New Project Proposal

I have changed my mind about my project, here's what I'd like to do instead:

The final project I would like to propose involves working with my hands to create a product that embodies who I am as well as benefitting others. I am interested in knitting a scarf as my final project because it is a visual representation of my history or folklore. I have actually never knitted anything before but I have always been interested in starting up the craft. I have two roommates who are avid knitters and very advanced. At night they relax by creating socks, slippers, mittens, blankets, scarves, and sweaters. I see knitting as a way of bonding with others through the act of physically creating a garment that can be worn. This garment then becomes a physical expression of who I am.

Beginning knitters always start by creating a scarf and that is what I plan to do. I plan to use red yarn to symbolize my Asian heritage. Red is the color of blood, my ancestry, and red is also a color of celebration, acknowledging and glorifying my heritage by eventually wrapping the scarf around my neck – which is a very vulnerable spot on the body. I am interested in working with my hands to create something because of my background as a dancer. I typically just focus on creating art by moving around using my feet, but knitting will allow me to express my artistry using my hands and then wearing it around my body.

My timeline for this project is to first purchase needles and yarn and then get my roommates to teach me the basics, how to knit and purl. I will then have until April to complete the scarf. The length of the scarf will be based on how much time I devote to the project. And I plan to use my newly acquired skill to benefit those in need. I know of different organizations that ask for handmade scarves to hand out to the homeless during the wintertime, as well as to senior citizens. The Special Olympics also asks for handmade scarves to hand out to their athletes. I would like to know that my work benefits others.

Also, when we present our pieces as a group for APA month, the public could wrap my scarf around themselves and then photograph themselves wearing it -- symbolizing them "wearing" my history.