The Milkweed Project--Info. and Guidelines
Monday, January 12, 2009 at 8:01AM 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
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!
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.
Reader Comments (298)
I'm definitely signing up! I'll post about it on my blog too~
This sounds beautiful...I would love to contribute. I will go join the ravelry group too!
Shan - count me in!
Although it looks like you have tons of helpers, so I'd love to volunteer to knit or crochet anything you're short of! (I love filling needs!) I can do both, either singularly or combined.
Thin and matte, thick-airy and wide? With seeds (or beads that look like seeds?) All do-able... in fact if you have any ideas of what you want to see most, I'd LOVE help you out!
I'd love to be a part of this project!
-Kari
Sorry - you can email me at CraftyNoSpaceGinger@gmailDotcom (remove nospace and replace dot - please and thanks!)
Hi there
I would love to take part. I don't have a blog, but I will spread the word among my Stitch n Bitch group.
What fun!
Yvonne
thechickwithstix,
I'm glad you're a part of the project! Welcome.
Jan,
That sounds lovely. I love the connection to the past.
Heather,
Thanks for signing up and sharing this on your blog!
galnoir,
Wecome. See you at Ravelry.
Kari,
Welcome. I will cap the participants at some point but not yet. We're creating a big pod! I want you to create whatever inspires you. Feel free to add beads but they must be white or off-white. That's my only creative guideline, otherwise the sky is the limit.
I do really want someone to crochet a hammock-like chair so visitors are able to sit in the middle of the pod. That's a big hole to fill I know, but I thought I'd put it out there. Can't hurt to ask! Somewhere in these comments or the ones at Ravelry is a reference to a hammock patteren.
Thanks, and do create whatever inspires you!
Yvonne,
Wecome and thanks for helping spread the word. You'll hear more from me soon!
I will play, I have a great collection of whites and a wonderful milkweed story. When I was in 4th grade we went to the local part (Stony Creek near Detroit area) and I got some milkweed pods for show and tell. I left them in my desk and was sick for two days. When I came back, the pods had popped and milkweed fluff came flying out of my desk when I opened it. I thought it was so cool. Unfortunately the teacher didn't. Oh well. LOL. So the idea of being in a giant milkweed is just really personal to me. :)
I would love to be involved!
I would like to be a part of this project! how fun!
I would love to participate, how fun!
Hey! I would love to do this! I have just the yarn and I'd love to make a seedy pattern! Please send me contact info
I can contribute a piece.
Hi. I have some of the first yarns I spun on my drop spindle which I would like to make up into something if you are still looking for contributors. Sounds like a great project.
Hi, I'd like to take part as well. I'm a beginner at crochet and knitting, but I love the idea of being able to play and not having to worry about colour!
I've just joined your group on Ravelry - SingingSam
Andi,
I love that story! Thanks for sharing.
Caitlin,
You're in! Welcome to the project.
Caitlin,
Thanks for sharing your talents with us.
Angela,
Welcome! I look forward to seeing what you make!
Andrea,
A seedy pattern sounds good. Contact and other info. coming soon!
Kate,
Thanks! Can't wait to see your contribution.
Sugarskull,
That sounds perfect. Welcome to the project.
Sam,
Welcome! Love your email name. Glad you're joining us.
What a fascinating idea! I hope I'll get to experience the installation as well as knitting something.
I would love to participate in your project!
I love milkweeds! I saw your forum post on raverly and want to participate. I crochet and knit.
I would love to join in the creation of "the milkweed project". Let me know when you want me to start and where to send my finished piece.
Amy
I have a lifelong fascination with milkweed plants and would like to honour them thusly.
I would love to participate. Thank you for the opportunity.
I'd love to participate!
sign me up! I'm always up for helping out a fellow artist. ;)
I'd love to be part of this if you're still accepting participants! Sounds like such a great project... :) xx
We are in England and we would love to contribute.
please sign me up!
Count me in!! Sound like a really fun project!! I'm an avid lace knitter and have a cone of some white that I think you'd like!!
:D Carla
I'd love to sign up!
I'm interested in signing up for this.
I would also like to participate, have joined the Rav group.
I will sign all of you up! Welcome to The Milkweed Project. You'll hear more from me soon!
I'm a new knitter who just learned in November. I'm loving it, and am excited to participate in this project. Can't wait to see how this collective project unfolds.
Hello, This sounds fascinating. Count me in to contribute!
I would love to participate. Is there still room??
I would love to participate!
Hi!
There is still room and you are all in. I'll add you to the mailing list and you'll hear from me soon!
Shan
I would love to participate...if you don't mind that I am a beginner at crocheting and knitting. It is too hot to make anything to wear living in Hawaii but I love working with strings, so it will be a great project to be a part of!
What great fun! The soft smooshiness of the milkweed pod is so appealing. Please sign me up, too.
Katie
I would like to participate.
What a lovely idea! Our three little girls and I will knit up something to contribute - does finger knitting count?
I've got a strip of cables going for you. It gives my fingers a break from the little sock needles ! =)
Sounds like a lovely thing to be part of - sign me up!
I would be happy to participate. I love your ideas for this project.
I'd be thrilled to contribute to your project. I will start pulling out all my white stash while waiting to hear from you.
I am in!
I would like to participate. Will look for the pod on Ravelry, too!
Hi everyone,
Be patient with me as I get caught up on the mailing list. I'll add all of you. Simple knitting, fancy knitting, simple crochet, finger knitting, etc. are all acceptable.
Thanks for your interest. Welcome to the project. I'll be in touch!
Shan
I would love to be part of this project. I was looking at my stash the other day and I have a number of white/ecru yarns to work with.
I would love to participate in this wonderful project. I knit, crochet, spin and felt so I might just use a combination of these . Thanks so much for doing this.