At the same time, riding on the crest of the success of KNIT CAFÉ’s all over the world, the Stazione Leopolda – in concomitance with VINTAGE SELECTION N.10 will host the first-ever Knit-out in Italy, a gathering of individuals who knit, crochet or embroider and a selection of artisans or small scale manufacturers of yarns, dyes and accessories. The event will include an exhibit of works by some artists.
 
NABA (Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti) has recently conducted research on the topic of Do-Knit-Yourself as a primary form of creativity and mass production. The study was done in two design workshops held by Nicoletta Morozzi and Lorenza Branzi. The first finished items from the Milan and Tokyo will be here in Florence.

The first phase of the project was the launch of knit cafés in Milan and then in other cities throughout Italy, thanks to the creation of the website www.do-knit-yourself.com that features information (posters, etc.) on how to start up meetings in your own city.

The trend is very popular among Hollywood celebrities: Uma Thurman, Hilary Swank, Julianne Moore Winona Ryder, Sarah Jessica Parker and even Russell Crowe –and many Italian celebrities as well.

La Pina is a great knitting enthusiast, and during her daily broadcast PINOCCHIO (on Radio DEEJAY, Monday through Friday, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.) has turned the spotlights onto this new phenomenon and opened a lively debate on her blog.
Since March, her program features a spot ‘Let’s put the pieces together” [Uniamo le pezze] inviting listeners to send in hand-knit swatches (squares or rectangles). The aim is to make an endless garment that several people can wear. The installation will be on view during the knit-out at the STAZIONE LEOPOLDA.