Firstly, Social Knitworking is an awesome name.  Secondly, it’s the title of a really interesting project belonging to design graduate Hilary Grant and creative research organisation Distance Lab. 

Amazingly, these smarty pants people have developed a computer programme that analyzes online text and detects conversational patterns (for example, frequently used phrases or sentiments) and outputs an abstract knitting pattern which is downloaded into a computer-controlled knitting machine.  Find out more here.
Social Knitworking turns key words and phrases from online social messages and translates them into different patterns that can become personal textile keepsakes for friends and family.  I love the idea that ephemeral comments made on twitter or taken from email can be turned into colours and designs that create meaningful items of clothing – like wearing a secret diary and only you can understand the coded entries.  The pattern generation concept involved means that ‘sentences’ could be woven into pretty much any accessory, dress, top or bag.  We update our online status publicly on a daily basis so why not celebrate this by wearing your thoughts on your sleeve?

The genius doesn’t stop there either!  Distance Lab has also created the Lost Values boutique selling unique craft and technology solutions.  My personal favourite is the reflective lace which can be crafted into clothes (check out the awesome high visibility socks below)!
All images ©Distance Lab.