tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post113648742059757916..comments2024-03-19T03:17:32.682-04:00Comments on The Panopticon: Do Needles Make the Knitter?Franklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03670441931649806878noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-3112135789124509982012-09-01T00:10:13.045-04:002012-09-01T00:10:13.045-04:00I cling on to listening to the rumor lecture about...I cling on to listening to the rumor lecture about receiving free online grant applications so I have been looking around for the finest site to get one. Could you tell me please, where could i find some? <br />Agen Bola Terpercayahttp://genkbola.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-78409661178197592582012-06-04T18:02:43.092-04:002012-06-04T18:02:43.092-04:00I know I am years late on this one but I just had ...I know I am years late on this one but I just had to put in my two Canadian pennies.<br /><br />To me it all comes down to which person is happier. <br /><br /> It may be an incredible sweater but if the knitter hated every cable and feels that the stitch they mucked up on the third cable in the 250th row (Covered by a cable natch) and didn't notice til it was done and blocked, totally ruins it for them, I'd say they're not very happy and so that sweater has less value.<br /><br />Wheras if the scarf maker, loves the scarf. it's exactly their colour and it keeps them snuggly warm then I'd say they're happier and thus it's the more valuable piece.<br /><br />To me the value is entirely dependent on how pleased the knitter is with the FO.The Ferrethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05846577970158185717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-10524426838306104202011-11-27T02:32:46.203-05:002011-11-27T02:32:46.203-05:00Wow, there is really much worthwhile info here!Wow, there is really much worthwhile info here!www.pontevedra-3d.comhttp://www.pontevedra-3d.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-1137708797214880912006-01-19T17:13:00.000-05:002006-01-19T17:13:00.000-05:00I'd wear and use the Aran MUCH more than the scarf...I'd wear and use the Aran MUCH more than the scarf simply because I would have no qualms about tossing it into the washer and dryer. <BR/><BR/>I've played with many fibers, I've worn many fibers, but I'm practical down to the bone and I make everything for my kids out of washable yarn. For myself and gifts, it all depends on the recipient and the garment's use.<BR/>:)KAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-1137456380551461172006-01-16T19:06:00.000-05:002006-01-16T19:06:00.000-05:00I'm placing valuation at the level of the work don...I'm placing valuation at the level of the work done by the person who purchased the materials and made the finished object.<BR/>My first thought was an automatic response of the aran, I don't care what it's made out of, I'm impressed by the act of will that goes into designing and then creating a sweater like that.<BR/>Then I noticed that the cashmere was attributed as handspun and hand-dyed. If it had been purchased as such, then the aran still wins hands down. If the cashmere had been bought as fiber, spun and dyed by the end creator, then I can no longer declare a winner.<BR/>The relative prestige of the materials and the maker is not a factor, simply what work was put in by the creator and the level of attention to detail.<BR/>(oy, that's longwinded. Hope it made sense)Bethieeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14497109604372721006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-1137087111102728362006-01-12T12:31:00.000-05:002006-01-12T12:31:00.000-05:00Isn't life too short, really, to be a *knitting sn...Isn't life too short, really, to be a *knitting snob*. The joy and value comes in the fun you have making something, and the joy and pleasure in giving gifts you have created.<BR/><BR/>I am a loomer, never enjoyed needles. I think you can make much more elaborate and delicate things with needles, but it is dificult for me. I very much enjoy my looms, and making things for people, and inventing new projects and stitches. <BR/><BR/>Who cares if something of love was made with needles or a loom? There are far worse things in the world.sarainitalyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09840921060840091560noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-1136922267946976592006-01-10T14:44:00.000-05:002006-01-10T14:44:00.000-05:00Depends...was the RedHeart knit with Lantern Moon ...Depends...was the RedHeart knit with Lantern Moon needles thereby cancelling out the yarn? <BR/>They are of equal value.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-1136921551464387212006-01-10T14:32:00.000-05:002006-01-10T14:32:00.000-05:00Gosh, I'm the 104th comment. Are you even gonna re...Gosh, I'm the 104th comment. Are you even gonna read this? Here goes. <BR/><BR/>Executed beautifully, and suited for it's intended purpose, the scarf and the sweater has equal value. The scarf may only SEEM to have more value, because of the elevation of the knitter through critique and publicity. This criteria is important; there are well known designers of items made from Red Heart too. Just check some of the catalogs; Mary Maxim or Herrschners, for instance. <BR/><BR/>It is easy for us (and even I)to be snobbish; we have more choices today. Even Red Heart's acrylics have advanced in composition.