I'm mainly a process knitter - knitting is magic and being able to sit here and participate in the creation of fabric and garments and items of use is such a source of joy. I occasionally product knit, but even then, I'll find joy in the process of getting to the thing I need/want. I mainly just never want to take it for granted - knitting is a skill I want to enjoy and cherish for the rest of my life.
I love the "and/both" aspect in life, your sentiment hits straight to my heart. So many things can seem to be in conflict with each other and work together beautifully. I am definitely both a process knitter and a product knitter. If I don't love what I am working on it gets frogged, because in the end it will be tainted by the stress I felt while creating it. I am inspired by color or shape or, as you said, the fantasy part of creating. I bought beautiful black wool fabric to make trousers without a pattern in mind. And today I found a pattern that will help me recreate what I owned 25 years ago! I am happy to watch vlogs where there are no finished projects if creators talk about their journey in their crafts.
In my youth I loathed the process of knitting. Impatient. Preferred sewing, which leads to faster results. Now at 60 I crave the knitting & spinning process. Centers me & brings joy.
Must share your music that plays in your Vlogmas is so chill, it makes me feel calm & joy. In terms of process or project - I can confidently say yes. agree not an either or just a yes and enjoy having a variety of both going on all the time
As a card carrying member of the Sanity String Society, I have all the yesses for you. Yes to process, yes to product, yes for doing any of the things that bring joy and comfort and satisfaction, and yes to the wisdom that it's all valid, and so very individualistic- and that the need for which changes/cycles/evolves. Staying fluid, staying curious, staying in tune with ourselves, I think those are some of the keys to being content with what we do. I don't use the word happy because content just works better for me. Contentment gives me a grounding and a gentleness with self that chasing happy just doesn't, and never did. My own flavor of neuro-tasty means chasing happy can spiral me into depression or anxiety. Contentment is balance and that's great for me. Tazhi, I have LOVED these vlogmas episodes immensely and I look forward to how ever many more you do, as well as any future videos you do, in whatever format you do them. I'm ride or die with ya, one Magic Being to another :)
I’m way late to the party for your videos but I am really appreciating your outlook on crafting. I don’t like being put in a box either or being told what I “need” to do with my craft. It’s nice to hear that from someone else.
I've been caught up before in that feeling of "if I'm a maker then I have to be producing things on a regular basis". There are some sewing and knitting channels where every month they show a large amount of FO's and it's inspiring to me at first, but after a while it makes me feel like I'm not making enough and not being productive enough. F*ck that!!! Now I'm trying to be more mindful of what I want to make, who I want to make for, and not expecting to finish items quickly. This helps my mental health as I'm still making, just on my own terms.
I absolutely agree that Southdown is so much better in carded form! One of my favorite go-to, feel-good fibers is a Babydoll Southdown fleece from a beautiful black ram named Jimmy Buffett. It's so fluffly with a staple length of about 2 inches. It cards up so smoothly and spins up perfectly in a longdraw style. PREP MATTERS! Also, I love your in-depth analysis of Process vs Product Maker. I think the right answer for me is that I'm an Intentional Maker. Usually, I enjoy the process of spinning the yarn and go straight Zen mode. If I start getting into the mindset of "just finish this spin", I start cutting corners and the yarn starts doing funny things. That's when it's time to put it down and come back later. And sometimes, just knitting with a particular yarn makes me happy and I enjoy every stitch. Sometimes, it's a test knit and needs to be done. Sometimes, I don't enjoy the yarn (like a summer top I made this year), but I NEED this finished piece in my wardrobe. Every project has their own special thing, but what brings them into being is intention. So thanks for bringing up this question! I really like this new answer and the deep dive I did with myself because of it. Your perspective is so refreshing and well-thought out.
I’m really glad you arrived at an answer that feels good for you and your craft! Sometimes just sitting with our thoughts helps us arrive at new avenues and pathways that we would not have found otherwise and that’s when the magic happens.
Thank you Tazhi, for talking about this topic. I started knitting in September, along with enjoying this new hobby, knitting has also helped with my mental health. “Life is already hard,” like you said, and I don’t want to add stress or anxiety to myself or onto a hobby that has helped ease that anxiety. I will continue to slow down and be intentional with my learning and my making, and toss out whatever doesn’t serve that. In the words of Maurice Harris, “Capitalism doesn’t care about your creativity.” ✨
My product and process methods tend to be very craft dependent and shows up more in how I'm spending time with the craft. For sewing, it tends to be a product, and I prefer to spend long chunks of time working on something to get into a flow state. So weekends at home or vacation are great for that. Knitting, and to a certain extent spinning, I always have something rolling. I'll work on it for 15 minutes, or have a traveling project, and while I have an end goal of a finished project, the physical movements are also important.
Thank you for this conversation. Sometimes it's hard for me to decipher why I make the things and when to share or not to share things online. But it's easier when I ignore labels and just follow the dopamine, as they say. 😊 As a result, I have multiple projects in progress at any given moment but I'm also more able and willing to finish them periodically because I gave myself permission to make whatever, whenever. Incidentally, I absolutely made 6 hats this week 😂 because the hyperfocus was real and there are no intended recipients which just made it all about the process and not the products. Super fun!
I found myself humming your background music the other day, I find it really soothing. At first I couldn't place it but now each time I watch your cast it just carries me along. Happy making and take care.
Another relaxing spin video. Thanks. I think I swing more heavily to the process part of this crafting thing. I bounce around to the things that bring me joy. My goal is always to give myself the grace to know that the target can move even when I have a goal set ( for example the 100 days of spindling went completely out the window when my 6yr old brought gastro home from school). Really it comes down to not making my life more difficult on purpose 💕
I totally agree with you about process and product. I did knit something for pay once and will never do it again. For me, fiber is my hobby. I will knit for love not money. I do enjoy end products, but it does not matter what they are. I can be as excited about a dishrag as a baby blanket or a pair of socks or a sweater.
I started out as a product knitter. I did it because I wanted the finished item. The process was fine (though not always enjoyable), but I wanted that item. As I grew as a knitter I have become more of a process knitter. There are occasionally things I knit specifically because I want that finished item, however the majority are about the process of knitting - so much so that I might finish the item, weave in its ends and then toss it aside as I cast on the next thing I want to experience, lol. Spinning for me is almost entirely process. I almost never even use my handspun. One of these days I will but mostly I spin because I love spinning.
