Emily and I went to H+H Americas in Chicago last week. H+H is a trade show for retailers in the fiber business. That’s us!
We saw so many great products that we’ll be sharing with you in the coming weeks and months. Yarn, notions, bags (of course), books, and more.
The show is about buying things, sure, but it is also about learning. The keynote address was a panel about the state of the fiber industry. Toni Lipsey of TLYarnCrafts was on the panel. First of all, she is dreamy. Cool, calm, collected, smart, gorgeous…all of the above. AND she said one of coolest things I heard the whole time.
She is a tunisian crochet instructor. Mainly online, but she also teaches in person. The panel question was how to attract more younger people into the fiber arts. Toni said, “I teach mainly beginners. I tend to reach people at the beginning of their practice.” Their practice.
That really struck me. Their practice. I loved that description of this thing we do. Because it is a practice.
As people who knit, crochet, spin, weave, embroider, we understand that mastery of our craft is not achieved overnight; it is the result of patient, persistent practice. Not to get too woo-woo about it, but practice is akin to a ritual, a sacred connection to the rich history of our crafts. This craft that is handed down by our grandmothers, mothers, aunties, sisters, and friends.
My practice has taught me patience. I wind my skein of yarn, I untangle a knot, I take a break and let my hands rest, I wait for my sweater to dry so I can wear it. In a world that values speed and efficiency, my practice reminds me to allow things to unfold stitch by stitch. I’ll admit I need more practice at this patience part:)
Through this practice, we learn to trust our instincts, follow our creative ideas, and discover our own voices as fiber artists. You many not think it, but yes, you are a fiber artist too. Yes you, the one who “only knits hats”. You have a practice too.
Whether in a knitting group in person or virtually, sharing your projects on social media, or taking a class, our practice connects us to a vibrant community of fellow fiber artists. I’ll say it again. I’m talking to you. Yep, you…the one who “only knits scarves”. You have a valuable practice too.
We love that you include us in your practice. However, it may look.
You certainly are a part of ours.