Thanksgiving is right around the corner and the winter holidays are only a few short weeks away. While this year's holiday season maybe unlike any other due to social distancing guidelines and travel restrictions from COVID-19, the need for connection, gratitude, and generosity remain. In the spirit of the season I will be reviewing Knitting for Good: a Guide to Creating Personal, Social, and Political Change, Stitch by Stitch Betsy Greer.
Greer described her path into knitting as one with unexpected roots. She was an active child drawn to sports and skateboarding. As a young adult, she became involved in the Riot Grrl feminist movement as an activist. The do it yourself ( DIY) ethos of the movement is ultimately what brought her to craft. The values of DIY include permission to make mistakes, a democratic approach to learning, and self-sufficiency. Greer writes, “The notion that I could do something and screw it up without apology was novel and liberating. Being given the okay to get messy and dive into the learning process was what I needed to hear all those years ago, and it has stuck with me fiercely ever since.” In this way, making something handmade, even if it isn't perfect, is an act of empowerment.
While knitting’s connection to domesticity initially challenged Greer’s feminist ideals, learning to knit changed her perspective. The work early suffragettes, feminist, and other activist paved the way for women to make choices about entering the workforce or staying at home. Knitting, for many, has become a leisure activity of choice rather than a necessity or expectation.
The rest of Knitting for Good approaches knitting much like a spiral, with the individual at the center moving in larger social circles outward toward the greater good. We're right about how social connections sometimes start with the common language of knitting. In other words, conversations may start by visible shared interest, “The ease of conversation prompted by craft houses connect with others beyond our own racial, economic, or social backgrounds, allowing everyone involved to learn about someone new and foster a sense of belonging.” This may be a first step in connecting with people in your community beyond your existing social circle. Activities like knitting in public, starting a crafting group, where yarn bombing your hometown are always to make knitting more visible and create a sense of community.
The Social Circle widens when we consider knitting as a form of activism and inclusion. This can take the form of teaching children, the elderly, or disenfranchised groups how to knit, making knitted items to donate to charity, or selling handmade items are you donating the proceeds to worthy causes. If you are a knitter or crochet and are interested in getting involved in this way click this link for a list of charities currently accepting items. As Greer writes, "It's not about who writes the biggest check. It's about wanting to help others feel special, cared for, or simply warm. Those of us who knit can use our needles and yarn stashes as a way of working towards change.” Finally, Greer writes about the use of crafts for activism also known as craftivism. This is the use of craft for consciousness-raising and social justice.
Wherever you are on your crafting journey, whether just starting out or looking for inspiration for your next project, Knitting for Good offers suggestions, encouragement and patterns to get you started. Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving!
“While some people are meant to donate large sums of money, others are meant to donate their time, knowledge, or skills.”
-Betsy Greer