In a recent blog entry, Anna [of the Stitch Bitch blog] was discussing the ideal stitching group ... and it got me dreaming a bit. I have been to stitching retreats and conventions ... but without a local needlework shop in my area as a networking base, I've never been a member of a stitching group. There is a local EGA chapter in the county but it meets at a time that makes participation for me impossible 10 months of the year, September - June. But drawing on my experience at retreats and classes, I have come up with the following admittedly elitist list:
1. All members should have moderate to advanced skills.
2. All members should be unafraid of high count linen, silk, specialty stitches and any other esoterica of the craft.
3. All members should have some sense of how textile arts have always been a means of artistic expression for women, especially when such means were few.
4. Conversation when in session should range beyond last night's trash TV though it need not be so high-minded that only PhDs can follow the discussion ... a happy medium is all one can reasonably expect.
5. Politics and religion may be discussed but only if the conversation remains rational and civil ... people should be able to agree to disagree intelligently and graciously ... and no one should be allowed to reference the political gurus of talk radio, no matter where they fall on the political spectrum.
6. Food should be served only if the group is meeting for three or more hours and then only in a different room/area.
7. All discussion of ailments, children, grandchildren, in-laws, husbands/lovers, etc should be severely limited. However, discussion of books, movies, local restaurants, local theaters, concerts, travel, food/recipes, craft shops/fairs, other hobbies would be encouraged.
8. An interest in new designers, new materials, new techniques would be a plus ... as would any interest in the unusual, the witty, the whimsical ... no prudes need apply.
9. People so immersed in the craft that they have attempted to do a bit of designing themselves would also be most welcome.
10. Age would not be a factor ... a multi-generational group, especially among women, can be a very good thing ... verging on tribal, in the very best sense of the word.
I'd be curious to know what others think. So please feel free to leave a comment: agreeing or disagreeing with items on my list, adding criteria of your own or detailing your personal experiences [good, bad or indifferent] with stitching groups.
6 comments:
I couldn't belong to your fantasy stitching group. I am a rule follower--and I don't like it when other people don't follow the rules--but I don't love lots of rules for groups I belong to. I can only eat every 3-4 hours? And only in a separate room? (Did you hear that Strawberry Girls?) Also, I like to talk about my ailments and bitch about my husband as much as the next person. (Who doesn't want to hear about my ass?) Frankly, I love it when my sister tells me about Celebrity Rehab--it's hilarious, and I don't have to actually watch it. And no beginners? What kind of fascist stitch-fest is this? ;) But seriously, I'm sure there are many who would happily join you.
Hey, I said it was my ideal ... I said absolutely nothing about it being practical or widely acceptable. Personally, I blame my snobbery on my early Catholic school training ... we were always being divided into groups by ability ... elitism reigned rampant!
Hmmmm sounds like you're group would be rather limited. The beauty of having a wide skill range is the ability to learn from each other. I always get a great feeling when I show or teach a new skill to someone or even if its an idea on how to do something a little easier!
I agree it is very satisfying to teach someone a new skill ... teaching is what I do for a living, after all. I guess that's why, in my leisure activities, I DON'T want to be the most skilled in the group ... I want to be challenged by those who are my equals or betters ...
But truth be told, I'd be happy to be a member of any stitching group ... it wouldn't have to meet even one of my criteria for the ultimate dream group.
Riona, I think you would love the EGA chapter that I belong to....it fits most of your criteria....I guess I am rather lucky!
Your ideal of a stitching group sounds wonderful to me. The reality of most stitching groups that I have experienced precludes my continued participation. I am not interested in ailments, discussions of people I have never met,and family drama. Alas! My stitching will continue as a more enjoyable solitary activity.
"Elitism" does lead to loneliness.
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