Long before the pandemic, many people were already starting down the path of taking up arts. Crafts like knitting, crochet, weaving, felting, embroidery, and handspinning yarn were already on the rise. The pandemic caused sales in classes and craft supplies of all types to skyrocket by almost 166%. These numbers are only expected to increase, and there are some good reasons why this is so.
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For many, the words crochet and knitting bring up images of scratchy afghans, lace doilies, and downright gaudy toaster covers. It was something kids thought of when they thought of their grandmas, but now, things are changing and crochet is now big among millennials. Of those who engage in this hobby about 34% are in the 18-34 age bracket, 36% are 35-54, and about 30% are over 55. Crochet experienced a brief lull in the 1980s and 1990s, but things have changed and it is now back in vogue. Many men are also starting to get in on the action.
One of the reasons is that you are no longer limited to rough-textured cheap acrylics sold by discount stores. You can now find some of the softest silk/wool blends, cashmere, and exotic fibers that you just can’t stop touching. You can get them online, but this interest in fiber arts has also led to a resurgence in handspinning, which allows you to create your own luscious textures.
Another trend that is influencing the growth of fiber arts is a movement away from fast fashion and a desire for a simple life. Slo-stitching, formerly crewel embroidery, is also making a comeback. You can take your old pair of jeans and add some custom embroidery for a unique, one-of-a-kind look. It is no longer necessary to go out and spend huge bucks on designer fashions. You can come up with something unique and proudly tell everyone you made it yourself.
This is the new trend, and it is picking up steam as people are becoming more conscious about what they wear and how it is made. Words like eco friendly, handmade, recycled, artisan, organic, and fair trade are some of the most popular fashion searches on Google and on sites like Etsy and Pinterest. Everything from handmade garments to accessories is now a part of this movement.
The Internet
The Internet is perhaps one of the biggest reasons why fiber arts are once again popular. During the Pandemic, you could just go up on YouTube and learn almost anything you wanted, and with all that time on their hands, many people used this time to take up a new hobby. Also, software like Zoom and webinar platforms meant that a few friends could get together and have social time that they otherwise would not get. I have a friend and fellow fiber artist who moved away, and we often set up a Zoom session, get our favorite cup of tea, and chat while spinning from hundreds of miles away.
Databases like Ravelry let you will find almost any pattern you want. You can also find a plethora of YouTube videos and one-on-one private instruction with a few clicks of the mouse. If you do a search on Facebook for crochet groups, you will see a long list of options. Some of the largest ones have over 100,000 members. A yarn crawl, as opposed to a bar crawl, is now a thing. Women get together and crawl all the yarn stores in an area.
Creating something with your own hands gives you a sense of pride. Not to mention, the process of creating it helps melt away stress and is an enjoyable way to spend an evening. You can do it while you watch a movie or get together with a few friends. Now, nearly 30 million Americans report that they currently knit or crochet, and if you are not one already, don’t you think it is time to join them?
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