November 01, 2004Your Own Traveling FortI think there's a rule somewhere that if you have a knitting blog there will inevitably come a day when you have to weigh in on the poncho. There is a sharp line dividing poncho-knitters from non-poncho knitters and eventually you have to declare what side of that line you are on. Recently, one of my favorite local knitter/bloggers posted a link to this article on the poncho. I'm not sure if it's yesterday's news by now, but if you haven't read it, you should. It's a very funny commentary on the rise of the poncho and the downsides that have accompanied it. There are a lot of very witty phrases in the article including a description of the poncho as "your own traveling fort". Hence the name of this post. Unlike the author of the article, I like the idea of having my own traveling fort and of appearing to be an "impenetrable edifice". But perhaps that's just me? Anyway, it's great writing and an entertaining little read on the fashion scene. Back to the controversy. I have a theory about why everyone is either blindly poncho-crazy or so full of hatred for the traveling fort that they feel they must spew forth with great venom. Now, a poncho is just a poncho. You can wear one or not, make one or not, but in the end it doesn't really matter because all of us will have forgotten about this current fashion trend completely in a few years and will remember it only when it rears its ugly?/fashionable? head again in 2025. What everyone is up in arms about is what the poncho symbolizes. The poncho is the close cousin of the scarf (even worse, the fuzzy *gasp* scarf!) and therefore signifies the dumbing down of knitting and the eventual devolution and death of our craft. I gotta tell ya, folks, I know this is what you're thinking and I'm here to tell you it just ain't so. This trend brings a new type of knitter to the craft and expands what it means to be a knitter. The poncho is a traveling fort, not a black hole! It's not that I haven't been caught up in the poncho dilemna myself. As someone who has worked in a yarn store, I have to be honest and say that I do get much more excited when one of our fledgling knitters embarks on a sweater (or anything with shaping) rather than her fifth scarf or poncho. I think that this is mostly a selfish impulse, however. I love trying out new techniques in knitting and playing around with alternate methods and construction, so each new knitter that forays into the world of shaping is a potential fellow traveler - someone to whom I can impart some added expertise and from whom I may soon learn new things. It's as if by moving into the world of shaped garments that person is beginning the initiation into another level of knitting - one where I will do more sharing than teaching. In my heart of hearts, my softest spot is for this type of knitter. Because I have such a strong feeling for the knitter who seeks out the more complex designs, it took me a while to come around and see the strengths of her unsung sister, the poncho knitter. This knitter is unfamiliar to most of us old school "process" types and we often underestimate her abilities because she stays with unshaped garments. If you look closely, though, she has a lot to offer. All knitters have preferences. Natural fibers vs. easily washable synthetics, cables vs. fair isle, and in this case advanced technique vs. clean shape and excellent color composition. (I generally fall into the first of those three categories, but I'm learning to cross the divide.) The poncho knitters of the world bring to the process knitters of the world two things that we sorely lack - simplicity and harmonious composition. Now I know that you won't find this in every poncho or scarf out there. Most people start with these projects, so the majority of the scarves and ponchos are made by those who are just plain new to the craft. They may be disharmonious and full of holes (so were your first projects - give them some slack!). But, observing those who persist in making unshaped garments I have noticed that they often have an eye for color, fabric, and texture combinations that far surpases my own. These are people who see the bigger picture and have less interest in the details (decrease? what decrease?), and there's room for them at the knitting table, too. The other strength they have is the power of simplicity. One of my favorite designers, Erica Knight, uses almost mind-numbing simplicity to great advantage in her work. I think if we're open to it, process knitters have a great deal to learn from the ponchoistas of the world. Although it's great to know all of these fancy techniques it's not always preferable to use them in the same garment. (How many combination aran-fair isle ensembles have you seen that you really liked, rather than merely found *interesting*?) Sometimes simpler, is quite simply, better. (See my post below if you want to hear how I was recently reminded of this the hard way.) I think that the ability to see the big picture - clean lines, good balance - is just as important as having a load of techniques at your fingertips, and it's a skill I'm still struggling to hone. Oh, yeah! And one more thing. The ponchoistas have brought us one final bit of bounty that we should be thankful for: a little dose of fun. So, lighten up and enjoy the knit, be it simple or complex. You know where I stand on this: I'll be off knitting entrelac breeches in my own traveling fort. Posted by Julia at November 1, 2004 09:55 AMIn main
Comments
