March 8th: International Women’s Day
Today, March 8th, is International Women’s Day. What is that you ask? Well, it’s a day to celebrate women all over the world and recognize the many achievements women have made. International Women’s Day started in the early 1900s and is commemorated by the United Nations, as well as being designated a national holiday in some countries.
Thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women, celebrate achievements, and promote equality. Over the decades we’ve made great strides in terms of equality, but there’s still a long way to go. It’s important to remember that women are still not paid equally to that of their male counterparts; women are not equally represented in business or politics, and globally women’s education, health and the violence they experience is worse than that of men.
International Women's Day Logo
In honour of International Women’s Day I’m focusing on some of my favourite crafts for women, and by women.
Crafts for Women: My Favourite Female Patterns
It’s so hard to choose just a few, but here goes. These are some of my favourite female-inspired crafts and patterns.
1. Scallop Crochet Leg Warmers – Okay, I’m not really a leg warmers person, but I like these because they remind me of fishnet tights. They look really cool if you use a self-striping or multi-coloured yarn.
2. Julia’s Hat – This is a very simple crocheted hat, but the lace ruffles on the brim give it a more feminine look. It’s so cute!
3. Laura’s Lacy Mittens – These crocheted mittens are not only super warm, they’re very stylish! I adore the lace motif on the top layer. You can personalize these by playing around with different colours.
4. China Doll Top – This is such a beautiful tunic. The style is based on a traditional seventeenth century Chinese costume.
5. Twilight Duster -I love this jacket pattern because it’s so unique! The houndstooth look is very retro, but when you play with the colours it becomes ultra modern.
6. Madeline Top / Geometry Dress -These two patterns are very similar in style except one is knitted and the other crocheted. I just love the way they flow around the bottom with the rectangular finish.
7. Tree of Life Vest – Okay, so this wet felted vest isn’t one of my favourites, but I had to include it because it’s so cool and was made especially in honour of International Women’s Day. It’s available for purchase on Etsy.
Top from Left to Right: Scallop Crochet Leg Warmers; Julia's Hat; Laura's Lacy Mittens; China Doll Top / Bottom from Left to Right: Twilight Duster; Madeline Top; Geometry Dress; Tree of Life Vest
Crafts by Women: My Favourite Female Crafters
In no particular order, here are some of my favourite women crafters, designers and artisans.
1. Kristin Omdahl -Kristin is probably one of the most well-known designers of knitting and crochet patterns currently. She’s especially known for her delicate hand-knit lace patterns. Check out her Ravelry page for photos of her many designs.
2. Debbie Bliss – Probably Britain’s foremost knitting designer, Debbie not only designs patterns she also designs yarns.
3. Debbie Stoller – Author of the famous ‘Stitch ‘n Bitch’ books, Debbie has written books for both knitters and crocheters. I love her designs because she’s got a really great, funky style!
4. Lisa Yang – A rubber stamp designer and owner of Local King Rubber Stamps, Lisa is amazing at what she does! I really like the way she blends multiple colours on the backgrounds of her stamping projects. She also has really unique stamps.
5. Martha Stewart – It could easily be said that Martha is the queen of crafting! She really does it all – knitting, crocheting, sewing, scrapbooking, cooking and DIY, just to name a few of her skills.
From Left to Right, Designs By: Kristin Omdahl; Debbie Bliss; Debbie Stoller; Lisa Yang & Martha Stewart
Do you have a favourite female crafter?
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