There are so many layers here. So many things I want to quote and talk about! "I lacked the blonde daughters and the obliging friends and will never be tall enough for floaty clothing." So much yes. And this, "And here was the nub of things. Do women do things ‘just for fun’? I would suggest the answer is no." It's so terribly hard to do something that has no point other than to be in the process of doing. I designed and made jewelry and sold it, rather successfully, for over a decade, and while wonderful in ways, it was utterly exhausting, mentally, emotionally, physically. Now I write and get paid for it - a dream come true and that is slightly different than making a physical thing, but the writing is still for me AND for others. I started collaging a few years ago and it is the one place I find that I can truly let go - as you said, I don't do these for others, I don't intent to sell them or give them away, I don't post them anywhere. And it's a beautiful thing just to make for the sake of making.
I loved reading this weeks letter, thank you Lily. I have been to Fairfield Mill and surrounding area many times and will undoubtedly return many more. The whole area has a great history in woollens and I am glad someone looks after it all and preserves for generations to come.
I totally emphasise with the notion of needing to make to sell and find it very hard to knit just for my pleasure. I am trying to get much better at it and only take commissions from selected few nowadays which helps.
I had a couple of holidays in Kirkby Lonsdale and visited Farfield Mill (mostly for the teashop, I have to confess) more than once. Thank you, I enjoyed the memory.
Amused at those disparaging knitting, in my head I always tell them that come the apocalypse, they will be grateful to those of us who can make things! They will also never know the endorphin high that making things yourself brings you.
This really gave me food for thought! Love that old poster, too.
Glad you enjoyed it
Thank you for sharing this story and a lovely message. I loved reading it.
I'm so glad you enjoyed it
I just restacked your last post. What a tale! Can't wait for more
Thankyou!
Thank you. 🤗
There are so many layers here. So many things I want to quote and talk about! "I lacked the blonde daughters and the obliging friends and will never be tall enough for floaty clothing." So much yes. And this, "And here was the nub of things. Do women do things ‘just for fun’? I would suggest the answer is no." It's so terribly hard to do something that has no point other than to be in the process of doing. I designed and made jewelry and sold it, rather successfully, for over a decade, and while wonderful in ways, it was utterly exhausting, mentally, emotionally, physically. Now I write and get paid for it - a dream come true and that is slightly different than making a physical thing, but the writing is still for me AND for others. I started collaging a few years ago and it is the one place I find that I can truly let go - as you said, I don't do these for others, I don't intent to sell them or give them away, I don't post them anywhere. And it's a beautiful thing just to make for the sake of making.
It really is a beautiful thing! I'm so glad you enjoy it x
Loved this piece. I restacked it!
I loved reading this weeks letter, thank you Lily. I have been to Fairfield Mill and surrounding area many times and will undoubtedly return many more. The whole area has a great history in woollens and I am glad someone looks after it all and preserves for generations to come.
I totally emphasise with the notion of needing to make to sell and find it very hard to knit just for my pleasure. I am trying to get much better at it and only take commissions from selected few nowadays which helps.
Happy new week to you.
Oh I find it hard to make just for me as well! We need to remind ourselves that we're allowed to play. Have a lovely week
I had a couple of holidays in Kirkby Lonsdale and visited Farfield Mill (mostly for the teashop, I have to confess) more than once. Thank you, I enjoyed the memory.
Amused at those disparaging knitting, in my head I always tell them that come the apocalypse, they will be grateful to those of us who can make things! They will also never know the endorphin high that making things yourself brings you.
Actually being able to make things with your hands will always be useful. I taught my kids how to cook, and garden, and grow things.
So much to enjoy here! Thank you
I'm so pleased that you enjoyed it. I always love your flower paintings. They are so poignant