02/20/09 - Carnegie Mellon Study on DIY Communities and Projects

[SkitzoLeezra]

I'll repeat what I said there:
In my world and age group (early 40's), we either ignored or weren't exposed to sewing and I am constantly amazed by the younger craftsters on this site.  They are teaching themselves to sew without patterns, classes or FEAR.  They have taught ME so much - they don't sweat the small stuff like hanging threads, unpressed fabric and "correct" technique.  I wonder if we should approach teaching others with the same attitude.  Have fun and be creative first and come back when you have a technical question.

[oddmentsandtweaks]

All done!

[karin_]

Great survey, I too think it's about time someone researched the movement further - I could write a thesis on Craftster myself! 

[dawt]

A very timely survey, indeed, and wonder if it was inspired by something I recently heard on one of my favorite craft podcasts. (I have absolutely nothing to do with the podcast, I'm just a fan.)

I subscribe to Craftypod, a great audio podcast with a variety of topics and interviews (the host, Sister Diane, interviewed our founder of Craftster, Leah a while back!). Sister Diane said that after seeing a display about Indie crafters that was filled with misinformation about the movement, she blogged about it and asked for feedback on her site. I believe this is what lead to her most recent interview with a gentleman by the name of Mike Hartnett. Mr. Hartnett publishes a newsletter called "Creative Leisure News" and realizes the importance of the Indie movement, and is seeking feedback about what we want in the way of supplies, projects and the like. Both Sister Diane and Mr. Hartnett would like to open the lines of communication between crafters and suppliers so that we can work in conjunction with one another so that we can all earn a living at what we love to do.

Just thought I'd throw that out there.

[chocolate00]

yay I finished it too very interesting survey.

[jezebel_1982]

done and done...less than 5 minutes of my time, well spent.

I, too would like to hear if anything is done with this data

[sewhappysue]

done

[I Sew Cute]

I'll repeat what I said there:
In my world and age group (early 40's), we either ignored or weren't exposed to sewing and I am constantly amazed by the younger craftsters on this site.  They are teaching themselves to sew without patterns, classes or FEAR.  They have taught ME so much - they don't sweat the small stuff like hanging threads, unpressed fabric and "correct" technique.  I wonder if we should approach teaching others with the same attitude.  Have fun and be creative first and come back when you have a technical question.

Sewing in High School Home Ec class almost stifled my real interest in sewing... I'm not a fan of ironing or pinning anything...so do it as little as possible! Kathy Cano-Murillo "crafty chica" just came out with a fabulous book that I am reviewing, called "Crafty Chica's Guide to Artful Sewing" ...I think you would really enjoy it SkitzoLeezra! It's sewing without strict rules...in a kamikaze ..."just do it & enjoy it" kind of way! 

[staceyk]

Hi Everyone! Thanks for filling out our survey!

I just posted some of our results here:

http://www.instructables.com/id/A-Few-Insights-into-DIY-Projects-Communities-and-/

We'd love to hear your feedback!