Beautiful writing Julia. I also went to the article...now that Jennifer Aniston has one, I simply must make one my self...be hot Israeli weather or otherwise =) great post! (i'm of the all knitting is good school myself.) and i'm enjoying your blogging/knit musings very much -- always a good read. Posted by: mrspilkington at November 6, 2004 01:20 PMGreat posts! I have fallen on the poncho bandwagon myself. Your last post made me so tired, you crazy adventurous knitter you! Posted by: jenny at November 3, 2004 06:17 AMPersonally, I would never be caught dead wearing a poncho. At 6 feet tall, wearing one would put me in serious jeopardy of being mistaken for the local Circ de Soleil setup. And I second the writer's assertion that only the blessed are flattered by all that unstructured fabric. However, I do think that knitters are the only demographic universally entitled to wear one, since the craft of the fabric is reason enough to me for someone to wear just about anything. Posted by: julia fc at November 2, 2004 04:15 PMI agree with you, there is no need to disparage the fuzzy scarf or poncho, or any other trend. The fact that easy to knit pieces are also trendy, only means more yarn, at better prices in more locations. Sure, I don't have any need for, yet another furry yarn. It makes a nice accent here and there, but isn't something I normally go for, but I won't begrudge another knitter for using it. Ponchos are just modified wraps and can be vehicles for learning new stitches or seaming. I'm so glad you wrote this post. Just think, the woman knitting the fuzzy boa today could be tomorrows top pattern designer. Posted by: Marnie at November 2, 2004 07:59 AMI'll third the "all knitting is good" comments... if it makes people pick up the craft we love and means more recognition is given to those who work at it, then it's good. Now, until they find a poncho that makes one look four inches taller and thirty pounds lighter, instead of 4 inches shorter and forty pounds heavier, you won't see me in them - but I see an awful lot of them than I like - I just can't wear 'em! Now, does that fulfill my obligations, or do I have to discuss this on my blog too? I'd hate to be an irresponsible blogger... Posted by: Amie at November 2, 2004 07:34 AMDon't have anything against the poncho, per se, I just don't wanna wear one myself. For me it's a question of poncho vs. shawl, and I love shawls so much that I have no desire to make/wear a poncho. That said, I'm all for other people knitting 'em, b/c as Kay said, "all knitting is good." Posted by: rachel at November 2, 2004 06:40 AMI'm for the poncho. It's not the best fashion choice for EVERYONE and yes, it's a little *too* trendy right now, but I definately think there's something to them on the style-front (depending on poncho and person wearing said poncho) On the knitting-front, I think they're GREAT! They're either a really simple, mindless knit for experienced knitters to work on while watching TV, or they're new ground for a new knitter. I definately don't think they're equal to scarves. You can make a scarf knowing only how to cast-on, knit and bind off. No purling, no knitting in the round, no seaming, no increases or decreases, nothing. The scarf is just one big 'ol swatch (but a great way for new knitters to practice and get the hang of things). Ponchos open the door to new skills for newbies AND are more confidence-building. A poncho is a GARMENT, not just an accessory. They look more impressive than a scarf, they FEEL more impressive than a scarf and overall, I think you get greater sense of achievement, opening yourself up to more difficult projects. Plus, I was able to help create TWO NEW KNITTERS with the power of the poncho alone! The first was on her 80th scarf, with no hopes of getting off them and now she's really blooming as a knitter after she saw my poncho and I convinced her she could make one!! The second didn't know how to KNIT AT ALL and now loves it because I taught her and then helped her make a harlot poncho as her very first project! It isn't perfect, but she sure is proud of it! so I say, YAAY PONCHOS! Posted by: Lara at November 1, 2004 09:36 PMJulia, darlin, I got this weird thing in my inbox, but I don't know if it's that my email to you came back (several weeks later) or an email you wrote me got messed up or what. And I'm not sure which email address is the right one for you anymore. Please email me to tell me and if you got my email a while back? xoxo Posted by: kate at November 1, 2004 09:06 PMwell i'm all about the poncho. i love a lot of them and feel its just a matter of taste. i keep hearing even the most anti-ponchetta saying that there are a few that they actually do like, but they stand firmly on the antiponch side. it seems to me that some just don't want to be a part a huge trend and feel that embracing a poncho of any style would promote this. i do see their point, but will enjoy wearing my poncho while i listen and understand their view, lol. Posted by: froggy at November 1, 2004 03:37 PMAll Knitting Is Good. Even the really expert knitters knit something simple on occasion, just because the end product is something they want or need to have in their wardrobes, or because they want something easy to knit while watching their favorite junky t.v. program. Taste is highly individual. I sit the fence on the Great Poncho Debate. I like some of them on very young women, I like a few of them (the ones that look like stoles that are sewn together, SANS FRINGE, or the ones that look like Balenciaga capes from the 50s and 60s) for us middle-aged-but-VERY-attractive types, and I especially like the resurgence of the SHAWL and the STOLE and even the SHRUG--which I kind of think has something to do with the rise of the poncho. And then there are also some days when a travelling fort sounds mighty good! xoxo Kay Posted by: Kay at November 1, 2004 01:51 PMAt least the poncho gives those who have only knit scarves to date something else to try. My problem with the poncho is it was popular when I was 21...it's old stuff in my book (and I'm not!). It isn't very attractive on many people as it looks like a tent walking around. And on people of a certain age it looks like they are trying to be younger (in a not so good way). I like the simple designs like the Harlots Poncho as it is warm and functional without getting in the way. Everyone should knit what they like and enjoy it when it's complete. Posted by: margene at November 1, 2004 01:27 PMYeah! I am not going to wear a poncho myself (until someone comes up with a design for one that I can use with a backpack and on a bike) but I know where you are coming from. I think it can be a trap for intermediate and advanced knitters to think that they can only knit things at the outer limits of their abilities. Some easy or trendy items are good for the knitter (and for the revenues of the knitting store). |