Let’s Get Small
We were charmed by a recent article in PRINT magazine, a conversation between Charlotte Beach and knitter Julie Steiner that featured miniature versions of some very recognizable sweaters, including a tiny representation of the Original Westerley, or as many know it, the Dude’s sweater in “The Big Lebowski.” She even knit a purple V-neck T-shirt to go under it!
PRINT has graciously allowed us to share some of the photos that showcase Ms. Steiner’s art. We also want to share some of her wise words.
On miniatures:
I recently taught a class on miniatures in art history, and it’s so much fun to see that artists through all periods of history and all around the world, from so many disparate cultures, have had similar practices of taking objects common in their world and shrinking them to small scale… Miniatures change our physical experience of ourselves, and that is irresistible.
On handcrafting:
Handcrafted objects hold human connections. They’re so warm and rich in comparison to manufactured products. They have soul. As an example, I love handmade pottery, and most of my mugs are handmade, many of them by people I know personally…they made something useful to me, something incorporated into my daily life for years afterward, and it makes my life feel stitched into a larger community, in both literal and figurative ways.
“Handcrafted items hold human connections.”
Isn’t that the truth? We feel like we should hang that on the wall here at the Pendleton Woolen Mill Store! Thank you to PRINT magazine for generously allowing us to share these images and quotes. You can read more, and see many more sweaters, including examples worn by Princess Diana and Charlie Brown, at the article. You can also read more about her technique and materials for making these miniature marvels.
Read it here:
PRINT magazine:
Miniature Knitter Julie Steiner Reimagines Iconic Sweaters in Itty Bitty Form
