The central point of postmodernism according to Linda is questioning the world around us. Looking at what is around us every day and trying to see more, using what you see to create new objects, new ideas, new ways of doing things. It's not only about borrowing old ideas and techniques or discarding traditional methods and thinking, but about developing whole new strategies for living, making and doing.

In her knitting Linda often takes the idea of a pattern from a culture or particular place and uses it in a new way by applying different techniques or materials to it or using it for a different purpose. For example she has used traditional Aran knitting designs in non-traditional forms to create pieces which are seen in a different context but still have the recognisable traditional element within them.

We were treated to a slideshow of many of the places Linda has travelled to over the years and began to see where her inspiration for colours, etc come from. We also saw examples of how things like architecture, village layout, economy of materials and so on have added to her catalogue of design ideas. A great example of this was the many modules that can be found in Muslim designs, a concept that Linda has applied to her knitting many times, ie; making up garments from separate modules or segments which come together as she creates the separate elements.

To sum up the ideas of Postmodern Knitting these points were made:

• Borrowing styles and ideas from wherever and whatever inspires you is appropriate - as long as you acknowledge the source
• Collaboration and re-invention are a large part of post-modernism but it is most important to give credit to those who have helped and inspired you or provided source material that you have worked with
• Coming up with new uses for traditional materials, techniques, etc is central as is thinking of craft practices in a new way, ie; as art or performance or as social commentary not just as a way of making something. An example of this is guerrilla knitting, a feminist response to the masculine aspect of painted graffiti

Linda then invited the audience to take part in a design exercise where we were given pieces of brown paper and scissors and encouraged to turn them into a 3D piece of clothing or any other object we desired. Those who were not busy attacking their sheets of brown paper had a chance to look at the many examples of her knitting that Linda had brought with her. Much fun was had by all.