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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."
News for crocheters, sewing that matters.
...that stuff is sooo ugly. Seriously: Knitting may be interesting, but I have real issues categorizing it as "geeky"...
Sadly, my mother will use this to point out to me how knitting is making a come back, and how many young eligible women are knitters, and by picking it up myself, I would find a nice selection.
-- Who is the bigger fool? The fool or the fool who follows him? --
That the Flash swung both ways... http://www.lyonswiergallery.com/html/4.the-flash%2 0copy.jpg
We're all going home now.
Last one to leave please turn off the lights.
You can't talk about Wikipedia's flaws on Wikipedia
Come on, i know knitting takes it time and skill, but 5k? Isn't it a bit much? I mean, my grandma would probably do it for the price of the raw materials. And i'm sure it'd look better.
I'm a major knitter, but frankly, I think this site says it all with respect to this story.
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.
Kaptain Kitsch, the artistic scoundrel, strikes again. This time he's relieving New Yorkers of $5000 for a bunch of wool! Only Captain America can save the world by wrapping the Weasel of Wool in his own twine and sticking those needles where it hurts!
Besides, a woolly Bat suit can make a chap darn wiffy in high summer, er, Robin.
Next episode: Captain America hunts down the Wool Bandit who leaves innocent sheep to freeze in winter!
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tournoun pas maï
I don't knit, but I quilt, sew, and do a lot of other needlework.
Sewing of clothes is done partly so I can get things that fit right in colours that suit me even when pastel pink is the "in" colour. This is particularly true since I tend to like a gothic look and I have a fairly ...hmm.... hourglassy figure and most clothes out there these days is designed for sticks. Of course as an engineer I usually where whatever is in the closet - but I'd like to have nice clothes that fit! And I prefer sewing to shopping. It isn't cheaper though.
Other needlework is often done just for amusement, it keeps me occupied while watching the idiot box. (I'd really like to find a way to surf the 'net and sew at the same time). It generally relaxes me (except for when things go wrong - then it isn't relaxing :^) ). And simply because I can. Do you have any hobbies? It is no different than building models or furniture, art or anything else really.
May I suggest though that if she gives you a sweater - treat it as gold. She will love you forever for it.
ZKTime flies like an arrow Fruit flies like a banana
This is *not* what we meant by multi-threading!
Paleotechnologist and connoisseur of pretty shiny things.
I learned to knit as a kid while bored at my grandmas house, and while there are other hobbies that I prefer to do instead, I understand how knitting can be enjoyable.
First repetitive task are soothing. They aren't challenging or mind tasking or exciting, but when you have spent all day at work, that isn't always what you want.
It is also something to keep your hands busy, and can be done while doing something else. This fact appeals differently to different people: It is a justification for gossip gatherings. It lets you have a hobby without taking much time from other activities. If you are sitting around it might as well be productive and relaxing at the same time.
And of course there is always that sense of accomplishment gained from doing something by hand.
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.