<BR/><BR/>If you were living–not so long ago– when the choices were rough wool, or the new, affordable, "care-free" synthetics, hey, what would the worth of that sweater be? The knitter wouldn't be "unknown" for long. Go check some old pattern books from the 60's (and those suits were to DIE FOR). And remember, as sweaters were usually worn over a blouse, the feel next to the skin was not a big issue.<BR/><BR/>Ultimately, value is in the realization of the articles' suited purpose. As Ann Lee (founder of the Shakers) would say "that is best, that works best."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-1136917030198504872006-01-10T13:17:00.000-05:002006-01-10T13:17:00.000-05:00Hello, just found your blog today. I'd planned mer...Hello, just found your blog today. I'd planned merely to skim & move on. But your writing is immensely enjoyable. I laughed out loud & had to keep reading. I was intrigued by this question. <BR/><BR/>Bear in mind that I am a complete NEWBIE knitter. At this time, my perception of the value would not be affected by who the knitter was or where s/he was from. So today my (selfish) answer would be that whichever garment inspired me most to go home & get knitting, that would be the one of most (immediate) value to *me*.<BR/><BR/>However, as I learn about yarn, I find all knitted/spun/crocheted goodies valuable. I want to run the fiber between my fingers, squish it, smell it, (and for some reason, it seems I am developing a desire to amass a great deal of it). Is this normal? ;)<BR/><BR/>So many interesting comments! IMHO, in the end, all that matters, truly, is that hand made creation is taking place and being shared. Each person creates for various reasons. It's been my experience that the "reason" behind the "art" changes with the passage of time and/or from one project to another.<BR/><BR/>Having come from an extremely abusive past, I confess it took me decades (& the help of a good therapist) to be able to allow myself to pick up ANY tool & create ANYthing. To me, the knitting looms/rakes are fun! I am grateful for them because I would never have attempted knitting otherwise. I'm having a blast. I am also grateful for white school paste & crayons because at first, with all my fears, that was about all I could handle. As I experience more hand-creating, I develop courage to move on to other crafts. At some point I would like to try needle knitting. To me, it's-all-good. There is no lesser tool, fiber, artist or artistry.<BR/><BR/>Well, that's my comment. Thanks for such a thought inspiring blog. Take care!<BR/>MichelleAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-1136794573648285162006-01-09T03:16:00.000-05:002006-01-09T03:16:00.000-05:00So, I imagine that there are the easy answers... b...So, I imagine that there are the easy answers... both are valuable (for their own unique attributes), or the cashmere b/c of it's fibery goodness.<BR/>Then, I imagined that my grandmother had knit me the sweater, designed it especially for me, while the scarf was knit by an anonymous someone or another.<BR/><BR/>The acrylic sweater will win every time in that scenario, I think.CynCynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13526002636160005907noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-1136785902349653262006-01-09T00:51:00.000-05:002006-01-09T00:51:00.000-05:00Franklin _The red heart vs cashmere question and t...Franklin _<BR/><BR/>The red heart vs cashmere question and the ladies who kicked you out of the group exhibit the same problem: prejudice. The way I live my life is the way you should live your life. We have images of red heart vs. cashmere, garter st vs. aran knitting. And people who tell people not to come back because you're just not one of us. <BR/><BR/>Dear god, knitters have faced prejudice from the rest of the world, why do we do it to each other? I have a business where the money I make everyday tells me how well I am doing. But what actually keeps me up nights is whether I treated everyone who came in the door with kindness and respect. <BR/><BR/>P.S. Franklin - the preacher by the Gap has told me twice I really really really needed to be saved. Growl back. And if you had said homespun vs. cashmere, well that homespun stuff is nasty and had quality problems. <BR/><BR/>Kathy in ChicagoAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-1136778798178191872006-01-08T22:53:00.000-05:002006-01-08T22:53:00.000-05:00For me it's the scarf. Not because someone famous ...For me it's the scarf. Not because someone famous knitted it, but because , for ME, it's all about the fiber. I'm a highly sensual, tactile creature. I wouldn't knit at all if it wasn't for the FEEL of the yarn and the article it becomes. That's why I spin, why I knit, why I collect fiber, why I collect yarn (and don't pretend to need to make something out of it) and why I raise and adore my angora rabbits and other people's sheep and alpacas. It's the FEEL. I'd much prefer something simple and ample that feels wonderful.Elainehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16065385077823309808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-1136695369624309442006-01-07T23:42:00.000-05:002006-01-07T23:42:00.000-05:00Oh my! my little comment seems so pathetic becaus...Oh my! my little comment seems so pathetic because you have 97 comments!! Anyways, the aran because it takes way more effort and talent. The cashmere may feel good but the Aran takes way more talent of the part of the individual.City Wiccanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07997358726778937525noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-1136680053357681932006-01-07T19:27:00.000-05:002006-01-07T19:27:00.000-05:00Well! 96 comments, here's #97.My initial reaction ...Well! 96 comments, here's #97.