Exploring and Connecting

As a maker, it’s a magical time to be alive….all things considered. Inspiration flows through fiber optics and air, delivered to your brain at lighting speed. Access to basic supplies comes at what seems like a mere thought. And although there is much consideration to be made for gatekeeping of both ideas and materials*, the everyday maker can go from inspiration to making in the blink of an eye.

Enhancing this experience is the idea of multi-source support. A knitter can be working on a pattern from one author, all the while getting tutorials on specific stitches within that pattern from another. We are not locked into a single point of view.

This is a space where I will be exploring all things old and new in craft - mainly in fiberish things, such as knitting, crochet and embroidery….since those are things that are already in my wheelhouse. In particular, I’ll be spending time with my grandmother's knitting patterns which made their way to me after she passed. Recreating things that she had made, with a different technical knowledge of stitches and such. Not in the spirit of doing things “better”, but doing things with the resources that have been cultivated in the many, many years since.

From a mechanics point of view - posting will be in two different spirits: First will be my general observations of the experience. Discussion meant for everyone that focuses on the connection of the past, present and future. Second will be more technical in nature, exploring the specific skills and methods of the particular craft. All are welcome, but some may find this to be a total snoozefest!

*While there is still a long way  to go in meeting all makers where they are at, accessibility has gone beyond printed pamphlets and mail order kits. This is an area where all creative communities can always do better, and they should seek that as an opportunity of growth, and not a challenge to their own identities.