Voice Knitter Creates Fashion On Command
Berlin design collective Trikoton transforms the human voice into unique knit patterns using computer-customized machinery.
Magdalena Kohler and Hanna Wiesener formed design label Trikoton after presenting their ‘Gelsomina’ Voice Knitting Machine at the Ars Electronica festival in 2007. The Voice knitter creates patterns based on live sound input, allowing the user to create fashions based on his or her own personal voice frequencies. Kohler and Wiesener, together with programmer Hannes Nützmann hacked into a 1970s-era knitting machine using computer micro-controllers and custom engines to open up manufacturing to live control.Visitors to the Berlin-based Trikoton record their voice into a microphone and a computer converts the frequency analysis into grid-like weaves in automatically-produced pullovers and scarves.