So many thoughts. My crafting is definitely a source of mental health care. I resonated with so much, especially that the answers change based on life situations. But what really hit home, I reject the binary. Ansel Adams taught us a lot about the absence of binary. So grateful to live in a world where not being ok is finally ok
I agree with a lot of what you've said re: process vs product knitting, and have felt your opinions have validated what I've been feeling lately. I recently had a friend of a deceased family member ask me to finish making a project my family member had been making for her for Christmas (I've only met this person 2-3 times). I felt obligated to finish this project when I didn't feel confident enough in my skills to finish it, was processing my own grief, and truly hated working with the fibre. I decided to prioritize my own well-being, my enjoyment of my craft, and ultimately passed on completing the project. I still feel extremely guilty, but know that my own mental health would be suffering if I tried to complete it. I want to thank you again for your authenticity and your willingness to be vulnerable. It is truly appreciated from the bottom of my heart. 💚💙
I’m so glad you stood up for yourself and advocated for your own joy and wellbeing! Kudos to you for doing that even when it doesn’t feel all that great.
Amen to stop gift knitting I always get so stressed 😔. Ok don’t think I’m bonkers but every time I lose something you say out loud “dear Saint Anthony please come around. Something is lost and can’t be found “ works every time! You have to say it out loud! One of my senior lady clients taught me that 😊
This was a great video! Definitely majority of my making is about the process. I learned earlier in making life that the finished product wasn't my goal.
I knit & spin to make me happy. I thought I would enjoy test knitting but ended up with several sweaters I never wear. That to me is product knitting and a waste of time and yarn. All to make something for someone else, who wants their pattern, working out possible kinks, & made for free for their time line. My Life, my time, and my mental health are more important than making something for someone else, who doesn’t really care that you put in time & effort for their end product. It’s easier to buy the pattern. Sorry for the rant. That’s why I enjoy watching you spin and following you during your day this Vlogmas. You work towards enjoying the process of living. You are the light in a dark room.
It’s not a rant at all and this will makes sense to me! I’m glad you’re here and thank you for saying such kind things - I don’t always get it right but I’m always going to keep trying.
I totally agree to you. I never got this idea of putting labels on things and we have to decide on them. I don't have a favorite anything and don't care if i fit in anyones cliche. I can be a knitter and crocheter and spinner. Listen to metal music while studying buddhism and backpack the world even if people think I'm to old for that. Haha. I have to wips right now and one is a process knit in the sense that I don't intend to keep the object and have no one to gift it to. But it's fun making it. And it has story. Its baby alpaca I bought in Bolivia, it's a Advent pattern in a year with no Christmas for me and it travels with me through india. I have another project that was supposed to be a process knit. I loved the yarn and the pattern. Just it didn't work together. Now I make a stockinette version of the pattern, what is a bit boring. But it's the perfect on the go project. So it's all flexible here. Have a great day
I love all those vlogmas videos! Everyday, I’m watching you and so much of what you’re sharing resonate with me. I like how you are open about your mental health and aware of your own slippery paths. I have the impression that we are wired in similar ways on a lot of aspects of our life. When I watch you, it’s like I have an awesome friend who really gets me! Thank you for all the time you spend making your videos! I wanted you to know it’s appreciated 😊
Oh hooray! I’m so glad you feel seen and heard here - that has always been the goal, to foster a space for people who are a bit off and don’t always feel represented in other spaces. This means I’m doing it right ❤️❤️❤️
I agree that being a process or product making can vary by craft as I am mainly a process knitter and mostly a product sewist. At the same time, I do love a challenging sewing project whearas I also enjoy mindless potato chippy knitting. And then one day, I decide that I spend too much time at one end of the spectrum and switch it up. We contain multitudes.
After listening to your thoughts and then thinking through mine on process and product making, I think I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m a product maker who loves the process. I really love being able to finish a project and weave in all the ends and sew on any buttons and wash and block a finished object-that is definitely a rush for me, but at the same time I need to have something always on my needles so that I’m never left empty handed. I keep several projects going so that I have a variety of needle sizes for my hands (they get sore from tiny needles but I love knitting socks) and also so that as one project finishes I’m not left with nothing to knit. I really struggle with finding the “right” pattern and the “right yarn”. That is what causes me a lot of stress so once a project is going, I feel so much better.
I'm so glad you had this open chat today, I've been sitting with my thoughts on my making for months now. I would say that like you I don't see the line between product and process, they are two components of the same pie, the crust and the filling. This year money has been tight for my family and so I made the decision early (like May) to gift knit for Christmas using ONLY my stash. I picked projects for my family that I thought they would enjoy or get use from. Then I took those ideas and I marinated over patterns, picking from ones I had previously purchased or finding free ones that fit my vision but most importantly I was excited about. Where I could I made sure I had variety, easy wins = hats, challenges = first time mittens/new techniques. I thought really hard about the intention of my knits, the goals, and not the product. I wanted to save some money at the expense of my time to give the people I love something that I made. I only knit for those who I know will treasure and cherish my work, and I know that for them these items will be received as a warm hug. Sure I celebrated an FO and there were some projects where the process was draining because I felt that I had made too much work for myself, but I always went back to my intention. I would take breaks from the challenges to work on the easy wins and think it over. When the project wasn't giving me joy I focused on what I was learning from it, how I could modify what I was doing to make it more enjoyable next time, and how even if I'm not liking it in the moment I will like it when it's finished and the person I give it to will love it. You're just correct, in my humble opinion, we need to talk to ourselves about our making and our goals with it.
Thank you for sharing this with me. I’m so glad you found a rhythm that worked for you and have yourself plenty of room and time to make your hand knit items. I think we could solve so much of what stresses us out about our making if we take the time to think about what we’re doing and how and why and then adapt to make it work who we are and what we need and it sounds like you nailed it this season.
Also both a product and process knitter--I just love everything about knitting 🥰. But definitely a product sewist. Maybe because it feels like very little of sewing is actually sewing, and the majority is *everything else* that goes into it. I love wearing my handmade sewn outfits, but don't particularly enjoy getting there.
I love your refusal to buy into binaries and artificial choices! One of the principles of alchemy, Polarity, is that what appears to be opposites differ by degree and not by kind. We box our selves in by making unnecessary distinctions and choices that serve only to make life harder. I appreciate all your reflections on the slippery slope of productivity and self-worth. And also those about turning what brings you joy into a job. One of the best decisions I made was to not turn my harp into a cash register. After doing some paid gigs that were so emotionally and spiritually unsatisfying, I stopped hiring out my source of joy and connection to the unseen realms. So many people could not go beyond the "what are you going to do with your harp?" idea. Fortunately I had then and have now a teacher who totally understands. What we do is not the source of who we are. Instead, who we are is the source of all that we are called to do. Thanks for this deep dive beneath the surface questions of process vs. product. harpingJanet
Thank you for saying this. As a new knitter in the last year, seeing so much content made me want to knit all the things at first, and it’s only in the last month or two that I’m really seeing and embracing the meditation and magic of the process. So I see no reason to put a dividing line between product and process. Also, it seems as though when I get good at something, people start telling me I should sell my stuff, or offering to pay me to make them things. I can appreciate that their comments are meant to be compliments, but the idea of monetizing my hobbies is so anxiety-triggering, and it seems difficult to make folks understand that. Today’s video feels like an affirmation.
