BATTLESTAR CRAFTSMANSHIP

The battle between craft and design has been raging since the late 19th century, when the likes of William Morris and John Ruskin began pontificating the tenets of their cause: truth to materials, traditional craftsmanship, and the same sort of ground-up, soup-to-nuts manufacturing that’s become so in vogue in contemporary design over the past decade. But the original Arts and Crafts movement, itself a reaction against the Industrial Revolution and historic revivalism, is far from over. Must we remind you of the hordes of knitters invading subways, cafes, and airplanes with the peaceful click of their needles and the chunky, smothering coils of their handmade scarves? Oh no, friends, the war rages on. Are these four D.I.Y.-ers sordid and cheap, or smart and stunning? Stake your claim, but be ready for retaliation.

1. Permanent marker and number two recyclable plastic are all it takes to make Ty, an innovative shower curtain by Grain, one of six new design firms participating in “A+: The Young Designers’ Platform” showcase within Accent on Design at the New York International Gift Fair this week through February 4. Unlike typical vinyl versions, Ty’s material allows it to breath, making it less likely to cultivate mildew, and it doesn’t off-gas. At the end of its use, just cut off the metal grommets and recycle it at any facility that accepts number two plastics. The D.I.Y. edition comes with a blue, green or black permanent marker for creating a custom pattern on the curtain’s shiny side. Grain, 206-915-1200; www.graindesign.com.

2. Jonathan Adler’s new Do It Yourself line of pillows, rugs, and tote bags are hand-loomed by Peruvian artisans to reflect the patterns, colors, fabrics, and sizes of your choosing. Create your own design by using the web site’s customized software where you can also view swatches and finished examples for inspiration. And as if that’s not bespoke enough, the entire line can be monogrammed. It’s like signing your artwork before you put it on the fridge – or in this case, place it artfully in your living room for all to see. Jonathan Adler, 800-963-0891; www.jonathanadler.com.

3. The child’s toy with a very grown-up panache, the D.I.Y version of everyone’s favorite Munnyworld doll is available at Kidrobot in dozens of shapes including Raffy, Bub, Rooz, and the iconic Mini Munny. The vinyl dolls come in white, red, pink, blue, green, and glow-in-the-dark, and in sizes ranging from four to 18 inches. As the web site dictates, paint, draw, scribble, pierce, pose or clothe – it’s all up to you, courtesy of the included marker to encourage creative play. Ah, to be young again. Through Kidrobot, 212-966-6688; www.kidrobot.com.

4. Not quite DIY since the founder’s mom does all the labor, Reknit’s concept is so cool we couldn’t leave it out. For only $30 a pop, the newly launched Boston-based web site takes your crummy old sweaters, unravels them, and re-knits them into brand new two-color styles, with items varying by month (January was devoted to scarves). And you can vote on what item you’d like to see next month, like glittens, hats, or sweater vests. Cut-off gloves have my vote for February. Now, which sweater to sacrifice from the ever-growing Goodwill pile? Reknit, www.rekn.it.

---------------------------------------------------

This article is writen by Meghan Edwards is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in Interior Design and Metropolis magazines. She has worked in Special Collections at Christie’s and presently holds a full-time editorial position at Interior Design. Born and raised in rural Washington State, she graduated from Brown University in 2006 with a BA in the History of Art and Architecture. Ms. Edwards has studied and worked in France and Portugal and currently resides in Brooklyn, New York.