Vegan Craftivism

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” –Theodore Roosevelt

Less than a year I go, I moved to a country whose culture, language, and customs were foreign to me. If I am honest, I will admit that I still haven’t fully grasped the language (learning French as an adult is difficult!), I find it hard to reach out to the locals (that darn language again), and as for the culture, I’m still learning about it (kind of difficult without the language part). When I first went vegan years ago, I was very active on behalf of non-human animals, but then I found myself in a place where plain communication was an issue. Fortunately, a few months after my move to this new foreign country, I discovered knitting. Not only has knitting taught me patience and provided me with a mind-space to meditate and calm my mind, it has also allowed me to get involved for the non-human animals I am so passionate about helping.

The very first thing I ever knitted was a square for KAS, which, along with other squares sent in from across the world, would be made into blankets for orphaned children in South Africa).  I realized quickly that I enjoyed making things for others. Thinking back, what brought me to knitting was not a want to make things for myself; it was actually a want to make sweaters for chickens after I had read an article on the need for sweaters for rescued hens. A few months after my debut as a knitter, I was able to finish that hen sweater (one of my proudest knitting moments yet!), and I eventually realized that knitting (and crafting) could be much more than what it is stereotyped as.

Blankets for homeless cats and dogs, pouches for rescued marsupials in Australia, sweaters for penguins caught in oil spills, artificial nests for rescued wildlife are but a few of my next planned projects.  I can’t explain the satisfaction that I feel once I complete a project and the knowledge of knowing that my creation will help individuals out there that I may not otherwise ever know or be able to help because of my location. Charity knitting is a form of craftivism, and one of my favourite ways to get involved from across the globe.

I don’t plan to stop there. I recently got a mini-protest banner kit from the UK-based Craftivist Collective and am currently deciding on the Animal Rights quote with most impact that I will cross-stitch on it. The Craftivist Collective’s aim is to inspire thought and discussion among their community through the placement of these banners and other crafts throughout cities and towns. When you use your crafts to “speak up” for a cause, it’s called craftivism (coined by B. Greer). This is just one example of another way to speak up for non-humans.

As for human causes, last December I organized a charity drive collection of warm items for the homeless in my community. This year, I already hope to take part in a handkerchief embroidery project hosted by artist Hanne Bang that will be displayed in a museum. The instillation “In war, someone has to die” will be a way to speak up against war and show solidarity with those whose loved ones find themselves in the middle of battle. These are other forms of craftivism.

Craftivism has certainly taken off on behalf of social, environmental, and human rights issues. As for charity knitting, I can easily find patterns for preemie hats, scarves for the homeless, even clothing for those in war ridden areas.  There are many groups dedicated to helping humans, but I still find that craftivism lacks in activism for non-humans. Can you imagine crafting circles coming together regularly in the name of helping non-humans? Or a museum exhibiting an installation made up through the efforts of countless activists across the world joining together to speak up for those without a voice? These are just a few examples of the potentials to use craftivism for vegan and AR causes.

You may find yourself isolated as I am or perhaps you live in an area with a large community of like-minded people; regardless, I am writing this in hopes that you will be inspired to join this new movement and get involved through your craft. Whether new or experienced in knitting, crocheting, embroidery, cross-stitching, sewing, etc., I hope that you will get creative and continue to speak up for non-human animals through a novel way – through the act of creating.

If you’d like to get involved or have questions, suggestions, or ideas, you can contact me and/or follow my vegan craftivist blog via http://www.projectcraftivism.tumblr.com  I hope to see you there!

Also for fun,  Sh*t Vegan Knitters Say!

Julia F. is a native Puerto Rican that now finds herself somewhere in Europe with her husband and adopted rabbit daughters. With a background in biology, Julia has had unforgettable experiences in the natural world, which inspire her work as an artist. Over the years, Julia has been fortunate to work as an illustrator for several public and non-public entities, including newspapers and a state park. She has also found an interest in writing and has published in the Irish Vegetarian Society, the UK’s Vegan Society “Vegan” Magazine, and several internet sites and groups focusing on promoting compassionate living and veganism. Julia awoke to veganism about 3.5 years ago and has been enjoying her compassionate life (and loving all the amazing food) ever since. She’s never looking back.

You can get in touch with her through www.jfillustrations.com.

[line]Julia has been previously featured on Your Daily Vegan! Check out her other posts (and more) by visiting the YDV Contributors Hall of Fame.