Man Made DIY

Tracy Widdess has got to be one of the most talented fiber artists out there. Her knitted creations are equally inspiring and terrifying, the actual definition of "awesome," or, for you intellectuals, mysterium tremendum et fascinans. It's a thing; look it up.

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Yesterday's weird beard post prompted ManMade reader Ryan D. to point out the most excellent Etsy shop of Taraduff - maker of bearded beanies! I love when I discover stuff I didn't know I needed.

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By Polly Conway, Guest Blogger

Even though the release of the Tron sequel is months away, I can feel the mania beginning already! Knitter Chris Wass has taken it to the next level with this pattern for a beautifully detailed pair of socks.

Making these would be a grand gesture for the Tron freak in your life, as they're a bit on the tricky side. But you've got until December to whip these babies up in time for the return of still-rockin' Jeff Bridges as our beloved Flynn. If you're unfamiliar with this 80's video game/sci-fi classic, here's a little taste:

I have a huge respect for public art, am engaged by thoughtful street art, but have no respect for taggers (c'mon, guys; it's 2010). So, the idea of renegade public crafting is exactly the kind of thing that gets me jazzed.

Yarn bombing, a.k.a. graffiti knitting, is the act of an artist who seeks to improve an urban landscape by thoughtfully placing handmade fiberarts in a public place. These serve to beautify and engage, and are left indefinitely, or until the authorities have the piece removed.

(That's not really an official definition, but sounds pretty good, yeah?)

Our friend Dana from Yellowtrace has assembled a pretty rocking collection of such works. All of them are engaging to look at - the colors against the browns and grays of the street are amazing, but many also make public statements.

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