the knitting revolution, by sue green, suggests that the resurgence of crafts is a direct result of the fast-paced techno-culture we live in, which makes sense to me. in a world where we are further and further removed from other people because technology can automate a lot of what people previously had to do, plus the fact that there's no need (or time) to hand-make anything anymore it makes sense that a craft-revolution would bubble up in response.
i've posted excerpts from sue's article below - of course, if you'd like to read the article in it's entirety click here.
---
Says leading trend forecaster Faith Popcorn: ‘Smooth, shiny and uniform is now equated with crude and cheap, especially when compared with the individuality of hand crafted products. 'We are hungry for things that have touched human hands...any craft as applicable and pragmatic as knitting has a great future.'
Knitting's popularity has been growing for several years-a response to the pace of life and mass market consumerism. But with September 11 came not only reduced demand for air travel, but more time and enthusiasm for home-based activities. It heralded a renewed concern for home and family, translating into greater interest in crafts and unlocking creativity.
With a 400 per cent increase in the number of American knitters aged under 35 between 1998 and 2000, knitting groups with names like Yarn Divas and Stitchin’ Bitches are springing up on US university campuses. The popularity of handknitting has been boosted by celebrities who knit and extol the joys. Madonna and Julia Rogers are doing it, Harry Potter is wearing it and exponents range from former US secretary of state Madeleine Albright to model Kate Moss and singer Eartha Kitt. Actor knitters include Sandra Bullock, Cameron Diaz, Hilary Swank, Brooke Shields, Daryl Hannah, Goldie Hawn, Uma Thurman and Mary-Louise Parker (now knitting hats for boyfriend Billy Crudup). Even ‘our’ Russell Crowe has been pictured with needles and yarn.
No comments:
Post a Comment