The politics of knitting

"I am just here for the knitting."

"Does everything have to be about politics?"

These remarks often pop up in conversations in the yarn and knitting community. I am sure other communities will have the same comments from their members.

Maybe you feel the same sometimes. Weary of the news on internet and television. You just want to clock out and relax with your knitting. You can do that. It is good for your mental health to switch off all the information input. But it is also a privilege of able bodied White women to be able to do so. Awareness is key here. Be grateful that you can, and strive for a world where this is an opportunity for everyone.

When you step outside that bubble of 'yarn&you' into the community, then you can and should expect politics. Because whether you step into a yarn shop, follow a dyer on Instagram, or comment on a forum: everyone's experience is grounded in politics. The personal is political. 

Maybe you think you are non-political: but doesn't that just mean that the 'status quo' is working for you? You are happy with how things are arranged. You are not looking for change: that also is a political stand point.


Dit bericht bekijken op Instagram

First 2 sections of #ourcommonthreadskal done. Biweekly a new section will be added. The cowl is designed by members of the Vogue Knitting Diversity Advisory Council. First 2 sections by @brooklynboyknits and @creativececi are on @vogueknitlive. 🧶🧶🧶 The rest of the pattern is now available on @hi.ravelry. Starting with section 3 by @lhamiltonbrown. Proceeds of the pattern will go to supporting the Hetrick-Martin Institute. The DK yarn I'm using is Sugar Skulz by @lolabeanyarnco, Mint Green by @ladydyeyarns and vintage dark grey Leithen wool from stash. Projectbag by @ladydyeyarns Pin by @ggmadeit #indiedyedyarn #diversknitty #ourcommonthreadscowl #bipocdyer #lolabeanyarnco #ladydyeyarns #vogueknittinglive

Een bericht gedeeld door Ama de Jong✨Miss Minoes (@missminoes) op


Another way politics are intertwined into the crafting community is letting the money talk.

Suggestions to make wise choices of where to spent your yarn-euros/dollars:

- Does your local yarn shop share your views about inclusiveness? Are they welcoming to everyone?

- Do you source your yarn with the environment in mind? Is it locally produced and/or dyed? Is it organic?

- Is a magazine or social media account showing diversity in sizing? Does a designer offer a large range of options?

- Do you value when a dyer/knitter/designer share their personal experiences? 

- Is a company paying fair wages? Are they respecting artists rights?

 

Resources to follow (I got many to share, but this is a nice start):

Aja Barber on Patreon

GGMadeIt blog

BIPOC in Fiber Instagram


So, hey! This was my first blog post in 3 years. In those 3 years there has been health issues and healing, and I've closed my Etsy shops to find a new focus.

Stay safe & stay healthy,

Ama


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