This morning I have been thinking about the "art of craft."  I am not sure there is such a thing, but I like the phrase. Anyway, I and wondering what happened to it.  I mean, looking around, I can find people who are still involved in a craft - and I am not just talking about needlepoint.  But I think my real question is, why has it gone from a means of support and living to just something we happen to do with our time.

Take crocheting for instance. Years ago it was commonplace to see women and girls making blankets and sweaters for the winter. Now it is "quaint", something that is fanciful. We receive a handmade blanket and it is accepted graciously and then placed in a closet somewhere because we have our "special" blanket that we use.

And what about men? I mean, where are the carpenters? The ones who painstakingly make a rocking chair or a dresser to benefit the family? Or sells it to put food on the table for a few weeks?

I remember years ago, taking some crafted items to a consignment shop to earn a few dollars. But it never happened.  I was told that people nowadays would rather spend less money for something mass produced. I find this very sad. Yes, I do understand the idea of spending less money, don't get me wrong. But at the same time we also, as a society complain that there aren't enough jobs for Americans because all of the products are made overseas.  Do you see the problem?  It is so clear to me.  We are feeding the "machine." I love those little mom and pop stores, but I can't remember the last time I was in one. They had to close their doors. I understand. I couldn't afford the wares they were selling because I didn't make enough money. And that is the case with the majority of people.  Things made in the USA cost a little more, maybe a lot more. But I know it is important to keep our hard-earned money in our country.

Okay, I think I strayed a little there. But my point is, our idea of "hobbies" used to be what put food on the table or kept us warm many years ago.  And the further away we get from past generations the further we distance ourselves from the values they had. Where are the sewing bees that made clothing for a family who was new to the neighborhood or just had a tragedy happen?  Where are the "barn raisings" where the men brought their tools and within a few days had erected a sturdy barn or home?  Where are the children who appreciated a pair of homemade mittens and scarf, and possibly a pair of wool socks, under the Christmas tree? Where are the baskets of homegrown vegetables that are shared with neighbors and the canning parties in the summer? Where are the fathers teaching their sons how to provide meat for their families by hunting? Where are the families who continue to work on the farms that have been in their families for generations that provide dairy and meat products for themselves and others?

I consider all of these "the art of craft." I am just feeling a little nostalgic I suppose.  But I am really upset at my generation for not paying more attention to our grandparents who tried to instill some "craft" in us but we found it either to expensive to maintain or too time consuming or inconvenient. And therefore we have not bothered to pass these things down to our children and taught them the value of self-sufficiency. I know I don't speak for every person, and I am sorry I am generalizing, but I think you can see my point. I realize that we have strayed too far, but I don't think we have lost that insight completly, have we? 

I live in a part of the country where I still see many people holding on to these fibers of the past, and I am going to try and do my best to honor them.  I am going to even attempt to put my mark on my society, or at least my little circle, and find a way to make an impact. Is anyone else with me?  Let's support the little shops as best we can, pass a trade down to our children, and teach them the importance of making a difference.

Looking forward to picking up my hook and making a few projects for Christmas,

Petra

Please join me tomorrow when we discuss this a little  further when we explore "weekend warrior" projects.