<aside> 🔮 The magic on Fìdeachlann is tangible, finite, and directly tied to local heritage crafts. For the Isles of Callanwynd, magic is often paired with their unique textile products (much like the knitting and tweed the Hebridean Isles are known for). To develop this magic system and discover more about the craft of the region, the author used ChatGPT and Midjourney, along with her own beginner knitter knowledge, to design a pattern, generate mock-ups of said pattern, and then personally knit the item.
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🔊 Overview of the initial idea that inspired this artefact, and the creative process.
🔊 Hear more about the approach to research
<aside> 🤖 Full ChatGPT Conversation here:
Hebridean Wool and Knitting Research_ChatGPT
Approach: Use ChatGPT to identity some key terms and ideas for additional research; help identify what would be recognizable to readers as aspects inspired by the Hebrides
Key Takeaways:
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<aside> 🎙️ Interview with Expert Knitter & Fantasy Reader Knitting - Terminology and Considerations:
Representing Knitting in Fiction:
<aside> 💡 Sample Research Implications on Story Plot Karsyn **(a newcomer to the Callanwynd culture) helps dye yarn a beautiful green she picked, and named the sheep it came from. However, when she takes it to others learn to knit, it’s too heavy of a weight for what she needs to make as Aodhan’s new piece of armor, and it goes unused. She eventually brings it back to Earth with her.
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🔊 When the “Ceilidh Ewe” changed everything.
DALL-E “sheep in chain mail armor in Scotland”. Generated by a friend upon hearing about the concept of the “Ceilidh Ewe”
Midjourney: “a tall sheep in the scottish isles, ethereal presence, lustrous, shimmering, colorful fleece, open and intelligent eyes, scottish isles”
💡Questions for the Writer to Consider:
Do shepherds have a higher standing in this society in respect to the creatures in their flock?
Who has the skill to work with the wool? Anyone?
What other forms of magic would relate to this?
What are the implications of a Ceilidh Ewe as the “emissary” between realms? What knowledge do the people have of this role?
Midjourney: “a tall sheep in the scottish isles, ethereal presence, lustrous, shimmering, colorful fleece, open and intelligent eyes, painting, soft light**”**
Midjourney*“a tall sheep, ethereal presence, lustrous, shimmering, colorful fleece, open and intelligent eyes”*
<aside> 🐑 The below is from the ChatGPT convo to the left. Bold text denotes key inspiration aspects for writer.
The Ceilidh Ewe boasts a magnificent, ethereal presence, standing slightly taller than an ordinary sheep. Its lustrous, shimmering fleece is no longer limited to earthly white but exhibits a range of iridescent hues, reflecting the mystical energies of its surroundings.
With its open and intelligent eyes, the Ceilidh Ewe possesses an ancient wisdom passed down through generations. It is believed that these creatures have the ability to communicate with other magical beings of the Hebrides, acting as gentle emissaries between the realms.
The magic of the Ceilidh Ewe lies in its transformative abilities. When the moon is at its fullest and the spirits of the land are most active, the Ceilidh Ewe undergoes a wondrous metamorphosis. It sheds its earthly form, growing elegant, feathery wings in shades of silver and mist, allowing it to soar through the skies with grace and agility.
The wool of the Ceilidh Ewe holds enchantments of its own. Spun by the deft hands of skilled artisans, it possesses the power to imbue garments with magical properties. Wearing a cloak woven from the Ceilidh Ewe's wool provides protection against malevolent forces, and its touch can bring soothing comfort to weary travelers.
Legends tell of the Ceilidh Ewe's harmonious nature, often appearing during joyous gatherings and celebrations, adding an aura of magic and mirth to traditional Scottish ceilidhs. Its presence brings people together, fostering unity, laughter, and camaraderie among all who gather in its presence.
The Ceilidh Ewe, with its mystical beauty and innate connection to the ancient landscapes of the Hebrides, stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of Scottish folklore, captivating the imaginations of those who believe in the wonders of the unseen realms.
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🔊 Learn about how I approached working with ChatGPT to create a knitting pattern
<aside> 🧶 Generated with ChatGPT on 15 July, 2023
Full conversation (and additional iterations) here:
Pattern: Knitted Braid Fingerless Gloves
Skill Level: Beginner
Finished Measurements: Adult Male (One size fits most)
Materials:
Gauge:
22 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch
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🤖 TIPS & TRICKS for Generating Knitting / Craft Content
- Start small. Explain to ChatGPT what you are trying to accomplish, and offer that the AI can ask questions when it is unclear.
- Make the ask as clear as possible. Tell ChatGPT as much as you know. If you know a knitting pattern usually includes certain elements, ask for those elements (this is where personal experience or getting guidance from an expert helps).
- If something doesn’t feel right to you, ask. Depending on your skill level with the craft, you may not be able to spot a mistake right away, or know how to fix one. However, if you are unsure of something the AI gives you, ask it to check its work on that part or give it guidance on why you’d like an aspect changed.
- Remember that the AI is just a guideline. You are in control, so just because the AI suggested something in a pattern, doesn’t mean you have to follow it perfectly when executing.
🔊Hear about what it was like having a partner on this artefact, and how the shared experience shaped the world
Image 1: “knitted gloves, scotland, work as chain mail, fantasy novel”
Image 3: Upscaled image from “knit fingerless gloves, knit with Hebridean sheep wool, on US size six needles, cuff in stockinette stitch, hand area in a braided cable pattern with mohair added” *this prompt is the corrected spelling of Image 2 prompt.
Image 2: “knit fingerless gloves, knit with hebridean sheep wool, on US size six needles, cuff in stockentte stitch, hand area in a braided cable pattern with mohair added”
Image 4: “Strong Variations” selection on Image 3
🔊 Listen in as I share more about what working on a tangible craft (led by AI’s guidance) influence in my own approach to worldbuilding