<BR/>My initial reaction is the scarf. Like K. Merritt said, Red Heart is crap. I can't believe how many folks think that handspun, hand-dyed cashmere doesn't add up in the difficulty department as equal to knitting an Aran. Just because someone is a Famous Fiber Person doesn't make their contribution less... Not to mention that you want to Keep. It. Simple. when using a luxury yarn, so it is spotlighted. <BR/><BR/>Scarf, all the waySolSionnachhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18018919606074858784noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-1136647499011339532006-01-07T10:24:00.000-05:002006-01-07T10:24:00.000-05:00I must admit my initial reaction to some of these ...I must admit my initial reaction to some of these comments (gee, Franklin, 95 comments when I started!) was "I hate fiber snobs!" In fact, it's one thing that really rankles me about some of the blogs I read on a normal basis. <BR/><BR/>If they bother me, why read them? Well, it's sort of like your friends, you know? Everybody has idiosyncrasies that we have to accept or cease associating with them. In this case, I read some blogs for intellectual value, design ideas, technical pointers and because it satisfies my voyeuristic side. So I gloss over the snarky "Red Heart" and "Lion Brand" remarks just as I skim the other stuff that doesn’t interest me.<BR/><BR/>My vote would be for the Red Heart Aran. Knit with attention to detail and devotion of time it carries a bit of that knitter’s heart (NOT a pun) and life. From the description, the designer picked up a skein of hand spun and died wool which may or may not be his/her own and knit with no recipient in mind, just for the lucre that can be gained from an original design. To me at least, heart and life means more than desire for gain and fame. <BR/><BR/>Plastic lasts forever, cashmere (or other fine natural fibers) can rot with age and need a lot of extra care. My husband is still wearing the blue acrylic of some sort cardi I made him in 1978. The darns I made with wool during my natural fibers only phase wore out; they were replaced with acrylic about 5 years ago.<BR/><BR/>Chacun à son gout!Lesliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13896225590676052139noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-1136641620086974322006-01-07T08:47:00.000-05:002006-01-07T08:47:00.000-05:00Fantastic. I've just finished reading through ever...Fantastic. I've just finished reading through everything you've written and my brain is humming. Thank you, all of you, who took the time to add your viewpoint to the mix.Franklinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03670441931649806878noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-1136634876296725902006-01-07T06:54:00.000-05:002006-01-07T06:54:00.000-05:00I agree at least in part with first-poster-Jon. I ...I agree at least in part with first-poster-Jon. I consider the two of them damned near equal. I question the fiber used in both. <BR/><BR/>To the Aran knitter, I say: "Why put that time and talent into fiber that is (at best)unequal to the time and talent." To the designer of the cashmere, I would ask "could not that gorgeous fiber have been put to better use?"<BR/><BR/>Not that I wouldn't do(or haven't done) the same exact thing. More than once, in fact.Annhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11449286284109146876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-1136615945074672452006-01-07T01:39:00.000-05:002006-01-07T01:39:00.000-05:00I agree with most of the posters who find value, t...I agree with most of the posters who find value, though for different reasons, in each piece. To me there is also a political dimension, for lack of a better word. I love the idea of producing a garment, no matter how skilled or unskilled, because the work of my hands is something that will not be mass produced, outsourced or globalized. Nor can it be traded on the stock market to enrich the few while impoverishing the many. Each individual's act of creation is in some way an act of rebellion. (Am I making any sense?)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-1136613567674140222006-01-07T00:59:00.000-05:002006-01-07T00:59:00.000-05:00I read your post & all the comments (90+). Many p...I read your post & all the comments (90+). Many posters are saying essentially the same thing but they're saying it their way. I went back & read the post again & decided that although 90+ posters had already had their say their way, they hadn't said it my way. And for me that's the crux of the matter.<BR/><BR/>To me each knitter knit what they knit to the best of their ability using available or desired materials. They put their personal cast or brand or stamp on it & made it theirs. <BR/><BR/>The value would be to the knitter & the recipient. Assuming they were knit with specific recipients in mind (for instance, me) I would be thrilled to receive & proudly wear that sweater from someone who thought enough of me to knit ME a sweater. I'd wear it. I'd also be thrilled if Legendary Designer knit me the scarf. Each has it's own value on it's own merit.