Out of step
Whipup is a terrific site that blogs links to interesting crafting and arts websites, and also runs a monthly crafting competition. Lately they’ve seemed low on ideas for the latter (and had a frustrating habit of not getting the month’s theme posted until rather far into the month…). Apparently seeking to remedy this situation, they recently held a vote to see what topics readers wanted. I voted for “craftivism – crafts for activism,” because it’s something I’d like to think about & see other folks’ ideas. I was also attracted by “everything for baby,” because I’ve made a lot of baby stuff, and by “crafting a fairy tale,” because that’s a very Weirdbird topic somehow….
As it turns out, craftivism and fairy tales were both popular with other readers, but not popular enough. The winner? Miniature quilts. By a significant margin – 166 out of 682 votes. Craftivism and fairy tales were the runners-up, at around 90 votes each. I hope that means those topics will come up in future months, because Miniature Quilting May is doing nothing for me.
I’m kind of fascinated by my complete lack of interest in miniature quilting, compared to its evident popularity. I’ve seen bits about it here & there, and this vote on Whipup suggests it’s a new crafting trend. I can see the appeal – they’re small, but with lots of scope for handwork, creativity, bringing in cool textiles and other materials. But somehow, I’m just not that interested. I like working with textiles, but mostly to make things that I (or someone else) can either wear, or carry a baby in. I could get interested in making a baby quilt, big enough to be usable but still small enough to be finishable….
Maybe I’ll change my tune. I have three weeks ahead of me with very little scheduled… perhaps boredom will inspire creativity and I’ll produce a miniature quilt, or a dozen. I’m not trying to be all “Hmph, I have to be different and disdain the popular craft,” here. I learned to knit when it was hip; I started making things from felted sweaters when it got hip; I’m making freezer paper stencils left and right, and that’s moderately hip. So maybe the subtle allure of doing the same thing as all the other girls will get to me. Right now, though, I’m just feeling bemused and, well, out of step…