The creation by Gabri Tricot (Giaveno, Turin, Italy) with a Vespa vintage as protagonist.
Image source: www.facebook.com/gabrieivana
February 2023 (G.T.) – Are knitting and crocheting memories of our grandparents? Not at all: for some time ‘tricot mania’ has come out of the sitting rooms and become urban art: colourful creations - the result of hours of work, individual enthusiasts or teams joined by a single mission - decorate light posts, enhance park benches in public parks, cover the last telephone boxes still around, and even make the subway carriages of the city of Reykjavik (Iceland) more welcoming and comfortable, with decorated cushions and backrests (30 people worked for six weeks to accomplish this installation), in a triumph of flowers and geometric patterns.
Flowers hanging from branches, lamp covers on public lighting, decorations on the doors of homes: these are the crocheting creations that enhance the historic centre of Oratino (Campobasso, Molise region, Italy), one of the “Most Beautiful Villages of Italy”. There is also “kiss alley”, where “not kissing!” is prohibited.
Just type in tricot urban art in any search engine to be inspired. There is no lack of tutorials and publications on the topic.
Trivento (Campobasso province, Molise region, Italy): artistic creations, knitted and crocheted, that enchant and decorate the city spaces.
Furthermore, the creative and artistic aspect is clear evidence that knitting or crocheting is good for you. Experts confirm the anti-stress and relaxing effects, with the release of endorphins, based on dedicated studies conducted by sociologists, psychologists and researchers. And so, an activity which was once exclusively for women and housewives, has for some time attracted males in search of a calming break as well. In short, the more crocheting and coloured yarn, the less stress.
Source of images and inspiration: www.instagram.com/madewithlovebytomdaley
This is confirmed and claimed by no less than a British Olympic champion, Tom Daley (Tokyo Olympics gold medal winner in 10-metre synchronised diving), who also became famous when he was caught on camera watching other competitions from the grandstands… knitting and crocheting! These were images that went all around the world and, not caring a bit about the haters, he commented that his hobby helped him relax while preparing for the Olympics. And then he did not stop, continuing with the needles and proud of having given tricot a global stage. He even wrote a book (to inspire new generations to experience knitting and crocheting) and he created knitwear and accessory lines (Made with love by Tom Daley, with a dedicated community).
Source of images: bytomdaley.com
And many other famous personalities do not shy away from showing off on TV, in magazines, and on social media, intent on their clacking needles and coloured yarn; the phenomenon has been dubbed knitting mania and it has struck stars and celebrities the likes of Catherine Zeta-Jones, Cara Delevingne, and Sara Jessica Parker, as well as Uma Thurman, and Julia Roberts, not to mention Ryan Gosling and Russel Crowe.
A non-profit dedicated to knitting is headquartered in London, England. It’s called Knit for Peace and about 12 thousand enthusiasts are members. It is a community dedicated to charity.
Work by Jacqueline in Clitheroe, image source: www.facebook.com/knitforpeaceuk
Could the legendary and iconic Vespa “escape” the trend? Of course, not and this is why there is an abundance of delightful knitwear vests, complete with coloured mother-of-pearl buttons, that wrap protectively around the front leg shield of ‘chilly’ Vespas. And then there’s the delightful vintage Vespa, entirely covered by super colourful knitwear created by Gabri Tricot (in the title photo), flaunted as a sculpture at the workshop entrance.
A fascinating hobby: creations by Lucia, Reggio Emilia (Italy). Photo by the artist.
And what’s more, the mini crocheted Vespas made by Lucia, a lector who sent photos of her tiny little Vespas to our editing staff. We contacted her straight away for more information and here is her interview.
Lucia as she crochets, with her creations: coloured yarn, cardboard, and iron wire.
“My name is Lucia and I live in the province of Reggio Emilia. I am 34 years old. I have experience as a labourer, but I would very much like for my hobby to become a job. In fact, besides the crocheted Vespas, I also create other objects. I like teamwork, creative work, and I like putting myself in play.” And so, as she looks for a new job, Lucia dedicates her time to these delightful creations.
Are you a Vespa enthusiast or is someone in your family? “Both my partner and I like Vespas very much.” How did you learn to crochet? “It is my great passion. I started about 10 years ago, just watching simple tutorials, and then I began to work with my imagination.”
And how did you get the idea to create these little crocheted Vespa? “The idea came to me suddenly. My partner has a red Vespa PK 50, and I wanted to create the same Vespa crocheting. He was astonished because it was really very similar to the original scooter.”
How many have you made so far? “So far I’ve made about 15.” How much time does it take to create one and what materials do you use? “It takes about 3-4 days to create one I use coloured yarn, wadding to stuff it, cardboard for the wheels and to maintain the shape of the front leg shield, and iron wire for the chromium trim.” And then these small items became your collection? “In reality, I have most of them away as Christmas gifts...” Have you given your creations a name? “I think the most suitable name is My Little Vespa.”
Thank you, Lucia, and good luck!
Poems surrounded by crocheted hearts. The knitted word love, in love-red colour. In Oratino (Campobasso, Italy).
