Thursday, July 4, 2013

weird

I once saw a bumper sticker type thing saying "Spinning, because knitting/crochet is not weird enough". OK it just said knitting, but I feel the need to add crochet in there too, since I don't knit!



It struck a chord with me, I think lots of people view handcrafts in that same way. Why make something yourself (from scratch) when you can go to a shop and buy it cheaper? Without the effort? I remember the time some mothers at playgroup said, in a not very nice way "I can only make a mess" once they discovered I'd made an item of clothing for one of my kids. I got the feeling they didn't think it was worth the time and effort.

Why indeed? Why take the time to spin fibre and then crochet/knit it into something functional? Why knit or crochet at all? Why sew clothes for your children when you can buy them so cheaply at shops? Why not go with the instant option?

Well, for one, taking the time to do something, make something with our hands is something special. The act of taking the time to make something for someone (or just for yourself) means a lot in today's throwaway, instant world! It's not always about saving money (crafters know this for sure!) but creating something that isn't mass produced. It's about doing something our ancestors did and making sure the skills and information remain for future generations. It's about having time away from television and computer screens and holding something tactile in our hands.


Getting back to basics and taking time to relax and enjoy the process, knitting, crochet, sewing or even cooking! It's good for you and your soul and that my friends is - priceless!

(The pictures are of a cowl I made this week,  my handspun yarn 50/50% Merino and silk and a make-it-up  pattern.)

10 comments :

  1. Amen to that! Quite a lot of mums i know dont cook from scratch, read, garden or craft, apart from wondering what they do with their time i just think these things are so enriching and empowering, so i'm always trying to convert people to my 'religion' ha ha!

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  2. This is so beautiful. I totally agree. While it may be easier to buy something, it lacks the joy and satisfaction of making something yourself. That cowl is stunning!! I can't believe you just made up that pattern! I'm both inspired and awed xoxo

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  3. it's beautiful Louana. I think people are sometimes overwhelmed with the thought of making something from scratch - it's an art and it's the process that leads to the greatness of the feeling when it is complete. You're in company that 'gets it' here :o)

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  4. A beautiful cowl Louana - & I agree wholeheartedly with everything you say. And I think I must've met the same mothers at Playgroup as you a few years ago!!!! (or perhaps their Mums!!!) Keep up your great work :-)

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  5. just shared on my fb page..i love this post, its so true! In a throwaway world its about so much more than simply making xxxx

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  6. Yes yes yes! Unique, quality, personal, special, real life! Agreed with everything you said here, everything. Loved this post especially xx (and live your cowl too) :)

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  7. seriously. what do people do with their time when they don't make stuff? I don't understand. Do they just watch telly? Paint their nails? Meh. Making stuff RULES.
    ps. That cowl is fricken amazing. I love the colours and the pattern! Good job! X

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  8. LOVE your cowl and this post xxx
    crafting is my therapy and what you said about our ancestors
    gutted I never learnt the skills from my Nana and her sister

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  9. I would have SO much free time if I didn't make things from scratch... but I can't think of a better way to spend my free time. I wholeheartedly agree with you and I wish I had had more time to spend with my grandma's, they were both wonderful crafters and homemakers. I hope to be able to pass their skills on to my little girl too xx

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  10. So true! sooo good for the soul! I wouldn't feel complete without having a project on the go....I love making for my loved ones, its so satisfying :O) Oh and i love your cowl and that delicious handspun yarn!

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