Knitted Rebellion
This left-handed knitter makes her own wardrobe essentials in protest of fast fashion
Hannah Conover-Arthurs
Instagram
Growing up I was surrounded by all the best yarn and materials I could dream of (my mom is a professional knitter). She was reluctant to teach me how to knit because I am left-handed and she assumed it would be too difficult. Thankfully, when I was eight years old, a woman from an afterschool program taught me, and I haven't stopped knitting since. My mother always knits by the books, but for me patterns are too confusing. They are written in sort of a knitting code! As a protest to patterns and a small rebellion against my mom, I have always created my own designs. I’m always striving to make more elaborate and ambitious knits as I grow.
Knitted bodysuit with matching lipstick
Knitting is a meditation for me; it brings me so much joy and contentment. I've always said, “If I'm sitting, I could be knitting.” As a teenager I would knit in the back of my classes, making hats and headbands for my friends. I knit on the bus, subway, plane, train — honestly anywhere and any time that I could potentially get bored and need something to do. Through these long winter months I’ve been endlessly grateful to have this passion, hobby, and practice. I have taught most of my friends to knit over the years. My hope is to inspire new people to take control over their wardrobes and create their own clothes.
Knitted pads (used in tandem with a diva cup)
A few years ago I started my Instagram page @legitaknitdesigns as a way to share my creations. I see knitting as a form of protest against fast fashion. I tend to knit just for myself because people don't understand the time that goes into making clothes from scratch. I try to knit most of my essential items — including period pads, shoes, coats, and underwear — and I wear them to death. At this point, at least a third of my wardrobe is handmade and another third consists of hand-me-downs. I find it very hard to part with my knits. I hope they will eventually end up in a good home where they will be appreciated because so much love goes into each piece! I like to think that handmade garments take on a life of their own and tell a story for generations to come.
Garbage dress for Pride parade 2019
In the past few years I've focused on using sustainable materials (hemp, linen, and local wools). Most cheap yarn out there is made from synthetic fibers and natural fibers are usually very costly. The average knit can run more than $100 for yarn alone! I was feeling conflicted about blowing so much of my budget on yarn. Lately I have been upcycling old clothes and garbage to string up balls of yarn and give new life to otherwise unwanted objects. During the lockdown all the thrift stores have been closed so my friends have been donating their old clothes to me for knitting!
Bamboo crop top for the summer
I plan on offering fun, new upcycled knits, complete with patterns, on this blog! I’m trying to make wearable, fashionable knits and prove that knitting can be badass and used as a form of protest!
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