The Significance of Yarn Choices: How Yarn Selection Impacts the Representation of Data
When it comes to turning climate data into art, the choices we make about materials are more important than they might first appear. In my project, each row of knitting represents a day of average temperature in Kentville, Nova Scotia, and the yarn I use becomes the medium through which these patterns come to life. Selecting the right yarn isn’t just about aesthetics - it shapes how the story is read, how the colours shift, and how people emotionally connect with the work.
Colour Decisions Matter
Before even casting on my first stitch, I knew that colour would be key. I wanted the palette to make intuitive sense - cool colours for winter, warmer colours for summer. I also needed a set of shades I could access for the long term and that I genuinely liked working with. Finding the right balance between number of colours and readability was a challenge. Too few colours wouldn’t show enough variation; too many, and the blanket would become visually confusing. In the end, I chose a system that reflects the temperature range from -20º to 35º, allowing the patterns to tell a clear and approachable story.
Yarn Brand and Local Sourcing
Finding a yarn brand that could deliver consistency and enough colours was a major factor. I chose Briggs and Little from New Brunswick because of their extensive colour selection and reliability over time. While I would have loved to source entirely within Nova Scotia, options were limited. I also prioritized 100% sheep’s wool for its Atlantic Canadian roots and renewable nature, which aligns with the sustainability message of the project.
Embracing Imperfection
Even with careful planning, slight variations in skeins or my occasional knitting mistakes are unavoidable. I’ve come to embrace these imperfections - they reflect the authenticity of the project. Just as climate action is messy and imperfect, so too is this physical representation of data. These small quirks don’t detract from the story; they add another layer of human connection and honesty to the work.
How Yarn Communicates the Story
At first glance, many people simply see a visually appealing array of colours. But as they step back, patterns of seasons, temperature shifts, and extreme events become apparent. Including a colour key helps viewers interpret the data, but the intuitive nature of the design makes it accessible. I’m particularly excited to see how people connect with the blankets once they can identify specific dates and events, like the polar vortex of 2023. The yarn doesn’t just display numbers - it evokes an emotional response that charts alone often cannot.
Looking Ahead
I’m nearing the completion of my first full decade of blankets, and I can’t wait to see how the years interact when displayed together. Whether people focus on a single year or observe patterns across multiple years, the yarn tells the story powerfully on its own. The choices I made in colour, brand, and material all contribute to how this climate data comes alive, creating an approachable, tangible, and visually striking way to engage with the science.
