Well-being

So year three of my degree has started which means I need to get my organised head on (not a natural state of affairs 😁) (gosh the emojis are scary!)

I had big plans over the summer break to have my dissertation all written up and ready to go when college began again, but I find myself back in college with only a handful of notes and a pile of  unfilled questionnaires.

So the ideas flowing around my head are to do with the process of making a piece of textile, whether that be knitting, crochet, sewing, weaving.... and the possible link with well-being.  I am particularly interested in the stories of those that make things for others or are part of a community project that perhaps contributes towards a town display, such as a yarnbombing group or a community sewing project. 

I know how uplifting a village or town can find a creative project, but I would also like to see the maker's perspective.

If you feel you have the time to fill in a questionnaire, do please get involved!

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I am a third year design student, interested in the possible link between craftmaking and well-being.  As a knitter and crocheter myself I have a small obsession with blankets, having made them for my children and  for family and friends.  I love the process of making a blanket or shawl (which in my mind is a small blanket J ) and think about the person I’m making it for, while I work.  I am pretty careful who I give these handmade things to, as such a lot of time and thought goes into the making, and I realise not everyone appreciates or even wants the final piece.

I don't personally find knitting or crocheting mindless, although in saying that, it is lovely to have a ‘vanilla’ type pattern which allows me to relax and enjoy the making process.  I have never been involved in a community project as such and am interested in the ways this communal making might change the way makers approach and enjoy their craftmaking.  I am also interested in how perhaps a ‘community’ can be built through craftmaking.

Q1. In which situation or at what time of day do you knit/crochet/sew/weave/stitch most often?

Q2. Do you have more than one project that you are working on at once?

Q3. Do you often make things for yourself?

Q4. Do you make gifts for other people?

Q5. Do you prefer to work alone, or along side like minded crafters (in a group such as a knit and natter)?

Q6. What do you get out of your craftmaking?

Q7. Do you have any thoughts on how your making affects your well-being as well as the well-being of the people you make for (if you make for others)?

Thank you for your responses.  I am hoping that from the answers to this questionnaire, I can begin to formulate an essay about the link between handmade textiles, well-being and community.  If you have any further thoughts that you think I could possibly include, do feel free to include them.

Faith Ryder Pembrokeshire College