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In a recent column, knitting connoisseur Pam Sykes, spoke of how – and why – her attention turned to craft. “There are many reasons to craft,” she enthused, “most prominently because it’s fun and rewarding, and no matter how goofy your project is, there will always be someone out there who loves it.”
Pam also added that taking up craft as a hobby makes one more appreciative of things.
How so?
“A lot of people, once they realise quite how much effort goes into sewing a garment or beading a necklace, never feel quite the same again about sweatshop bargains. We find ourselves buying more thoughtfully, appreciating the handmade over the mass-produced and cultivating respect for the people who do the making,” she confessed.
But why the sudden surge of interest?
In her book Homemade: Gorgeous Things To Make With Love, Elspeth Thompson notes that the craft movement is no longer synonymous with drudgery. "In times of global uncertainty,” she explains, “our homes have become our havens."
But, while it’s easy to associate the unexpected craft trend to our current economic climate, one cannot overlook the fact that making something by hand feels really, really good.
Ask Women24’s Janice Anderssen, whose DIY and décor advice comes highly sought after.
How to become a crafty
Join the fun, cultivate a talent...
Knitting
Previously dubbed ‘old-fashioned’ and ‘lame’, this leisurely pastime has seen its popularity soar up the ranks, with online artsy communities like craftster.org and etsy.com providing inspiration to the masses.
Embroidery and sewing
Take the DIY approach and become a fashion hit amongst your friends. Visit sewnsew.co.za to learn more.
Baking
Sweet tooth? Want to make money? Let the delicious recipes on Food24 drive you to put that apron on! Lack skills in the kitchen? No worries. Visit oncourse.co.za where you will find local courses on everything from baking to dressmaking.
Gardening
Learn how to plant your own veggie patch or how to use nature as a backdrop. Visit our gardening section or take up a basic course at thegardencentre.co.za for inspiration that is cheap, easy and environmentally friendly.
Know of any other crafty hobbies and activities? Inspire our readers and share the details in the box below.
Pam also added that taking up craft as a hobby makes one more appreciative of things.
How so?
“A lot of people, once they realise quite how much effort goes into sewing a garment or beading a necklace, never feel quite the same again about sweatshop bargains. We find ourselves buying more thoughtfully, appreciating the handmade over the mass-produced and cultivating respect for the people who do the making,” she confessed.
But why the sudden surge of interest?
In her book Homemade: Gorgeous Things To Make With Love, Elspeth Thompson notes that the craft movement is no longer synonymous with drudgery. "In times of global uncertainty,” she explains, “our homes have become our havens."
But, while it’s easy to associate the unexpected craft trend to our current economic climate, one cannot overlook the fact that making something by hand feels really, really good.
Ask Women24’s Janice Anderssen, whose DIY and décor advice comes highly sought after.
How to become a crafty
Join the fun, cultivate a talent...
Knitting
Previously dubbed ‘old-fashioned’ and ‘lame’, this leisurely pastime has seen its popularity soar up the ranks, with online artsy communities like craftster.org and etsy.com providing inspiration to the masses.
Embroidery and sewing
Take the DIY approach and become a fashion hit amongst your friends. Visit sewnsew.co.za to learn more.
Baking
Sweet tooth? Want to make money? Let the delicious recipes on Food24 drive you to put that apron on! Lack skills in the kitchen? No worries. Visit oncourse.co.za where you will find local courses on everything from baking to dressmaking.
Gardening
Learn how to plant your own veggie patch or how to use nature as a backdrop. Visit our gardening section or take up a basic course at thegardencentre.co.za for inspiration that is cheap, easy and environmentally friendly.
Know of any other crafty hobbies and activities? Inspire our readers and share the details in the box below.
