Crochet Art Project

[VultureChow]

Wow. Long time no update.

So I almost finished my first section of fence, and I've learned two things.

1) I have more patience than I thought.
2) There are crocheters out there who love to make some spare money.

After 4 weeks of granny squares, I realized my pace couldn't be kept up. After explaining my predicament to my stitch and bitch, they suggested outsourcing some of the squares. And low and behold, I had three willing people who were happy to sell me squares at a very reasonable price and pictures of the final project on the playa.

With each of them doing 100 squares each, and in addition to mine, I should have all the squares done by the end of April!

So... I took a break from doing the squares, went into the office a Sunday and started putting the first section of fence together.

This needs two or three more rows on top for the right approx dimensions, but I'm really pleased so far.

They're stitched to paracord for strength:

And the paracord at either end will be used to tie them securely to the posts:

[tamarakay]

I am loving this.

[SquirrelHead]

Your project is looking awesome. I am really liking it a lot. Keep the updates coming.

[wh..sh]

Great job! Love it.

[VultureChow]

Thanks guys. I had a real crisis of conscience about outsourcing some of the granny squares. I had hoped to do them all of myself, to get me out of my comfort zone of just buying what I need.

But they were thrilled to get the business, and to participate. And after the many hours of stitching the damn things together, I decided I'm still putting a ton of work into it.

[Savannah]

Nothing wrong with outsourcing some of the squares. You are the designer, and still doing most of the work. Lots of playa art pieces involve collaboration. I think your crochet deputies will be really pleased to see the final result--and to show off their art in a way (and in a location) they probably didn't anticipate doing until recently.

[jella]

Thanks guys. I had a real crisis of conscience about outsourcing some of the granny squares. I had hoped to do them all of myself, to get me out of my comfort zone of just buying what I need.

But they were thrilled to get the business, and to participate. And after the many hours of stitching the damn things together, I decided I'm still putting a ton of work into it.

Love this and there should be no guilt , like you said they loved being a part of the project and you are the designer

Like ladies getting together and finishing a quilt it adds to it's charm

[wh..sh]

Thanks guys. I had a real crisis of conscience about outsourcing some of the granny squares. I had hoped to do them all of myself, to get me out of my comfort zone of just buying what I need.

But they were thrilled to get the business, and to participate. And after the many hours of stitching the damn things together, I decided I'm still putting a ton of work into it.

I am still stuck in the first phase of my project due to lack of time. I wish I could outsource my work. It's called working smart

[trilobyte]

Think of it this way, you're stepping out of your comfort zone in ways you never thought you would

[VultureChow]

One completed section. A little over 10 feet in length. One more is fully done and the last two should be completed by August 1st. Considering I keep walking by construction fencing outside my building, I think the end result definitely resembles it.



Need to find better posts. Couldn't fabricate the crochet hooks I originally intended. In the picture I'm using plastic garden stakes, but I clearly need steel. They were bending under the weight of the yarn and I couldn't get the spacing on the paracord supports right.

I'm thinking of doing it the way signs are done. Two foot section of steel post pounded into the ground about `5 inches. The top 4-5 foot section bolted in.

[tamarakay]

This is beyond fabulous.

[tahiti_treat]

LOVE IT! Hope I see it on the playa!

[theCryptofishist]

This is beyond fabulous.

Waaaay beyond.

[VultureChow]

Awwww. Thanks. I've had some major moments of doubt that it would look like anything worthwhile, but setting it up for the first time was awesome.

[VultureChow]

Took a brief 1 hour break this evening to try and work out the bags of crochet contraband moop for the fence. Couldn't find the sock yarn I wanted to use to do tiny pot leaves. I did find a blend with the right colors, so tried to do whole buds. The stem needs a little work, but overall, I like the look and feel.

[tamarakay]

\\

You are hilarious

[Drawingablank]

Took a brief 1 hour break this evening to try and work out the bags of crochet contraband moop for the fence. Couldn't find the sock yarn I wanted to use to do tiny pot leaves. I did find a blend with the right colors, so tried to do whole buds. The stem needs a little work, but overall, I like the look and feel.

Wonder how long before someone tries to spark up one of those nugs.

[AntiM]

I'm pathetic, I thought it was a turd.

But a beautifully crafted turd. Don't shit on the playa!

[VultureChow]

I'm pathetic, I thought it was a turd.

But a beautifully crafted turd. Don't shit on the playa!

yeah you're the second person to say that. Someone in my opffice suggested just doing away with the stem altogether and stitching in some orange/gold fun fur. I'll try that version next.

[International Incident]

This is the most fabulous project! Wee done.. you are amazing. I am looking forward to feeling up your trash fence.

[AntiM]

I too am in love with this project. I think a group trip out to see it would be fun.

[VultureChow]

I too am in love with this project. I think a group trip out to see it would be fun.

No need to go far. It will be on the G street border of BDV.

[AntiM]

Even better if we all dress up as tourists and take far too many pictures.

[Minxy]

I'm quite excited to be camping very near this fence. I'll be over fondling it quite often I bet.

[AntiM]

I always do a Trash Fence series of paintings, so it will be nice to have trashy company!

[BurningDaylight]

Somehow, I thought the original description was to have people actually crocheting the fence on the playa and I thought that would never work. And I do admit that I was a little doubtful. But then the thread kept going and with cryptofish's comment on art at BM and then the progress and encouragement of everyone else, it seemed to materialize. And now I have shame for my doubt. This is fantastic. And even more... now I also have an enormous amount of inspiration for my own project! It will have to wait for next year, but I'll definitely start here for ideas. Thanks.

[theCryptofishist]

My favorite thing to do was wander around and find all these little art pieces everywhere. They would just APPEAR and were all simply divine. As an older person (sorry I know I said I wouldn't bring up my age anymore but it's important to this point) who is new to the whole burningman experience and is just now discovering I may have a bit of creativity stuck down in my body, each one of these pieces were critical to me discovering myself. And yes, there were varying degrees of skill, but that is what is so exciting about it. These people were trying. Not just watching, not just wishing, TRYING.

I volunteer to help you set it up, but i'm sure you will find any number of willing helpers on the playa.

At this point, To Dye For shows us how much creativity tamarakay has. Much more than a mere bit.

Remember this--we all have creativity to change our lives in unimagined ways.

[Pippi]

It's projects like this, and people like you that make BM the wondrous place it is.

I'm so happy that the characters on eplaya pushed you to stay with your vision because ideas like this on the playa are the best things to unexpectedly happen upon.

[tattoogoddess]

This is so cool. happy this will be right next door to me ps the early photos look like cheese its. hope i don't get the munchies. you might find me trying to nah on the fence. just tell me no and roll me back into my tent

[VultureChow]

Thanks for the encouragement everyone. This has definitely made me step outside my comfort zone. And there are moments (like when my hands started to ache yesterday while crocheting cigarette butts and band-aids) that I wonder if it's worth it, but even if nobody saw it, it definitely made me aware that I can do more than I thought I could. I never, ever, considered myself an artistic or creative person.