Test knitting is not for everyone. I used to do a lot of test knitting in the early days of ravelry. some of the things 1. I enjoyed about it was helping a designer with the language and spotting errors. there really wasn't much in the way of knit editors. 2. I also liked making a connection with other knitters if it was held in a forum. I live in a rural area without access to shops or groups. 3. I like patterns that really challenge me with innovative uses of stitches. I find it amazing that such an old craft of 2 sts - knit and purl can be manipulated in brand new ways. 4. I enjoy a deadline that pushes me to finish 5. when I am finished I have something new to wear. I'm sure I could come up with more reasons but this is just off the top of my head. Test knitting isn't for everyone though and not every designer runs a good test knit. I don't do as many test knits now a days. I find I don't have the bandwidth to dedicate myself to decypering and finishing. when I do pick a test knit now the pattern is textured or an origami style pattern. and it has to be a designer I like and who is easy to work with. I think it is better to just find happiness and peace in crafting so right now that is picking pattern on my own and spinning what pleases me.
I loved this thoughtful ramble Tazhi. 🥰. And I guarantee you that the practice of self-interrogation and self-awareness leads in time to a lessening of both, and what flowers is simply a flow of self-acceptance and self trust. I guarantee that. Keep on.
First 2 years of my knitting (learning? Travels?) I gave every single object away. Off the needles, gifted, cease to exist lol and while I now knit things with intent for myself, I’m so slow; shiny squirrel new thing, it’s ok if this takes forever brain mode. I’ve got 6 sweaters in the 50-80% done range so I must be about the process. End thing lovely but no urgency. Gifting for others now if they know about it is super pressure to only do that thing till it’s done and I hate that feeling. Love watching u do u hun!
I have totally brought a drop spindle to my D&D table. It fascinated people, and after a five minute discussion of what I was doing, it didn't bother anyone. Doing something with my hands helps me be present at the game and prevents me from doing things like playing on my phone or having my brain wander. I've also sold some hats, and I've had to forego knitting for myself because I need to get hats done. It's not a great place to be. I've also had people suggest that I sell my handspun, but I don't know that I'm ready to let it go. I spin without projects in mind (except my current traveler shawl project), and I rarely knit with the yarn I make; I'm in the it's precious mode. I need to get over that, but I also don't want to just sell it off.
It's gonna be a day so I'm watch this months vids on repeat. I almost never make anything for myself. I really enjoy the process and love seeing my loved ones wearing what I've made. Knitting, spinning, sewing takes me back to myself. I love test knitting but I found out last year that I need at least a month between test knits or else I burn out.
I'm mostly a product knitter - my dopamine rush def comes from binding off. For process, I find that I get enjoyment from the colors and the fabric I'm knitting up rather than the act of making stitches. BUT for spinning I'm definitely a process spinner... the final steps of plying and finishing up a yarn feel way less appealing than spinning the wool.
Yass to rejecting the process/product maker binary! (And to rejecting plenty of other binaries too!) I’ve sometime tried to figure out if I’m more process driven or product driven and felt stymied by the question. I love to finish a project and I love using or gifting the completed item. I’ve also learned that having many wips stresses me out. So I’ve really tried to examine why I might not finish an item, so I can avoid doing that. I’ve found that, for me, a barrier to finishing a project is if I stop enjoying the process of making it. So now I try to be really intentional in picking a project in the first place. Sometimes I see a pattern that is beautiful, but I can tell that the process of making it would not be enjoyable for me. Or sometimes I see a pattern that would be fun to make but would result in an item that wouldn’t fit into my life/wardrobe. So I take a deep breath and pass on those projects. I already don’t have enough time to make everything I want to make. Instead, I try to only start projects that are going to satisfy me for both the process *and* the product. I’m loving your videos and I appreciate the time and effort you put into giving them to us. That said, I want to affirm you and encourage you in making these for yourself first. It’s your authenticity that resonates with so many of us. So just keep on being you. Your light will shine whether you’re filming or not. ❤
This is such a nuanced and interesting perspective and one I could benefit from adding to my own thinking when it comes to starting projects so thank you for sharing it with me. I’m so glad that you’re finding joy with all of the chaos here.
I just found your channel a couple months ago and I'm so glad I did. Your Vlogmas videos are the only ones I've been watching. I really needed to hear what you had to say today!
hurrah for ditching the product/process dichotomy -- i'm most definitely both, in that i love the physical acts of knitting (since i'm still a non-spinner), but i also love the sweaters and scarfs and etc. Currently finishing up a project that's absolutely been a process knit, i needed something super-simple and small to do on a plane/in waiting rooms during a recent family health scare -- but it's beautiful yarn (alpaca/silk/cashmere, so scrumptious) and is on its way to being a gift-knit for nephew (if he likes it) which will likely be done in time for christmas (one more plane flight to go!). hooray for both/and, instead of either/or!
I, too, have a hard time drawing the line between process and product making. It kind of depends on where I am of in the project. The process of knitting is part of my daily mental health hygiene these days, so in that sense all knitting projects are process for me. I am definitely more a product maker while sewing and I kind of have to make force myself to slow down sewing because I am trying to keep myself accountable and only make what I actually will wear.. AND, I love to tick an item off a to do list and I am sort of compulsive about finishing things. Languishing WIPS cause me anxiety.... Maybe I should work on this mind set? But it is easier for me to just play "Finish or Frog". The fact that you can use the yarn to remake something else is something I love about knitting. For me the stage of the process of making I need to slow down and be intentional is at the buying of "all the things to make the thing" stage. This is definitely where my impulsivity and dopamine addiction can get out of control.
Being mindful about the thing you may want to work on is half the battle! Whatever you decide to do next, I hope it’s with thought and care and is just what you need for your own making journey.
Thank you so much for this vlogmas! I am so agree with you... I am also a process knitter and try not to put any pressure on me about my craft. I knit or spin what I want when I want. I have to say that make me a ego knitter 🙈
Great video, thank you😊🙏 You always make me think but today I’ve really enjoyed thinking about product/process making, and where I fit in the continuum. It’s funny because my future son in law (who I love) asked me if I would mind knitting some baby clothes for his sisters’ baby, due in March. I said yes, though I am not experienced, really and am an obsessive sock knitter… I don’t have long to knit these items and I have been observing how, having a deadline, can suck the joy out of a project/process! So I made the tiny items first (newborn moccasins and hat) and now I am totally enjoying knitting the jacket, having told him that he will have something to gift and the jacket will follow…🥰 Of course, there is a voice inside my head that keeps challenging me to see if I can actually get the jacket done…🙄but I have a bad wrist, which reminds me to take care of myself and my precious hands. So, now I am spinning and making chocolate gifts, in between knitting! Thank you for being you and for being so generous in sharing some of yourself with us. You get me thinking, for which I’m grateful😊🙏🎄
This sounds like a happy compromise and I’m glad you’re doing what’s good for you! Happy making and I’m so happy hear you’re taking care of your hands which will keep you making and experiencing joy in the long run.
