Unusual Knitted Objects: A Conversation About Craft

When I was at school and learning to knit, I wanted to make a sleeveless vest from a magazine pattern. I asked my mother and a neighbour for help, received yarn and needles, and then learned mostly by myself. The vest turned out well, and I was very proud of it.

Later, a friend and I became interested in crochet, but our preferences diverged. I made a collar and stopped there: fine yarn and small stitches were not for me. My friend became absorbed in doilies and bedspreads. She enjoyed decorative pieces, while I preferred things that could be worn or used every day.

Today, crafters make both practical pieces and deliberately unusual subjects. Some of them are surprising, but it is more interesting to discuss the idea and the technique than to draw conclusions about the person who made the work.

These collections include knitted and crocheted objects ranging from playful food and a book cover to anatomical and surreal forms. Not every piece is intended for everyday use, but they show the range of ideas found in handcraft.

Which experimental knitted or crocheted pieces interest you most: wearable, decorative, or simply unexpected ones?