La Bricoleuse

Recall that, some posts ago, i mentioned a project i was doing for Well, an alarming looking crocheted acrylic vest in a vintage 1970s pattern, for one of the "flashback" characters.

There have been some new developments, and the vest is finally finished! ( Read more... )

If you are unfamiliar with the Institute for Figuring's online gallery of crocheted models of hyperbolic space and that sort of science/handcraft crossover thing interests you, first you should check out their site.

Recently, i stumbled upon a window display exhibiting a related project, in which an entire coral reef--with all attendant anemones, frondy seaplants, and other such ocean life--was replicated, everything created using crochet and principles of hyperbolic patterns. I took a couple pictures to share, as well as another slew of general "life in NYC" images.

( Read more... )

I've been out of town for a few days, so no exciting projects in the completion stage yet, but I do have a collection of interesting links for your delectation, on such subjects as hats, shoes, crochet, and parasols! What's not to love about that?


Historical millinery:

If you sign yourself up for their mailing list, you can access the online magazine at Victoriana.com, which currently features an archive of 15 issues. Some of the articles are modern research pieces on historical elements of Victoriana, but many are reprints of period articles from original sources (Harpers, Ladies Home Journal, etc.). There are several period articles on hatmaking techniques, including an excellent one entitled "Wings, Breasts, and Birds" about the applications of avian taxidermy in period millinery, as well as lots of fashion plates and the like.


Shoe modification:

Sassyfeet.com features a whole section of the site on ideas and techniques for customizing footwear. The author has written the site from a modern fashion perspective, but the techniques could also be utilized for altering modern footwear for the stage using historical inspiration. (This link sent to me by trystbat.)


Crocheted models of hyperbolic space:

What? No really. So, obviously theoretical math is way off-topic for this blog, but i saw this posted on a discussion board i read and had to share the link here. Essentially, Cornell mathematician and fiber crafter Daina Taimina worked out a means of creating physical models of hyperbolic space using crochet. The results of her work are visible in an online exhibit hosted by the Institute for Figuring. Longtime crochet enthusiasts will recognize such things as "circle ruffles"/"lettuce edging" (hyperbolic plane) and "lettuce tassel" (pseudosphere). Crochet instructions are listed along with the forms, should you feel the overwhelming need to trim your parasol with a few pseudospheres or run a hyperbolic plane along a sleeve hem.

Parasols:

Speaking of parasols, various news sources are predicting the return of the parasol as the next big thing. Concerns about the climate, environment, global warming, and the projected potential increased risk of sun-related cancers are the rationale. Here are two recent parasol articles you may enjoy perusing:

News & Observer, Raleigh, NC
LA Times

And, perhaps it's premature to announce, but I've been working on a chapbook on parasol repair and construction and it's almost finished! It's my goal to get it completely written/illustrated and galley-proofed and available for purchase by the time i teach my unit on parasols in the spring 2008 semester.