This was a really interesting! A good idea to examine making and whether you are doing it in a healthy way. Also, thanks for the knitting vlogger recommendations. I'm loving Maressa Made and Laura Penrose!
I agree with so much of what you said. I am both. Process mostly but product when it comes to my kids wants. My son wanted a pillow for Christmas. I didn't necessarily enjoy some making aspects but I know he will love it. You've made me think about some of my spins. I have 6 currently going and I'm only enjoying 2. The other 4 need to just be quit with. For this year I've quit with my paradise fibers mystery club bc I get things I don't love sometimes and feel obligated to spin it or add it to my stash at least bc I paid for it.
This is going to be a long ass comment because I, too, have thoughts! So bear with me! 😅 I 100% agree with this. I can be a product maker sometimes, but I feel like a lot of that is a consequence of consumerism in this capitalistic hell-scape that we live in. We have the ability to have what we want at the click of a button and a couple days wait for delivery at most. Slowing down to make something does not appeal to our 'want it, need it, must have it now' culture. When it comes to sewing, I very much do not enjoy the process, but I *want* the finished product. I *want* the gratification of making my own wardrobe. I'm trying to slow myself down when it comes to sewing and try to be present even in the tediousness. I do not need to have a garment made in a day or two. The only person putting that pressure on me is myself. So I have started taking it easy and taking a day to put together a pattern if I haven't had it printed by a shop. I take another day to cut it out. And another to cut out my fabric. I try not to let the instagram algorithm stress me out from all the pretty fantasy cottage-core dark academia lovelies twirling in their beautiful skirts and stays make me feel like I have to keep up. It also took me one successful test knit and two failed ones (bad test knitter here) to realize I hate test knitting. As soon as I have a deadline put on me for knitting, I immediately do not want to do it. I decided to knit Christmas presents this year, too, and this is the first and last year I will be doing that. When it comes to knitting and spinning, this is my peace and my time for me, and I will tolerate no stress with it. It's also why I hate the term 'selfish knitter' and when people call themselves that. These are hobbies that are for *us*. We took the time and energy to learn these skills. The expectation that society can put on us, especially those of us who are women or afab, to use our energy and knowledge to create for others is decidedly not what I'm about. We should make for others because it brings us joy to do so, not because our culture expects us to. Anyway, I went on an entirely different tangent there at the last. I love the topics you bring up in your vlogs, Tazhi!
I hate, hate, hate the term selfish knitter and I will never use it because my making is my own and I can do what I want with it when I want it. It is a act of defiance and rebellion to take this time out for me and just for me and to hell with end stage capitalism for trying to make us feel bad about it. Yes. Just yes.
thank you for a delightful and thoughtful episode! i dont often comment on things - mainly as a result of my own limited free time. but in regards to process vs product making, i enjoyed considering where i would fit into that during this video. i think for me, the two are inextricably linked. i wont really feel engaged in the process of making something unless i feel some way about the end product - be that a hank of finished yarn or a garment or something else. but then, if i dont enjoy the process of making something, ill be less interested in the product! its a weird space to sit in. i think for my own neurodivergence, i really need a perfect balance, and if a particular project isnt doing that for me, ill move on to something else, until that drive comes back. thank you for your kind words, i know it'll be your voice i hear in my mind when i next try to berate myself for not finishing something. take care!
Yes, you have hit the nail in the head for my own making as well and it’s why I bounce from project to project until I find what brings me joy that day. I hope you give yourself grace and freedom in your own making!
1. Omg the neurodivergent urge to always be touching my hair 😂 (your hair looks so good, btw) 2. Living in the and space! I always feel so stressed when presented with that question. I am usually specifically creating something for my (or a loved one’s) wardrobe, so product is very important, but I also want to enjoy the process, and need a few different processes on the go at any time.
i have never understood this concept as well. If i didn't like doing the project and i just wanted the product then i would just buy the product. if I didn't want the product then i would not spend my time making it.
I’m a huge product crafter and I don’t like it- it’s a result of being a very goal oriented and results oriented person my entire life, which was fine (except not fine) in school, and it’s fine (except for the burn out aspect) in the workplace, but I’m pushing myself towards more balance between product and process in my crafting/hobby life. I’m not a content creator, this isn’t my job, it’s supposed to be something I do to relax and de-stress, and the constant drive to produce or finish or complete things takes away that relaxing aspect. This is such a foreign concept to my immigrant parents who are constantly asking me why it’s taking me so long to finish a project or why I’m doing multiple projects instead of completing one and then starting the next (oh and btw when am I making them their next item that they may or may not like/use). Anyway- I’m really enjoying your vlogs, and the mental health chats. I think these crafts are such good therapy for us all.
I agree 100% and I really support you advocating for yourself and your making and doing it the way brings you joy and if that means being less productive and slowing down a bit, I really hope you can figure that out for yourself.
Capitalism 100% ruins everything. I've loved music since I was a kid and decided to pursue it as a career, but it killed the joy that I found in making music. Never gonna forgive capitalism for that one 👎
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I'm mainly a process knitter - knitting is magic and being able to sit here and participate in the creation of fabric and garments and items of use is such a source of joy. I occasionally product knit, but even then, I'll find joy in the process of getting to the thing I need/want.
I mainly just never want to take it for granted - knitting is a skill I want to enjoy and cherish for the rest of my life.
I love the "and/both" aspect in life, your sentiment hits straight to my heart. So many things can seem to be in conflict with each other and work together beautifully. I am definitely both a process knitter and a product knitter. If I don't love what I am working on it gets frogged, because in the end it will be tainted by the stress I felt while creating it. I am inspired by color or shape or, as you said, the fantasy part of creating. I bought beautiful black wool fabric to make trousers without a pattern in mind. And today I found a pattern that will help me recreate what I owned 25 years ago! I am happy to watch vlogs where there are no finished projects if creators talk about their journey in their crafts.
In my youth I loathed the process of knitting. Impatient. Preferred sewing, which leads to faster results. Now at 60 I crave the knitting & spinning process. Centers me & brings joy.
