In this Black History month, I can’t get enough of the yarn I was able to assist in creating: “Noble Heritage.” Head on over to last year’s post, Enter Noble Heritage, to see that incredible story. (I’m still pinching myself.)
Utilizing this yarn, and the successful transformation into the original design of the necktie, of course, I didn’t stop there. Our music director at church is an avid self-tie bowtie wearer. I thought, “Noble Heritage” would be beautiful as a bowtie. I’d never made a bowtie before. Could I find a pattern for a self-tied version? Would I even follow a pattern? (the real question lol)
For a few days, I scoured the internet, Pinterest, wherever I might find a pattern. Yes, I found a few patterns, but I did not find what I had envisioned in my head. So, I kept looking, until I realized I was probably going to need to make it up myself. I borrowed a friend’s bowtie to take measurements and gauge my progress and got to work.
Challenge Accepted!
Cautious might be an understatement when I undertake these types of projects. As long as I can remember, measurements have not been my strong suit. If I had been told of the amount of math I’d get myself into with knitting and making my own designs, I may have run in the other direction. But I’m in it now, and I’m not letting my weakness stop me from creating something beautiful. Tapping into persistence and patience, the trial-and-error approach takes over. On top of that, consistent reminders the failures are okay. It is in those failures that I’ve learned new knitting techniques, what works and what doesn’t work. The lessons are carried from one new design to the next, along with the realization that there are endless possibilities with yarn, which only fuels my creativity more.
Slowly but surely, it helps me overcome my fear of failure.
So, back to the bowtie…
Slowly but surely, the bowtie began to take shape. It was working…at least, it was looking like a bowtie.
Then it was on to the next anxious moment of design…was it wearable? Not only asking if it was wearable, but would people like it? And would they wear it? There is a bit of nervousness with each completed design. All of the love, care and work that is put into a product comes with the hope that it will be enjoyed, cherished and useful.
The original design came through successfully, what do you think? From the expression on our music director’s face, I believe so.
Of course, I didn’t stop there. I don’t know about you, but I don’t know too many people who know how to tie a self-tie bowtie. Through all my Pinterest searches, I captured a pattern for a pre-tied bowtie. At the time, we had a few friends having babies, so I had the idea of creating “Daddy and Me” sets. They were fun to make and super cute. For both Father and Son and Father and Daughter.
Again, endless possibilities.