The Milkweed Project--Info. and Guidelines

Wanted:  Knitters and crocheters.  Scroll down to find out how to participate.

  

What is The Milkweed Project? 

The Milkweed Project is a collaborative art project that will culminate in a giant art installation that will create, for visitors, the feeling of being inside a Milkweed Pod (as I imagine it to be). Knit and crochet works by different artists will be hung, draped, connected, etc. to create a gallery full of thousands of soft, white stitches for visitors to walk through.

The artwork will be made of knit, spun and crochet pieces created by fiber artists and crafters from all over the world. 

Who can participate? 

Anyone who likes to spin, knit or crochet.

What materials can I use?

Any kind of yarn or soft white or slightly off-white fiber.  It is important that this piece be created in whites (of which there is wonderful variety).  No color, please.

What if I don't consider myself an artist?

I think we are all artists in various ways.  Jump into the milkweed pod.

I am a novice at knitting or crocheting.

So am I.  All skill levels are welcome.  You can simply cast on, knit a long row of stitches and cast off, or you can create an intricate lace-like bit of knitting genius and anything in between. 

What size should my piece be?

That is up to you.  We will need many long pieces to make the installation work.  Long and narrow is preferred over short and wide.  It will be helpful to have pieces that are at least three feet long but I will make any size piece fit into the finished installation. 

Length: There is no limit on length.  The longer, the better.

Width:  Pieces can be as thin as an inch or two and as wide as 10" or 20".  I request that anything wider than this be created in a airy technique.

What if I have a brilliant, creative idea that doesn't fit those guidelines?

Run it by me.  For instance, I'd love to have someone knit or crochet a hammock or hammock-like chair that we can hang from the ceiling so visitors can sit in the milkweed pod. 

How will people know who participates in the project?

I plan to list the names and location of all particpants in the installation--possibly on the wall and definitely inside some kind of take-away brochure. 

Also, I will post photos of each contribution on this blog and on Flickr as they are mailed to me.  I'd love to post a brief bio. (three - five sentences of whatever you want to say about yourself) with each post and a link to your blog or website if you have one. I also plan to create a Flickr group so you can post your own photos of finished pieces and works in progress. 

You can also sign your work.  Please do so in a subtle way that sticks to the white and off-white palette (you can also use soft, light grays or tans for the signature, as long as it is small and subtle).  No black markers, please.  One thing you might consider is sewing a soft tag with your name and location on it  onto your piece. 

Can I be anonymous?

Sure, but I would like to list your location in the installation. 

Why a milkweed pod?

This project explores connection: between humans all over the world, between humans and nature and between small things and large.  By taking thousands of tiny stitches and making something huge, we are doing something that can't be done by one person alone, thus emphasizing our connection to each other.

The project also explores our interdependence with nature.  Milkweed pods are a small but important part of the ecosystem.  They spread because of the light nature of their seeds, which are carried by the wind.  By using the internet as the wind, and each participant as a new plant, this project attempts to mimic that process. 

And, milkweed pods are simply beautiful, as is white on white and fiber craft.  I think the potential for a beautiful installation is great.

What qualifies you to direct this project?

I'm a college art professor by profession with an M.F.A. in art.  In the past, I've worked as a curator at a small museum so I know how to put together an exhibit, contact possible exhibition venues and put together the necessary marketing materials needed to publicize the exhibit. 

Where will The Milkweed Project be exhibited?

In multiple locations, I hope!  Once I see that the project is going to fly and I have some contributions coming in I will begin to contact not-for-profit art centers and galleries.  Many galleries and museums plan exhibition schedules several years out so this will be a long-term project.  All good things are worth the wait! 

If you have any locations near you that you think would be perfect, let me know.   The nature of this project is extremely organic.  I have a vision for it but also want it to evolve through the process. 

Will my piece be returned to me?

I cannot guarantee it, but will do my best.  If you'd like your piece returned please send a self-addressed stamped envelope or flat box with enough postage for the weight of your piece.  I'd also highly recommend taping a photo of your piece to the envelope.  Remember, if the installation travels, I may need your piece for a few years.

