What do you think about NYU's decision to convert computer labs into wireless lounges?
After looking at the "Knitting IS Sexy" calendar, you'll never look at that old knit sweater your grandmother made you the same way again.
What used to be a frumpy hobby for the elderly is now a booming fashion trend. With celebrities such as Julia Roberts, Cameron Diaz and Sarah Jessica Parker knitting, the craft has gained popularity with the fashion-forward. Now it's about to hit maximum exposure with the release of the 2010 "Knitting IS Sexy" calendar.
"We included people that were so overwhelmed at the thought of being in a calendar that's sexy," co-creator Tammy Cunningham said. "When we provided these services for these women, they were astonished at their own beauty."
The "Knitting IS Sexy" calendar features 11 women posing in nothing but their own skin and a piece of knitwear of their own creation. Each photo answers the question of what knitting means to the woman, from relieving stress to focusing on their inner creativity.
The calendar is the brainchild of Cunningham and Laurie Maves, who traveled nearly 10 years ago to Ethiopia to promote self-sustainability along with fellow volunteer and avid knitter Julia George. George taught the craft to Ethiopian children; Cunningham and Maves were so inspired they decided to start a project to prove just how much women can enrich themselves through knitting. Ten percent of calendar sales will go to the Cunningham Foundation, founded by Cunningham and her husband Noel to help impoverished Ethiopians "help themselves."
LSP freshman Emily Rubin has been knitting since her elderly aunt taught her the craft at the age of 9. For Rubin, knitting is an outlet for self-expression.
"I'm a crazy knitter — I even used to knit in class," she said. "It's another form of creativity that keeps me from being bored. It's different from having any other hobby because you're actually making something."
Featured model and knitter Lisa said the calendar creates a sense of empowerment for women.
"It's about feeling comfortable with who you are, whatever age, size, shape or ethnicity," she said.
Will the calendar empower girls to raid their grandmother's knitting basket and take up the needles themselves? Rubin hopes it's that inspiring.
"Sure, knitting can make really terrible, frumpy pieces," she said. "But you can also make very high fashion, very beautiful things."
leave a comment
Comments from unregistered users will appear once they are approved. Log in to have your comment show up immediately.