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Kvarta

"My grandma can do it"

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Kvarta
, 28-07-2012 at 10:56 PM (598 Views)
Tonight I had very "constructive" conversation with one girl. She started to talk to me on FB, asking some questions about my crocheted jewelry, not a rare thing... She even asked me about my tatted owl earrings (that are not for sale just for show-off).

And somewhere in the middle of conversation, as I expected, she asked me why I do that when "everybody's grandma can do it"? She told me that her grandma can make those things, even better. I was actually glad to hear that someone in my country, and city, know how to tat, even asked her if her grandma can teach me a bit (I was willing to pay for lessons). Only to get answer: "Well not that tat thing but she know how to crochet and knit and needle point,and...bla bla bla. So why do I make crocheted lace jewelry if everybody's grandma know to do all that?"

It's not a first an I presume not the last time that someone ask me that. For better or for worse, most of the times that person return to me asking if I still have a choker or earrings or whatever, because in the end - her grandma couldn't do it.

But it really angers me that kind of attitude. Lace work is not easy to do. When I was kid my grandma and my mom has taught me to do crochet, needlepoint, making a Irish lace, to make a Richelieu lace....I didn't like that then. And I had to learn some stuff all over again when I started taking interest. But...only to have that knowledge prevented me from frowning on other people work and to respect people who make it. Is it something wrong with my perspective or with perspective of others?
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  1. wodentoad's Avatar
    Okay, this made me giggle a bit. I just turned 30, and thank you, but I can do more than your average Grandma! Lace is NOT easy, and I am floored by Irish and Richelieu lace. Seriously. Floored.

    It's not respectful at all, which is why I had to laugh. If she knew how much work and dedication it takes to do this kind of crafting, and how much heart we put into it. Don't forget how hard it is to find a community for these rare crafts! (Also, please tell me that you have examples of your Richelieu lace!)
  2. Kvarta's Avatar
    I'm 36 now, so far from grandma too :D

    As for Richelieu lace unfortunately I don't have anything. I know how to make it but I don't have that much time on my hands. It's a very time consuming process. But I'm hoping that in one point of my life I'll have time to make something for myself (for sale it's not good, real lace is far more costly than machine made one with "made in china" mark).
    Irish lace - is I have some simpler peaces the real one is also time and material consuming. But I'm eyeing one pattern for skirt for a long time.

    I'm in love with lace, real hand made one. And now I'm giggling because I remembered that "Taurus" horoscope in Just for fun section .
    Sad thing is that those people newer gonna find out how rewarding is end of every project.
  3. Kvarta's Avatar
    Oh I just remembered, maybe there are some of table cloths left from "back then" that I make with my mom. If they are still around I'll take a pics and put them in my gallery. Italian cutwork style I think.
  4. Elfiona's Avatar
    I can't remember anyone asking me why I do it, but my simple answer is because I like it. I love lace and I love making it: crochet, hardanger, tatting. It pleases me and I work to make it as nice as I can. I know a lot of people don't realize the effort and care to do it well. It angers and annoys me the people who do sloppy work on purpose because they want it to look hand made, but they don't seem to realize that they wind up with work that looks like it was made by a child. Skillled workers of all crafts and trades can make things by hand that is beautiful. I don't understand the attitude that machine made is too perfect looking. Not what I have seen. An even if that was true, a perfectly made item by hand is still superior to a perfectly made item by machine. OK, I'm off my soapbox and I hope you keep working toward perfecting the crafts you enjoy going, Kvarta.
  5. PattyD's Avatar
    I do it because it's not even mental! My hands itch to make something.
  6. janet6567's Avatar
    When someone makes a rude comment like that, it is often out of a feeling of inadequacy because they cannot do what you are doing. Perhaps they are even a bit jealous of your talent. Elfiona has the right answer to give them: I do this because I enjoy making creative things. I would probably also ask them, "What kinds of creative things do you enjoy doing?"
  7. IdahoCanuck's Avatar
    If someone told me "my grandma can do it" I would suggest they take the opportunity and ask grandma to teach them.... While they are still able.
  8. Kvarta's Avatar
    I gave up on those answers long ago. Mostly they think that they are too yang to do any of "that". Response is like I suggested them to drink acid. These days my response is: "Well if your grandma can make it ti's cheaper for you."
    Most of young people in here don't do thing that are not "in", don't even want to try to learn them :(
  9. KathyeS's Avatar
    My first thought when I read that was... your grandma learned when she was younger! If we don't learn the crafts because our 'grandmas' already know them, what will we do when our grandmas are gone? It's in learning the traditions that we keep them alive.
  10. LaceMistress's Avatar
    Lacework is traditional. Traditions are passed down to the next generation by those who are expert enough to teach them accurately. Occasionally you get the self taught folk. But anthropologically speaking, the elders are how traditions, like lacework, are kept alive. :)