knitting
I began knitting seriously about eight years ago because I enjoy making things from scratch in an effort to better understand them. I found the rhythm and movement to be quite meditative - great therapy! As an artist I have an appreciation for the fibers, textures, colors, and I see the beauty in each and every little stitch that was made with my own two hands. The DIY (do-it-yourself) movement promotes a move towards self-reliance by building one's survival skills, should they ever become necessary. For me, it all stems from my roots - my dad who hunts and kills his own food, my mom who's creativity has always aided her in reaching her goals, my grandpa who actually does knit, and my ancestors, most of whom were farmers and people who lived off the land. (I also think being a Girl Scout added to this drive.) In short - I knit to survive!

 

****click here**** to go to my knitting blog
sarahsuemagoo.blogspot.com

                    Coral Reef Project

I just recently learned of this amazing project, part of which is going on in Chicago right now, and ANYONE can be a part of it. We are crocheting a huge coral reef that will be on display in the Cultural Center in Ocbtober! This project incorporates science, mathematic theory, environmental awareness, and handmade crafts (or what was once thought of as typically women's handicraft).

If you would like to become involved, you can come to an Edgewater Stitch n Bitch meeting to learn how to crochet these beautiful, abstract shapes. We meet every other Wednesday at the Heartland Cafe in Rogers Park.
Go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/snb_edgewater/ for more Stitch n Bitch info. (crochet reef photo courtesty of theiff.org)

See below for more information on the project.

All of the following links will take you to different information available on the website for
The Institute for Figuring - an organization dedicated to the poetic and aesthetic dimensions of science, mathematics and the technical arts.

Hyperbolic crochet coral reef

- About the Crochet Coral Reef

- Crochet Reef and Global Warming

- Crochet Reef and Hyperbolic Space

- Crochet Reef and Evolution

- The Great Pacific Garbage Patch

- The Rubbish Vortex

- The Plastic Reef

other articles:

Knit Theory
Discover Magazine, March 2006

an article about modeling hyperbolic space with crocheted objects

Reefer Madness
Time Out Chicago Magazine, June 2007

from the Art & Design section

Copyright © Sarah B. Ellis 2007