Social Implications
In recent years, the Stitch ‘n Bitch movement has been considered as a means of reclaiming women’s domestic work in feminist circles. Not only have groups officially been formed through website use, but groups of women on university campuses have also followed the trends in order to resist the taboo representation of the “traditional” woman.
After the publication of Stoller’s books, the controversial relationship between third-wave feminism and the traditional perception of femininity made resurgence. With the advancement of technology, blogs and public forums became a platform for knitters and feminists wanting to reclaim the traditional practice of knitting in the public sphere. Stoller introduced this approach to feminism in order to be able to merge political involvement with a women’s community-building activity set in a Do-It-Yourself culture.
However, any movement doesn’t go without opposition. As a response to Stoller, much scrutiny on the effectiveness of the reclamation of domestic arts as a political feminist act has been done. Some say that the reason of the reintroduction of knitting in modern social gatherings is mainly due to the increase in the search for individualism and the anti-consumerism attitude of our generation.
With this said, it is important to denote the implication of technologies in the emergence of a “fabriculture” based on the reclamation of domestic arts and crafts. With the accessibility of online information and tips and tricks for knitters and crocheters, the traditionally personal and “private” practice of knitting can now be shared and is open to public discussion and new ideas. These webs of knitters worldwide find affinities via a very modern technology opposing the traditional DIY nature of knitting.
All this criticism, however, do show a great interest in the role of knitting in the public sphere and as a social catalyst for avid knitters. The mediatised attention given to Stoller after the publication of her books and trademark dispute has put knitting back on the map.
Read more about this topic: Stitch 'n Bitch
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