<BR/><BR/>Most folks who would see them wouldn't know Red Heart yarn from hand-spun anyway. They would see a beautiful gray sweater that fits like it was made for you & a lovely scarf.<BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/>PS: How about multiple choice next time?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-1136608397908978342006-01-06T23:33:00.000-05:002006-01-06T23:33:00.000-05:00As the owner of one of those Red Heart Arans, and ...As the owner of one of those Red Heart Arans, and a Tibet silk scarf, both are of high value. The aran, made by my mom for my dad, holds many dear memories. The scarf, one of the first I made with "luxury" yarn because I could finally afford it. Both represent eras of my life. It's not the garment, it's the process, and what the process meant.Bethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05927857671434845415noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-1136607025733498992006-01-06T23:10:00.000-05:002006-01-06T23:10:00.000-05:00I love knitting.I knit with anything. Yarn snobs c...I love knitting.I knit with anything. Yarn snobs can't hurt me. I do what makes ME happy and that is using all types of fiber for all types of projects. I would ooh and ahh over the cashmere scarf and the acrylic sweater.Christopherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14626650116382683708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-1136605031256008082006-01-06T22:37:00.000-05:002006-01-06T22:37:00.000-05:00Maybe I'm too easy going but I appreciate the proc...Maybe I'm too easy going but I appreciate the process of knitting both. The sweater knitter is skilled, no matter what yarn, and as a knitter, I'd appreciate how much work went into a project, even if I wouldn't knit it. The famous scarf designer has the luxe yarn available to her and sometimes, it is just nice to treat yourself, so I can appreciate the enjoyment in knitting a nice fiber. Plus, there's something great about a simple knit scarf (or dishcloth, if you get bored with basic stitch patterns). It kind of reminds me of my knitting roots. Mind you, if I received such a deluxe fiber in a store bought scarf, I might consider ripping it and knitting a new something out of it ;)<BR/><BR/>As a giver (or recipient, but hey, whatever happened to considering knitting for youself anyhow?!) of a knitted gift to a non-knitter, I'd choose a nicer yarn and simpler (but not insultingly basic) scarf pattern. This, to me, says "I wanted to give you something that felt good and hugs you on cold days but also understand that you may not know how much work goes into knitting an object so I won't bombard you with a masterpiece that I want to keep for me." <BR/><BR/>But hey, I also figure that when a recipient is freezing bits off in the cold, no matter what they thought of an item when they received it, they'll think of me then and be very happy.<BR/><BR/>Lastly, if the item was knit by a person I know and greatly admire, that trumps all. Debbie Bliss could send me a trunk full of clothes and I'd be ecstatic, but one remaining item knit for me by my grandma would be beyond words, even if it were done in my least favorite yarns.Freeciahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07718217254458746524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-1136596963243290862006-01-06T20:22:00.000-05:002006-01-06T20:22:00.000-05:00My motto: variety is the spice of life. I wish I ...My motto: variety is the spice of life. I wish I could say it in Latin. I also wish I could still be doing my true love of fiber crafts - handweaving. <BR/><BR/>Red Heart: no-one else makes that fiesta brights multi yarn that was my first yarn-lust, and I love them for that yarn.<BR/><BR/>Which is better? What is your goal in knitting? Do what you want and make what makes you happy. Even the Harlot herself will knit acrylic when the occasion requires it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-1136589011169849222006-01-06T18:10:00.000-05:002006-01-06T18:10:00.000-05:00You're right, there isn't any right answer. And I...You're right, there isn't any right answer. And I have a hard time even thinking about it since I neither made nor acquired either item.<BR/><BR/>However, assuming that the creation of each garment was pleasing to both the maker and the recipient (perhaps also the maker)- what more is there?<BR/><BR/>And if I weren't the maker or the recipient, why in the world would I make a judgement?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-1136582427435190702006-01-06T16:20:00.000-05:002006-01-06T16:20:00.000-05:00It's a purely utilitarian and personal choice deci...It's a purely utilitarian and personal choice decision for me...a scarf would win every time! As a lapsed knitter (20 years ago, with only one sweater to have come off the needles), but considering taking the needles up again, I love the idea of having yet another scarf as an accessory, regardless of its origin. However the individual projects came to be, and despite the perceived value of the specific patterns and/or materials, or the "designer" name, it all comes down to who the recipient is. Given that both the sweater and the scarf are really "nothing" until worn, it is the recipient or the wearer who gives it true value or worth. As one who has been known to go back home because "I wore the wrong scarf," again I say, give me the scarf any day!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com