To keep the spirit of the season in perspective, we invited Betsy Greer, author of Knitting for Good! and founder of Craftivism.com to engage in a little Q & A on the topic of changing your life and your world one stitch at a time. Her coinage of the word “craftivism” and the movement it represents inspired this very section of the Etsy blog!
Please introduce yourself and talk a bit about your blog and book.
I’m an overly curious dilettante who is always asking questions and
looking for new adventures. For the past 4 years, I’ve been writing about craftivism, the place where craft and activism connect, from a cultural perspective. The nerdy stuff began in 2004 when I wrote my master’s dissertation on knitting, punk/DIY culture and community.
Craftivism.com started out as a sociology project: What happens when you create a theory/idea using a new word and don’t tell anyone about it? Who finds you? Why? I’m so happy to see that so many people also feel that used in tandem, craft and activism can be incredibly strong and powerful.
The main message of the book, Knitting for Good!, is that craft can change yourself, your community and your world. It was written for people who want to get more from their crafting than solely product or sales. I hope that it will encourage readers to expand their own thoughts about what their two hands can make and do.
Can you talk about the inspiration for the book and how it came together?
In late 2006, I was contacted by Shambhala Publications about the possibility of writing a book for their new creativity imprint, Trumpeter. Jennifer Brown, my editor, (who knitted the globe on the cover) was interested in a project that would show where craft could take you… if you let it. We agreed that there needed to be more out in print about the driving forces behind crafts, instead of just craft itself.I was lucky to have the opportunity to explore where I wanted to go with the text, which includes some sidebars by some of my favorite crafters, makers and thinkers. It was lovely to share some of the dialog I’ve been having with people, in their own words. The main inspiration was to excite people about craft in deeper ways. We hear all the time about all the cool things we can make, but we don’t always hear a lot about how craft can be a catalyst for change.
I had a vision of the intended reader being someone who wondered, “So I know how to knit. I know lots of patterns. Now what do I do with it?” That being said, there are 9 knitting patterns by talented designers in the book, all examples of items you can make for charity, we just didn’t want the patterns to be the book’s focus.
Can you give an example of an unexpected use of craft for good?
One favorite project I discovered while writing the book was Naomi Dagen Bloom’s condom amulets. After discovering that women over 50 were contracting HIV at an alarming rate, Naomi decided something should be done. She made patterns of necklaces that had a place to hold a condom. Not only were they created to promote safer sex, by turning them into jewelry, they were a starting point of conversation.She has really helped spread the word about the rising illness rate of a demographic people don’t often associate with HIV/AIDS, older women, who are often seen as non-sexual entities instead of sensual individuals. I love how Naomi discovered a need for education and then filled that need in such a way that conversation about the issue naturally flows from the crafted item.
How do you plan to give back this holiday season?
This season I’ve been working on some newborn infant caps to donate to the local hospital, and participated in The Chicago Sun-Times Season of Sharing program.I also bought handmade gifts for many people on my holiday gift list, buying from local artisans and businesses. (I wish I could buy everyone handmade, but we still have a ways to go before everyone starts to realize that craft does not equal crap, the way that some people still have the idea that making a gift for someone is not as good as buying from the mall.)
[Baby hat by Uproar. Proceeds from the purchase of the yarn went to safe shelter, education, and health care for the women of Nepal.]
As such a stigma about handmade exists, I’ve been really excited to have the chance to talk to people of varying demographics about the significance and strength of craft! The book has allowed me into conversations I would have otherwise never had. It’s my hope that through dialog some people’s opinions have changed regarding craft. In a perfect world, people looking for gifts for others would immediately think of a local store or artisan rather than Amazon or Wal-Mart.
[Handspun Suffragette Yarn by WeirdAndTwisted. Donations to Terre de Femmes.]
How can people integrate craftivism into their everyday lives?
Finding something that you’re passionate about is a very good first step into activism. It may be craft, it may be soccer, or fishing. If it is craft, then craftivism is something you should look into! If it’s fishing, you can take the tenets in the book to apply them to your situation, it just may need a different name?
