I Know It’s Good
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This week has been a disappointing week for the weaving thing. I’ve applied for two grants in my life, and didn’t get either of them. The first rejection hurt more than this recent one…so maybe you just get used to it. But like applying for a job, you have to commit to it’s fruition in some way. With this grant I thought I could combine my weaving skills with my work in disabilities but it isn’t meant to be. Hopefully someone else will get a grant on a similar project as we’re all in this life together and it certainly doesn’t have to be me specifically. At such times, I go on my usual path of questioning the meaning of weaving and my textiles, why do I do it, why have a blog, why join guilds, why, why. Maybe I’d be better off selling up my studio and going to the gym each day. But in the end I come back to knowing it’s all good. I do it all for myself because I gain something very rich out of it. So rich that I don’t have the words to explain to others. So why have I got socks as my feature photos? Well I think I have found success in socks, at last! This pair is almost complete thanks to Sensational Sock yarns are really getting interesting. Opal now have a collection based on one of my favourite artists Hundertwasser I got this yarn from Ecoyarns and they have several colourways based on his work. Just imagine what other artists we could use similarly to paint our warps and slivers. |
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 Opal Hundertwasser Collection – Positive Seelenbaume Negative Menschenhauser |
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by Charlene Schurch. This book really sets out how to knit socks for people like me, who knit but need tight guidance to ‘get it’. Charlene also has very explicit instructions for using 4 or 5 dp needles and 2 circulars. If you’re using circulars, don’t bother buying from Spotlight (Australia) as their circulars fall apart. IMHO, just go straight for Aldis at 
Every single time in life that I did not get what I was hoping for, was only to find out later that there was something better in store for me.
Hang in there. Your time will come!
You are such a wonderful artist! It will happen!
Love the socks. Sensational Knitted Socks is one of my favorite books too. With all the variations, no two pair will be the same.
OH, how disappointing to not get those grants. Your work is so creative and inspiring, it would seem that you would be an excellent choice to receive one (or both). I’m so sorry to hear your news. But!…… your socks are fantastic!
I don’t know if it will make you feel any better, but I applied for a $2000 grant from the Seattle Weavers Guild to study Saori Weaving and didn’t get it.
All artists have periodic waves of self-doubt. It is how we know we are artists
You are an inspiration!
Why do we do what we do? We are some of the chosen few who carry the thread between the past and the future. It is often a thankless task, but we are truly blessed of spirit.
Weave on!
I feel you on the “not getting the grant” dissapointment. Congrats for putting in that second application, and the third that’s yet to com. I’m new to grants, too, but I do believe the being turned down thing gets easier. There are many applicants, and only a few get funding. I, like you, just hope that those that do are successful and improve the world.
You do good work, and you will get funding. One thing I’ve found helpful is to seek out a mentor who’s written sucessful grants and get them to review your applications. Grant-writing is it’s own genre, with strange expectations and conventions.
I just sent off a grant application today, one that didn’t get funded last year, so persistence is key. (I hope, anyway!)
Happy Weaving!
Syne
Don’t feel so bad about being turned down for the grant. Grantwriting is a skill and there are some things you can do to improve your chances of getting funding. I ran a grants program for many years for a government agency, which granted funds to large arts organizations as well as artists. Your work is outstanding and I’m sure with some guidance on how to prepare a successful application you will be funded. Don’t give up!
I’d be happy to review your applications or help in any way. I’m recently retired and belong to the Hawaii Handweavers’ Hui, a group of weavers, spinners, and dyers. I enjoy reading your blog and seeing all the wonderful things you do. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with us.
Geri
Hi Kaz,
I am touched by what you wrote here. Why do we weave ? I wanted to become a weaver when I was 18 and didn’t follow on that as everyone was saying it makes no sense, I guess they meant money-wise. Now than I am 46 years old I decided I have to do it before I die, and I just don’t know why. Something inside me tells me I need to do it. And see : I joined the UKL online guild and met so many of you, and you were the first one to write to me and say welcome, and you are sharing so nicely on your blog that I no longer feel alone with my joy for fibers and with my un-knowledge ! I come and visit your blog and get inspiration, courage and joy. This is at least one good reason for you to go on, Kaz, you never know where you put small seeds !
I like what Bonnie writes : “We are some of the chosen few who carry the thread between the past and the future.” Some must do it.
And I need to add that this is wonderful for me to know that there is yarn based on some great painters/artists. I do love Hundertwasser too !
Keep on the good work, Kaz !
Hugs from my corner of France
Francine
Hi Kaz
I feel for you, not getting your grants. I too, applied for a grant last June to buy a new, second hand loom and was told I had a good chance, only to be turned down as there were a lot of applicants. I feel that there is an art to writing applications and I’m afraid it’s one art I don’t have!
Love the socks, though. I’ve just discovered sock knitting and have fallen in love with it, but must temper my enthusiasm so as to get on with weaving!
Alison