As part of the ‘Knitting in the Round’ network we will be appointing a Knitter-in-Residence at the University of Glasgow. Our ideas for this post are very open and we will be advertising in the New Year. We were inspired by the recent ‘Poet-in-residence’ scheme at the Logan Botanic Gardens but since hearing about that we have discovered knitters-in-residence are a fairly common sight. We of course know about Deirdre Nelson’s wonderful work around Scotland and further afield where she has used residencies to work with communities to produce a body of contemporary visual art often based on knit. See her work at http://dstitch.blogspot.co.uk/
Watch this blog for more details.
I think Knitter -in- residence is a great idea. I’m always trying to find new ways to use my skills, so I don’t get stuck in a rut. I try to combine my crafts to create something new, whether it be in Art, Accessories or Garments. It makes it all the more exciting. I’m a qualified tailor, but mostly work with fibre these days. I Spin, knit, Crochet, felt, Dye, Tapestry weave and I love it. I think the word has to get out about all of these crafts, as most people still think of wee Granny’s sitting knitting socks. We have to change that way of thinking, and I think the knitter -in- residence could help as long as it’s someone who’s not afraid to take risks and something different with the craft.