After you’ve discovered what makes your heart sing, you can the brainstorm ways you can use it to connect with others and make positive change. One of the nice things about craftivism is that it’s based in the idea that one small act can have an enormous impact. For example, if you knit a hat for a homeless shelter, it will go to someone who was previously hatless. You are not only showing them that they are worthy of handmade objects and that someone cares for their welfare, you are also helping make their life a little better in an instant.
[Hand-dyed yarn by Sanguinaria. Donations to a girl's summer camp in Maine.]
Another thing that I think is imperative is to really start opening yourself up to where you live. There are so many things going on in our own lives that strangers often become blurs in our peripheral vision. In order to help make your environment better, you need to start paying attention to its needs, both immediate and long-term. Make eye contact with the homeless man that asks for change, acknowledge his presence, don’t just avert your eyes; bake dinner for your neighbor that just got home from the hospital; offer your crafty knowledge and volunteer to teach art classes when the arts funding is cut. We tend to get so into our own little bubbles and shy away from what others around us are going through that we become disconnected from our community and our world, not to mention our own whims and desires. By starting out small and opening your eyes to what’s happening around you, you are more apt to see what voids you can fill.
[Photo by localcolorist, who makes paper cranes for peace.]
Once you truly understand that your actions really do make a difference, then in many ways everything you do is a craftivist act. At the end of the day, craftivism is about turning two culturally negated words into something positive that helps towards the greater good. The hard part is finding that place between the vastness of the planet and how you as one person with your specific talents can help. It may take some seeking, but it’s worth it.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I’d like to challenge people to learn a new craft in this upcoming year. And then once you’ve learned it, find new ways to use it to help yourself, your community and your world. In learning from scratch, you allow yourself to make mistakes and explore, something you might not necessarily be able to do in a craft or hobby you’ve participated in for years. By picking up something new we can begin to not only increase our skillsets, but we can live our lives in a more creative manner by giving ourselves license to discover and question.
Please share your craftivism projects in the comments below!
56 comments
Sign in to add your ownbeachhouseblues says:
Great article! Giving back has many forms.
3 years ago
rosetung says:
AHHHH!!! what an wonderful post! thank you missbatch and betsy! i'm speechless. i can't say how excited i am about this! these ideas, this inspiration, your work to spread the word, everything! much obliged!
3 years ago
BeadinBabe says:
What an inspiring post! Thank you! :-)
3 years ago
EJPcreations says:
ktog 9 has been a fav of mine since I first saw it on the front page. I love the concept and it is VERY well done!
3 years ago
LeahSutton says:
Very inspiring!!!
3 years ago
Sinta says:
Very very inspiring ^_^ Thanks for sharing.
3 years ago
Sallyent says:
Betsy you already know I think you rock, and having read the book I would absolutely recommend it to anyone. And thank you. x
3 years ago
voleurdebijoux says:
We can all make a difference with such wonderful insight into the human heart. Thank you for the inspiration and hopeful story! :)
3 years ago
AngDavidson says:
It makes me so happy to use my love of crafting to help out in a little way, everyone really can do something! So happy to see my kitty featured, thank you.
3 years ago
jennywithani says:
I just ordered this book! I feel like I have so many crafty talents that I could use to give back! I've found the fastest way to change a bad day is to help others :) Great article.
3 years ago
OffTheHooks says:
i love this article and the ideas behind it "Once you truly understand that your actions really do make a difference, then in many ways everything you do is a craftivist act." is my favorite line! ART IS LIFE!
3 years ago
HomemadeZen says:
interesting article...
3 years ago
Knitsational says:
This is a wonderful article! Very inspiring.
3 years ago
localcolorist says:
Thank you for this insightful and rewarding article and the sweet highlight of 2008 for my art work on Etsy. One good thing to offer as a act of goodwill, is volunteering for an assignment on your Etsy street team, is you belong to one. And if you don't belong to a street team, think about joining one. Or any team, anywhere! Best wishes for 2009!
