Inspired by armour and animals of heraldry within Hellens Manor, a warrior shrouded in furs, clad in chain mail, stands proudly to defend its battlements. Influenced by the Artemis statue (Greek goddess of the hunt) within the gardens, interpretations of animal hides are combined with battle costumes from the Great Hall. An interpretation of armour is created through machine knitting methods, re-creating the three-dimensional, draped structures of chain mail. A wild looking mane of lion’s hair makes up the front chest piece, with a fierce helmet shielding our warrior, striking fear into the hearts of her enemies.
Above image: Knit armour made from lurex, wool, cotton, and acrylic yarns. Constructed on a domestic flatbed knitting machine using partial knitting, ruching, cast-off eyelet, and fringing techniques. Photographer: Melissa Sanders. Model: Zoe Haddad.
Above, left image: Close-up of lion mane knit collar, taking inspiration from animal hides used in tribal armour.
Above, centre and right image: Knit armour photographed at Hellens manor in the Great Hall.
Above image: Knit chainmail close-up made from lurex, wool and cotton yarn. Constructed on a domestic flatbed knitting machine using laddering and cast-off eyelet techniques.
Above, left and right image: Variations on knit armour using partial knitting combined with punch card techniques. Photographer: Melissa Sanders. Model: Zoe Haddad.
Above, centre image: Knit collar photographed with chest plate, exhibited at Hellens Manor, in the Great Hall.