Knitting, a relatively modern technique for making stretchy fabrics, got its beginnings in the Middle East, and spread via trade routes into Europe, and then on into the rest of the world. Knitted items were initially a rare luxury. Then sailors and peasants learned to knit and make things for themselves, and so the art took a turn into the realm of a common handicraft. Later, in the 1500s, machines were created that could knit, but it was still cheaper for people to make their own clothes. With the introduction of synthetic fibers, widespread colonizations and the globalization of the garment industries, manufactured knitted clothing became so inexpensive as to be disposable. Today, hand-knit (and even human-powered knitting machine made) items straddle lines between handicrafts, art, luxury items (and the process sometimes becomes a performative act). With the use of new/non-traditional materials, knitted objects are also being used in healthcare and industry. The workshop provides students with the basic techniques of knitting, and time to practice using a variety of materials. No prior knowledge is needed*. The workshop focuses on the physical creation of a variety of knitted pieces. Students will also learn to read and create patterns. On the second day, we explore some of the semi-laminate and temporal aspects of knitting, diving into intersections of art, literature, engineering, mathematics, and information technologies, with specific attention given to possibilities of encoding information into 2D and 3D structures. *If a student knows how to knit, more advanced techniques will be taught to those individuals. Students with knitting experience should contact the instructor at least two weeks prior to the workshop in order to assess their abilities. The workshop provides students with the basic techniques of knitting, and time to practice using a variety of materials. No prior knowledge is needed*. The workshop focuses on the physical creation of a variety of knitted pieces. Students will also learn to read and create patterns. On the second day, we explore some of the semi-laminate and temporal aspects of knitting, diving into intersections of art, literature, engineering, mathematics, and information technologies, with specific attention given to possibilities of encoding information into 2D and 3D structures. *If a student knows how to knit, more advanced techniques will be taught to those individuals. Students with knitting experience should contact the instructor at least two weeks prior to the workshop in order to assess their abilities.

ITPG-GT.2029.1 () | Instructor: Janusz Jaworski | Sat 12:00pm to 6:00pm / Sun 12:00pm to 3:00pm | Meeting Pattern: S-Special | Start Date