make sure your local studies collection is inclusive

There has been a lot of discussion about representation in knitting, on Instagram and twitter, following a presentation by Lorna Hamilton-Brown at the recent In the loop #intheloop10 conference.  Videos like the one below are an example of people sharing stories so that history is more accurate.  I am really enjoying these stories. I am hoping some libraries will collect them.

#blackknittersofinstagram it is so important that we capture our knitting histories as very little is written. Listen to my 86 year old mum talking about knitting in #jamaica and in #50s #britain. Ask your parents how they learnt to knit, what they made? Many of the men knitted to. Please share you finding with me do I can build on my research. Do not let these knitting stories go to the grave unheard. Do you have photos of items knitted my your parents. Please share these as well 💙 . #mothersanddaughters #blackgirlsknit #knittingwhileblack #diversknitty #blackpeopledoknit #caribbeanknitter #crocusbag #flourbag #oralhistory #hiddenhistory #blackdiaspora #nosubtitles #patois @jeanettesloan @ggmadeit @saharabriscoe #writinghistory #blackmenknit #blackgirlscrochet #knittersofinstagram #knittinghistory

A post shared by Lorna Hamilton-Brown (@lhamiltonbrown) on Aug 3, 2018 at 10:05am PDT

These stories may also be under represented in public libraries.  You may only be collecting local studies information about part of your community, and not, for example recent migrants, people with a disability, or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.  These are just some examples of people who may not be having their stories and histories included.

The talks from In the loop 10  will be available to watch online soon.

Also - are your library knitting groups inclusive?

a few thoughts on KNITSONIK Stranded Colourwork Playbook by @knitsonik

KNITSONIK Stranded Colourwork Playbook by Felicity Ford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a wonderful book. I have already read and enjoyed the previous book Knitsonik Stranded Colourwork Sourcebook which is a remarkable work highlighting the local studies potential of knitting. This book builds on this with some wonderful examples of how stranded colourwork can reflect and record an area. There is a lovely knitted correspondence, bunting, and an amazing scarf which celebrates the loveliness of bricks in Reading further demonstrating the local studies potential of knitting.

The aim of this book, and Knitsonik Stranded Colourwork Sourcebook is to encourage people to use their own environments as inspiration for stranded coloured knitting. I am a bit of a slow starter in this area however I have started taking more photographs. I am trying to participate in #tarmactuesday but I keep forgetting until Wednesday. So, even though I am not yet reflecting my area in knitting, reading these books has lead to me changing some practices.

While these books are targeting people who knit, they could be interesting for people wanting to think about how to depict their area as there is inspiration for photographers, embroiders, wood carvers and more. As you can tell, I am a fan of this work as it is joyful, practical and inspirational.

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A few thoughts on This thing of paper: eleven knitting patterns inspired by books by Karie Westermann

this thing of paper by Karie Westermann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a lovely book. As the subtitle says it is knitting patterns inspired by books, with the book divided into sections on manuscript, invention (looking at the printing press) and printed works. The inspiration is about the history of books including items inspired by vellum, incunubula and marginalia. This is a books where research using original sources is important to the design of the knitting. Photographs for the book were taken in the Innerpeffray Library in Scotland.

Each pattern has an essay describing the book related sources of inspiration, combining information from research and relevant personal stories. These are lovely essays to read connecting books and printing history to knitting patterns and the history of knitting. I was tempted to quote heavily from the book for this review, but will show restraint. 'Books are dangerous. They make us imagine worlds beyond our own mundane experiences. They make us see the world as other see it. Books carry hope and promise' (p31). There is a lovely account of the value and significant of libraries from when the author was a child.

This is a joyful book to read and is beautifully illustrated. All the knitting patterns are interesting, and I have a few bookmarked to try, although it will be a while before I can start any of them, unless I want to have even more unfinished knitting lying in baskets. There is a lovely and encouraging section on embracing imperfections in our knitting (with my knitting this is inevitable), but this is relevant to many other aspects of life too.

This would be a book for libraries to consider both for the knitting patterns, but also for the connections of making and reading which would be a fit for libraries which have maker spaces or provide space for knitting groups (one of the most active maker communities in many public libraries).

I really like that this book, like some other knitting books, provides both a print and ebook when the item is purchased. As an aside I am one of the Kickstarter backers for this book.

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a Storify of Shetland Wool Week 2017

I think of this as an impressive local studies event (which I have yet to go to). The photographs show locations, people and events. I hope that the Shetland Library is collecting from this and other events for their local studies collection.

local studies and knitting

This...

