Featured Artist: Jodie of la petite libellule

Jodie of la petite libellule hand knits lives in Euclid, Ohio.

What is your first memory of working with yarn? Did someone teach you, or did you learn on your own?
I have a fuzzy (no pun intended . . . well maybe) memory of my mom trying to teach me to crochet, which never took, and some 4H leader trying to teach me to knit, which also didn’t take. Then my poor mom tried again when I was in college because I was determined to knit my baby nephew a sweater, which my mom ended up finishing. It must be one of those moments of bringing the horse to water and trying to force their head into the stream — they don’t have to drink, just hold their breath. But then about 5 years ago I bought an “I can knit and so can you” type of book, some needles, and some cheaper than cheap yarn and tried again. This time it took. Like an idiot, though, I had no idea how to pace myself and took on the task of knitting my mom a jacket . . . but I did it and she still loves it. And I have not put needles or yarn down since then.

What is it that draws you to yarn?
I can create something purposeful that is beautiful, some small jewel of art to warm your head or neck or carry your things. There is no boundary, no end to the possibilities of creation, either. There is only the limit of time and money for yarn.

How would you describe the style of your work? Does it reflect your personal style?
I cannot describe my style terribly well because I keep moving to another sort of project or look. I like to think that I have fused tradition with modern: something old in the stitch, something new in the purpose — 0r is it something old in the purpose and something new in the stitch? I love the idea of fusion-felt, knit, fabric, traditional, new, simple, complex, all in one.

What are your inspirations? How are they expressed in your work?
Sometimes the yarn can be the inspiration — I see a potential when I pick up a skein. I see potential when I look at a design in another medium like fabric, or when I see other people’s work and their design sparks an idea for my own design. Sometimes the idea comes while I am working on a project and then I’ll be blasted with the vision of possibility — another design on the edge of my mind that works itself out as I complete a project. And then, it’s too late, I am obsessed with seeing it be born.

Do you have an all-time favorite creation? What about it makes it your favorite?
I love my abre de vie bags.  I’ve done 4 now. They take a tremendous amount of time to complete because of the felted tree detail on the felted bag, but the final product is show stopper. And that would be what is my favorite thing about it. When I am at shows, people stop to touch, to see that it’s all handmade and are amazed at the art of it.

When did you realize that this was more than a hobby?
About 2 years ago it became clear that I needed to sell for real because the ideas were starting to transcend knitting for someone in particular, for a gift. I do miss the time devoted to knitting gifts, but it was time to start to sell.

Describe your workspace.
My workspace is a seat in a meeting, an auditorium, on a couch, in a movie theater.  When I am not working on complex items that need my devoted attention, I carry my projects everywhere. If I could knit and eat or knit and drive I would. At home, I have a guest room closet that serves as storage space and an office for the sewing, cutting, and computer end of things.

What is your favorite task related to your work? Your least favorite?
Favorites: casting on a new project, stitching on the last embellishment of a hat or a purse. In other words, the beginning and the end of a project. Least: sewing linings for purses. I learned to sew forever ago (that’s what my mom, grandma and the nice 4H lady taught me that did stick), but never really liked it. But for a superior product, all purses must be lined. And I hate filing and organizing desks and papers and such. I like to think I am stimulated by visual chaos, but I think it’s really a rationalization for my clutter.

Do you have artistic talents in other areas?
I cannot sing, I cannot dance, I cannot draw for beans. I can speak French and help students learn to be their best self — maybe that is also an art?

Tell us something about you that we might be surprised to hear.
I really hate raspberries and raisins and I can ride a snowmobile really well.

Where can we find your work?
On Etsy: petitelibellule.etsy.com
At Cut Hair Studio, 2254 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, OH
On my site: www.lapetitelibellule.com