Craftivism - How crafting in iso is fighting for feminism & the planet

Being alone with my thoughts during this isolation period has made me analyse my every action. I have now, more than ever become a true grandma. I have been embroidering, watercolouring, finally doing all of those mending and alteration projects I have been putting off and most shocking of all, enjoying cooking, something I never thought I would say. Hermiting away from my friends and family and finding ways to pass the time. Isolation has taken me back to grandma’s crafty roots.

Does exploring these simple past-times mean I am reverting back to what was once deemed appropriate activities for a young woman? Am I a bad feminist if I enjoy cooking, cleaning and crafting? Should I be tossing these traditionally feminine past-times out with the recycling (currently filled with box after box of Almond Joy from the copious amounts of home made lattes being consumed at the moment)? I think the answer is no. The difference between the oppression of women through the regimentation of their craft and chores and modern crafting is stark. I am choosing to go back to the kitchen and cook and clean; not for my husband or father, but for me.

In fact choosing to ‘do it yourself’ rather than buy into the capitalist market can be seen as a rebellious act. Craftivists utilizing lost practical skills to create a unique item or experience. Saying I can do better than that factory moulded vase, mass printed art and trendy synthetic dress and creating something that speaks to one’s individual style. Domestic activities are not oppressive or boring, or even overting feminine, they can be enjoyed and undertaken by all. Women and men are taking these domestic cultures and making them their own. In a time where the world feels as though it is falling apart around us, we are stitching it back up.

I see this as a great positive that has come as a result of this strange time in the world. Seeing the change in people’s mindset from that of endless, fast consumption and slowing it down. Giving people the time and energy to mend something that is broken, rather than going out and replacing it. Stitching up that dropped hem on my pants instead of chucking them in the lifeline bin (those are all locked up anyway). We are being forced to live with our discarded items. Out of sight, out of mind is not an option right now and it is really making me look at everything I have in a new light. Burnt out candle glasses are now storage jars in my pantry. That old pillowcase is now reusable grocery bags for my highly anticipated trips to the grocery store.

I hope that this reemergence of practical skills lives on, past these hard times to empower people to be in control of their consumption.

Right now, every purchase is well thought out. Is it necessary? Reminding ourselves what is really important and what we can live without. When a purchase is deemed necessary, looking one step further and exploring where and from who we want to purchase from. If there is a choice between a big company or a mum and pop shop where every dollar counts, it’s time to choose the local business.

This scary but exciting time in history and can be used as an opportunity to make real and lasting change for the better. Okay, enough from me, go get crafting!