3 years ago
TheSingingBird says:
great article with a subject that is very important to me, thank you♥
3 years ago
LacySorbet says:
Great artical! I am inspired by your insight.
3 years ago
AnthologiE says:
I LOVE this article! So perfect in every way. I like excerpt about the knit newborn caps. Recently someone (unknown) knitted caps to be sold for charity at a local store. If you're good at something, creativity doesn't have to end with your craft. Be creative about how you can give back!
3 years ago
BluCille says:
I need to hurry up and learn to knit.
3 years ago
littleredbear says:
i wish i know how to knit. beautiful!
3 years ago
PalleikoDesigns says:
What a wonderful article! I was excited to see artist Nancy McNally included. I own a few of her cranes and they are stunning in person. Nancy is a true activist and anyone who knows her becomes inspired themselves to create change.
3 years ago
dearbirthday says:
go betsy! and yes, i must add that this book is excellent EVEN for non-knitters
3 years ago
earthsouljar says:
I'm kind of in love with Elizaveta... just a little bit ;)
3 years ago
ohmay says:
Wonderful article. Knitting is my favorite thing to do and working with fiber always gives you something new to learn. Love it that LocalColorist is here. Love her cranes. Peace Baby...
3 years ago
christinececelia says:
very cool- I really like it
3 years ago
cigarboxbeads says:
wonderful article- I enjoy knitting, and i especially enjoy reading about nancy, AND having some of her cranes! I'm passing them on to my family, as a heritage - so-- thank you, nancy! marilyn g
3 years ago
Unwaveringfaith says:
Wonderful! I knit baby hats and take to local hospitals for newborns (they esp. love preemie hats) and me and my children enjoy taking toys to the hospital my daughter stayed in when she was younger, for the children who are bed-ridden and cannot go and play in the playrooms of the hospital. Every little bit you do helps!! Thanks for inspiring others!
3 years ago
jodieflowers says:
Awesome!
3 years ago
pinkpeas says:
This is absolutely beautiful, such a wonderful idea! :] thank you so much for sharing and igniting ideas so we can give back in such a helpful way.
3 years ago
dmriceart says:
Just had to say... Thanks for the Challenge! Great Article! Great Attitude!
3 years ago
elizabethwren says:
wonderful article! makes me know that i can eek out a bit more time before christmas and add to the hats we do for a local group in need- that is what it is all about
3 years ago
crzyskiier says:
I love the idea of doing crafts that give back to the community and/or environment! I think that this is a lifestyle that more people should adopt. I recently found a seller on etsy called EarthBitch. She makes eco-fiber and recycled clothing out of scraps and discarded stuff that are really brightly colored and beautiful, but not only are the beautiful to look at but she runs off solar power and donates a percentage of her profits to the Natural Resource Defense Council and other organizations for endangered species. So if you are looking to makeover your wardrobe and your conscious I think you should def. check her out!
3 years ago
NatashaDesigns says:
Great Picks :)
3 years ago
giusypatch says:
Thanks Betsy, I've just added the book on my Amazon wish list.
3 years ago
craftivista says:
Reading your comments (along with a few emails/convos) has brought tears to my eyes. Thank you all so so much for believing in the power, the strength, the hope and most of all the love that craft contains. And keep me posted on your craftastic craftivist work! xo betsy
3 years ago
larkspurfunnyfarm says:
This was just the article I needed - thank you for sharing your ideas and loving heart. Sometimes it is hard to know if we make a difference - fiber art can warm so many hearts. Again thank you.
3 years ago
1920 says:
Art can change life, we can all do that. Love the article.
3 years ago
Happiknits says:
Great article! I've purchased some yarn from sanguinaria :)
3 years ago
spiritRejoices says:
Great idea and project. But did anyone else find it ironic that the paragraph on condom necklaces was right next to a picture of a beautiful baby? As someone who finds condoms morally and humanly repugnant, it makes me sad. I don't think the way to stop AIDS is to dump condoms on people - it's like handing a butcher knife to someone who's on fire. Sex is a beautiful (dare I say, holy) thing, and shouldn't be approached with rubber gloves. I wonder if I could find a craft to spread awareness of that! Your article has inspired me!
