About this project

This blog is to document the progress of a performance knitting piece conceived by Lisa Whiting, BFA, (CCS 2005) and assistant manager of City Knits. “Community Cast-on: A Knitting Circle” will engage eight knitters and 16 hands simultaneously knitting around a 16 foot circle to create a giant tubular soft sculpture. The piece was cast-on at Noon July 2, to kick-off the Knit Fest, using yarn donated by Cascade Yarns and rosewood circular needles courtesy of Colonial Needles.

“I chose ecological wool in various natural shades to reflect the diversity of our community and region,” noted Ms. Whiting. “The piece is not about the product itself, but the proximity of people, who may be strangers, working closely together as neighbors to create a community. The sculpture will be the evidence of the joint effort to create something beautiful and meaningful with the simple elements of sticks and string.”

Ms. Whiting will supervise the first round of a community performance effort that will travel to area festivals throughout the summer, and be bound off in a celebration at The Detroit Institute of Arts on a Friday in September. Knitters of all skill levels are welcome to jump in and knit a round (or portion thereof) and are invited to donate in any amount to the Stitch to WIN campaign.