A knitter discovers the power of constraints
Jamis’ wife, an avid knitter, vowed not to buy new yarn this year — and she’s finding the self-imposed constraint to be fantastic fuel for the creative process. “Honestly, if I had not been constrained by my stash, I don’t think I would have come out with a project half so wonderful. My creativity and problem-solving skills were forced into action in a way they would not have been if I had purchased the right amount of yarn to knit the original dress. Who knew limits could be so liberating?”
Linked by 37signals on May 18 2011. There are 5 comments.
Don Schenck 18 May 11
Not to worry, my wife is making up the slack. The dear woman just will not stop buying yarn.
On the plus side, the socks are awesome.
Amber 18 May 11
This reminds me of “pantry week”. You just go a week (or whatever) without buying groceries, so you have to use whatever you had leftover in the fridge, but mostly the pantry since you don’t have fresh food. So, you will say “There’s nothing to eat!” but when going out or to the grocery store is not an option, all of a sudden you find something to make.
Anonymous Coward 18 May 11
With 37signals now having nearly 30 employees … doesn’t seem like you guys have many “constraints” anymore.
BillP 18 May 11
Ditto on the pantry week!
We purchased only milk, coffee, and butter – while going three weeks eating food that we already had. It was so tasty since we were forced to cook meals rather than rush to the store/restaurant.
And yes, your daughter is a sweetie. Such a fun age!
flynn like 19 May 11
maybe next year she could cut one of her arms off… see if that constraint improves her knitting even more!
This discussion is closed.