3 years ago
MyElegantThings says:
Hi, I am officially inspired! thank you for sharing!
3 years ago
simbachdesign says:
It's good to see someone taking this idea to the mainstream. I have a line of handpainted cat & dog pillows called "PET PEEVES" that I donate a % of sales to our local "Friends of Animals" shelter...it makes me feel great each time I can write them a check! and makes the buyers feel good too.
3 years ago
nectorgirl says:
I love spreading a message through our crafts! Let's keep the energy alive and spread our loving, giving, living messages! Love the peace cranes, and also, LaCoque, thanks for the F Cancer... quite an appropriate one for me right now!
3 years ago
FluteTeacher says:
I'm inspired. I'm already thinking of ways to help out other people! Thanks for this article.
3 years ago
UnravelMe says:
Thanks for reminding me of the importance of my little piece of the world. I try to do my part, but know I need to look at more "little things" to do that can make a big impact on the world as a whole. What a wonderful article. Thank you for sharing, and I will definitely be looking for your book.
3 years ago
timesandchimes says:
Thank you for the inspirational article. So much love.
3 years ago
KabiDesigns says:
Great Inspiration ^_^ ... Thanks for Sharing Happy Holidays Karina ^_^
3 years ago
FoxyGknits says:
Two years ago, I knit scarves for a homeless women’s and children’s shelter. After Christmas, I got busy knitting for another charity and did not knit for the shelter that year. When we took toys and games down to the shelter last Christmas, the executive director mentioned to me in passing that the kids had literally fought over the scarves the previous year and how they added color to their lives. She will never know what her words meant to me or how they inspired me. I went home immediately, dug into my yarn stash and made a commitment (with myself) to knit 100 scarves to be ready for this Christmas. Throughout this past year, others saw me knitting and joined in. Last week, we took approximately 115 scarves down to the shelter. How blessed am I to have been given the opportunity to help keep our most precious resources warm. Happy Holidays to you all.
3 years ago
ennadoolf says:
Great article. Just a note, that thanks to the Wild,Wise,Witty Grandmamas Etsy team, my grandkids learned to give to Meals On Wheels - they made hemp bracelets and keychains to sell in my other Etsy shop and were quite pleased that sales of their items would help others. They're out of stock and focussing on school and sports right now, but I'd add their items to my shop in a heartbeat to encourage the continued giving. :)
3 years ago
PDXfabricdeli says:
It was a very interesting article and made me think....! Thanks for the thoughts and inspiration.
3 years ago
louisiana1966 says:
What a wonderful article! I have crocheted toys for local animal shelters in past years and this year(2009) am getting a ministry going in my church knitting and crocheting for shelters(such as the battered womens' shelter down the road from my house) and hospitals. I love the idea of thinking of myself as a craftivist! When God gives us the gift of a special talent we can't help but want to use that gift to help others,really! Thank-you for the wonderful article!
3 years ago
localcolorist says:
Hello Etsy Community 20 years ago I worked as the Communications Associate for The Trust for Public Land. One of my colleagues from TPL has an article published in the San Francisco Bay Guardian Newspaper this week. San Francisco Bay Guardian "No Artist Left Behind" by Mike Nolan http://www.sfbayguardian.com/entry.php?entry_id=7732&catid=&volume_id=398&issue_id=411&volume_num=43&issue_num=13 Please consider voting for his proposal linked below. You have to join to vote. It is easy to join and vote. Peace, Nancy McNally http://www.change.org/ideas/view/national_campaign_to_hire_artists_to_work_in_schools
3 years ago
Sirikind says:
Excellent article, thank you! Much in it that resonates with my musings on connecting the qualities of handmaking and giving.
3 years ago
learntoknit says:
great article on knitting with a subject that is very important to me, thanks www.learnto-knit.com
3 years ago
bastiano says:
It seems to be a lineal relation of more than 100 years between William Morris with "Art and Crafts", Hippies'craft ideas and Craftivism. (If I'm wrong, please let me know).
3 years ago