Knit Your Own Hitler
Lauren G — August 2, 2008 — Art & Design
References: castoff.info
Designer Rachael Matthews has created controversy with a set of knitting patterns for woolly models of the world's most evil dictators.
Her new book has designs for a dozen dictators, with a photo of Hitler doing the Nazi salute on the cover. She calls the Hitler doll "Knitler."
Other tyrants featured are Iraqi monster Saddam Hussein, Uganda's brutal Idi Amin and Cambodian dictator Pol Pot.
Ms. Matthews is the brains behind Cast Off, a London knitting circle that has grown famous over the past few years.
Her new book has designs for a dozen dictators, with a photo of Hitler doing the Nazi salute on the cover. She calls the Hitler doll "Knitler."
Other tyrants featured are Iraqi monster Saddam Hussein, Uganda's brutal Idi Amin and Cambodian dictator Pol Pot.
Ms. Matthews is the brains behind Cast Off, a London knitting circle that has grown famous over the past few years.
Trend Themes
1. Controversial Crafting - There is an opportunity for disruptors in creating crafting materials that are socially conscious and not controversial or offensive.
2. Satirical Knitting - The trend of creating satirical knitting patterns of controversial figures can be extended to other sectors, such as crochet or cross-stitching, to create humorous and socially relevant messaging in crafts.
3. Political Sculpting - Creating sculptures or figurines of political figures can be innovated to have a more abstract or modern approach, appealing to a younger and socially aware audience.
Industry Implications
1. Art Supplies - Art supply companies can create niche products that cater to specific audiences that would like to make controversially-themed craft items and ensure that the materials abide by ethical and moral standards.
2. Gifts and Novelties - Making satirical items for gift-giving or collector's purposes can be an opportunity for gift and novelty manufacturers, creating an ironic statement piece or a socially relevant message.
3. Education - Art schools can create classes that cater to a younger and socially aware demographic interested in making politically-relevant sculptures or items that are appealing to a socially conscious user base.
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