Knitting Movie Knits

Literal and Inspired Knits

Since we seem to be on the topic of knitting in movies/books, today let’s chat more about Movie Knits, but in our own knitting.

I adore watching movies and tv shows that incorporate gorgeous knits into their costuming. I sit there salivating and dreaming of the replica pieces I could-should-would knit. Most of the time, the desire passes when the show ends.

But, have you ever found a featured Movie Knit that you unequivocally HAD to make?!

I have!

In fact, I learned to knit for this very reason. When the first Harry Potter movie debuted, I was a college kid on a tight budget, but I HAD to have a Gryffindor scarf!

---

I detailed the making of my Gryffindor scarf in my first Substack post. If you would like to read my knitting origin story, you can find the link at the end of this post. 🧣❤️

---

Literal Knits

I’ll never forget seeing the Coming Soon posters for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. Katniss wore a knit cowl-vest thing that grabbed my yarny heart by the tail.

Back then I had a bit more time on my hands. So guess what this total nerd did… I MADE it! And then I bought a (vegan) leather jacket to go under it so I could approximate the look…. AT THE MOVIE!! Yes, folks, I’m proud/embarrassed to say that I dressed like the main character while watching the movie in the theater.

I know I didn’t make an exact replica, but I did my best based on just a couple movie stills that the production company had released at the time.

And please, let’s not play a game of Who Wore It Better….

---

Inspired Knits

In addition to the Literal Knits (a.k.a. the knits that are literally costumes in a story), the knitting sphere is replete with Inspired Knits—a spectrum of projects that are inspired by movies, tv shows, and books.

I have more than one knitting pattern book that falls under this category. Wizards, vampires, and human literary characters—to mention a few—hang out on my shelves awaiting my attention and Casting On.

I also have plenty of published designs under my belt that fall into this category! I’m rocking out, needles and skeins raised, in the yarn mosh pit with all of the other knitters and designers who delve into Literal and Inspired Knits.

---

Knitters’ Inspiration

But why do we knitters love Literal and Inspired Knits?

The goal of a story is to create an emotional connection with the audience. Well-crafted books and movies help the audience to create a bond with the characters, setting, and plot.

For me, knitting is often an emotional response to a need.

I need a pair of socks. = I want to make socks that remind me of my favorite wizarding headmaster.

I need a baby gift. = I want to make a teeny sweater with yarn that was hand-dyed to represent my favorite elf.

I need a shirt. = I want to make a sweater with yarn dyed to represent a bada$$ fae warrior queen in a lace pattern worthy of Her Highness.

The list goes on, and I would imagine that you know exactly what I’m talking about. Literal and Inspired Knits would not be so popular in our world if I was the only one.

If we knit based on desire, and stories evoke emotions, then it is only logical that we want to create knits with patterns and yarn that connect us to those gratifying feelings.

My most recent Inspired acquisition (thanks to my Dear Yarn Enabler [DYE] Friend) is yarn from Bumblebee Acres: Coquette Sock in “To the stars who listen—and the dreams that are answered.”

Isn’t it absolutely gorgeous?!?! (And do you know that reference?🧝‍♀️🌌)

---

Your turn!!!

Tell me what Literal and Inspired Knits are in your FOs, WIPs, Queue, or Stash! I know you have them. 🤩

---

A few of my designs that take inspiration from books and movies include:

---

Mountain Song Designs on the Internet:

---

My first Substack post, detailing my learning-to-knit Gryffindor scarf story…

---

---