SO excited! I'm teaching a class on psychogeography & knitting at @yarninthecity Yarnporium in London this November. #mapmaking #stitchesandstories #knittingthelandscape #flaneur

A photo posted by Karie Westermann (@kariebookish) on Sep 30, 2016 at 6:44am PDT

A knitting pattern copyright discussion on Instagram

I found out about this discussion because I saw this (you need to read the information under the photograph)

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE; top photo is the amazing Baa-ble Hat designed by @donnasmithdesigns for #ShetlandWoolWeek 2015, the bottom is a "new design" from @chelseayarns bearing an *uncanny* resemblance to Donna's design. This makes me sad because surely there are enough amazing ideas to be had in this world that you can do a sheepy design without ripping off another designer, and because I strongly believe that we must respect each other's creativity and not exploit it. There are ways and means of approaching someone about using their original ideas but publishing a free pattern on Ravelry that directly quotes someone else's design is not one of them. #notok #originalintellectualcopyright #ripoff #baablehat #istandwithmyfrienddonna

A photo posted by Felicity Ford (@knitsonik) on Oct 14, 2016 at 12:56pm PDT

which was reposted by others, and led to one person sharing their photograph of the hat they had knitted with the original pattern, calling others to do the same...

This is a picture of my #baablehat I wore last year when I was in Shetland during the #shetlandwoolweek. I just read the post of @knitsonik about a copycat (#shewhocannotbenamed) used this fantastic design made by @donnasmithdesigns. This morning Donna posted a picture of her baable hats and new cowl and I'm asking you not to use the copycat cowl, but buy the one Donna is designing! #istandwithmyfrienddonna #baablehatisthebomb #godesignyourowncowl #knittersofinstagram #knitting #rhinebeck #knitstagram #knittingaddict #breien #stricken #shetland #shetlandrules

A photo posted by Madeleine (@madeliciousm) on Oct 14, 2016 at 1:22pm PDT

...which led to more people sharing their photographs...

#getyourbaablesoot me and @knitsonik at #shetlandwoolweek2015 opening ceremony in the #baablehat. I didn't make one in time (@helenemagnusson let me borrow hers) Tomorrow I am going to cast one on! 📸 - THE @jenireid

A photo posted by Louise Scollay (@knit_british) on Oct 14, 2016 at 3:03pm PDT

There are more examples at #getyourbabblesoot.

 Only a few days ago the pattern creator had shared

It's the October holidays here at the moment, so that together with working a couple of days this week and catching up with pals has meant that there isn't much time for knitting. I am however working on a Baa-ble cowl and mittens set now the cold weather is setting in. The patterns will be released very soon! #baablehat #baablecowl #baablemittens #knittersofinstagram #knitting #shetlandwoolweek #inspiredbyshetland

A photo posted by Donna Smith (@donnasmithdesigns) on Oct 13, 2016 at 11:21am PDT

I thought this was an interesting way of dealing with copyright misuse. They are working through Ravelry as well.

An update has been posted by the original designer. It is worth checking the number of likes and comments as there is a lot of solidarity being shown.

I want just to say a massive thank you to everyone lately for their support, the woolly community really is an amazing place! On another note the Baa-ble mittens and cowl is now on Ravelry (user name is Peeriedonna). More pictures to follow - I had forgotten how little light we get sometimes when the winter gets near! #baablehat #baablemittens #baablecowl #knittersofinstagram #knitting #shetlandwoolweek #sheep #inspiredbyshetland

A photo posted by Donna Smith (@donnasmithdesigns) on Oct 15, 2016 at 6:26pm PDT

a few thoughts on The book of haps

The Book of Haps by Kate Davies
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I had not heard about haps until I found out about this book. I am glad that I came across this as it is a lovely exploration of a very specific part of the history of knitting, and of knitting in a specific local area. This would be a great book for a Shetland public library local studies collection, and for other libraries to consider for their knitting collections.

It is exciting the way this book combines the history with new designs, based on the history. The focus on the purpose of haps, and their heritage has led to some very exciting designs from around the world, using different knitting techniques. The designs are so interesting that I foraged around at home and have already put together the makings of two haps. The challenge will be sorting out the time to make them. I look forward to learning some new techniques to be able to knit them.

A nice note to add, when this book is bought in paper, the ebook is also included. This is a very good publishing feature. I would be interested to know if they have thought of making both formats available to libraries.

This is an enjoyable read for people interested in social history.



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My review of Knitting for good

Knitting for Good!: A Guide to Creating Personal, Social, and Political Change Stitch by Stitch by Betsy Greer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I first read Betsy Greer's work in the anthology she complied called Craftivism. This earlier work show the origins of her later one. This book is her personal story of coming to knitting and discovering the connections which can be made with it, connections to many people, including a previously difficult to speak with relative, connections to strangers who see her knitting in public, and connections to activism, or craftivism. This personal story shapes the narrative, but does not overwhelm it. The author has been very proactive in using her knitting to connect to others, and made me think that I should make a few changes around how publicly I knit.

