My Craftivism*: by craftivist Tom van Deijnen (aka @tomofholland)

Craft of choice: Knitting, Darning, and lately spinning

How did you get into craftivism? I felt inspired when reading about the Craftivist Collective, speaking to Rachael Matthews from Prick Your Finger, and reading JP Flintoff’s books. Every little bit does help, and it makes sense to combine your craft with things that matter to you.

Tell us about your craftivism project / event – what did you do, and how, and why? Most recently I helped Sarah Corbett, Craftivist Extraordinaire, run a stitch a footprint workshop at Brighton Museum. I care about my immediate environment and would like other to care, too. So things like cleaning up after yourself are important to me. Therefore I stitched “please use the bin provided, or take your crap home.” It doesn’t take a lot of effort, but it makes a world of difference. I’m always surprised when I hear people say: oh, such-and-such city is so clean (insert European city of choice,) and five minutes later they throw a sweet wrapper on the floor, while there is a bin in sight.

Sarah Corbett’s suitcase of craftivism including a completed footprint as an example for workshop participants

What response have you got / do you hope to get from your craftivism? I would like people to start thinking about their environment, and create less waste.

What were you thinking about while you were stitching? My mind wanders a lot when I’m stitching, or indeed, do any craft. So I did think about waste, and cleaning up, but I was also thinking about some of the other people who turned up at the event and tried their hand at embroidery. Some had never even threaded a needle before – and I was amazed how Sarah’s enthusiasm clearly made them want to think and stitch.

How do you think that craftivism can change the world?

I think that we all have our role to play in the world, and that we do have a way of changing things. “Be the change that you want to see” really is how it works. If you can change your own habits, than you can inspire others to do the same.

Anything else we should know? I also care a lot about sustainable fashion and a Slow Wardrobe. I provide repair and mending inspiration, skills and services through my blog, workshops and commissions. No need to chuck out a favourite, comfortable jumper if it has a hole: you can repair it, and wear your darn as a badge of honour! Find out more on my blog http://tomofholland.com

“Brighton Lates” event poster for Sept & Oct events including our Craftivism activity in October

Thanks Tom for your time and  words. If you would like to write a guest post for the Craftivist Collective blog, please email us at Craftivist.collective@gmail.com

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