The Bath Crafting Cranny

Ceramic knitting

The wonderful Design is Mine brought my attention to this (right): 'the collection crochetdream does not consist of soft crochet, as it may seem, but of solid porcelain. In the process of manufacturing the twine disappears and leaves only its cast. Only the spirit of crochet remains as ceramic mantle'! Isn't the collection beautiful: I love the crocheted fruit bowl!

Other knitting-related ceramics are: Alyssa Ettinger Design (left) and the UK's very own Joanna Kay Lewis' knitted seating (below) and ceramic knitting (anyone know of any others?).

 

Stitchlinks volunteers required please!

Betsan of Stitchlinks is asking if anyone would be willing to participate in a knitting research project?

An academic expert in depression, Dr Ulrich von Hecker, and psychology researcher Jeni Brown (of Fyberspates) from Cardiff University have been running a pilot study utilising knitting. They’ve been looking at whether the automatic nature of knitting is pushing out automatic negative thought cycles and rumination. 

Experts in pain management, depression, primary care, dyslexia and education are also interested in Stitchlinks' work and are in regular contact. Future projects are being planned. There is a distinct possibility that, if their theories are correct, knitting and stitching will be recognised as a valuable therapy for a number of conditions.

The pilot study run by Cardiff University only needs some 15 more knitters to complete it. The principal researcher Jeni has agreed to come up to Bath one Saturday to run the final stage of the study in Betsan’s house (with the consent of Cardiff University). Each contributor would be seen individually for ~45 minutes.

I'm definitely going: would anyone else be willing to take part? It’s on the weekend of the 9-10th February and Betsan will provide refreshments on the day! Email me or Betsan if you're interested please!

Happy New Year to one and all!

Another year has passed! A year ago I was still merrily knitting scarves and other rectangular/square shapes... with no hope of anything more tricky and now I can (almost) turn a sock heel whilst watching TV. My knitty-confidence is a lot higher - and that's definitely due to the S'n'B meetings... Thanks guys!

I hope the meetings have been as constructive and cheery for you all too!

I finally finished the Miss Potter mitts from Yarn Forward! It's a really beautiful pattern once you've cracked the editorial glitches. I think these are going to be on my list of favourite knits!

If you'd like to send me some pics of your Xmas knits (given/received) or any woolly gifts I'll post them up!