What I love most about working with textiles is that sometimes I get asked to do some pretty amazing things. The other week I was asked to hold a day workshop at V2_ in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, later on this year, where they are working on some amazingly incredible and inspiring things, some of them you can see in the videos below. To check out all other videos from V2, go check out their comprehensive and vast video archive over here:

Ultimaker Masterclass (2011) from V2_ on Vimeo.

Wearable Urban Routine-Xiaowen Zhu (2011) from V2_ on Vimeo.

Momentum by Xandra van der Eijk (2011) from V2_ on Vimeo.

 

I’ve kicked around some ideas of what I’d like to do, but am not sure exactly what yet. My first idea out of the box deals with making a garment (first thought: a vest) that uses conductive threads to simulate the wearer being given a hug. While it would specifically aid those who isolate themselves due to PTSD and/or other disorders, it would also be pretty darn cool. In a perfect world, there would be a way to use the conductive threads in such a way that one person somewhere with a computer could effectively “hug” the other wearing the vest knitted with conductive thread.

And ever so brilliant upon hearing this idea, Mr. X Stitch, suggested that I make a vest using conductive threads and heat sensors that show where someone has given you a hug.

Early days yet, but I’m thinking there will be something going on that relates to hugs, knitting and conductivity in late November. After all, seeing that hugs and knitting are two of my very favorite things, I can think of nothing more fun to work with!

And speaking of mental health and craft, there is a lovely post here over at Resurgence about the connection between the two.