As times are very tough right now, I'd like to figure out a way to use this piece to raise money for a charity of some sort (suggestions welcome).  This may entail auctioning or selling pieces of the pod.  I will provide an option to donate or not in the PDF form I email you (see below). 

Who pays shipping costs?

At this time, I have not pursued any funding for this project.  I want to see whether or not it takes off first.  I ask that you pay for the shipping when you send your work to me as well as the costs of the return of the work to you.  This is common practice. 

I will pay all other shipping costs (for example, if the installation travels to multiple venues). 

I have a question you haven't addressed here.

Please ask it in by posting a comment at the bottom of this post.  This way others will benefit.

I'm interested.  How do I sign up?

You can leave comment at the bottom of this post telling me you're interested.  When you leave a comment you are asked for your email address.  Please fill it in.  It is only visible to me.  If you'd rather not do that, you can use the "Send me a note" link in the sidebar to email me. 

As soon as I can get to it, I will email all participants a participation form to fill out. It will include my mailing address and other info. 

How can I help make this project a success?

For the installation to work we need lots of participants!  If you have a blog, Facebook, MySpace, Flickr, etc. space, please consider spreading the word via a post and/or link.  I'd be very grateful for this help.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and considering participation in the project.  I'll leave you with a few samples I've started working on as my contributions to The Milkweed Project:

This one is made of soft cotton.  I bought a cone of Peaches-n-Cream and will go until the cone is gone.  It has two rows of cables. 

This one is a scribbling technique I read about in Mason-Dixon Knitting.  I'm using strips of white fabric and crochet thread. 

So you see, anything goes! 

Best! Shan

Update on Monday, January 19, 2009 at 8:05AM by Shan

Update:

1. Deadlines: The final deadline for this project will be December 1, 2009. However, I would love to have some contributions by May 2009 so I can start putting together info. packets about the project.I apologize for not having this info. up sooner.

2. I will also start a Milkweed Project Flickr group (where you can share photos of your pieces, both in process and finished) and a Ravelry group, which a number of people have requested,by the end of this week.

3. To thank you for your participation in this project, I plan to do several give-aways over the course of the project and will randomly draw names from the pool of participants. The first give-awaywill be a drawing for one of my paintings, which I will announce soon. Keep watch!

Update on Monday, January 19, 2009 at 3:16PM by Shan

Two updates:

1.  I know the list is getting long but I'm still taking participants.  I will cap it at some point but, until then, feel free to keep signing up.  My work week is about to get underway so I may not get to comments and emails as quickly.  Know that if you make a comment in one of these two posts or send me an email it will be read and you will be added to the mailing list. 

2.  We have started a Milkweed Project group at Ravelry.   It's called The Pod.   Ravelry is a community for anyone who knits and crochets.  It is free to join but takes a few days to get an invite once you submit your email address.  Ravelry is a wonderland for anyone who loves fiber. 

Comments

[Liz Adams]

Yes, do include me in this lovely project! I've read all your planning, and you do seem to have it very well thought out!

Nearer the time I have an idea for a gallery here that might be interested, but the building is not quite finished yet! by the time our project is ready, I am guessing it will be feasible, and I will do the follow up if you are interested. I'm in NJ, near Princeton.

And I used to live in Wisconsin, where I first encountered milkweed at that little preserved prairie place.

[carlene]

Yes, I'd love to participate! I'm in Chicago, so if you need any assembly/disassembly help when the time comes, I'd be willing to volunteer for that, too. (Also, I want to spend some quality time in a knitted milkpod.)

[Sticks and Stitches]

Diane,

Thanks! I can't wait to see what you do.

Jen,

Excellent. I look forward to seeing your creation.

Christine,

I'm sure you'll come up with someone wondeful.

Kim,

Thanks for joining us. I'll sign you up!

Jan,

I'll add you to the mailing list so you get more detailed info. which will include deadlines, more info. about me, etc.

Katie-Linda,

Wonderful! I'll add you to the mailing list. Thanks for contributing.

KimnCocoa,

Any yarn or soft fiber will do! Thanks for participating.

Debbie,

I'm so glad you've decided to contribute and look forward to seeing your creation.

Shan

[Sticks and Stitches]

Liz,

I can't wait to see what you make! I spend time at a nature preserve that has some lovely little patches of milkweed. Let's keep in touch regarding the gallery you mentioned. The wonderful thing about a collaborative project is that we coop. all of our individual knowledge and talent. Love that!

