Lea Redmond is interested in “conceptual knitting” – knitting projects that go beyond the pattern to become a small act of performance, community outreach or experimentation. In fact, she’s just embarked on a year-long public project, and you’re invited to join in.

From her website:

“Most knitting patterns call for yarn, needles, and familiarity with abbreviations such as CO, K2tog, and St st. Typical patterns might even ask you to keep track of alternating colors on a grid. The Conceptual Knitting patterns you’ll find here are creatures of an entirely different sort.

 

Yes, you’ll need yarn, needles and basic knitting skills. But most importantly, you’ll need a sense of whimsy and adventure. These surprising patterns will inspire you to look out your window, ride the subway and converse with your next-door neighbor. They will have you re-reading your favorite book and feeding a pocketful of coins into the gumball machine in front of your supermarket. In order to knit these unique one-of-a-kind garments, you’ll be sent out into the world – and deep within your heart – turning something as simple as a scarf into an unexpectedly storied object.”

The first pattern in Lea’s series, Sky Scarf, involves watching the weather. It’s a simple scarf pattern, but each day, wherever you are, you knit a stripe in colors that match that day’s sky. Over time, you’ll build a 5-foot scarf that’s also a record of your neighborhood and travels. She explains more in the video above.
To join the conceptual knitting fun, you can sign up for future project updates and download the Sky Scarf pattern at Lea’s website. There’s also a Ravelry Group.