Journal #4

Q:

So we’ve looked at a bunch of ways to make fiber and fabrics by hand and by machine. In our age of mechanization and fast fashion, why would anyone spin, weave, sew, or do anything like this by hand? Would/do you? Are there any benefits by making things by hand?

I know this sounds like a loaded question, but I am genuinely curious about your thoughts on handmaking objects that are readily available.

I think that most often, these days, people make clothes/manipulate fabric by hand for two reasons. First, to explore a passion – my best friend from my hometown used to make her own clothes just because. Honestly, the styles were a little weird, but I would have never known that she made them herself. I used to knit as well. I did it because it was a fun skill that not many other people my age enjoyed at the time. I wanted to feel special, I guess. However, as both of us got busier, we both left our passions behind in order to keep up with our school work. The second reason I think people may make their own clothing is financial difficulties. You can get a lot of clothes for a very cheap price these days, however, they are cheap in quality as well. I think this is a good option for those with large families and financial difficulties because they can repurpose old clothing for new fabric AND make clothes of a higher quality than you may find at Forever 21.

Some day, I think I would like to get back into knitting and perhaps learn how to crochet. I used to sew but never enjoyed that too much. I find it extremely relaxing to do this things and believe they are a better use of my time and mind than scrolling on Twitter (which I do not have an account on by the way).

As I mentioned earlier, I think you get a better quality for a lower price. On top of that, you have a great supply of fabrics because one may get sick of a specific item you made, you can repurpose it, to an extent. These are all practical reasons, but I think it is important we do not discount the bettering of ourselves by practicing a skill that doesn’t involve technology; it is important we don’t forget our roots.