Knitting Resurgence

MJ Author

06/15/2021 Added

413 Plays

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If you’ve picked up a pair of knitting needles in recent years, you’re not alone. Crafting and do-it-yourself activities like knitting and crocheting have enjoyed a resurgence over the years. Research by a University of Nebraska-Lincoln professor suggests at least for some, the hobby reflects a desire to confront inequality.

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[00:00:00.000](soft acoustic music)
[00:00:04.420]Anxiety about the pandemic
[00:00:06.190]and too much free time could be reasons
[00:00:08.300]Angie Barrett saw a boost in business at her knit shop.
[00:00:12.040]Our business has been up 35%.
[00:00:14.290]Because they had time on their hands
[00:00:15.880]then they came to us
[00:00:18.300]and wanted to pick up a project and make that happen.
[00:00:21.890]But knitting, sometimes viewed
[00:00:23.650]as an old fashioned hobby for little old ladies
[00:00:26.290]is cool again.
[00:00:27.590]Andre Maciel, a professor who studies marketing
[00:00:30.570]and consumer behavior
[00:00:32.070]says women are shaking off cultural stereotypes
[00:00:35.530]and bringing respect to the craft.
[00:00:38.167]Women were reclaiming the activity
[00:00:41.060]or the identity of knitting
[00:00:43.100]knowing that there were stereotypes associated with that.
[00:00:47.070]And wanted to fight against that,
[00:00:49.150]wanted to confront those stereotypes
[00:00:50.940]and try to change them.
[00:00:52.950]It's even gotten political
[00:00:54.440]with opposing hat patterns available
[00:00:56.630]for activist knitters.
[00:00:58.740]During the Women's March, we sold out of our pink yarn.
[00:01:02.440]There was definitely a demand for it.
[00:01:05.180]And the ability to make the hats
[00:01:08.170]gave us, I think it gave us power.
[00:01:10.560]I think it gave us, and it also helped us
[00:01:12.820]feel a part of it.
[00:01:14.240]Maciel's research suggests for some
[00:01:16.800]knitting is a quiet way to make a statement
[00:01:19.620]outside of work and home duties.
[00:01:22.220]And they were not abandoning those roles
[00:01:23.870]to become radical activists.
[00:01:26.160]Instead, they were infusing these cultural politics
[00:01:31.190]or these identity politics
[00:01:32.440]in their every day lives.
[00:01:34.090]But knitters gather around the table
[00:01:35.930]for many reasons.
[00:01:37.110]Community, stress relief, laughter.
[00:01:40.040]Well I don't necessarily find it not stressful to knit
[00:01:42.430]because I have to replace
[00:01:43.374]that again. I was gonna say me too!
[00:01:44.443](women laughing)
[00:01:45.370]It's a comforting place
[00:01:46.680]in the midst of a sometimes chaotic world.
[00:01:50.251](soft acoustic music)

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Knitting Resurgence

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