Seize the means of production: Learn to Knit

Knitting and other crafts give you the skill to make your own wardrobe from scratch. If you're tired of struggling to find clothes that fit, dissatisfied with the current fashion trends or are concerned about sustainability and ethics, SEIZE THE MEANS OF PRODUCTION and learn to make your own clothes that fit your body and your life.

What does it mean to "seize the means of production" as a crafter?

Seizing the means of production refers to taking control of the resources and tools necessary for manufacturing goods or providing services. This concept, popularized by Karl Marx, emphasizes the importance of workers having ownership and control over the production process. Traditionally, this would look like the replacement of corporations which give the majority of their profits to their already wealthy owners with worker owned businesses. For crafters, this means making more of the products taking ownership and control over the tools, resources, and processes involved in creating your craft. it means making more of the stuff you use and wear and not spending money with corporations that exploit workers.

Homemade is best

When you have the skills to craft your own products, you are no longer reliant on big corporations for your needs. Whether it's clothing, furniture, or decor, your skills can empower you to create family heirlooms without supporting unethical practices or contributing to environmental harm. Yes, it can cost you time and a little extra money to DIY your wardrobe, but notice the difference in the quality of materials and you'll gain a newfound appreciation for the garment workers who make the clothes you see in stores. 

All clothes are handmade. Whether sewn, knit, or crocheted, a garment will pass through many skilled hands on it's way to the store. When you start to make your own clothes, you realize how complex each garment is. There are many cases where my skills are no match for something factory made, but the increased appreciation for the process informs my decision of where to buy. I look for brands that prioritize ethical manufacturing practices, support fair wages and safe working conditions for garment workers or are locally made by other skilled artisans. Additionally, understanding the the different fibers and materials that go into my clothing help me make better decisions in the store..

By creating your own items through crafting, you are reducing the demand for mass-produced goods. This can help combat the cycle of over-consumption that is prevalent in capitalist societies. Crafting allows you to repurpose materials, reduce waste, and embrace a more sustainable lifestyle. In fact, studies have shown that the crafting industry has a significantly lower environmental impact compared to mass production(1). By avoiding mass-produced products from large corporations, you can help decrease the demand for resources and lessen the impact on the planet.

In my own crafting, I often use the materials that I have on hand to make the things I need. Ripped bed sheet? That's going to be part of a quilt. Sweater is out of style? i can unravel it and create something better! These practices are an important part of crafting an environmentally conscious lifestyle and they are within your grasp. as i've become a better crafter, my ability to mend and fix clothing in beautiful and creative ways has improved. I'm able to fix the things I love rather than tossing them and having to find a replacement.

As a former industrial designer, my training was largely focused on making products that appeal to and hopefully benefit a wide range of customers. The allure of mass production, with its efficiency and cost-effectiveness, is undeniable,but its downside is equally as large.  Mass produced objects must always fit into the life of the "average consumer" and thus many products lack uniqueness, functionality and individuality. 

Capitalism thrives on conformity and the pressure to follow trends. Crafting, on the other hand, encourages individuality and self-expression. When you engage in crafting, you have the freedom to create unique pieces that reflect your personal style and values. This can help you break away from the homogenizing effects of consumer culture and avoid clothing that will soon go out of style.

So why wait?