Make Art Every Day (MAED Project) - New Blocks

MAED Project - by Mary Lachman 

MAED Project - by Mary Lachman 

MAED Project - by Mary Lachman 

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Why Not Replace the Worn-Out Cuffs on a Sweater that You Love?

Sweaters are not knit like they used to be. And since it is difficult (and costly) to find a hand-knit 100% wool sweater that will keep you warm when the north wind blows, why not save you r old one and knit new cuffs for that vintage Norwegian!

This is the step-by-step process to do precisely that. This is my friend Ann Marie's sweater. You may recall that I replaced cuffs on a red sweater of hers a few weeks ago but that is the only other time I have done this. My point is that this is not rocket science.  If you understand how knit garments are made and have been knitting a little while you can do this. Remember it is not rocket science.

Take a good look at the old sweater cuff.
Count the stitches and write this number down on a piece of paper.
You will want to have the same number of stitches on the cuffs you knit.
Knit a swatch with the yarn you plan to use to replace the old cuffs. If the gauge does not match try a different size needle.  I used size 2 U.S. double-point knitting needles.
by Mary Lachman 

Pick a spot about 2 rows above the point where the cuff ribbing meets the arm of the sweater and the stockinette stitching begins. Cut off the old ribbing completely around. If needed hand-sew a guideline in for yourself and then cut.
by Mary Lachman 

Note that my cut edge is about 2 rows above the point where the ribbing ends and the stockinette stitch begins for the sleeve.
by Mary Lachman 

Pick up stitches with a crochet hook and the new yarn you will be using for the cuffs. I used a size 3/D U.S. hook.
(If you have never done this before there are many good videos on You Tube. Just search 'knitting pick up stitches'
by Mary Lachman 

Transfer the stitches from crochet hook to double-pointed needles. I used a size 2 U.S.
 by Mary Lachman 

Continue picking up and transferring stitches from crochet hook to double-pointed needles.
by Mary Lachman 

Knit 1 round. If you need to decrease stitches because you picked up more stitches than were in the old cuff just knit 2 stitches together on that round as needed.
Continue knitting ribbing (knit 1- purl 1 in this case) until the cuffs reach the proper length.
Bind off in a knit 1- purl 1 pattern all around. (This prevents the bind-off from flaring out.)Weave in the ends and you are done!
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Photos by Mary Lachman 

5 Tips to Make Art Every Day - The MAED Project

In order to maximize the time you make art you need to have a dedicated space to create whether it is a table in the corner or an entire room. Here are some tips.

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1   1. FIND SPACE - Whether you can choose a corner of the kitchen counter or a table in the basement for art the important thing is to find space and reserve it for your creative process. When my children grew out of the playroom I moved from a table in the basement to a room upstairs. Initially I lined the walls with any tables or chests that I could find for storage but gradually I have been able to replace most of those with prefab cabinets. I continue to use two 4’x8’ tables (on risers) for layout and cutting fabric.

      2. GET ORGANIZED - It is important to organize. Keep like with like. Sort your fabric, paints, brushes into bins or cans and place them where you can find them. Some people are ‘everything out’ folks who want to see everything at a glance, and others are ‘everything in’ people who would rather see a clean surface when they look around. I am a person in between those two camps. I like things out for my current project but like extraneous items put away. Periodically I have to just clean up.

      3.  LEAVE IT OUT – I find it easier to dash in and work for 5-10 minutes if my supplies and equipment are ready to go.

      4. BLOCK OFF TIME – Pull out the calendar or agenda pad and block off some time for you. Yes for you. You are always putting someone else first and every day you deserve a little time to work on you. By taking care of your needs you will be able to take care of others.

      5. BATCH TASKS – Are there similar basic steps to create your art? Do you need to gesso canvases or cut squares of batting? Think about how you work and break the larger tasks down into smaller bits. Then even if you can’t complete a big project in 10-15 minutes at least you can be prepared for the next time you have an hour free.

The MAED Project

The MAED Project - Make Art Every Day

A few more photos!

Make Art Every Day

I celebrated my birthday in November and set a new goal for 2016.

I want to make a 5" block of textile art every day for 365 days.

Art Every Day.

I decided if I want to play I need to show up each and every day.  I think the advice given to writers about a daily jotting of 750-1000 words, so many have said artists should do the same.

I will post photos of my work each week on Facebook and Instagram.

Maybe you would like to join me!