"An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet regardless of time, place or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle but it will never break." - Chinese Proverb
Lindsay Obermeyer and her daughter, Emily.
So have you heard about the Red Thread Project yet? On this episode you'll hear from Chicago fiber artist Lindsay Obermeyer, creator of the fantastic Red Thread Project, which is under way in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Hundreds of people throughout West Michigan are knitting and crocheting hats that will be connected to the red thread Lindsay is busy knitting. She estimates the the thread will stretch about a half mile when completed. This community art project is being organized locally by ArtWorks and the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA).
Once all the hat making is complete and all the hats are connected to the red thread, hundreds of people will gather at 7 p.m. Friday, June 30 at Rosa Parks Circle, in downtown Grand Rapids and put on the connected hats to share in a community wide performance art experience.
After the performance and subsequent exhibition of the connected hats at the UICA, the hats will be distributed to cancer patients who have lost their hair.
Inspired to make a connected garment of your own? You're in luck, Lindsay kindly submitted a fun and easy pattern for an 8-foot tubular hat you can share with a friend.
Below are pictures of some of Lindsay's other work that we discuss in the podcast. Visit her gallery to view more and check out her Red Thread blog.
MAKE A HAT BY JUNE 1, AND GET CONNECTED.
Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts
41 Sheldon Boulevard S.E.
Grand Rapids Michigan 49503-4227
(NOTE: At the end of the podcast I told listeners to mail finished hats to the ArtWorks, but the organization is in the process of moving. So, it's best to send them to the UICA. Either way, your hat can be forwarded to the right place by the wonderful folks at the U.S. Postal Service.)
The deadline is June 1, so stitch fast!
Artist Alynn Guerra (left), Cindy Koning, ArtWorks executive director and programs manager, Beekah Terlouw model hats connected by a red thread.
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This week's crafty announcements:
* I just joined a Quilt Block Swap organized by Kristin Roach who writes the blog Overextracted. Click here for info on the swap.
* Sister Diane recently posted a new episode of CraftyPod featuring Leah Kramer, founder of Craftster.org. Leah was featured on CraftSanity episode 16.
* Click here for my review of the ColdHeat Freestyle Glue Gun.
Taking Names: Who do you want to hear from next? Send your comments, guest and show topic suggestions to jennifer@craftsanity.com. Connect with me, please!