In Praise of Crafting the Ephemeral
As those who’ve been with me for some time may remember… Before becoming a handknits designer I was the author of a bicycle blog. The blog was popular, as far as such niche topics go, and at its peak earned me a modest full time income. When I ended it, many of its readers were surprised, even quite upset. And more than half a decade after its defunctness now, I still receive messages asking Why I quit writing it.
As is often the case with these things, there was more than one easy-to-explain reason. And also, sometimes projects - even successful ones - simply run their course.
That said… There was one contributing factor that played a crucial role in my loss of enthusiasm for the bicycle blog, which I’ve not yet shared publicly. And perhaps this 8th of March is a good time to do so.
In the bicycle-appreciation universe, there is a deep admiration for the craft known as framebuilding: making a bicycle by hand, in the traditional manner - by brazing together steel tubes and filing down the joints to a fine - often decorative- finish.
At the time, I lived in Boston, USA, where artisanal bicycle building was thriving. Being a life-long maker myself, I was inspired by this scene and often featured the builders and their work on my blog - through photos, reviews, and interviews. I even gave the craft a try, and built my own bicycle from scratch under a master’s supervision. I still happily ride it today.
It was being involved in the framebuilding world as a documentarian and marginal participant, that made me decide I too wanted to dedicate my professional life to craft. Not to bicycle-making, which at the end was a world in which I was but a visitor. But to my own craft; the craft I’d been practicing since the age of 4 and to which I could make (I felt) unique and hopefully valuable contributions.
When I began to mention this on my blog, the reaction from readers was not what I expected.
The very same people who practically worshipped the craft of bicycle-building, were quite dismissive, if not outright derogatory, about the craft of knitting. The gist of the sentiment was as follows:
While bicycle building is a ‘noble’ craft, creating mechanically fascinating and useful objects build to last lifetimes, knitting (snort!) was basically a glorified form of fidgeting, creating frivolous, unnecessary, and ephemeral clutter.
This basic premise, expressed in different ways by not just one or two, but many of my then-readers, made me realise that
(1) I had no desire to continue writing for an audience who held these beliefs, and
(2) that the misogynistic prejudice against fibre arts runs deeper than I imagined, even in today’s day and age.
live carnation wreath
made by Breege McLaughin/ petal & crown
Why bring misogyny into it, you might ask?
Well, aside from the statistical fact that metalwork just happens to be male-dominated, while the fibre arts just happen to be female-dominated, the reference to ‘the ephemeral’ is what set me off. Because really it is code for Women’s Work.
Whether it’s cleaning floors, cooking meals, making clothing, or crafting decorative objects - the activities traditionally carried out by females have always tended to have a temporary, perishable nature, seemingly leaving no lasting trace of their efforts.
No trace…
Except of course, a hygienic living space. Except of course nourished bodied. Except of course, warmly and comfortably dressed people. Except of course an environment surrounded by beauty. You know… all the things that define quality of life!
As a knitter, I am aware that I put a lot of thought and effort into making things with a limited lifespan, things that - if worn frequently - are ultimately perishables. Does it make my craft any less important, than that of a metalworker, or any other artisan who makes longer -lasting objects? Absolutely not. And to think otherwise is, in my opinion, to lose sight of what being an artisan is all about.
Because the objects we make are not the end-goal in of itself. The objects we make have value because of how they effect us, and the role they play in our lives.
Happy March 8th everyone. Enjoy your craft, whatever it might be, on this International Woman’s Day.
top photo:
Pattern: Back to Front Pullover
Yarn: Kremke Edelweiss Classic
Model: Susana N.
Knitter: Heather W.
Carnation Wreath: petal & crown
