Is it Culture, class or Age?
1971 (16 years old) and first major embroidery piece Donated Transfer, old pillowcase, and whatever embroidery thread I could find.
Well there are some things I am just not getting, maybe it's cultural (British vs American), maybe it is class roots and age?
On a blog about yarnbombing a commentator stated her concern over the "racial overtone" of the name knitta please, but didn't elaborate further. What am I missing?
I can't even hazard a guess on this one???
Another stated yarnbombing carried latent class messages suggesting only those in the leisure classes can afford to spend time and money on knitting and this activity.
Apart from the fact that knitting isn't confined to one class, this view smacks of presumptions and condescension.
What do they think working class or poor people do, huddle around a paraffin heater all night and lament their miserable lives after seeing a bit knitting on a pole, worrying about how other people spend their time or money? Do they think because a person lacking disposable income or is poor suddenly stops having any spare time and desire to do or see things that give comfort and joy.I know when we went through a bout of poverty in the 70's a source of comfort in the evenings (no fancy foods, daily meat, soft drinks, no cars, stereos, computers, telephone, multiple channel colour tv's) was finding scraps to embroider and knit with. A great source of joy was being able to see art for free at the local art museum.
No, I would not have had the money to buy yarn and stick it on a tree, but who says people can't find free/recycle stuff to use for creative endeavors. Rags or Found Plastic shopping bags can be knitted and used for yarnbombing ya know!Resources may be different, but many people don't stop wanting or trying to do fun creative things in life.
LINKSKnitting on the Cheap
Recycling Crafts and Projects
Plastic Bag Crafts
Knitting Throughout the World
Timeless Turkish Treasures talks of "Turkish women knit, whether old or young, homemaker or banker "
Back of embroidery
It has been years since I have seen this embroidery and I was shockingly reminded of how important it was back then to have a clean back with no knots. Most of what I have done lately looks like a disaster at the back lol!
Comments
boy did they ever :)
I have a little something for you stop by!
thanks collette, kind of puts my current work to shame ;)
And reusing anything for creative endeavor is da bomb! Love the book btw!
I really am not sure why there is any ambiguity when the group name is actually a play on a racial slur that has strong class implications. Article with links here if you are interested:
http://onegrandhome.wordpress.com/2009/12/13/knitta-please-and-resisting-racist-handicraft/