Craft, by its very nature, is the antithesis of mass-production. In the wake of the Industrial Revolution, our crafting foremothers and forefathers philosophy was that the removal of craft skills from the manufacturing process had diminished society. They felt they had a physical and spiritual need to make.

And now? Similar conditions exist in the world today: technological advancement, unstable economies, environmental disasters and political unrest – all of these may give context to the current resurgence of craft. But are there other reasons why we just can’t help ourselves reaching out for our needles and yarn? Does the resurgence have its roots in a generation detached from the handmade process, who see the presence of handmade, rather than machine made, as new and exciting? Or could it be the individuality afforded to crafters in an otherwise mass-produced society?

Whatever the catalyst, today’s handmade movement builds on a long tradition of personal and political rebellion.