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What
inspires a crochet design? When I am choosing my next crochet project, I
always consider when and where I want wear it. Living in Colorado, I
find myself wearing sweaters most of the year.
Designer
Kristin Omdahl lives in Florida I asked her to tell us a little bit
about how climate influences her crochet designs. Here is what she said
about her inspiration.
When
I began my design business, I was living in Michigan. After a couple of
years, I had the opportunity to move to Southwest Florida. While for
some people the tropical heat may not be appealing, I am a beach girl at
heart and this is where I belong.
There
are obvious contrasts between the two climates that greatly affect a
fiber design business. Working on a worsted-weight wool afghan in August
in Florida is a challenge! As I single mom working on deadlines over
summer vacation, I don't always have the luxury of knitting or
crocheting in air conditioning. I have spent many days outdoors with
wool during the summer break. All I can say is this: Shade is my friend!
But, for most of the year, I can knit and crochet outdoors in very
comfortable weather. I take my yarn to the beach, outdoor cafes, parks,
or my back yard almost every day.
I'm
always asked if I ever get to wear my handknits and crochet garments
here. Absolutely! In the winter, a handmade sweater is all the jacket I
need.In Michigan I would have to wear a coat over my sweater. Now,
nothing hides my handwork! What may surprise you is how often I wear
shawls in the summer. A lace alpaca or merino shawl fits neatly into my
purse and can be worn to protect my shoulders from strong air
conditioning in restaurants and movie theaters.
I adore and am
greatly inspired by the tropical surroundings of my new home. The
geometric texture of palm fronds , orchid petals, seashells and much
more can be seen in much of my design work.
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