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Mark Newport's Knitted Heroes
Blaise Faint writes "Mark Newport's knitted comic book covers and superhero costumes are on display and have sold for as much as $5,500.00 (US). Online displays are currently available at Lyons Wier Gallery and Greg Kucera Gallery -- images include Batman, Captain America, Daredevil, The Escapist, Mr. Fantastic, and others."
It's sort of hard to explain, but the appeal is like that of most crafts:
:)
* You make something that's unique (even if you start from a pattern, you can vary it, the materials you use, techniques, etc.)
* You've made something with your own hands that provides a basic human necessity.
* You can make something that fits perfectly, far better than clothes off the rack, and that fits the wearer's personality.
* The physical sensation of knitting can be pleasurable (with good yarn), although there are repetitive stress issues.
* It can be very challenging or it can be something for multitasking, depending on what you like.
* (But you're right that it's expensive.)
Gee, reading the above, you could substitute recreational coding for 'knitting' and make many of the same points.
You've obviously never knitted before. Seriously, there's quite a bit of geekiness there.
Four fifths of all our troubles in this life would disappear if we would just sit down and keep still. -C. Coolidge
Clearly we need more history-of-computing classes. Knitting, weaving, all that sort of stuff, are closely bound to modern computing. Behold:
The Jacquard Loom, precursor to computer programming itself (you may find the punch cards oddly familiar...)
"Knitting was one of the first applications of computer programming"
Ever notice how needlepoint is very pixely?
And finally, on more general principles:
Geek: A person with a devotion to something in a way that places him or her outside the mainstream. This could be due to the intensity, depth, or subject of their interest.
Meaning, you can be a geek about anything. Even knitting.
Loosen up those buttoned-down minds, folks.
"A great democracy must be progressive or it will soon cease to be a great democracy." --Theodore Roosevelt
(I'd really like to find a way to surf the 'net and sew at the same time) ZK- http://www-306.ibm.com/software/voice/viavoice/ http://www.footmouse.com/
"What the masochist doesn't know can't hurt him."
An excellent question, actually, and one I probably won't be able to answer adequately. For me:
1) I like creating stuff (it's the same reason I code, cook, etc). It's quit satisfying to create things with ones own hands.
2) It's relaxing (as other posters have mentioned).
3) It can be challenging when I want it to be (ie, a tricky cable pattern, etc).
4) It gives me a productive way to spend time on the bus, in front of the TV, traveling, etc.
5) Great for gifts, so I don't have to go shopping! Moreover, it's the kind of gift people really appreciate, which is cool.
Incidentally, while you can certainly follow a pattern to create an object, most things follow a basic pattern from which there are infinite variations (you can create cable patterns and other embellishments, use Fair Isle or Intarsia for custom color patterns, etc). So there's most certainly the opportunity for great creativity.