craft, crochet

Hip to Hook – and some musings on craft

I signed up to Sarah London’s Hip to Hook crochet circle a few weeks ago – it’s hard for me to resist anything crochet!  Shortly after a parcel arrived:

Hip to Hook - March 09 by you.

two shades/types of yarn, and crochet instructions, a pattern for a flower motif and a stitch pattern.  I’ll show you soon what I made!  It was fun to take my crochet out of my usual comfort zone, and have someone else introduce me to other yarn choices and stitches.  I was very happy with my little parcel!  Which lets me segue nicely into my next topic.

There was an article in The Age on Sunday that seems to have stirred up some consternation!  There are a few comments on it here and here and here.  It’s also something I’ve been thinking about and discussing with friends quite a lot lately.

When I read the article, I didn’t read anything negative into it!  Conversely, I saw loads of positives, talking about how more and more people are learning crafts.  I was also excited the lovely Pip was on the cover and quoted in the article – since she is definitely an advocate of all things positive about crafting, like community, giving something new a go, sharing skills, and encouraging others.

I do think that the discussion has raised some salient points.  To me though, I craft for my sanity.  Some people craft as a business – that’s not my scene.  I’m not interested in selling my craft.  But if I was, I’d want to make sure that my technical skills were up to scratch and that my workmanship was good.  I love to craft.  I love the process of choosing fabrics or yarns, deciding on the pattern, and putting everything together.  I’m not original, and have never claimed to be – I don’t even consider myself particularly creative.  But I love making stuff, and my skills are improving all the time.  Other people inspire me and educate me.  I enjoy what I do, and I’ve really enjoyed connecting with craftspeople – which wouldn’t have happened as easily without the internet and craft blogs.

After all, for every craft blogger there could be another ten (or fifty or one hundred) people out there happilly crafting away, producing exquisite embroidery, comfy crochet, original knitting, superb basketweaving, perfectly fitted clothing, superb bags, even fantastic macrame, all quietly at home (and who may or may not be selling what they make).  But not getting involved in an online community.  Crafting isn’t a new thing!  I don’t believe you have to be professionally trained to be a good crafter, but I don’t believe that you can be a good crafter without practice and enthusiasm.  That’s why it’s great for people to share their learning process through their blogs, and receive encouragement and guidance.

But that’s just my opinion!  I reckon that everyone has to start somewhere, some learn extremely quickly, and good on anyone who has a go.  No divisions in the craft community necessary – but if you’re selling stuff, please make sure it’s good quality!