“The term craftivism was coined in 2003 by writer Betsy Greer in order to join the separate spheres of craft and activism. Her favorite self-created definition of the term states, ‘craftivism is a way of looking at life where voicing opinions through creativity makes your voice stronger, your compassion deeper & your quest for justice more infinite’ ” – Wikipedia
When I googled craftivist some pretty radical ideas came up. My approach to it is much more mellow. Looking at it from the perspective of how can I help others with the skills that I have.
Amanda Soule (from soulemama.com) says it well here when she was asking for help with a project:
“There are so very many reasons why we craft. We craft out of necessity, we craft out of love, we craft for pleasure. And we craft, sometimes, to bring a little peace to our lives, to our hearts, and to our everyday moments. Taking that just a step further, we can – and do, like so many crafters before us – turn our crafting into peace for the world beyond our homes. The simple act of creating something with intention and heart – for someone in need, can have a beautiful effect on the lives of others. We can, indeed, do something to create a more just and peaceful world…all with the simple, mindful and crafty work of our hands.”
This time of year many organizations are asking for help. And many organizations are stepping up to help with winter clothing drives and holiday gift drives. We volunteered to give a box full of gifts to a “Girl 0-2”. Among other things in the box, I made her a blanket. Below are directions of how to make one.
Here are other craftivist ideas:
Project Linus – volunteer to make blankets, find them here
Knit Hat pattern post – last fall I posted this
Yarn Bombing – check this out
30×30 Baby Blanket
Supplies
- Plain color fleece – I had a 30 x 30 inch extra piece
- Pattern fleece – doesn’t have to be much
- scissors
- sewing machine
Directions
- Cut out the picture or part of the pattern from the patterned fleece.
- Pin it on to the plain fleece. I just put a couple in the corner, you can add lots to cover the whole blanket if you want.
- Sew the pieces on to the plain fleece.
- Fleece will not unravel. I sewed a simple boarder around the entire blanket mostly for aesthetics purposes rather than to keep it together.
November 20, 2013 at 3:40 am
This is a really nice idea, I craft to add some control to my life (it is nice to do things with a beginning and a middle and an end, where you get a tangible product at the end). But, there is no reason that while I’m doing that I couldn’t be making something that would be useful to someone- thanks for the links!
December 8, 2013 at 4:45 pm
Thanks so much for your interest in craftivism and for quoting lil’ ol’ me! So glad to hear it resonates and that you are making it your own! Yeah!
December 16, 2013 at 1:34 am
Betsy I’m honored you found this post! I have been reading your book “Knitting for Good” – great stuff! -Sarah