Alt text / image descriptions are available for the images in this post.
Pull up a rocking chair and let’s join Granny as we explore this incredible kinetic build. Granny rocks back and forth while her arms are furiously knitting away. Two cats join in the fun, playing with yarn balls. Builder David Manfred takes us behind the scenes of his Knittin’ Kitten and shows how he made his creation literally come to life.
Let’s take a behind-the-scenes look at how David Manfred created this incredible automaton for BrickWorldChicago in 2024! Image shows a woman rocking in a rocking chair, knitting a white creation. Two cats play by her side, swatting at yarn and rocking with a ball of yarn.
David says: ”My main inspiration for the build was my wife who crochets. Knitting isn’t the same as crocheting, but the movement of two knitting needles is instantly recognizable so I went in that direction so the build would communicate its story effortlessly.” Grandma’s arms are not attached to her body. It’s an optical illusion! Technic axle connectors are held in place by axles, which are moved by gears. Image shows a close up of key parts used in building Grandma’s head (hot dog, connectors, plates) and the prototype of her arms knitting.
David says: “I brainstormed story elements that would go along with someone knitting without looking too silly being repeated infinitely. I build each of the prototype mechanisms one by one to make sure the idea is feasible once all the mechanisms are connected. I landed on a rocking chair and cats playing with the yarn, something our cat Milo loves doing! I knew it was perfect as soon as it entered my mind.” The prototype determines motion. Image shows the final build and a prototype made of miscellaneous bricks.
David says: “The cat pawing the white yarn back and forth didn’t look great with his arms being static. I tried a few different methods to get his arms moving the yarn.” The cat’s paws passively move. The ball of yarn (2x2 round brick) performs the action, sliding back and forth. Rubber bands allow cat arms to return to their initial position. To see how the yarn slides, stay tuned for post 2454 - Making Mechanisms Slide! Image shows a close up of the cat’s paws.
The Knittin’ Kitten only uses 1 motor! This means every movement component needs to be connected to each other.The chain link helps span the distance while keeping the gears moving in the same direction.The kitten pawing the yarn back and forth uses a linkage connection system to slide. Image shows a close up of gearing components.
This gray kitten rocks to and fro thanks to a pulley wheel and bars. To create a rolling action, the gray kitten is posed in a curved position. If you want to learn how to make things tilt, check out post 2176! Image shows a gray cat rocking back and forth.
David says: “To save time, and because I didn’t have all the correct parts on hand, I built many rug options digitally so I could compare them side by side.” The black rocking chair actually rocks back and forth! Coral colorfully contrasts against the reddish brown floor. Image shows a close up of the rocking chair, a variety of rendered carpet squares, and a close up of the final rug.
To see more of David’s work on Instagram, follow: @davidbuildsthebricks
Featured Builder:
@davidbuildsthebricks
Comments