This is probably going to sound daft coming from someone who has written a whole craft pattern book, but in the light of the recent '
things I'm afraid to tell you' meme that has been doing the rounds, sometimes I just need to say out loud, that when it comes to my designs, it's a constant state of confusion.
Working at home, for yourself, on your own, can lead to over thinking rather than more concise decision making. I also wonder if my background, having a degree in textile design and working in industry, is somewhat restrictive as it places my mindset within learned constraints. As Picasso once said, 'every child is an artist, the problem is how to remain an artist as you grow'.
Things I do know are, I have developed a design style, and I do enjoy using recycled materials much more than buying new fabrics to a point where I am totally out of the loop when it comes to the latest fabric lines, and I'm ok with that. The indecision stems around this design style being too cute looking. I see what I design and make as soft sculpture, objects of art - not soft toys. The use of the word 'toy' scares me because of the health and safety issues. But legally, regardless of how I personally perceive my work, if it looks like a toy, it is a toy.
The conclusion I think I've reached is to split my design work. Some patterns are on their way to become available via PDF download. They will stay 'cute', but also probably not use felted wool. As much as I love that medium as it's easy to sew with and hugely forgiving when it comes to the odd mishap, I am lucky to have amassed a bit of a collection over the years in my stash. It does seem second hand, true woolens are becoming harder and harder to find. The patterns I'm going to keep to make myself will begin to go on a development journey. One which has already begun...
Last week I made a gift following the dog pattern I've used
before, but as soon as I finished the face, I unpicked it all. Referring back to the changes I'd made with the
King Charles Spaniels, I began reworking.
It's just a small change, and overall it's an ongoing process, but it's cathartic to be able to talk about this stuff rather than have it just swimming around in my head.
I don't know if the changes made it better or worse, but I did feel happier with the finished softie once it was done. Any suggestions on how to make a dog softie, more dog like are always welcome!
