Inspirational Stories

Something I always struggle with is my training and interest in fashion and what the fashion industry can represent in terms of materialism and commercialism. I want my label; petrafanella to be a fashion label which has that personal handcrafted touch, and the signinficance which comes with that. I had heard of the Caravana label before, but read this lecture today by the two designers about their label and the work they are doing in Pakistan. See lecture here; http://www.dhub.org/articles/847 It's definitely outside the square, and whilst the two designers are removed from the actual hands-on creation process, there is still an amazing journey for them and for the workers in each of their pieces. http://www.caravana.com/

The best way to explain my approach to craft is to refer to the Arts and Crafts movement. The movement came about largely in response to the industrial revolution where products were mass-produced and machinery became the biggest part of the production process. The principle of the Arts and Crafts Movement is about rebelling against the complete industrialisation of manufacturing processes. A return to the hands-on process of creation was seen as a return to honesty, creating a deeper connection to and meaning within the work. The process of creating itself was important - seen as a way to further the individual. I just love these ideas - that by engaging directly with the whole creation process, we are improved as people, and our work is imbued with meaning and significance. Think about all that you go through in the time it takes to create something. All of those things add to the story of the finished product. This would explain why it's so hard to part with some things we make, and why some things which we have struggled with and triumphed over are more precious to us than others. It's a beautiful thing!

Linkety-Link

I have added some new links. Ness Donnelly's blog; Folk is what inspired me to make mine a reality. She is a local artist/craftperson/designer who does beautiful work combining and examining stitch, words and processes. Her current project is making a work a day for 31 days. Check it out; http://folkdesign.blogspot.com/ . Journey Quilt is a project I embarked on with a friend - textile artist and wordsmith Nichole Westin. It is an ongoing project which has stalled lately for a number of reasons including pregnancy (me, not Nichole!). This event along with associated sickness and my post-graduate studies has affected my recent crafting. In the meantime, an image of some of my most recent work. I love knitting - the feel and the smell of the yarn, the texture, the process of creating a fabric, it is like an old friend.

Blogwagon

Well, I have done it. I have jumped on the blogwagon. I stayed away from the idea for a while as I thought they were self-indulgent. I have now realised that they are, and I am self-indulgent too.

So this blog is for the creating that goes on in my life, along with showcasing things which inspire me.

I have always been interested in craft and the concept of 'crafting' something. Craft is not about musty out-dated handiwork, but is rather about the process of creating. It is hip and beautiful and personal and important.