. This time, I have to remember to slip the first stitch of the colour, then pick it up on the return journey. There are obviously other methods but this is ok for the moment.

Cardigan

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Which unfinished project have I been attending to, you ask? The Novel, obviously! While editing the numerous versions, I’ve been knitting a cardigan. It’s been unravelled and cast on again a few times but maybe the pattern makes sense at last…

I drew the pattern on squared paper, because I couldn’t follow the written version. Then I had to add colours to give a sense of which row etc.

Knitting chart with tea stains

Can’t see the leaves for the stitches(?)

Banner

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Protest banners should be light enough to carry while walking along, but heavy enough to stay upright and readable. This week’s ripstop on net banner is for the Hart Must Go! event.

It has a blue deer, symbolic of the local Tory MP. A hart is a deer, lacking the ‘e’ of an organ that pumps blood. The blue deer is being chased away by some red foxes. Local MP enjoys bloodsports so that’s a relevant theme. The general election is in December so this banner looks slightly festive.

But it’s too hard to understand! I know, I know, it shouldn’t need an explanation.