craftivism

DIY trash – plea for ideas

by kath_red on February 15, 2010

in Green Crafting

Betsy from craftivism wrote in asking for help seeking ideas on ways to recycle trash in a small Guatemalan village – here is the letter – if you can help either leave a comment here or email her betsy[AT]craftivism[.]com

One of the biggest problems regarding health in Guatemala (and other countries) is related to trash. In the villages, to get rid of trash, they burn it, right in the middle of the village, letting dangerous toxic fumes blow right down the main street, not 10 yards from houses, kids, cows.

I’m working on putting together a grant proposal with some ideas of how the villagers could reuse their trash to create something useful. Yes, they could also make stuff and resell it, but unless it can be resold in country, it’s perpetuating Guatemala being dependent on other countries. The money from the grant would go towards making/teaching/testing creations in order to see if the villagers can easily make them …

Given the DIY/craft community’s enthusiasm for reusing materials, what could we come up with that would make life easier in developing countries? From solar power to LED lights to making yarn from plastic bags to reusing plastic bottle … The possibilities are endless! The biggest problem is finding a way to reuse plastic so it can be saved from the town dump. Yes, recycling would be awesome, but not as practical in the middle of nowhere. Water is also an issue as some people have to carry it from a stream in buckets… which I can tell you, are heavy!

So, I’m asking you, lovely craft peeps, to either pass on any links you might have of creative reuse ideas or to pass on the word that I’m looking for them.

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book: knitting for good

by kath_red on March 11, 2009

in Books, Features

Knitting for Good!: A Guide to Creating Personal, Social, and Political Change Stitch by Stitch by Betsy Greer published by Trumpeter (November 11, 2008).

A heartwarming and uplifting series of essays on knitting from craftivism activist Betsy Greer. Betsy writes a series of refreshing and inspiring essays, all about knitting, with topics ranging from craft as therapy, using craft to connect with others, craft for charity, and knitting and activism.

Dotted throughout are interesting anecdotes and crafting memories from various people who have used craft in positive ways. Such as Felicity Ford from the Mississippi radio show who crated the walking stick cosy competition to challenge perceptions about disabilities. Diane Gilleland, church of craft minister and broadcaster of the popular crafty podcast craftypod. Faythe Levine, author and film maker of the indie production ‘handmade nation’ and lots more.

There is also a range of simple yet stylish knitting patterns in the book – designed especially for giving to others, meditation knitting, learning and teaching. Such as the striped hat for the homeless, cushion cover to knit for the elderly or bedridden, knitted toys for children and a rather nice asymmetrical vest.

Congratulations Betsy – a must read for crafters and non crafters everywhere.

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crafting for families in need

by kath_red on December 14, 2008

in Community

Anny Purls has designed new pattern for the benefit of MOST’s Adopt-A-Family program which provides much needed holiday cheer to families of multiples in need. When Anny heard that the program was underfunded to the point where it may not be able to continue to operate next year, she thought knitters could do something about that!

These buddy sweaters with finger puppet buddies and pockets were designed for the Benefit of MOST’s Adopt-A-Family program. The pattern is free with any contribution to the organisation. You can find out more and download the pattern here: 100% of the money raised goes directly to families of multiples in need.

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documentary: craft intervention

by kath_red on December 14, 2008

in Art+Design

Here is a short documentary by Anna Brownfield (www.poisonappleproductions.com.au) about Rayna of www.radicalcrossstitch.com who uses fences on vacant blocks of land to cross stitch the message ?I wanna live here?, to highlight the housing affordability crisis that is being experienced in Australia. This is part of a larger documentary Anna is working on about craft.

Anna Brownfield is a multi award winning independent filmmaker who is based in Melbourne, Australia. She is an avid crafter and is constantly inspired by the DIY craft revolution.

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Craft Warmth for the Homeless this Winter

by kath_red on November 26, 2008

in Community

As the temps outside reach frigid lows, the issues faced by your local homeless population can be life-threatening, especially for those unable to find adequate shelter. This winter season, consider using your craftiness to help the homeless fight the cold with these simple projects. Hand them out in urban areas or in places you know where many homeless people reside, or call a local homeless shelter (homeless shelter directory or shelter listings) to find out if you can hand them out there. Keep in mind that shelters may require larger quantities of handmade goods, so you might consider finding or starting a group in your area that can do a project on a larger scale. Think the office, friends, social clubs, classes, meetup.com, or for knitting projects, the charity knitting groups on Ravelry.com.

There are many free patterns on the internet suitable for winter warmth. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Felt Mittens by Waxwing, 2004: These felt mittens use materials that are inexpensive and easy to find, and they can simply be made in large quantities in a short amount of time. They are crafted by felting recycled wool sweaters which can be found at local thrift shops, yard sales, even the back of your closet. For more information on felting, read this tutorial on CraftStylish. [also check out this quick mittens tutorial on whipup]

ScWiNoNa Scarf by weezalana, 2008: Scarves are always a good bet. They’re a breeze to knit and can be made in no time. If you’re looking for a quick project that can be made in a few hours, try the Beginner’s Garter Stitch Scarf. For a more detailed scarf that still flies off the needles, knit up the ScWiNoNa (pdf link). When knitting scarves, choose warm, comfortable next-to-the-skin fibers such as merino, alpaca, or wool blends.

London Beanie by Mark Thrailkill, 2002: If you want to make hats, there are endless free pattern options online, but simple construction is best. The Creative Kindness Easy Hat (pdf link) would be perfect made with warm fleece and can be modified to add lining or made long enough to cover the ears and the back of the neck. If knitting’s your thing, try the Minnesota Winter Hat or the London Beanie.

Basic Ribbed Sock by Kate Atherley: If you’re feeling adventurous and have lots of time to knit, think socks! A comfortable pair of warm wool socks goes a long way. Keep the styling and stitches simple. This Basic Ribbed Sock pattern is practical and gender-neutral.

Get creative! Take the scraps from the sweater you made your mittens with and sew up a matching scarf. Use your stash leftovers to make striped knits. Just remember, your finished goods should be made with care in neutral color combinations, should be comfortable and functional, and should be something you would be proud to wear.

Be warned: The experience you have when crafting for others in need is addictive. Once your winter wares are given away, you’ll surely want to make more!

About the author: Lisa Ashby is a mother, designer, student, and craftivist living in the Carolinas. This month and next, I am making felt mittens for the local homeless based on a tutorial I found on Craftster and have posted about this on my blog here. Blog :: etsy store.

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