Must share your music that plays in your Vlogmas is so chill, it makes me feel calm & joy. In terms of process or project - I can confidently say yes. agree not an either or just a yes and enjoy having a variety of both going on all the time
As a card carrying member of the Sanity String Society, I have all the yesses for you. Yes to process, yes to product, yes for doing any of the things that bring joy and comfort and satisfaction, and yes to the wisdom that it's all valid, and so very individualistic- and that the need for which changes/cycles/evolves. Staying fluid, staying curious, staying in tune with ourselves, I think those are some of the keys to being content with what we do. I don't use the word happy because content just works better for me. Contentment gives me a grounding and a gentleness with self that chasing happy just doesn't, and never did. My own flavor of neuro-tasty means chasing happy can spiral me into depression or anxiety. Contentment is balance and that's great for me.
Tazhi, I have LOVED these vlogmas episodes immensely and I look forward to how ever many more you do, as well as any future videos you do, in whatever format you do them. I'm ride or die with ya, one Magic Being to another :)
I’m way late to the party for your videos but I am really appreciating your outlook on crafting. I don’t like being put in a box either or being told what I “need” to do with my craft. It’s nice to hear that from someone else.
I've been caught up before in that feeling of "if I'm a maker then I have to be producing things on a regular basis". There are some sewing and knitting channels where every month they show a large amount of FO's and it's inspiring to me at first, but after a while it makes me feel like I'm not making enough and not being productive enough. F*ck that!!! Now I'm trying to be more mindful of what I want to make, who I want to make for, and not expecting to finish items quickly. This helps my mental health as I'm still making, just on my own terms.
I absolutely agree that Southdown is so much better in carded form! One of my favorite go-to, feel-good fibers is a Babydoll Southdown fleece from a beautiful black ram named Jimmy Buffett. It's so fluffly with a staple length of about 2 inches. It cards up so smoothly and spins up perfectly in a longdraw style. PREP MATTERS!
Also, I love your in-depth analysis of Process vs Product Maker. I think the right answer for me is that I'm an Intentional Maker. Usually, I enjoy the process of spinning the yarn and go straight Zen mode. If I start getting into the mindset of "just finish this spin", I start cutting corners and the yarn starts doing funny things. That's when it's time to put it down and come back later. And sometimes, just knitting with a particular yarn makes me happy and I enjoy every stitch. Sometimes, it's a test knit and needs to be done. Sometimes, I don't enjoy the yarn (like a summer top I made this year), but I NEED this finished piece in my wardrobe. Every project has their own special thing, but what brings them into being is intention. So thanks for bringing up this question! I really like this new answer and the deep dive I did with myself because of it. Your perspective is so refreshing and well-thought out.
I’m really glad you arrived at an answer that feels good for you and your craft! Sometimes just sitting with our thoughts helps us arrive at new avenues and pathways that we would not have found otherwise and that’s when the magic happens.
Thank you Tazhi, for talking about this topic. I started knitting in September, along with enjoying this new hobby, knitting has also helped with my mental health.
“Life is already hard,” like you said, and I don’t want to add stress or anxiety to myself or onto a hobby that has helped ease that anxiety. I will continue to slow down and be intentional with my learning and my making, and toss out whatever doesn’t serve that.
In the words of Maurice Harris, “Capitalism doesn’t care about your creativity.” ✨
Yes, exactly this - whatever doesn’t serve you has no space in our making and our joy.
My product and process methods tend to be very craft dependent and shows up more in how I'm spending time with the craft. For sewing, it tends to be a product, and I prefer to spend long chunks of time working on something to get into a flow state. So weekends at home or vacation are great for that.
Knitting, and to a certain extent spinning, I always have something rolling. I'll work on it for 15 minutes, or have a traveling project, and while I have an end goal of a finished project, the physical movements are also important.
Thank you for this conversation. Sometimes it's hard for me to decipher why I make the things and when to share or not to share things online. But it's easier when I ignore labels and just follow the dopamine, as they say. 😊 As a result, I have multiple projects in progress at any given moment but I'm also more able and willing to finish them periodically because I gave myself permission to make whatever, whenever.
Incidentally, I absolutely made 6 hats this week 😂 because the hyperfocus was real and there are no intended recipients which just made it all about the process and not the products. Super fun!
I found myself humming your background music the other day, I find it really soothing. At first I couldn't place it but now each time I watch your cast it just carries me along. Happy making and take care.
I can send you the link to a RUclips video of it in case you just want it without me babbling! m.ruclips.net/video/YvQ950wOSVo/видео.html
Another relaxing spin video. Thanks.
I think I swing more heavily to the process part of this crafting thing. I bounce around to the things that bring me joy. My goal is always to give myself the grace to know that the target can move even when I have a goal set ( for example the 100 days of spindling went completely out the window when my 6yr old brought gastro home from school). Really it comes down to not making my life more difficult on purpose 💕
I totally agree with you about process and product. I did knit something for pay once and will never do it again. For me, fiber is my hobby. I will knit for love not money. I do enjoy end products, but it does not matter what they are. I can be as excited about a dishrag as a baby blanket or a pair of socks or a sweater.
I started out as a product knitter. I did it because I wanted the finished item. The process was fine (though not always enjoyable), but I wanted that item. As I grew as a knitter I have become more of a process knitter. There are occasionally things I knit specifically because I want that finished item, however the majority are about the process of knitting - so much so that I might finish the item, weave in its ends and then toss it aside as I cast on the next thing I want to experience, lol.
Spinning for me is almost entirely process. I almost never even use my handspun. One of these days I will but mostly I spin because I love spinning.
Your discussion of this stuff was amazing! Thank you!
So many thoughts. My crafting is definitely a source of mental health care. I resonated with so much, especially that the answers change based on life situations. But what really hit home, I reject the binary. Ansel Adams taught us a lot about the absence of binary. So grateful to live in a world where not being ok is finally ok
“Life is already hard” Yes! Felt that. Thanks for your presence, Tashi ❤
Totally agree about the binary thinking, it often does not serve anyone. I enjoyed hearing your thoughts today.
I love the way you think about your making. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with the world. So much of it speaks to me and inspires me.
You are so welcome! I’m so happy to hear this.
I agree with a lot of what you've said re: process vs product knitting, and have felt your opinions have validated what I've been feeling lately. I recently had a friend of a deceased family member ask me to finish making a project my family member had been making for her for Christmas (I've only met this person 2-3 times). I felt obligated to finish this project when I didn't feel confident enough in my skills to finish it, was processing my own grief, and truly hated working with the fibre. I decided to prioritize my own well-being, my enjoyment of my craft, and ultimately passed on completing the project. I still feel extremely guilty, but know that my own mental health would be suffering if I tried to complete it.
I want to thank you again for your authenticity and your willingness to be vulnerable. It is truly appreciated from the bottom of my heart. 💚💙
I’m so glad you stood up for yourself and advocated for your own joy and wellbeing! Kudos to you for doing that even when it doesn’t feel all that great.
