As this project shows, craft resources have been integral to changing conditions of work and skill sharing. Furlough freed professional dressmakers to donate scrubs to hospitals, a sense of mutual aid saw residents in Kent pool their resources to make masks, and the collaborative ‘Quarantine Quilt’ sought to create a sense of community with those kept apart. Here, with makers, artists, academics and activists, we reflect on how we might historicise this moment, document the changes, and celebrate the makers who have used, adapted and improved their skills over the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

First Steps:

The last year saw an uptick in people trying out new crafts for the first time. We asked three makers to take us through their journey – from first steps to finished product – to inspire others to follow along.

Pandemic Diaries:

On the ground, makers had to respond in real-time to an ever-changing situation. We asked three makers who Decorating Dissidence have previously worked with to take us through their process.

---

Talk series:

In collaboration with Dr. Aoife Monks, we organised a day-long talk series with makers, academics and activities to explore ‘Histories of Making During States of Emergency’ (8 June 2021).

Inspiring Projects:

We came across many inspiring projects that brought people together through craft practices, using quilting, ceramics, knitting, embroidery and found materials to bind together and express both individual and collective experiences during lockdowns and beyond. Here are just a few…