LoopyKnits

This site has gathered a handful of cool knitting projects that celebrate all you love about video games: http://www.ripten.com/2008/02/03/improve-your-hand-eye-coordination-with-nine-knit-game-projects/

My favorite: the Magnetic Katamari Ball.

Fantasy author Holly Lisle not only generously shares writers’ tips that I’ve enjoyed surfing through for years, she also is an imaginative, skilled knitter. And she has created a madly interesting set of make-your-own-magic sock patterns for some of her fictional characters, the Anzi.

The idea is that the Anzi knit colorful patterns into the fabric, visually expressing what they desire to receive. Her website explains: 

“The Abundance Socks give thanks for something needed. They acknowledge the Anzi belief that as soon as you put your will into the system, the system answers simultaneously, though you may not see the results immediately. So when the Anzi pray, they don’t pray for something. They give thanks for it, because whether they have what they need yet or not, they accept that Spirit has already answered.”

This just delights me; you have got to check this out. (I can’t possibly be the only other sci-fi/fantasy geeky knitter out there, can I?) At Holly’s site, the index on this topic contains links that explain the theory, the pattern, color theory, meaning of the symbols, and more.

Technorati Tags: magic socks, Anzi socks, quantum knitting, quantum entanglement, Holly Lisle, abundance socks, LoopyKnits.com, Carolyn Bahm

Don’t hold your breath about seeing this product on your LYS shelves, but there’s at least one knitter who can lay claim to knitting with chocolate brown yarn made from the fur of shedding bears.

These are trained and socialized bears who enjoy treats and who tolerate careful brushing during June and July when they are getting down to their summer coats in Vermont.

The yarn is smooth and a little scratchy, in case you were wondering. See the story at SmallTownPapers News Service for details.

Technorati Tags: bear yarn, knitting with bear hair, knitting with bear fur

Look Here, You Cluckers
Get your giggle on. There’s an update of the classically funny Chicken Viking Hat at AlohaMedia.net. Yup, it’s a chicken, and it goes on your head. You won’t know whether you’re re-living the turkey-on-the-head Mr. Bean episode or you’re standing in for Bugs Bunny in an opera spoof. One thing’s for sure — you won’t look like anyone else on the block!

This little knitted darling has been around for a while, but the site now has updated crochet instructions, as well as the original knitter’s instructions for the children’s hat and a link to an adult-size pattern. Thanks to those who dream big — concept by Kat Kinsman and Sarah Mundy, with design by Sarah Mundy. Via.

Getting Nekkid Under the Fibers
Fiber artist Anna Maltz has a really supportive family. Really, really, really supportive. Check out their full-body “naked suits.” Be sure to click “next” on the site to see additional pics, too! (I’ll add a photo here if I can secure the site’s permission.) Via.

Students Knits Her Own Ferrari
It took art student Lauren Porter and some helpful family members 10 months and 12 miles of yarn to knit a Ferrari sportscar out of 250 garter-stitch squares for the body in hello-officer red, windows from stocking stitch, crocheted details, and — of course — an embroidered emblem on the hood. It’s all supported by a steel frame which Lauren, 22, welded herself. See a still pic here and a brief video here and The Sun article here. I believe this dates from mid-2006. Via. Also see her own website for a knitted wingback chair, Christmas tree, and more!

Technorati Tags: funny knitting, silly knitting, weird knitting, wacky knits, hat knitting, Chicken Viking Hat, AlohaMedia.net, fiber art, knit naked suits, knit a car, knit Ferrari, knitblog, LoopyKnits.com, Carolyn Bahm