The kraftwork and the knittstruments: augmenting knitting with sound

Abstract

This paper presents a novel example of technological augmentation of a craft practice. By translating the skilled, embodied knowledge of knitting practice into the language of sound, our study explores how audio augmentation of routinized motion patterns affects an individual's awareness of her bodily movements and alters conventional practice. Four different instruments (The Knittstruments: The ThereKnitt, The KnittHat, The Knittomic, and The KraftWork) were designed and tested in four different locations. This research entails cycles of data collection and analysis based on the action and grounded theory methods of noting, coding and memoing. Analysis of the data collected suggests substantial alterations in the knitters performance due to audio feedback at both an individual and group level and improvisation in the process of making. We argue that the usage of Knittstruments can have relevant consequences in the fields of interface design, wearable computing or artistic and musical creation in general and hope to provide a new inspiring venue for designers, artists and knitters to explore.