Amen to stop gift knitting I always get so stressed 😔. Ok don’t think I’m bonkers but every time I lose something you say out loud “dear Saint Anthony please come around. Something is lost and can’t be found “ works every time! You have to say it out loud! One of my senior lady clients taught me that 😊
This was a great video! Definitely majority of my making is about the process. I learned earlier in making life that the finished product wasn't my goal.
I knit & spin to make me happy. I thought I would enjoy test knitting but ended up with several sweaters I never wear. That to me is product knitting and a waste of time and yarn. All to make something for someone else, who wants their pattern, working out possible kinks, & made for free for their time line. My Life, my time, and my mental health are more important than making something for someone else, who doesn’t really care that you put in time & effort for their end product. It’s easier to buy the pattern. Sorry for the rant.
That’s why I enjoy watching you spin and following you during your day this Vlogmas. You work towards enjoying the process of living. You are the light in a dark room.
It’s not a rant at all and this will makes sense to me! I’m glad you’re here and thank you for saying such kind things - I don’t always get it right but I’m always going to keep trying.
I totally agree to you. I never got this idea of putting labels on things and we have to decide on them. I don't have a favorite anything and don't care if i fit in anyones cliche. I can be a knitter and crocheter and spinner. Listen to metal music while studying buddhism and backpack the world even if people think I'm to old for that. Haha.
I have to wips right now and one is a process knit in the sense that I don't intend to keep the object and have no one to gift it to. But it's fun making it. And it has story. Its baby alpaca I bought in Bolivia, it's a Advent pattern in a year with no Christmas for me and it travels with me through india.
I have another project that was supposed to be a process knit. I loved the yarn and the pattern. Just it didn't work together. Now I make a stockinette version of the pattern, what is a bit boring. But it's the perfect on the go project. So it's all flexible here. Have a great day
I love all those vlogmas videos! Everyday, I’m watching you and so much of what you’re sharing resonate with me. I like how you are open about your mental health and aware of your own slippery paths. I have the impression that we are wired in similar ways on a lot of aspects of our life. When I watch you, it’s like I have an awesome friend who really gets me! Thank you for all the time you spend making your videos! I wanted you to know it’s appreciated 😊
Oh hooray! I’m so glad you feel seen and heard here - that has always been the goal, to foster a space for people who are a bit off and don’t always feel represented in other spaces. This means I’m doing it right ❤️❤️❤️
I agree that being a process or product making can vary by craft as I am mainly a process knitter and mostly a product sewist. At the same time, I do love a challenging sewing project whearas I also enjoy mindless potato chippy knitting. And then one day, I decide that I spend too much time at one end of the spectrum and switch it up. We contain multitudes.
We do and it’s such a joy to be able to experience all of them in their own time!
After listening to your thoughts and then thinking through mine on process and product making, I think I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m a product maker who loves the process. I really love being able to finish a project and weave in all the ends and sew on any buttons and wash and block a finished object-that is definitely a rush for me, but at the same time I need to have something always on my needles so that I’m never left empty handed. I keep several projects going so that I have a variety of needle sizes for my hands (they get sore from tiny needles but I love knitting socks) and also so that as one project finishes I’m not left with nothing to knit. I really struggle with finding the “right” pattern and the “right yarn”. That is what causes me a lot of stress so once a project is going, I feel so much better.
I’m glad you had time to interrogate your own making and come to a conclusion that feels good.
I'm so glad you had this open chat today, I've been sitting with my thoughts on my making for months now. I would say that like you I don't see the line between product and process, they are two components of the same pie, the crust and the filling.
This year money has been tight for my family and so I made the decision early (like May) to gift knit for Christmas using ONLY my stash. I picked projects for my family that I thought they would enjoy or get use from. Then I took those ideas and I marinated over patterns, picking from ones I had previously purchased or finding free ones that fit my vision but most importantly I was excited about. Where I could I made sure I had variety, easy wins = hats, challenges = first time mittens/new techniques. I thought really hard about the intention of my knits, the goals, and not the product. I wanted to save some money at the expense of my time to give the people I love something that I made. I only knit for those who I know will treasure and cherish my work, and I know that for them these items will be received as a warm hug.
Sure I celebrated an FO and there were some projects where the process was draining because I felt that I had made too much work for myself, but I always went back to my intention. I would take breaks from the challenges to work on the easy wins and think it over. When the project wasn't giving me joy I focused on what I was learning from it, how I could modify what I was doing to make it more enjoyable next time, and how even if I'm not liking it in the moment I will like it when it's finished and the person I give it to will love it.
You're just correct, in my humble opinion, we need to talk to ourselves about our making and our goals with it.
Thank you for sharing this with me. I’m so glad you found a rhythm that worked for you and have yourself plenty of room and time to make your hand knit items. I think we could solve so much of what stresses us out about our making if we take the time to think about what we’re doing and how and why and then adapt to make it work who we are and what we need and it sounds like you nailed it this season.
@@stitchesandstarlight Thank you, I've enjoyed your thought provoking and candid vlogmas. Keep it up and happy solstice 🌜✨
Also both a product and process knitter--I just love everything about knitting 🥰. But definitely a product sewist. Maybe because it feels like very little of sewing is actually sewing, and the majority is *everything else* that goes into it. I love wearing my handmade sewn outfits, but don't particularly enjoy getting there.
I think you’ve nailed my issue with sewing - I love stitching and pressing but my god, throw cutting out the window.
I just came to your channel through Michael at Piece 4 Peace . You are wise beyond your years, and I am enjoying your videos.
Welcome to the party! I’m so glad you’re here and thank you for being willing to stick around.
I love your refusal to buy into binaries and artificial choices! One of the principles of alchemy, Polarity, is that what appears to be opposites differ by degree and not by kind. We box our selves in by making unnecessary distinctions and choices that serve only to make life harder. I appreciate all your reflections on the slippery slope of productivity and self-worth. And also those about turning what brings you joy into a job. One of the best decisions I made was to not turn my harp into a cash register. After doing some paid gigs that were so emotionally and spiritually unsatisfying, I stopped hiring out my source of joy and connection to the unseen realms. So many people could not go beyond the "what are you going to do with your harp?" idea. Fortunately I had then and have now a teacher who totally understands. What we do is not the source of who we are. Instead, who we are is the source of all that we are called to do. Thanks for this deep dive beneath the surface questions of process vs. product. harpingJanet
My commonplace book is full of snippets from your comments and I am exactly 0% angry about that. You always say such brilliant and affirming things.
@@stitchesandstarlight Thank you, Tazhi!
