Knitting loops back into fashion

In the Loop: knitting past, present and future' takes place at the University of Southampton's Winchester School of Art (WSA) from 15 - 17 July 2008.

It will cover a broad range of approaches to knitting, including digital versus handcraft, history, fashion and technology and 'new wave' knitting.

Subjects as varied as chick knit lit, a term coined by Dr Jo Turney to describe fiction with knitting as its central theme, inspiring collectors and their collections, and sportsmen and their sweaters will be explored. Sports historian Martin Polley of the University of Southampton will look at how cultural historians can use knitting to learn about materials and technology, disposable income and household economics, as well as class, identity and gender.

Twenty-eight speakers from the UK, Australia, Europe and North America are taking part, including Professor Sandy Black of the London College of Fashion; Liz Collins, designer and assistant professor of knitwear at the Rhode Island School of Design; New York City-based artist and author Sabrina Gschwandtner, and Barbara Burman, honorary visiting research fellow, Textile Conservation Centre.

Dr Jessica Hemmings of the University's School of Art, one of the conference organisers, explains: "The conference is inspired by the University's acquisition of nationally important collections focused on knitting history, practice and technique compiled by Montse Stanley, Richard Rutt and Jane Waller. These collections include beautiful knitted objects, as well as fascinating patterns, postcards and photographs, fiction and non-fiction, magazines and journals all related to knitting.

"This event acknowledges the range of approaches contemporary knitting is currently enjoying. The conference is aimed at all those, however experienced or proficient at knitting, who are interested in the craft from both a practical and conceptual perspective," she adds.

During the conference the University will formally launch the Knitting Reference Library based at Winchester School of Art, comprising a rich and unique range of resources covering many aspects of the history and practice of knitting. The resources provide a specialist legacy for makers, designers and scholars from a variety of disciplines.

Linda Newington, Head Librarian at Winchester School of Art, who is both one of the conference organisers and curator of the Knitting Reference Library, says: "This is a unique and significant body of resources providing historical and contextual information about the craft of knitting. Our aim is to make the reference materials accessible to everyone and they will undoubtedly inspire hobbyists, professional makers, students and researchers both at the School of Art and within the wider community."

A knitting lounge will be open to delegates throughout the conference, providing a space to converse and enjoy complimentary merino/angora wool and knitting needles.

'LOOP', a solo exhibition of work exploring the relationship between knitting and technology by American artist Rachel Beth Egenhoefer will also be on show in The Winchester Gallery throughout the conference.

To register for the conference or for more information, contact conference administrator Judith Horgan, email: J.A.Horgan@soton.ac.uk or 02380 596986.

Visit www.intheloop.soton.ac.uk for more information.

'In the Loop' is a collaborative event involving the University's School of Art, Textile Conservation Centre and Library.