Creating Community in Craft
The craft world seems to be experiencing a metamorphosis, but I worry that it won’t emerge as a butterfly. As I watch Etsy, Joann, and Bluprint homogenize craft into neatly packaged profit-making machines, I feel despondent about the industry. Craft is a paradoxical field — we are makers who want to find community, assert individuality, and express creativity by making our own goods. But wait, we need to buy stuff to make more stuff?
Major corporations seem to be banking on this theory. In a superficial attempt to reach the Millennial experience-seeker, Joann is building stores with modern maker spaces, while Etsy is focused on short-term shareholder profits by raising seller fees. Bluprint (formerly Craftsy) has a slick, updated look in its new subscription service, but an uncertain future with the YouTube generation who might not be willing to pay for it. To be honest, it all seems grossly disingenuous to me. But then again, when does capitalism have a conscience? We have to buy our zippers somewhere.
Still, I think this corporate craft approach is missing the importance of community in crafting. As we watch more local fabric shops close due to competition with big box stores and the looming uncertainty of trade wars, we are losing the fundamental human connections that make the craft world special. Those shops still hanging on seem to grasp the importance of community, focusing more on classes and experiences. Ultimately people are looking for kindred spirits, so when we find someone to discuss bias binding or block printing, we feel connected. When we shop at our local craft shop or support independent online sellers, we can build connections and lift other women up, creating the community that craft needs.
My new fabric collection is here! For the first time ever, I’ll be selling my fabric directly online.
Join me at the Grand Re-Opening of Topstitch Studio and Lounge in Ponce City Market! I’ll be there from 11 am – 1 pm with some fabric goodies! I’m so excited to see the fabulous new space, including the wall mural with artwork pictured above from Sarah Neuburger.
Shop local and support your neighborhood fabric store!
Links
Please read this important interview with Social Justice Sewing Academy founder Sara Trail as part of The Creativity Project series from Leland Ave Studios.
I closed my Etsy shop in response to their new fee hike. Etsy Raises Fees, Angering Sellers but Sending Stock Soaring from The Wall Street Journal.
What do you think of Joann’s new concept store? JOANN Opens Concept Store in Columbus, Ohiofrom Craft Industry Alliance.
Have you been watching NBC’s Making It? I’m thrilled to see the warm and supportive environment that the show creates for the contestants.
Check out my fabric in the latest issue of Bust magazine! Melissa from A Happy Stitch shares her tutorial for making these amazing espadrilles. You can soon order limited edition kits with my screenprinted fabric and you can order the custom panels directly from my online shop.
Thanks for reading.
-Ellen