An Idea in Action.

“An idea that is developed and put into action is more important than an idea that exists only as an idea.” – Buddha

So, here we are with the continueing saga of my Entry In The Contest (or how I refer to it in my head, anyways).  I admit to some mild trepidation when faced with the dyeing of the shawl.  I couldn’t decide on colors, or patterns, or any plan at all, really.  I finally realized, after getting it wet and actually laying it out to dye, that I ought to come up with something, and fairly soon. 

I have the same problem with ‘sample yarns’ or sample skeins of new types of yarn.  I get a single skein of some new, different yarn – mohair boucle, or some other non sock-yarn (it does exist, I swear), and then I never actually dye it.  I’ve spent time thinking about this, and I seem to rely on these 4 excuses as reasons I’m not dyeing those skeins.

1. I don’t have a project in mind, and if I dye it now, a project will come to mind but I would have dyed it the wrong color.
2. What if I like it so much, a project idea comes to me, but I realize I won’t have enough yarn with just the sample skein, and the color will be impossible to duplicate because I was ‘just playing’ with the dyes…
3. What if I can’t get anymore and everyone wants it?
4.  What if I ruin it and can’t get any more to redeem myself?

I didn’t used to think this way.  This new thought process, stems (I think) partly because so much of what I dye is repeatable and has a ‘recipe’ to create the colorway or pattern.  I don’t often give myself the time or freedom or permission to ‘play’ with the dyes… I have one-of-a-kind skeins, and have no problem with those, but they are created with the exhaust or leftover dyes from other projects.  I like to be creative within that arena, but it isn’t very often that I go at it to ‘play’ rather than to ‘work’. 

So, my mind went through the usual and familiar questions above, but I tried to counter them – to come up with arguments in favor of dyeing this time.

1. Project:  No problem, it’s ready-made and is a shawl, can’t be changed.

I looked at question 2, 3, and 4, was reminded of the quote at the top of this post, and realized something important – the answer to all 3 questions.

I’ve made this out of my sock yarn, and I have several hundred pounds of yarn hanging about waiting to be dyed.  If it turns out badly I can bury it in the backyard, pull out the triangle loom and Make Another One. 

This seems simple, but it was an idea that really clicked for me.  Since then I’ve come to realize that the same answer can be applied to lots of other things that leave me stymied – unable to decide which direction to go with other things in my life.  I may not always make the best decision, I may make some ugly ones.  But its better to have made a decision – taken action somehow, then to forever think about, ponder on, assess ‘what if’ scenarios… until you realize a decision was made without your realizing it- the opportunity passed you by because you did not act on your idea.  (I think this is related to procrastination, but I’ll tell you my thoughts on that another time.)

So, I’ve acted on my idea.  I’m even happy with it.  I do want to make another one, but will not be burying this one in the backyard anytime soon. 

I’ve added fringe to the whole thing, seen below.

Wetted, and layed out pleated for dyeing.

1st color applied

2nd color applied

I wasn’t entirely happy with the results when I opened up the pleats, so I turned up the volume on the ipod and plowed on with the overdyeing & layering, this time via handy dandy plastic tub.  It’s difficult to see colors underwater, but I lifted the shawl out of the water, added varying shades of blues and greens in small amounts, letting the shawl absorb the colors between additions.

Steamed, rinsed, dried, steam-pressed, and ready for prime time. 

Close-up shot of the weave and the icord top.

So, I’m not sure when I’ll make the next one, but I think I’ll use 5 strands instead of 4, and I’m considering added beads to the fringe.  We’ll see.