Textile artist and Big Knitter, Ingrid Wagner worked with a group of Year 10 and Year 11 students on a two-day group project using recycled fabrics and yarn.
The project of course began with research, planning and preparation. Using “The Angel” as an inspiration and source, the students listed and discussed what the angel meant to them – powerful, embracing, trust, shelter, safety, security, proud, protecting, a landmark.
It was decided that the textile piece would be a panel made up of sections like the Angel’s wings, which would then be used as a chair covering. This would demonstrate many of the Angel’s qualities- somewhere to visit, to sit, to read or reflect; somewhere safe to snuggle into, to wrap around and embrace you; a monumental structure to offer protection.
Lines and phrases from a selection of “Angel” poetry and prose were written on white material, cut into strips and machined together. This textual yarn was to be knitted into the border of the covering, together with frozen secrets. The remainder of the yarn was then prepared by cutting strips of fabric (old clothes and curtains) and winding into balls. Each section was to be knitted using two colours of fabric and one strand of wool.
The palette of colours was chosen from a variety of stimulus photos of the Angel, which reflected many changing moods – bronze, white, red, rust, yellow, orange, pink, beige, and brown.
Next was the challenge of learning to knit on huge needles! Most of the students had never knitted before.
The following morning everyone picked up their knitting and continued as if they had been knitting all their lives. There was a wonderful atmosphere with lots of social chat and very quickly the panels had grown.
Two o’clock. Stop the knitting. The assembly was like an episode of “Sixty Minute Makeover”. The sections were cast off and arranged on the floor. They were bound together with cotton strips – sewing without a needle. The border was knitted and bound on too. It was a great team effort and we did it. By three o’clock the work was complete. We don’t just love it, we adore it. Hope you like it too.
Of course, a huge thank you to Ingrid. She was fabulous to work with, had great ideas, a unique style, and a warm and generous personality. The students are proud of their achievement and will remember this creative experience with great affection.
Vivienne Howell
Whickham School
December 2008
Comments (5)
It certainly looked like everyone was a having a great time when I popped into the library - it was a hive of activity. It's great to see that the knitting activities are still popular and that so many of you are getting involved - who would have thought it! The chair looks great and is very comfortable too - especially at the end of a hard day.
Posted by Mrs Hammerton | December 15, 2008 6:44 PM
that was soooooooooooooo much fun. it is definaitly something i will remember for the rest of my life. i soooooooooo wish it could have last longer. i would like to thank everybody for the day. make sure you check out the sheet with nearly everything bout the angel of the north
Posted by Bethany | December 17, 2008 8:01 PM
The group of textile students involved in this project made me proud to be their teacher. They worked with determination and focus to complete the project in the time we had and should be very proud of what they achieved.
The artist, Ingrid Wagner who worked with us was an absolute inspiration and I would recommend her to any school.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Howell for organising the event and working with us over the two days to complete the knitting. Also, a big thanks to Miss Grant who also helped with the organisation and knitting.
It was lovely to work as a team with a real focus, the experience was not only creative but therapeutic and educational.
Miss McLeod
Posted by Miss McLeod | December 17, 2008 9:13 PM
Hi, i am a regular of the school libary and i think the chair looks lovley. It is so colourful and soft
thanks,
Sophie
Posted by Sophie | January 5, 2009 3:23 PM
So far there have been about 10 fights over who has the chair. It's soooooo funny when everyone is running over the second they get in the libary. My friend ,Lucy, usually wins.
Posted by Bethany | January 21, 2009 8:23 AM