Thank you for saying this. As a new knitter in the last year, seeing so much content made me want to knit all the things at first, and it’s only in the last month or two that I’m really seeing and embracing the meditation and magic of the process. So I see no reason to put a dividing line between product and process. Also, it seems as though when I get good at something, people start telling me I should sell my stuff, or offering to pay me to make them things. I can appreciate that their comments are meant to be compliments, but the idea of monetizing my hobbies is so anxiety-triggering, and it seems difficult to make folks understand that. Today’s video feels like an affirmation.
I’m so glad it feels that way for you - whatever choice you make, I hope it’s made thoughtfully and with your own care in mind. Happy making!
Test knitting is not for everyone. I used to do a lot of test knitting in the early days of ravelry. some of the things 1. I enjoyed about it was helping a designer with the language and spotting errors. there really wasn't much in the way of knit editors. 2. I also liked making a connection with other knitters if it was held in a forum. I live in a rural area without access to shops or groups. 3. I like patterns that really challenge me with innovative uses of stitches. I find it amazing that such an old craft of 2 sts - knit and purl can be manipulated in brand new ways. 4. I enjoy a deadline that pushes me to finish 5. when I am finished I have something new to wear. I'm sure I could come up with more reasons but this is just off the top of my head. Test knitting isn't for everyone though and not every designer runs a good test knit. I don't do as many test knits now a days. I find I don't have the bandwidth to dedicate myself to decypering and finishing. when I do pick a test knit now the pattern is textured or an origami style pattern. and it has to be a designer I like and who is easy to work with. I think it is better to just find happiness and peace in crafting so right now that is picking pattern on my own and spinning what pleases me.
Thank you for this ♥ I loved this conversation and all the beautiful questions. Now off to keep thinking some more while knitting :)
I loved this thoughtful ramble Tazhi. 🥰. And I guarantee you that the practice of self-interrogation and self-awareness leads in time to a lessening of both, and what flowers is simply a flow of self-acceptance and self trust. I guarantee that. Keep on.
First 2 years of my knitting (learning? Travels?) I gave every single object away. Off the needles, gifted, cease to exist lol and while I now knit things with intent for myself, I’m so slow; shiny squirrel new thing, it’s ok if this takes forever brain mode. I’ve got 6 sweaters in the 50-80% done range so I must be about the process. End thing lovely but no urgency. Gifting for others now if they know about it is super pressure to only do that thing till it’s done and I hate that feeling. Love watching u do u hun!
I have totally brought a drop spindle to my D&D table. It fascinated people, and after a five minute discussion of what I was doing, it didn't bother anyone. Doing something with my hands helps me be present at the game and prevents me from doing things like playing on my phone or having my brain wander.
I've also sold some hats, and I've had to forego knitting for myself because I need to get hats done. It's not a great place to be. I've also had people suggest that I sell my handspun, but I don't know that I'm ready to let it go. I spin without projects in mind (except my current traveler shawl project), and I rarely knit with the yarn I make; I'm in the it's precious mode. I need to get over that, but I also don't want to just sell it off.
I spin supported during D&D all the time for the same reason! I think it makes us better players and storytellers when we’re engaged and fully in it.
It's gonna be a day so I'm watch this months vids on repeat. I almost never make anything for myself. I really enjoy the process and love seeing my loved ones wearing what I've made. Knitting, spinning, sewing takes me back to myself. I love test knitting but I found out last year that I need at least a month between test knits or else I burn out.
I'm mostly a product knitter - my dopamine rush def comes from binding off. For process, I find that I get enjoyment from the colors and the fabric I'm knitting up rather than the act of making stitches. BUT for spinning I'm definitely a process spinner... the final steps of plying and finishing up a yarn feel way less appealing than spinning the wool.
Yass to rejecting the process/product maker binary! (And to rejecting plenty of other binaries too!) I’ve sometime tried to figure out if I’m more process driven or product driven and felt stymied by the question. I love to finish a project and I love using or gifting the completed item. I’ve also learned that having many wips stresses me out. So I’ve really tried to examine why I might not finish an item, so I can avoid doing that. I’ve found that, for me, a barrier to finishing a project is if I stop enjoying the process of making it. So now I try to be really intentional in picking a project in the first place. Sometimes I see a pattern that is beautiful, but I can tell that the process of making it would not be enjoyable for me. Or sometimes I see a pattern that would be fun to make but would result in an item that wouldn’t fit into my life/wardrobe. So I take a deep breath and pass on those projects. I already don’t have enough time to make everything I want to make. Instead, I try to only start projects that are going to satisfy me for both the process *and* the product.
I’m loving your videos and I appreciate the time and effort you put into giving them to us. That said, I want to affirm you and encourage you in making these for yourself first. It’s your authenticity that resonates with so many of us. So just keep on being you. Your light will shine whether you’re filming or not. ❤
This is such a nuanced and interesting perspective and one I could benefit from adding to my own thinking when it comes to starting projects so thank you for sharing it with me. I’m so glad that you’re finding joy with all of the chaos here.
I just found your channel a couple months ago and I'm so glad I did. Your Vlogmas videos are the only ones I've been watching. I really needed to hear what you had to say today!
I’m so glad you’re here and I’m so glad what I had to share resonated. It’s been sitting on my heart for some time.
Wise words. ❤ I really enjoy your vlogs.
hurrah for ditching the product/process dichotomy -- i'm most definitely both, in that i love the physical acts of knitting (since i'm still a non-spinner), but i also love the sweaters and scarfs and etc. Currently finishing up a project that's absolutely been a process knit, i needed something super-simple and small to do on a plane/in waiting rooms during a recent family health scare -- but it's beautiful yarn (alpaca/silk/cashmere, so scrumptious) and is on its way to being a gift-knit for nephew (if he likes it) which will likely be done in time for christmas (one more plane flight to go!). hooray for both/and, instead of either/or!
Always both/and and hooray for finding the people who feel the same.
I, too, have a hard time drawing the line between process and product making. It kind of depends on where I am of in the project. The process of knitting is part of my daily mental health hygiene these days, so in that sense all knitting projects are process for me. I am definitely more a product maker while sewing and I kind of have to make force myself to slow down sewing because I am trying to keep myself accountable and only make what I actually will wear.. AND, I love to tick an item off a to do list and I am sort of compulsive about finishing things. Languishing WIPS cause me anxiety.... Maybe I should work on this mind set? But it is easier for me to just play "Finish or Frog". The fact that you can use the yarn to remake something else is something I love about knitting. For me the stage of the process of making I need to slow down and be intentional is at the buying of "all the things to make the thing" stage. This is definitely where my impulsivity and dopamine addiction can get out of control.
Being mindful about the thing you may want to work on is half the battle! Whatever you decide to do next, I hope it’s with thought and care and is just what you need for your own making journey.