Carlene,

This is wonderful! I'm sure I will need help with assembly. We'll keep in touch. Thanks for contributing. I, too, can't wait to spend time in the pod!

[Jessica C.]

I would love to participate in this!

Read your post on ravelry, and I'm sure you'll soon have more white knitted fabric than you know what to do with ;)

[Liz H]

What a great excuse to play with organic cotton yarn! Does anybody have suggestions for stitch patterns that look like milkweed innards?

[Shan]

Jessica,

I hope so! Thanks for participating.

Liz,

I'm glad you've got some yarn in mind. If you, by chance, came this way via the thread at Ravelry, you may want to post your question there. If you've got something beautiful in mind, go for it.
I love the phrase "milkweed innards."

[Pamela]

This project sounds absolutely amazing and I would love to be a part of it. Thank you for the opportunity.

[Cathy G.]

Yes, count me in! Thanks so much.

[Jamie S]

I'd love to participate. My 6 y.o. also knits and would possibly want to participate too.

[Nicole]

I'd love to participate!

[kim]

I love this concept. I would love to help.

[Kayla]

I'd love to be involved, this sounds like a really good project.

[Shan]

Pamela,

Thanks for sharing your talent with The Milkweed Project!

Cathy,

I'll add you to the list. Thanks for participating!

Jamie S.,

That would be wonderful. So far, we have a number of families participating.

Nicole,

Excellent. I can't wait to see your contribution!

Kim,

Thanks. I'll add you to the list. You will all be hearing from me soon.

Kayla,

Thanks for participating. I think the project is going to be wonderful.

[JoAnna]

I would be interested in participating.

I <3 modern art! And knitting!

[Spinneycat]

I would love to participate! I'll pass along the word to the folks in my knitting group as well.

[Helen]

This sounds like fun, I'd like to join in!

I don't tend to check blogs for comment often though, so if you need to contact me, I'm LadyEponine on Ravelry (or my email works too.)

[Kathy Fitzgerald]

Count me in. I will wait for deadline and where to send the project.

[Sarah]

This sounds fantastic! I'm in!

[Jette]

Very exciting project. Count me in. I am a knitting weaver from Denmark.
I will pay for my own part and you are free to do whatever you want. Don´t need it back.

[Jen]

I would be interested in participating. I'm participating in the Hyperbolic Crochet Reef right now. This project sounds very interesting too! Thanks!

[april]

I'm in for sure!

[Linnea]

I'd love to participate. I have a whole sweater's worth of off-white yarn I got from a basement I can use, too.

[Shan]

JoAnna,

I share your love of modern art and knitting! Glad you're joining us!

Spinneycat,

Thanks for participating and passing along the word!

Helen,

You will all be hearing from me via email soon!

Kathy,
I'll send you that info. soon. Thanks for joining us!

Sarah,

Excellent! Can't wait to see what you create!

Jette,

I'm thrilled to get more international participation. Thanks!

Jen,

I'm not familiar with the Reef project but I'll check it out. Sounds interesting. I'll add you to my mailing list.

April,

Wonderful. You'll be hearing from me.

Linnea,

I'm so glad you can participate and already have yarn to use.

Best!
Shan

[Terry Wisun]

I would love to be a part of this wonderful project. My mind is spinning with ideas. I'm thinking about using white Angora yarn and doing tons of I-cords with Bobbles on top. When I get a chance, I will test out patterns and will post on my blog. Terry aka Fire Island Lady

[Janice]

I'm interesting in knitting a length.

[Puglette]

Hi, I read your post on Ravelry and I would love to participate! I am a beginner crocheter. I love the idea of being in a group art effort! Will you be sending reminders once the project gets closer to when you start putting it together? This is so exciting! Oh...and may I post about this project on my blog and link to yours? I have a silly blog about my dogs and family and several of the regular readers are very creative.
Thanks!
hugs,
puglette
:o)

[JessG]

This sounds great - I would love to make something.

[The Knittin' Kitten]

I saw your post and Ravelry (where I am laKnittinKitten) and followed the link for details. I'd love to participate!

