Yes, it really feels like the holidays! We’re so excited for the return of Gen Con. In preparation of Gen Con set up day was big!
However, this was not some ordinary set up simply because
We might have yarn bombed Gen Con!
Once we designed ArchRavels we had a dream that “one day, we’re going to bring yarn bomb art to Gen Con”. That dream and that day happened today.
Our goal with ArchRavels was to design and publish a game for fiber artists. Now we’re bringing fiber art to the gaming community with this art installation. The piece is a symbol of countless possibilities as one can imagine with a glorious stash of yarn while the second piece, flower pot installation highlights the importance of community and that despite our difference and our unique interests (games and fiber art) or approaches to fiber arts (knitting, crocheting, variation of stitching), we can unite as one.
1) Main Entrance
XYZ Game Labs built a frame that could sit ontop of the existing glass walls. The frame is made out of PVC and wood. The frame was then wrapped in chicken wire so that the heavy pieces of fabric can be pinned to maintain its shape.
The yarn balls were crocheted using acrylic yarn. In total there were 44 oversized yarn balls to cover both sides of the convention entrance.
Valerie Sherman is a talented fiber artist who crocheted majority of the yarn balls and then coordinated other crochet artists to complete the work. She is local to Chicago and has been yarn bombing throughout the pandemic for fun and lately for commission to raise awareness for important causes or to highlight historical neighborhoods in Chicago like Bronzeville.
2) Flower Planters
We coordinated with local Indy yarn store, Mass Ave Knit Shop, to yarn bomb the flower planters in ROYGBIV. As you know we love rainbows and try to include it in our games if we can.
Susan, owner of Mass Ave Knit Shop, and her friend Cindy coordinated this entire yarn bombing. They had friends and customers who heard about this endeavor to craft (whether it be knit or crochet) various strips of color and joined them together. It’s beautiful moment when we can accept each other’s difference yet remain interconnected through fiber arts and community.
If you can’t make it to Gen Con and are local to Indy, XYZ Game Labs will be stopping by Mass Ave Knit Shop, this Saturday at 7PM to demonstrate ArchRavels and to meet all of the fiber artists who rallied together for this yarn bomb. If you aren’t going to Gen Con but want to shop for yarn, support local business, and learn more about ArchRavels, swing by!
Booth #2315 Set Up
On top of ALL of the exciting yarn bomb installations we also had to set up the booth inside the convention center.
Here’s our booth and yes we have a pyramid of ArchRavels and new game banner for Titania Ascending.
ArchRavels
We’re running a special at Gen Con where for every purchase of ArchRavels you’ll get a free choice of enamel pin, while supplies last!
If you can’t make it to Gen Con, our pins are available to purchase online.
MEET OUR NEWEST GAME
In Titania Ascending, the first cooperative flip-and-write game, the map you create in the first round becomes the puzzle you solve in the second. Each player makes their own choices, but success for the group hinges on how well they can work together. Designed, developed, & tested remotely; Titania Ascending is perfect for In-Person and Remote Play.
Join the Vanguard!
Not only can you check out the prototype at Gen Con, but we’re also inviting folks to join Titania’s Vanguard by providing us your email so that you’ll receive:
- Access to exclusive Titania Ascending news, content, and giveaways
- $5 credit in our pledge manager if you back the game (just like ArchRavels Cast-On Program)
- Enamel Pin of Titania’s Seal