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An interesting exhibition currently on display (across the pond, unfortunately, but the images here give you the idea…)

Knit 2 Together is a celebration of knitting. It celebrates knitting as an end in itself, without the usual need or expectation to produce something with a practical function. When we think of knitting our mental picture generally is of a garment, a jumper, scarf or sock, but this exhibition subverts that expectation and broadens horizons.

By focusing on the knitting process, Knit 2 Together combines needlecraft with the conceptual and demonstrates that knitting is a valid medium for personal expression.

The humble knitted stitch has received a bad press. The elder aunt of the craft world, it is synonymous with granny-knits two sizes too large, or women of ‘a certain age’. It is time to reclaim knitting from this stereotype and embrace those of us that love to knit, men and women of all ages – knitting is coming in from the cold.

From knitted interiors, intricately structured textiles, narrative hangings, knitting by chance and French-knitted flowers, Knit 2 Together illustrates the many faces of the art of looping fibres together.

Knit 2 Together

Need some instant gratification in your life? Know how to crochet? Here’s a big page of patterns for crocheted hair accessories (including my favorite, the snood). Even if you don’t have hair that warrants such accessorization, perhaps you know someone who does (and creating something in under half an hour is very nice indeed).

Share in a little bit of Norwich surreality.

Knit One, Build One is a group exhibition featuring contemporary knitted and crocheted sculptures inspired by architecture. From entire buildings constructed in wool to tiny crocheted details, this imaginative exhibition explores how we interact with the buildings around us. Knitters from across the UK and even one all the way from Australia have risen to the challenge and created a variety of works that give a new and unusual insight into the diverse world of architecture.

I especially like the “cuddly” brick and the sock-around-the-column…

The fabulous Guy has shared a photo of his first attempt at dyeing yarn with Kool Aid:

The color is more turquoise in real life than in the photo, and the color is slightly uneven, but I think that may actually enhance how it looks knit up. Tonight I’m going to try a variegated yarn–pink lemonade and lemon-lime!

I think it looks wonderful! If you’d like to try it, too, here’s a tutorial.

Here’s an interesting blog posting, courtesy of the Yarn Harlot:

Lene (not my clever Toronto dwelling Danish friend - she’s got pictures of the twins
again) but a Finnish Lapland knitter Lene, has written beautifully about
hand knits here.

You should go read it. She raises some wonderful philosophical questions
about knitting for “everyday wear”, about the difference between the
things we make now (which are mostly luxuries) and the things that were
made as necessities to keep people warm and covered.

Bonus Link: Spring Knitting
The Spring issue of Knitty is up (this one’s for Theresa).

Yowza–the new Summer issue of Knitty is out and sizzlin’!

While they don’t feature patterns that are strictly bikinis, some can certainly be adapted for this purpose : Knitty

A few weeks ago, I sent a link to a site by a woman who described how she spins her dogs’ hair into yarn. Well, here’s giving felines equal time: Spinning Kitties

Update: here are some additional tips for spinning locks des chats