There are several galleries in Houston TX that might be interested in the exhibit. I'll send you links in a reply to your email.

[Kate]

I'm in! :-)

[Teresa]

I would love to participate. I will share your site locally and on my blog.

[nancycat]

I'd like to participate. I have some off-white boucle wool, a whole cone, that should work as either lace or cables.

[Kiersten]

I'd love to contribute!

[Jillian]

I'm very interested. What a neat project!

[Britt]

I would love to participate! I love milkweed pods-- I have this image from one of my favorite childhood books of milkweed fluff that popped into my mind as soon as I read this.
Since you said you were open to suggestions for charities, a native plant restoration project might tie in nicely. I know there are several here in California, which is right on the Monarch migration path!

[loisknits]

I'd love to participate.... and after 30 years of knitting aran patterned afghans, I have all sorts of white to off-white yarn hanging around!

[Bonnie]

I too have lots of milkweed in my back yard. They are beautiful and the idea of contributing to the idea of a milkweed bower is super. I'd love to participate.

[Shan]

Terry,

I love your idea. Thanks for sharing it here and for contributing to the project.

Janice,

Thanks for your interest. I've added you to my mailing list. You'll hear from me soon, as will everyone who has commented here.

Puglette,
Don't worry--you'll be getting reminders from me! Please do share it on your blog. I'm adding a blog list of Milkweed Project participants on my Creative Kindling page. I'll add yours soon.

Jess G.,

Thanks. Can't wait to see your creation!

Knittin' Kitten,

I'm glad you're participating. Please do email me the names of those venues at your convenience. Thanks!

Kate,

I saw your post at Ravelry. Thanks for contributing!

Teresa,

Thanks for contributing and sharing the project with others. It's much appreciated!

Nancycat,

Wonderful. It sounds like you've got the yarn and ideas. I can't wait to see what you create.

Kiersten,

I'm so glad. Thanks!

Jillian,

I've added you to the mailing list. More info. coming soon!

Britt,

I'm glad you're participating. Thanks for the charity suggestions. I've been thinking along those lines myself. It seems so suited to the project.

Loisknits,

Thanks for bringing all that experience to the project. I look forward to seeing your contribution.

Bonnie,

Do you have monarchs galore in late summer? Thanks for contributing!

[Nancy]

Hi - I sent you a note via the link on your website. I'd love to participate (I'm in Madison, WI). This sounds like fun!

[Sibyl]

I'd very much like to participate!

[Mary Beth]

I'd like to help.

[Becca]

This sounds like a neat installation. I'd be interested in it, I was just wondering how much time I have to make the swatch.

[Tracy]

I would be interested in participating and I look forward to hearing from you!

[Leticia]

Wow, this sounds amazing! I am so in.

Also, I hope that you can hit somewhere near me for this exhibit. I live wayyyyy up in Northeastern NY, very near the border to Canada. I'm not so certain there is a spot in my town for this, but possible in Burlington, VT.

I look forward to getting more info from you. :)

[susan,the cosmic crocheter]

please count me in!

[Juli]

I would love to be part of this project. Sign me up!

[Joy Friedman]

I would love to participate. In addition, I will post information about this project on my blog as well as Facebook page.

[Shan]

Nancy,

I read your email and will be in touch. Thanks for participating!

Sibyl,
We'd love to have you participate! You'll hear more from me soon.

Mary Beth,

Thanks. Can't wait to see what you make!

Becca,

I just added deadline details to the post. You have until early December. Sorry for the delay with that info.

Tracy,

Great! You'll hear from me soon!

Leticia,

I'm glad you're in. We'll see what we can do as far as project venues go!

Susan,

We look forward to your cosmic creation!

Juli,

I'm so glad. I've added your name to the list.

Joy,

Thanks for participating and posting the info. on your site!

Best,
Shan

[thechickwithstix]

I would love to contribute.

[Jan O'Connell]

I worked in the education dept. of a large art gallery where I live. I had the opportunity to see many women artists' installations in my time there. They always spoke so much to me! I would love to be a part of this; I will knit a strip from "Knitting Lace" by Susanna Lewis, which is an in depth study of a vintage sampler that exists in the Bronx Museum. Thanks for this opportunity.