Ramekon O’Arwisters and a Crochet Jam participant have a laugh while working on the tapestry.
Yesterday at Maker Faire Bay Area in the Textile Talk Lounge, artist Ramekon O’Arwisters gave a compelling talk on his social and artistic project, called Crochet Jam. Ramekon goes out into the community and teaches people how to crochet, and then lets them loose to work on a collaborative tapestry. He only instructs how to do the crocheting — not how the piece should look. “Play is the foundation of creativity,” he says. As a result of this freeform approach, it is a beautiful and interesting object, with rows perpendicular to each other, long skinny bits rambling off the edges, and fabrics of every shade, pattern, and texture.
Growing up in North Carolina, Ramekon used to help his mom and grandma make quilts. A few years ago, a friend taught him how to crochet, and it reminded him of those happy times. He decided to start a project that would enable groups of people to collectively work on a piece of art, with a focus on relaxation and human connection. Far from a gallery piece that is static and distanced from the viewer, Crochet Jam tapestries have been displayed in galleries, but once the show is over, Ramekon takes them down and brings them back to more Crochet Jams, to grow and evolve. Participants have the opportunity to become a part of the art that inspired them.
“The social practice of uniting communities — that’s the art. This [the tapestry] is just a symbol of that.”
Details from Ramekon O’Arwister’s community-created crocheted rag tapestries. The largest piece measures 82″ x 82″.
Have quilt blocks dancing through your dreams, but aren’t sure where to start? Check out this tutorial for making your own striking yet simple four square quilt from Molly’s Sketchbook on the Purl Bee.
Such simple shapes, but so much opportunity to play with color! This project would be perfect for first-time quilters.
Ready to get stitching? Head over to the Purl Bee to see the full how-to.
I’ve been eyeing gorgeous spool quilt blocks for weeks, so this thread spools plastic canvas needlepoint ornament from Janet M. Perry at Nuts About Needlepoint caught my eye immediately. Love it? Follow the link for the free pattern and the full how-to!
Keep your scissors, blades, and other crafty sharps orderly and secure with this smart, funky cardboard office supply organizer project from The Cardboard Collective.
Can you tell I’m on an organizing bend? Why shouldn’t MOM get a cardboard thing-a-ma-jig every now and then?
Well, here’s my newest treasure – a place to stick some of the sharp pointy tools I use so I can keep them away from little, “I know what scissors can do” hands.
Instructables user brianadkison was tired of crawling around on his hands and knees to use his weeding tool, so he came up with this great tutorial for making his own ultimate weed removal tool from salvaged materials!
The crafting community is saddened today by the tragic loss of Kathreen Ricketson, craft book author and founder of Whipup.net, and her partner Rob Shugg. Our hearts go out to their children, family, and friends.
According to Whipup.net, an education fund is being set up for their two children. As soon as the details are available, I will update this post with a link. Further information can also be found on Whipup.net.
Update:
For those of you who would like to help, funds have been set up to receive contributions for the children. Details for both Australian and international donations can be found here.
