Week 15 Challenge: What’s your favorite color palette? Bombard me with photos that capture your favorite color mood
Prize: Jimmy Beans Wool XL snap bag set + Lion Brand Yarns + Assorted Goodies
How to Enter: Post your challenge photo and tag @1dogwoof + @knitbrooks, using hashtags #CreativeRootsChallenge + #CreativeRootsWeek15. You have until Monday, December 14th @ 1pm EST!
With the holidays upon us, and after weeks of deep reflections, let’s lighten things up with a simple, yet subtle question - What’s your favorite color? It seems easy enough, yet there’s always more to think about. Are there particular shades or moods that you gravitate towards? Has it always been your favorite, or has this choice slowly evolved over time?
I’m ChiWei, and I’ve been crocheting for about 10 years, and knitting for around 5 years. I was a computer engineer in a previous life, an obsessive plant mama, a Covid baker, and an avid yarn hoarder. My designs are inspired by necessity, with a modern, minimal aesthetic to balance the chaos in my life.
One Dog Woof Q&A
All about you + the biz: tell us about yourself and your maker life
I’m ChiWei, and I’ve been crocheting for about 10 years, and knitting for around 5 years. I was a computer engineer in a previous life, an obsessive plant mama, a Covid baker, and an avid yarn hoarder. My designs are inspired by necessity, with a modern, minimal aesthetic to balance the chaos in my life.
When you first started your maker journey, what was your goal? How has it changed?
I really wanted to crochet a granny square quilt that my son could take to college and show off to his girlfriend. Ask me if I’ve finished weaving in my ends yet...
The maker journey has since taken me around the country, widened my friend circles, increased my skills, and given me the reputation of “oh, just ask mommy, she can make/fix/design it.”
What is your favourite inspirational (or creativity-related) quote?
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. - Leonardo Da Vinci
What is your main creative struggle, and how do you work through it?Sometime, creativity blooms under pressure, and other times, it chokes. I try not to force the creative process because it never turns out well. If the spark isn’t there, I give myself permission to let it simmer as needed, and when that bolt of lightning does appear, I run with it. Being flexible and kind with yourself is so important.
Tell us about a total maker FAIL. What did you learn from it, and how did that failure help you grow?
I don’t know that I’ve had a major fail, only because failure is based on your own perception. I’ve had to frog projects back to the beginning, cut projects apart, or give up designs completely. They’re all scary, frustrating, and deflating experiences. Throughout, the biggest lesson is to plan better - whether that’s swatching correctly, or sketching, or checking gauge, it’s all a matter of planning ahead.
What do you feel has been your biggest accomplishment?
I think my biggest accomplishment has been to quit my office job to work on this maker endeavor full time, while reserving time for my family, and securing the flexibility I need and want in my life in order to be happy.
What is one goal you’re working towards right now?
More sweaters, and creative garments
Name three creative people who inspire you, and why? (include IG / site link)
- Arounna Khounnoraj (@bookhou): Her artistry is simple and beautiful and spontaneous. You can sense her love for the act of creation, and she honors the process.
- Jess Coppom (@makeanddocrew): Jess’s ability to juggle a successful business while parenting 3 kids is astounding. I have personally experienced driving to 4 different stores to find the right yarn, and witnessed the butchering of a project, all in the quest to give the best she’s got.
- Amy Small (@knitcollage): Amy approaches her business with such grace and kindness and positivity. While her yarns are gorgeously unique and often out of people’s budget, she is incredibly approachable and down to earth in her belief that everyone is capable of beauty.
What is your best piece of advice for someone who has lost their creative mojo?
Take your time, listen to what your body is trying to tell you. Surround yourself with friends who support your decisions. Explore other art forms, and play!
Share five fun non-maker-related facts!
- I am obsessed with succulents
- I still have problems distinguishing between my left and my right
- I had Lasik done a few years ago
- I can eat pasta/noodles every day and be happy
- I flew international first class once, and it was glorious