The Knit Bag started with a consideration of truth and deception in making. How important is it that something is constructed the way it appears to be? Do we value a printed Ikat less than a woven Ikat? Do we want batik that has been resist-dyed or are we satisfied with the imitation? I wanted to explore that system of value by hand making an object using laborious techniques which imitate another type of labor and craft, without any of the labor-saving advantages usually associated with a change in production method. I decided to achieve this by pairing two of my primary mediums--screen printing and knitting--to create a bag.
To create the Knit Bag, I began with a knitting pattern drawn out in panels instead of constructed with yarn. The panels are then printed onto fabric, either woven or felted, and seamed at every edge to emphasize both the structure of the bag and the method of construction The straps have the "wrong side" of the knitting printed on the back side of the fabric to further allude to knitted construction. These bags (like everything I make) will receive a lifetime of free repairs, or wearers may learn how to repair their bag themselves via my website or workshops. All materials are free of harmful chemicals and synthetic dyes, and the bags are 100% biodegradable in a home composting system.
