Yarn Dying as an Expression of Art

I used to think that I wasn't a very artistic person. My higher education and subsequent career placed me firmly in a scientific realm. While I have always enjoyed somewhat artistic hobbies like gardening and knitting, I never dabbled in the classic arts—music, drawing, or even writing. These traditional forms of expression seemed so far removed from my scientific pursuits that I felt I lacked the creativity necessary to be considered an artist. However, over the last few years, I've started to see my hobbies as genuine expressions of art, allowing me to embrace my creative side and redefine what artistry means to me.

The Art of Gardening

Take my flower garden, for instance. Situated on the sunny south side of our house, where temperatures soar during the summer months, I found myself instinctively drawn to a vibrant palette of yellows, oranges, and reds. These colors not only reflect the warmth of the sun but also create an inviting atmosphere that brightens the space. In contrast, the north side of the house, which is shadier and cooler, boasts a softer palette of pinks, whites, and purples that creates a calm vibe. This wasn't a conscious decision; it was simply about understanding which varieties thrived best in their respective environments. I prefer to plant perennials, as they allow me to create a lasting garden that evolves over time. Each year, I squeeze in new favorites allowing me to add to the garden and diversify the beds. 

Knitting: A Problem-Solving Journey

Knitting began as a personal challenge—a problem-solving exercise that sparked my curiosity. Could I tackle that complicated pattern? Could I figure out how to knit a sock? It mirrored the problem-solving required in my science based workday. However, over time, knitting has transformed into much more than a mental workout; it has become a comforting ritual that I turn to after a busy day or on quiet Saturday mornings. So, is this art? I find myself questioning that.

Discovering Yarn Dying

Diving into yarn dying has opened up an entirely new world for me. I've learned about color theory and how combining different colors with varying intensities, along with different methods, produces beautifully distinct results. It feels less like a scientific experiment and more akin to what a painter might experience as they lay paint on a canvas. Increasingly, I view bare yarn as my canvas, with dyeing serving as my painter's palette. Each skein becomes a unique piece of art, reflecting my inspiration and creativity - and hopefully not looking like an episode of a cooking show gone wrong. 

Your Artistic Perspective

When you shop for yarn, do you see colorway selection and project planning as your version of art? The choices you make in selecting colors and envisioning your projects can be deeply personal and reflective of your artistic vision. Surely you consider a finished project to be your own artistic creation. Each project tells a story, showcasing not only your skills but also your unique style and personality. Embracing these aspects of our crafting can help us all recognize the artistry that exists in our hobbies, no matter how obscure it may seem.