Anna’s Knitting Blog – A Commentary on Art and Culture that May Leave You in Stitches

Knitting is a form of self-expression for many people. The process of picking knitting yarn textures, colors, gauges and patterns is a positive way to exercise your creativity and feel a sense of accomplishment. Avid knitters are now taking this process in a new direction.

Just as yarnbombing began with someone’s need to add warmth to a cold looking doorknob, and then adding yarn to exterior sterile surfaces spiraled into a whole new trend where even man-hole covers are now being adorned with knitted splendor: so to is the news being interpreted in the form of knitted dolls who represent the physical depictions of famous people making the headlines for any number of reasons.

Anna, whose last name she prefers to keep to herself, is the blogger at Delit Maille, a softer and somewhat more personal version of the French Newspaper The Daily Mail. Anna started her blog last spring . Her adorable soft dolls speak of the prominent news stories with a bit of humor and whimsy to poke fun at how seriously celebrities, pop icons and politicians take themselves.

Here is her version of the very talented Amy Winehouse in happier times:

Photo Credit: Anna - Delit Maille Blog

Please note the fishnet stockings, tattoos, piercings and famous hair do. These little personal fashion statements make this labor intensive work authentic, vulnerable and irresistible. They also poke a bit of fun at the objects of the public’s affection, or attention.

Photo Credit: Anna - Delit Maille Blog

When everyone was talking about Pippa Middleton’s figure at the wedding, Anna thought that would make a great doll figure.

Pippa’s beautiful dark hair is visible along with the figure-hugging dress that many people had admired for its fit and fashion “presence” along with the silhouette it depicted. This story is of course, true, and this sweet doll does speak to the issue that the wedding was to be of great historical value, yet the media focused on a small, albeit lovely detail. If that isn’t quirky human nature what is?

With regard to politicians, during an interview Carla Bruni,  wife of Frances’ President Nicolas Sarkozy. spoke of falling in love with him for many reasons, one of which was his interest in and knowledge of flowers. Anna knit her soft doll creations to depict a very shy President Sarkozy peaking from behind a huge bloom to see the lovely lady who became his wife.

Photo Credit: Anna - Delit Maille Blog

Please note her lovely strand of pearls and golden earrings. He wears a little green hat to keep the sun away.

A more recent post adds a note of humor to a serious subject. France like the U.S. is struggling economically and as the two presidents sit down to discuss solutions at the recent G20 meeting, she captures Sarkozy as a smaller, fuzzier, figure who has to prop his feet upon a stool since they do not touch the floor. Obama is tall, stylish and comfortable which can be interpreted as a compliment. Both  presidents are adorable and approachable. Yet, their tasks are daunting and their humanness helps you to empathize with their tasks.

Photo Credit: Anna - Delit Maille Blog

The Statue of Liberty is another subject of Anna’s wit. This statue was given to the United States by France to celebrate 100 years of freedom. In 2011 the statue was closed for renovations and to have a second stairway added for safety. This soft sculpture doll is Anna’s representation of the Statue with a “new look” and an iPad!

Photo Credit: Anna - Delit Maille Blog

In her Mona Lisa vs Christina Cordula doll moments, Anna puts a question of “beauty” to the test by pairing Mona Lisa of the famous smile but whose beauty was never mentioned, with a well known former international model and TV Make-Over personality,Christina, who has become an icon for beauty on the continent. In a way, Anna is suggesting perhaps, that beauty is present in many forms, like the various objects you knit. To find it is a very personal adventure.

Photo Credit: Anna - Delit Maille Blog

All of these knitted “doll-scapes” are for the blog visitor to decipher. Truly Anna’s work is a gift to each of us. It is a suggestion that when pondering any number of subjects: to keep wit and whimsy at hand, is to have a healthy perspective from which to define what is seen and heard as having substance or just great packaging.

What an extra-ordinary gift for us and for herself. Perhaps, you’ll find ways, or you do already to let your knitting lead you to a more tranquil place.

Related Knitting Posts: