Joining Lines 2018

Joining Lines Community Project | 2018

Within this fast passed, throwaway society it is important to sustain traditional techniques and ideas and I am keen to rebuild concepts from days gone by. Community, a sense of belonging and a desire to share and hold on to skills which previous generations were bought up on, are fundamental factors within this project.

The Projects Aim

Joining Lines - A collaboration between new and experienced crocheters from Nottingham and surrounding areas. The project set out to promote community involvement and skill sharing.

Joining Lines 2018 showcased the work of 37 crocheters joined together as part of an impressive textiles installation of over 145 doilies displayed at Bulwell Riverside throughout July 2018.

Close up photo of sheeps face with other sheep blurred out in the background.

A Sense of Community

Joining Lines 2018 began life as a simple exhibition of crochet doilies but soon evolved into something much more. With a focus on bringing people together and encouraging participation from a wide audience, the Joining Lines project celebrated diversity and skill sharing.

Within this space in time, community and a sense of belonging are often difficult for some to find. Joining Lines 2018 intended to continually build and encourage togetherness and freedom from the isolation of ourselves.

Little girl in a teal dress sat on a plain grey floor, in front of a grey wall, holding a crochet hook and coral yarn, learning to crochet.

Make Do and Mend

Within this fast paced society more and more people are turning to crafts like crochet, knitting and sewing as an escape from the pressure of daily life. With technology on the up and up, tactile skills, once learned in homes around the country from a very young age, are being lost. Are our children and their children going to miss out on these skills and core values? Values our ancestors practiced without effort. We all need to encourage a more thriftful way of living, make do and mend, support small businesses and unite. Lets put community over competition.

Green and coral crochet granny square resting on a ball of yarn with crochet hook attached sat next to a banana loaf cake on a square plate.

Health and Wellbeing

It is suggested widely that craft is a great source of relaxation for many people. Once again, the digital age that we inhabit consumes a huge proportion of our existence, even babies are exposed to screens these days. It is important that we find ways to step away from the screens, reach for a more hands on approach and explore different ways of thinking. Join us as we continue to join the lines between the past, present and move into the future.

Work in Progress