Falling in love with fiber in Alaska
Fiber arts have been around for centuries in one way or another, their history is rich and permeates every culture. We now live in a time where these once necessary crafts are mass-produced and automated for the world’s population in the form of everyday textiles, to be purchased at department stores and home goods suppliers either for living on, or living in. Wall decoration of fine tapestries, blankets to sleep in or use as decorative throws, plush rugs on our floors, and comfy sweaters purchased from fast-fashion designers.
I think because the history of textiles is so rich, and the ability to own them is so easy now, there is something extremely satisfying in knowing that I can actually make (or learn how to make) that product myself from raw materials with my own two hands. No machines required, no worries about where my product actually comes from, no limitations in size, color, texture to be applied besides the extent of my own knowledge and technique.
Like that sweater? Knit it. Need that scarf, but in your favorite colors? Knit it. Little ears getting cold because you lost your favorite beanie? Knit a new one!
Also, not a bad hobby to do while enjoying an adult beverage or two, just make sure don't mess up too many times ;)
In knitting and crocheting, you create your own fabrics to be shaped to your own body to wear, to sleep under, to use as accessories. In weaving, your own rugs, tapestries, blankets, scarves, clothing and many other things are become available by your own hands.
My journey with fiber began in grad school in Fairbanks, Alaska when the weather began to creep towards 0˚F, and I was scrolling through Pinterest in my dry cabin drinking a bottle of wine and trying not to freeze. I was looking for a downtime activity and came across a shawl pattern on Etsy, I purchased it and decided to YouTube my way through it.
When I finished it, I was hooked. It's a wonderful feeling to make something wearable for yourself or another person (I gave it to my Mom, though she hasn't had much use of it in Houston - thought that counts)! After that I knit during my downtime literally every day for 5 years.
When I moved back to Texas, knitting wool didn't exactly translate to our hot and humid climate. It then became something that I religiously turned to on long car rides, flights and travels. Anywhere I travel to I usually take a knitting project with me, regardless if that project ever actually gets finished...
I have knit all across the United States, Switzerland, Germany, England, Spain, Paris, and even Egypt! What a travel companion a ball of yarn and some needles make if you have a hard time just sitting there.
(Also typing out this list reminds me just how privileged I have been in my life so far, taking nothing for granted over here. )
When back at home I needed something just as tactile but a little easier in the heat, and I was just ready to try something new. Enter Instagram and it's fiber art community opening my eyes to macramé and it's full-fledged comeback. Again, I found a DIY kit on Etsy, learned the three basic knots, and completed my first cute little wall hanging!
I was entranced and I was totally in love with the medium of cotton twisted string that I could pull, tug, knot, and shape. From there, I just couldn't stop creating with it, pushing my boundaries, and experimenting. It has truly opened up a new way of living for me.
But I always find myself brought back to my first love of knitting whenever I need a little escape or to clear my head, and that will forever be paired with my time in Alaska.
-Demi
