May
15

Radical craft in Get Creative

Do you read Get Creative? It’s the craft mag from Spotlight and it’s got some pretty cool stuff in it. While the magazine is very much targetted around promoting Spotlight products it does have a fantastic local focus and it’s a great way to learn about some of the incredible designers and artists working in Australia and elsewhere.

Each month Get Creative has a special theme and last month the theme was Yarn. And in a moment of awesomeness, they decided to do an article on political craft! You can download a copy of the article here, which includes Lisa Anne Auerbach, me!, Betsy Greer, Cat Mazza and Magda Sayeg.

I also contributed a review of Betsy’s book, ‘Knitting for Good’. The final copy they printed was a bit cut down, but here’s the original review:

Knitting for Good!
By Betsy Greer
Reviewed by Rayna Fahey

One of the wonderful consequences of the resurgence of craft, particularly amongst young people is the rapidly expanding craft sections in our local bookshops. What’s particularly refreshing is the wide range of contemporary pattern books; utilising interesting new materials and genuinely innovative spins on traditional techniques. But while there is plenty of discussion in our craft groups about the benefits of craft, there hasn’t been too many books written on the subject.

Until now.

Knitting for Good is a beautifully written tale of the personal, local an global benefits of craft. While this book still contains patterns, the focus is definitely on the story. And as a non-knitter I can definitely say this book is for anyone who crafts, not just the fans of the clicking needles..

Divided into three sections: “Knitting for Yourself” “Knitting for Your Community” and “Knitting for The World”, Greer takes the reader on a personal journey as a knitter and as an activist. Starting from her own background in the Riot Grrl DiY scene we read how a staunch young feminist embraces a traditional domestic craft in a way that doesn’t betray her political beliefs but rather, enhances it.

A major highlight of the book is the sidebar sections written by various people who have inspired Betsy’s book. The sidebars compliment the text beautifully and truly demonstrate the importance of community within the craft movement. As a last minute addition to the book, the sidebars definitely complete the story.

Next time someone scoffs your crafting, you can proudly raise your chin and declare “I’m saving the world”.

Finally one of the best aspects of the book is the production. With a gorgeous handmade cover the book is filled with lovely illustrations and a nice cottage feel. This book is a perfect read for an overcast Sunday afternoon, with a lovely cup of tea and your latest craft project within arms reach.

G’arn, go buy a copy!