The theory of general relativity predicts that a sufficiently compact mass can deform space-time to form a black hole. Similar to the process of the formation of black holes, putting your lovely sweater in a dryer begins a process in which the wool appears to exhibit strong gravitational effects becoming more dense and allowing nothing to escape from inside as it occupies less space. Christal and Janet will explain the mechanics behind the dread we all encounter when that favorite wool sweater gets shrunken and felted. The mechanics presented should not be confused with Fuzzballs, the true quantum description of black holes. Instead, we will explore the art of felting wool, cashmere, or other natural fibers. This class will focus on important mechanics, such as: Why don’t sheep shrink when they get wet? What role do amino acids play in this process? How your project can be affected by slipping, sliding, and interlocking. How can you avoid having the wool pulled over your eyes? Finally, we will discuss how black holes are actually spheres of strings with a definite volume (unless, of course, you superheat them in the dryer).

Like all other Tuesday nights, this event is free and open to the public. Our night will begin with a Show and Share where attendees are encouraged to bring out the projects they have been working on. This is a great time to request feedback for the future direction of your project, or you can just bring out something you want to show off. We hope to see you there!

Knox Makers is a place for the Knoxville area’s engineers, artists, hobbyists, innovators, educators and entrepreneurs to work and play. We are a technology and art collective dedicated to the promotion of creativity enabled and informed by science. Our lectures, workshops, and outreach programs inspire and educate both members and the general public. Our workshop provides members with both the space for large projects and the tools to complete them. We are a non-profit educational organization supported by member dues and staffed by volunteers.