Thank you so much for this vlogmas! I am so agree with you... I am also a process knitter and try not to put any pressure on me about my craft. I knit or spin what I want when I want. I have to say that make me a ego knitter 🙈
I think it makes you a maker who knows what they need and are willing to advocate for themselves and that’s not a bad thing.
Great video, thank you😊🙏 You always make me think but today I’ve really enjoyed thinking about product/process making, and where I fit in the continuum. It’s funny because my future son in law (who I love) asked me if I would mind knitting some baby clothes for his sisters’ baby, due in March. I said yes, though I am not experienced, really and am an obsessive sock knitter… I don’t have long to knit these items and I have been observing how, having a deadline, can suck the joy out of a project/process! So I made the tiny items first (newborn moccasins and hat) and now I am totally enjoying knitting the jacket, having told him that he will have something to gift and the jacket will follow…🥰 Of course, there is a voice inside my head that keeps challenging me to see if I can actually get the jacket done…🙄but I have a bad wrist, which reminds me to take care of myself and my precious hands. So, now I am spinning and making chocolate gifts, in between knitting! Thank you for being you and for being so generous in sharing some of yourself with us. You get me thinking, for which I’m grateful😊🙏🎄
This sounds like a happy compromise and I’m glad you’re doing what’s good for you! Happy making and I’m so happy hear you’re taking care of your hands which will keep you making and experiencing joy in the long run.
You’ve brought up a lot of great points and food for thought! Thank you!❤
This was a really interesting! A good idea to examine making and whether you are doing it in a healthy way. Also, thanks for the knitting vlogger recommendations. I'm loving Maressa Made and Laura Penrose!
I agree with so much of what you said. I am both. Process mostly but product when it comes to my kids wants. My son wanted a pillow for Christmas. I didn't necessarily enjoy some making aspects but I know he will love it. You've made me think about some of my spins. I have 6 currently going and I'm only enjoying 2. The other 4 need to just be quit with. For this year I've quit with my paradise fibers mystery club bc I get things I don't love sometimes and feel obligated to spin it or add it to my stash at least bc I paid for it.
Kudos to you for walking away from something that wasn’t bringing you joy! That is something that should be celebrated.
hello from a fellow situationist❤
This is going to be a long ass comment because I, too, have thoughts! So bear with me! 😅
I 100% agree with this. I can be a product maker sometimes, but I feel like a lot of that is a consequence of consumerism in this capitalistic hell-scape that we live in. We have the ability to have what we want at the click of a button and a couple days wait for delivery at most. Slowing down to make something does not appeal to our 'want it, need it, must have it now' culture. When it comes to sewing, I very much do not enjoy the process, but I *want* the finished product. I *want* the gratification of making my own wardrobe. I'm trying to slow myself down when it comes to sewing and try to be present even in the tediousness. I do not need to have a garment made in a day or two. The only person putting that pressure on me is myself. So I have started taking it easy and taking a day to put together a pattern if I haven't had it printed by a shop. I take another day to cut it out. And another to cut out my fabric. I try not to let the instagram algorithm stress me out from all the pretty fantasy cottage-core dark academia lovelies twirling in their beautiful skirts and stays make me feel like I have to keep up.
It also took me one successful test knit and two failed ones (bad test knitter here) to realize I hate test knitting. As soon as I have a deadline put on me for knitting, I immediately do not want to do it. I decided to knit Christmas presents this year, too, and this is the first and last year I will be doing that. When it comes to knitting and spinning, this is my peace and my time for me, and I will tolerate no stress with it. It's also why I hate the term 'selfish knitter' and when people call themselves that. These are hobbies that are for *us*. We took the time and energy to learn these skills. The expectation that society can put on us, especially those of us who are women or afab, to use our energy and knowledge to create for others is decidedly not what I'm about. We should make for others because it brings us joy to do so, not because our culture expects us to. Anyway, I went on an entirely different tangent there at the last.
I love the topics you bring up in your vlogs, Tazhi!
I hate, hate, hate the term selfish knitter and I will never use it because my making is my own and I can do what I want with it when I want it. It is a act of defiance and rebellion to take this time out for me and just for me and to hell with end stage capitalism for trying to make us feel bad about it.
Yes. Just yes.
thank you for a delightful and thoughtful episode! i dont often comment on things - mainly as a result of my own limited free time. but in regards to process vs product making, i enjoyed considering where i would fit into that during this video. i think for me, the two are inextricably linked. i wont really feel engaged in the process of making something unless i feel some way about the end product - be that a hank of finished yarn or a garment or something else. but then, if i dont enjoy the process of making something, ill be less interested in the product! its a weird space to sit in. i think for my own neurodivergence, i really need a perfect balance, and if a particular project isnt doing that for me, ill move on to something else, until that drive comes back.
thank you for your kind words, i know it'll be your voice i hear in my mind when i next try to berate myself for not finishing something. take care!
Yes, you have hit the nail in the head for my own making as well and it’s why I bounce from project to project until I find what brings me joy that day. I hope you give yourself grace and freedom in your own making!
1. Omg the neurodivergent urge to always be touching my hair 😂 (your hair looks so good, btw)
2. Living in the and space! I always feel so stressed when presented with that question. I am usually specifically creating something for my (or a loved one’s) wardrobe, so product is very important, but I also want to enjoy the process, and need a few different processes on the go at any time.
i have never understood this concept as well. If i didn't like doing the project and i just wanted the product then i would just buy the product. if I didn't want the product then i would not spend my time making it.
Hi, Question: I've heard you talk about finding stash or spindle tools in a destash, where do you find destashes?
I use the Ravelry Spindle Candy and Spinning Tools groups.
I’m a huge product crafter and I don’t like it- it’s a result of being a very goal oriented and results oriented person my entire life, which was fine (except not fine) in school, and it’s fine (except for the burn out aspect) in the workplace, but I’m pushing myself towards more balance between product and process in my crafting/hobby life. I’m not a content creator, this isn’t my job, it’s supposed to be something I do to relax and de-stress, and the constant drive to produce or finish or complete things takes away that relaxing aspect. This is such a foreign concept to my immigrant parents who are constantly asking me why it’s taking me so long to finish a project or why I’m doing multiple projects instead of completing one and then starting the next (oh and btw when am I making them their next item that they may or may not like/use).
Anyway- I’m really enjoying your vlogs, and the mental health chats. I think these crafts are such good therapy for us all.
I agree 100% and I really support you advocating for yourself and your making and doing it the way brings you joy and if that means being less productive and slowing down a bit, I really hope you can figure that out for yourself.
Capitalism 100% ruins everything. I've loved music since I was a kid and decided to pursue it as a career, but it killed the joy that I found in making music. Never gonna forgive capitalism for that one 👎