Interspersed within this work are the stories of others, told in their own words about how crafting has connected them more deeply to their community either nearby or to be able to help strangers who they may not meet. There are also knitting patterns which can be used for different works of craftivism/charity knitting. When reading this, I kept thinking about the many knitting groups in public libraries across Australia who knit for Wrap with love and other charities, and the powerful act of craftivism these many people are continuing to do. It was great that this was brought to mind by reading this work.

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a footnote to my post about - Are the knitters in your library treated like makers?

In my post  Are the knitters in your library treated like makers? I was focusing on the in library makers.  I should not have left out a mention of the connections between Ravelry and Trove which are well described at Trove users still crafty.  This is an exciting link bringing the makers and the historic patterns together and resulting in new made objects all over the work=ld.  To see photographs of some of the projects click on the project column in this link from Ravelry. The Land also is mentioned.

knitting and readers advisory

Recently I tweeted this link about a knitter who was looking for audio book suggestions. The usual readers advisory principles still apply. You still need to find something which will appeal to the read/listener/watcher. You still need to ask the questions about what the reader enjoys, or feels like listening too. Audio has the added area of is the narrator going work for the listener? Having someone read a book changes the experience, and the voice actors will appeal to different people. Make sure you take that into account. Pace is also important - maybe the listener is doing detailed work and they need a story (fiction or non-fiction) which is easy to pick up if you tune out for a short while, or perhaps a really detailed story is required. Have a talk to some of the knitters at your library (or other people who are doing things they could be listening or watching something else while they are doing).  Not all knitters will enjoy the same stories.

It is also not about knitters as there are many people who are looking for audio for while they are doing different things.  It is about the conversation with the reader/listener/watcher.

Are the knitters in your library treated like makers?

I have been thinking about how libraries are implementing maker spaces, and there are many exciting ones.  This has started me thinking about what makers are already in libraries. Michelle Cooper, Amy Koester and Justin Hoenke have done and excellent presentation showing opportunities for library services for younger people in the maker environment.  This builds on the great work which had done in libraries working on craft and maker ideas.  This is one group of makers already being (at least partly) catered for in many libraries. 

Knitting and crochet groups are active in many libraries.  Some libraries include knitting and crochet as maker programs, as this presentation by Heather Braum, Dan Alexander and Erin Downey shows. Hailey Public Library has promotions, (also on their website) which make knitting and and crochet available in their library as maker activities.

As Cory Doctorow says "Makerspaces do a very good job of being welcoming to people who are of a technical bent. But they have yet to figure out a way of sorting out how to appeal to nontraditional audiences. I think that [librarians should be] actively pursuing ways to help people who are from nontraditional audiences in your hackerspaces, find the thing that they need to do and show them how to do it".  This description fits with how the Hailey Public Library is providing this service.

Knitting and crochet require a technical bent - the technology looks different that is all.  The Victoria and Albert Museum have fibre work included in their Power of Making.

The work which has been done on the coral reef  "created and curated by Christine Wertheim and Margaret Wertheim of the Institute For Figuring" is a great maker example.  You can crochet your own coal reef.  Crochet is a really effective way of demonstrating parabolic planes (see this article by David W Henderson and  Daina Taimina).  This is very serious maths which is going on here.  The Institute for Figuring has many more examples you can explore, and this BBC post is also helpful showing how these formats are great for illustrating mathematical ideas.

Quilting is another great maker opportunity.

What this post is really about is slightly changing how some of these groups are treated in the library.  They all use technology.  Knitting needles, crochet hooks and yarn are all technology - and with a low cost entry point.  Different people in the community and library will have the skills to be able to train people in these.  They all have amazing creative outcomes (or can be used for important creative production like the Wrap with love project).  There is graffiti knitting, and exciting collaborations.  The skills to knit a square can lead to lots of possibilities.  Knitting a square, or many squares which are needed for the wrap with love blankets, are still exciting possibilities.  Knitting does not need reinvention, there have been amazing things knitted through the ages 

There are exciting possibilities for connecting with local groups like lace makers and  people who make fly fishing lures.  See who you have in your area.

The knitting reference library at the University of Southampton

The University of Southampton library includes the Knitting Reference Library.  It contains collections gathered by Richard drug, Montserrat Stanley and Jane Waller.

You can find out more about it from the library web site.  It includes some digitised works, so could be of interest to library clients doing knitting related research, 
or looking to explore heritage knitting in a different way.  They also have a blog. It could be interesting 
information to show any knitting groups who meet in  your library.

I came across this information while reading Rowan 54.

Reading about this reminded me that many libraries, for reasons of legal deposit, or historic collecting practices  would contain materials relating to knitting, crochet and woodwork, but these were often not receiving the same publicity, except rarely, as many other digitised materials.  I really liked that the University of Southampton is valuing this part of the collection.

The newspapers on Trove Australia can also be a useful way to research knitting.There is knitting research and discussion about knitting research taking place, and these online resources help.