@the_leafhopper: Getting emotional on this WIP Thursday #fyp #bugtok #knittok

Dr. Chyenne Gunn :

I love this design and video so much. The trans community uses the butterfly as a symbol a lot because of the metamorphosis. This community is one that also often rejects gender norms as well. I think it’s perfect!

Kelsey Pyle :

I think this is such an important conversation and a beautiful design! Femininity has always been a tough concept for me. I was actually raised to value my tomboy side more than my feminine side and it’s taken me a long time to figure out a balance between the two and to stop being embarrassed about the “girly” things I never allowed myself to like. It’s crazy how femininity is treated as both necessary for women and also “less than”. It feels like there is no way to move through the world authentically without upsetting somebody. It’s only been in the past few years that I have started to shake off those fears and tried to relearn who I really am and want to be. I can’t wait to knit this!!!

LeeLeeMadeIt! :

I love this so much. The pattern is so good and so are the sentiments behind it. I think a lot of women can relate to not feeling entirely “girly” all the time. I think it’s fun to switch up my style and really go full “girly” sometimes I’m very “tomboy” most days I’m somewhere in the middle. My closet looks crazy but I find it fun expressing my feelings in my style even if others don’t quite get it. Thanks for sharing, I’m sure so many people can relate.

postcardknits :

this is so incredibly cool and clever and special and damn that neckline is a work of art lol

🇨🇦 danny 🏳️‍⚧️ :

obsessed with this design as always. as a gay trans guy who grew up as a tomboy, i always had some real issues identifying with femininity when i was identifying as a girl. being on t and presenting as male has honestly made me more comfortable connecting with femininity, and navigating my complicated connection to womanhood

Sarai :

I love it! I relate so much too 🫂 Ive also never been seen as just a girl for a long time and Im turning 27 this year. But, I feel like I JUST started being able to reconnect to my feminine side last year and when I started knitting last winter, I realized that making my own garments has helped me reflect more on my own gender/self image~ 🩷

Tracy :

This is so cool! I think a girl can look how ever we want. I don’t understand why there is this push to put people in boxes. Why can’t everyone just wear what they want. Maybe because I am old now, I don’t give a crap about what people think of how I look. You are amazing! I hope that you are comfortable in your skin now, because… you rock!!!!!

Stevie :

Wow wow wow I am obsessed with all of this! The design is genius. But the story is making me so emotional. Thank you for oversharing 🩶

user9801350587393 :

Such a beautiful creation. At 58 I’m still figuring things out about many of the same things you talk about. You get to decide and define the woman you are. And you are doing such an amazing job of doing just that! As a cis female phd biologist that also knits , I think it’s fantastic to have people like you coming as the next generation!

lauriehartman52 :

I soooo love the idea of a long sleeve under a tshirt 💓 Also…I think your style is a great mix of feminine tomboy. Keep being you because you’re lovely as is! The butterfly on the back is epic!

Kayleigh :

this is such lovely introspection (and design) - thank you for over sharing on the internet! ❤️

bumblesthreads_ :

I loveeeee this sooo so much🥺 going through adolescence i forced myself to dress like the girly girls….and throughout high school… and college…it brought a lot of crippling stress, even in pictures it’s so obvious i was so uncomfortable😵‍💫 but now i finally embraced myself and i love my tomboy, baggy, layered clothes. I can’t wait to knit this🥺 layering a tee shirt over a long sleeve is my go to! Love love love that you shared this personal side of designing♥️

sabs ⋆⭒˚.⋆ :

this is such a lovely chat. thank you for sharing! i think flexibility between gender norms is soo important. this design is so unique and lovely, i’m really excited to see it finished. 🤩

yourplasticplantdied :

Thank you for perfectly articulating many feelings I’ve had navigating the world as a not-quite-girl, struggling to feel comfortable within my skin and always choosing to dress less feminine, also homeschooled, who also has a deep love of creatures like insects and reptiles. Love watching all of your videos, and the unapologetic verve and deep dive you allow yourself to go into with all of your diverse scientific and creative interests. You speak so eloquently and with genuine passion 🐛🪲🐞🐜🦟🪳🐝🪰🦗

Susie :

The design and the thoughts and complex emotions behind it are beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing them both.

tara :

i love this i love you!

Nic :

I definitely want to hear your thoughts on gendering bug interests!

✨ Rebecca ✨🧶 :

It's beautiful! And thank you for sharing your vulnerability. 🩷

MaryLynn :

I could listen to talk all day long. Your knowledge in so many things is fascinating! Beautiful sweater that you will be so proud to wear!

anngreen983 :

boinkers :

this is so beautiful!!! and omg I’M SO EXCITED that you’re making this into a pattern too!!!!

Brooke Fitzwater, PhD :

You're allowed to design whatever you want, it's YOUR knitwear designs! I used to feel guilty or get anxious for talking about non-science things during my marine biology game streams, but the reality is that you are a whole person with interests outside of science and that's ok!!! 🥰

Danielle :

GORGEOUS 😍

Ana :

I completely understand how you feel and please know, that it does not matter in any way what you "read" as to society (society will always try to put people in boxes, and make you feel like you are in the wrong, if you don't fit into it)... the only thing that matter, is that you are being true to yourself. You have always been a perfect example of being a girl/woman, because it was never you who was in the wrong (it is the people asking you the questions who have been in the wrong). Trust me please, I have also been more of tomboy-girl most of my life, especially before my teenage years... I was just the little girl digging around in the ground and getting my dresses dirty trying to find awesome rocks and climbing trees. Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft was my ultimate rolemodel and dream girl.

luisa.knits :

THIS IS INCREDIBLE