FeminiKnitsm (please help)

OK, so I’m a journalism student.  I’m taking a magazine writing class and for the final project I have to write a feature length article.  My topic is feminists who participate in traditional "woman’s work" hobbies, such as knitting, sewing, baking, etc.  I’d love some feedback from any of you who participate (or don’t but have an opinion).

I’m going to say that if you comment, you consent to me quoting you in my article.  Chances are, it won’t be published, but I may try to submit it to some magazines, so publication is a possibility.  If you’d like me to use your real name, please leave it (you can email it to me if you’d rather); otherwise I’ll refer to anything I use by your username.  I’d just rather not have to sift through answers that say awesome things but don’t want to be quoted.  :)

I’ve written some questions, please answer any or all of them, or feel free to stray and say whatever you think on the topic.

In general, what is your view on feminists reclaiming traditional “woman’s work” as leisure activities?



Why do you think such activities have seen a recent boost in popularity?
Do you think that Betty Friedan and others had a valid argument against women engaging in these activities?  Why?
Do you feel that these hobbies help or hinder feminism in general?
Do you think these hobbies will remain popular in the long term or are they just a passing fad?
Do you personally engage in one of these activities?
If so, what activity do you participate in?
How long have you been participating?  Is it something you were taught as a child or did you pick it up later?
If it is something you started as an adult, what drew you to it?
What do you feel you get out of it?
How has it impacted your life socially and as a feminist?

Thank you to anyone who participates!

If you’d rather email answers to me directly, send them to me.

Disclaimer: This post was written by a Feministing Community user and does not necessarily reflect the views of any Feministing columnist, editor, or executive director.

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