We were talking about art yarns last night at Stitch ‘n’ Bitch as the amazingly talented Noelle was knitting with the funkiest yarn ever. Drag Queen Grover Yarn. I dare you to find me a funkier yarn than that! I also had asked Jacey to send me a link of all of the cool funky yarn shops online so we could add them to the sidebar of the Funky Scarf Swap Blog so people had them easily available. Here they are:
insubordiknit.com/yarn
luxefibre.com
noelle’s noodles
materialwhirled.com
yarnwench.com
pluckyfluff.com
studioloo.com
plyinthesky.com
jennyneutronstar.com
lampeslumps.com
whirledyarn.com
pippikneesocks.com
Have you visited all of these sites before? If not you must. There are some amazing spinners out there doing things with fibers that are just so, out of the box and I just think they all rock. Those yarns are what I would most definitely classify as funky.
This is one possible angle to this swap. You could get some funky yarn, do a fairly basic pattern and let the yarn speaks for itself. I mean any of those yarns just knit up in a basic garter stitch would look super cool. I know art yarn isn’t for everyone so the other possibility lays within numerous funky patterns from which choose. Funky definitely means something different to each of us. The one thing I keep hearing from people? Is funky does not mean eyelash! ( I mean a little eyelash is okay maybe but you know what I mean right?) I’m just excited that I might finally get to knit with something like this. Oh Pippi how I covet your coil…..
I’m curious what funky means to you. Yes YOU. Do tell.
**The swap will have a questionnaire so you get to know more about your swap pal so don’t fret about that**
15 Comments
I’m excited to be a part of this, even if I just signed up as an angel. Lexi over at Pluckyfluff inspired me to start spinning, and although my recent yarns have been more traditional-looking because that’s what looks best on me, some of my older yarns are rather funky (as can be seen if you flip back through my blog a few months). This swap has actually gotten me back behind the wheel making art yarns! And it’s even better now that I have a drum carder to make wild mixes. Thanks for offering this swap!
I left a comment on the FSS page, but I like your question here. Funky to me means daring yourself to try the unexpected, the orginal. Funky fiber is one way yes, but it could also mean orginal plays on color or construction–a tube scarf done in fair isle (http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring06/PATTexchequered.html), bold striping sequences like the Nina shawl (mason dixon knits, picture at http://whimsyknits.lightshines.net/), organic construction that evokes leaves and trees ( http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring06/PATTsakura.html ).
Funky to me is when you push yourself a bit further than you thought possible (a 12 skein scarf? That looks like hazard tape? http://www.wavybrains.com/auntie_esq/2006/05/one_skein_is_fo.html) Can you felt the scarf? Dye the yarn? Spin it yourself? Mix fibers? Play with needle sizes? These questions give rise to the funky. Funky is when creativity and recipent blend in a marriage of pure inspiration–a scarf that is uniquely “her” (or him ;)). Funky is when the scarf becomes a statement, a bold declaration of individuality or a subtle poem of self expression.
Oh I love what you have to say wavy!
Here are a couple of other sites with funky yarns: http://www.plyinthesky.com and Counting Mermaid’s etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=38789. Funky to me means something unusual that grabs your attention in a good way because of its color or construction or attitude.
I thik Funky to me means unusual or quirky. That may mean the yarn or the construction . I thinkg it depends on who is wearing it
I agree with the others, Funky is whatever is out of the ordinary for that person. For my partner, is s/he likes WAY funky, I’m going to do a freeform knit/crochet scarf, if they’re a bit more reserved, probably a simple scarf out of some funkyish yarn like banana silk and recycled silk.
I do NOT think funky is fugly or un-wearable, but rather interesting and unique.
Funky can mean unusual yarns, or colors, or stitch patterns. I think the scarf should be something fun.
Funky is as funky does. I’m sure that it meany many things to many people. I would say that, to me, funky is an unusual or unexpected - yet successful - combination of colors, texture or shapes. Funky is not to be confused with weird ot ugly.
I’m glad that there are people who enjoy this stuff. To me it’s just a big mess that you can’t do anything much with. But I’m an old fogey.
Oh, hell, I might have to sign up for this.
Funky is…well, it’s different for everyone. I work with a woman who consistently makes scarves that incorporate fun fur paired with a regular yarn (kind of like the Fireworks scarf in the original SnB book). I find the combinations she comes up with ugly, but if it floats her boat (and it must, she wears these scarves all the time), what the heck, right?
Funky should not be confused with ugly, and the funkiness should depend upon the taste of the wearer. There are great funky scarves out there that can be knit somewhat refined (ex., the Scribble scarf from Mason-Dixon) by yarn choice or color, or you can go all out and make something that wouldn’t be out of place at Mardi Gras or a drag show. It just depends.
I like Colinette
but those yarns you posted about today are incredible! I’m wavering towards a yes….
I’m sending your links to Sheryl, the othe half of Yarntopia. She will love this swap.
Amy
Yay for this swap! I have a bunch of handspun waiting to be turned into a funky scarf.
For some shameless sef promotion: I just discounted a bunch of my handspun at http://www.littleyarn.etsy.com
if you all might be interested!
:o)
Jennie
I am Sheryl, the other half of Yarntopia Amy mentioned.
For me funky is about breaking the rules while creating a wearable piece of art.
Having said that, what is “out there” for me would be off the charts weird for others.
It is personal. I applaud all who are willing to break out of their safety zones to
experience a little funk in their lives!
Thank you so much!..for including me among my spinning pals here. A very sweet jesture. I am just looking through you very comprehensive site and I must say you do nice work and you have a great site. Knit on!! xo