C r a f t i v i s m

There is a very interesting topic for me called Craftivism. Maybe you know it. I discovered it last year and it has become for me an important topic in relation with something else, that is the Open Source philosophy, the topic I've slowly started researching on my own. All this is in relation with Ecology, Recycling and so on - topics that I've always seen in relation with my notebooks and my activities as a crafter. These are some of the things that inspire me in my work with my tools and materials and with my laptop and the new media on the Internet like Firefox, Linux, etc.

 
One good way to explain what is Craftivism for me is to post some extracts from the definition from Wikipedia:

 
"Craftivism is a form of activism, typically incorporating elements of anti-capitalism, environmentalism or third-wave feminism, that is centered around practices of craft - most notably knitting. Practitioners are known as craftivists".

 
But for me, is more interesting the part related to Environmentalism:

 
"Craftivism is also centered around ideas of environmentalism and sustainability. When buying new materials, many craftivists choose organic fabrics and fairly-traded products such as home-spun yarns. Yet, even more popular within the movement is the utilization of vintage, thrifted and repurposed goods in order to minimize waste and promote reuse. This display of resourcefulness acknowledges the finite resources on Earth, and the valorization of quality over quantity. Craftivist, Betsy Greer, is quoted saying, “While I think that crafting has become something fairly elite and cliquish in some areas, at its heart, it is very much made for individuals who value both their time and their money”

 
And the other part of my interest, related to the Open Source and the DIY movement:

 
"A popular way to resist the commoditization of craft is through the Do-It-Yourself or DIY movement. Popularized through "zines" of the 1990’s, DIY inspires people to be self-sufficient and to rely less on the market for basic necessities that can easily be created on one’s own. DIY is a resistance to the both the capitalist nature of the fashion industry and pressures to conform and buy a style. An example of this is the Counterfeit Crochet Project, which seeks to "debase and defile designer items one step at a time". Crafters have also subverted the market through the use of open source patterns and information sharing on the internet. Sites like Burdastyle allow crafters to upload and download sewing projects at no charge. Similarly, Cat Mazza's online software KnitPro allows users to download images into detailed knitting patterns at no charge"

 
My research with these topics is starting and I will post more notes about it when I have something else to share. I'm doing this in a very informal way without any academic method and with my English that is not very good.

 
If someone feels like making  a comment, I will be very thankful.