Last week I had people over to knit for the first time in a year (I used to do it regularly) and it got me thinking. I’ve been living in Michigan a little over a year now, and I feel settled. We suspected this would be a great place for us, and it is, in many ways.
I am still amazed, after months of living here, at how important craft is in Michigan. There are big communities for knitting, quilting, spinning, weaving, and probably lots of other things too. In the time we live in, it’s probably not hard for you to find another knitter or another quilter. We’ve had a craft renaissance, which is wonderful, but I think the thing about Michigan is that it never stopped here. The making has been constant, and that’s why the culture is so rich.
The small town I live in is especially wonderful— I can walk to two independently owned fabric stores, and a really talented long-arm quilter lives across the street. An indie fiber dyer and artist has set up shop in the cute 5 and dime, and there are other makers too that I haven’t met. And then a little ways out, there are 4 yarn shops, and I’m happy to work in one of them.
I am super happy to have found the Ann Arbor Modern Quilt Guild (and also, the SEMI crafty meetup). Yes, they are a hour away from me, but it’s such creative company that I relish going to the meetings and work days. Those ladies are serious fun, and I’m looking forward to heading to QuiltCon with some of them in February. (PS – we’re having a sale in November. You should check it out.)
So what’s the point? The point is that I’m happy to get to hang out where people are into what I’m into. It’s a reminder that I live in a really neat place and that those connections are there. And just in case you were on the fence about the awesomeness if Michigan, I wanted to share a hearty two-thumbs-up.
Photo: the aestlight shawl i finished not too long ago.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
The shawl is lovely. Your post is also. I think it’s kinda awesome that you’ve got such a vibrant arts community and that you are completely immersed in it. So many people I know can’t be bothered to seek out these things in their own community or just can’t see it because their eyes are distracted.
Aww, you’re makin’ me homesick! I grew up in Grand Rapids and had a Joann Fabrics just down the street – that was where my babysitting money was spent. When the big wooly sheep/Amish craze hit in the late 80′s, I took advantage of all the unsuspecting housewives wanting to decorate and sold pairs of black and white sheep to them by the dozens. I was 14 or 15 and loaning out my sewing skills for curtains and slipcovers and I taught myself to knit when I was about 8.
Now I live in SC and I have to drive over 30 miles to a Joann’s, and crafting does not seem to be much of a lifestyle down here. Thank God for the internet – my yarn comes via the mail carrier most times.
I do miss Michigan, hoping to transfer back in the next year or two. Love your blog and can’t wait to make the Mama Cat this weekend!
Yes, thank God for the internet!