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

Wanted:  Knitters and other fiber crafters/artists.  All levels welcome, from amateur to advanced.   Please check back soon and find out how you can participate in a multi-dimensional art project. 

More information coming soon!

Watch the Daily Stitch for updates.  Thanks for stopping by!