"Craftivism": GENE29927-ETerm 2021

I had never thought that knitting, crocheting, and crafting could be so influential and empowering. I feel as though these crafts are typically viewed as a hobby for traditional women. However, these crafts hold a long history of empowering women and bringing communities together. Back when women did not have many rights, they were able to use needle arts to express themselves. I never realized that since women did not have much in regard to their rights and choosing any hobby, they had to use what they were taught to do. In addition, it was amazing to see how women showed support for war efforts in the ways that they could by making uniforms during the revolution and socks during the civil war. Lower class women also used needle arts as a form on income. Back when women did not often have jobs or income of their own its empowering to see women using kitting to support themselves and gain more freedoms. I love that sewing circles are a way for women to come together, share ideas, discuss political issues, and read activist books. What would seem like a mild-mannered women’s club is actually something so meaningful. While knitting today is less common and is seen as a traditional gender role, it is inspiring to see that women are still using it. The pussyhats at the women’s march, knitted wombs for prochoice legislation, and much more. In one essay a woman had people decorate blood bags to increase awareness for her niece’s rare blood disease. I would never have thought to use crafts as a means for raising awareness for a cause.