WANTED-Pattern Testers for Thesis Project: Knit Lamp Post

[kimennel]

Hi everyone,

I'm not sure if this is the right thread to be posting this, so please let me know if I need to move it.  But here goes.  My name is Kim and I’m a senior at MIT.  This semester, I will be working toward completing my thesis project, and I could really use some help to do so.  I’m an avid knitter who has spent the last four years studying architecture, and I plan to bring my two passions together in the thesis which I am preparing. 

In a nutshell, I will be designing lamp posts which will be completely self-sufficient.  They can exist off of the electrical grid of a city or town and will be constructed from knit fabric.  Thus, they can be constructed by a few members of a community, allowing them to take action to solve problems in their own neighborhoods rather than waiting for the government fix them.   My project is about community empowerment and giving the power of construction and repair to those who need it most.  If you’re at all interested in learning more about my project, you can message me or read more of my thesis proposal at the link at the end of this post (I promise, it makes more sense than what I just typed out here). 

I could really use some help in completing this project, though.  I need to find a few willing people or groups of people who would like to knit a lamp post for themselves or their communities.  I need people to test my pattern to see if it actually works.  If you’re interested, please e-mail me at kimennel [at] gmail [dot] com, or message me here.  If you want to help, I’ll be sending out a package to you with materials, knitting needles, and instructions in a couple of months.  It’ll be free of charge for you, and all I ask in return is a bit of feedback about the pattern and some photos of the construction process and final product.  So, if you want a free lamp post, please please please, let me know.  Thanks guys

Here's the link to my proposal:
http://www.mennels.com/kimennel/Thesis%20Proposal.pdf

[peachessunshine]

Hi, I read your proposal, and it sounded very interesting and well put together.  I admire your ambition.
I've been knitting since middle school, and it is one of my favorite things to do. I would love to give your pattern a try!
Thanks, and good luck.

[PenguinSoup]

I'm just wondering how large? Like an actual lamp post size? That's amazing that it could be self sufficient. I'm interested but may not have the time to knit such a large structure as I have a wedding coming up but I will pass this on to other knitters I know.

[loudxmouse]

did you already start this project? sounds fascinating.

[yarnynerd]

I would love to help out! This sounds like a great community project and I may even be able get some of my knitting buddies to help out! I have also been knitting since middle school.