Handmade Portraits: Xenobia Bailey from Etsy on Vimeo.

A thought provoking video on artist Xenobia Bailey.

It’s intriguing that she thinks of her mandalas as color exercises. Just like an athlete does exercises to strengthen muscles. So must the artist perform exercises to stay on top of their game.

Perhaps, we need to stop loathing swatches and think of them as knitting exercises. Especially since they do help us to make better finished objects. A simple change in perspective.

As a knitter or crocheter, what is your signature style? Do you have a visual icon that time and time again you turn to as a source of inspiration?

Ms. Bailey’s reference to her family, the type of household she was raised in and her culture as defining her personal signature is a compelling discussion.

How much of what you like is simply based on your family?

I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Just keep knitting, knitting, knitting…

Katie

Photo copyright Peter Norris of Boxford, Suffolk

Unfortunately, there isn’t much information about this amazing photo. Research regarding this mega afghan has been difficult to obtain, especially since no one at Blue Sky speaks fluent Finnish.

Here are a few basic facts. This is the Helsinki Cathedral, located in Helsinki, Finland. It was built in 1830 to 1852.

This astounding yarn bombing is the Guinness World Record attempt for the largest crocheted patchwork quilt in the world.

Attempt…

This is not the largest crocheted patchwork quilt in the world.

Who made the largest and why?

Regardless, this is yarn bombing at it’s best!

Photo copyright Stefan Bremer, 2011