When most people think of crafting, their first mental image is no doubt a bunch of old ladies knitting matching scarves and sweaters for their thoroughly unappreciative grandchildren. But that sentiment has gone the way of macramé and long since disappeared. These days, crafters include emo teens, young mothers, sorority girls, and yes, even (admittedly nerdy) boys. In a culture known for its consumerism, where the thinking is: why make it when the kids in China do it so well?, the do-it-yourself movement, known simply as DIY, has been spreading fast and continues to grow.

Magazines such as ReadyMade, the DIY television network, and the popularity of Etsy.com are proof that making stuff has struck a chord with the younger generation—and next year a documentary about the rise DIY art, craft, and design will be released called Handmade Nation. Maybe modern youth grew tired of throwing perfectly good stuff away and enjoy finding new ways to recycle, or maybe we crave a break from the constant technology that seems to run our lives. Maybe we just want to bring more meaning to gift-giving. Whatever the individual reasons young people have for gravitating back to handicrafts, it’s apparent that learning the trades our grandmothers knew is about more than just regaining our lost heritage. It is a way to literally make meaning—and no other aspect of crafting shows this than charity projects.

While Martha Stewart has popularized crafting for the etiquette-set, focusing on beautifying the home and surroundings, the so-called slacker-generation has turned it outward, collaborating on projects that give back to the community and—thanks to the Internet—to the world. It even has its own term, complete with its own Wikipedia entry: Craftivism.

Perhaps the best-known craftivist project is the AIDS Memorial Quilt, started—by a male—back in 1987 and last displayed in its entirety on The Mall in Washington, D.C., in 1996. Other projects whose focus is helping people in need include Afghans for Afghans, ChemoCaps, and Project Linus.

Last May, the Mosaic Yarn Shop in Blacksburg solicited crocheted and knitted squares for the Hokie Healing project, which gave blankets to people who were directly affected by the April 16, 2007 tragedy. The project’s organizer and owner of Mosaic, Gina Bonomo, was happily overwhelmed when they received nearly 9,000 squares from all 50 states and 20 different countries. Bonomo says that “charity knitting is a natural extension of knitting” because knitters tend to give away most of the projects they complete. One of the blankets will be backed and given to Montgomery Regional Hospital for display on the wall.

Bonomo agrees that the knitting craze—and crafting in general—is in part a reaction to consumerism. “You can buy anything anywhere anytime, but to make something sets it apart. [Handmade things] are a new and better currency.” She adds that knitting has very much become a part of youth culture. “New York hipsters are knitting aprons,” she says. And even straight guys are catching on. People may expect gay guys to knit, but for women: “Nothing’s sexier than a straight man knitting.”

Another project that men might be able to get behind is the International Fiber Collaborative. Jennifer Marsh from Syracuse University has been traveling to publicize the effort, recently speaking at Radford University. By March 15, those who want to participate should crochet, knit, stitch, patch, or collage and send in 3-foot square panels—and Marsh will sew them together to cover an abandoned gas station and gas pumps in central New York State.

The project allows people from all over the world to express their concerns about their country’s dependence on oil for energy. (Some of Marsh’s previous work has included crocheting a cozy for her personal lawn mower and gas can.) After the installation in April, Marsh would like to continue the project, taking the cover on tour to cover other abandoned gas stations—much like the one on West Main Street in Radford.

Local Art Education faculty member Courtney Weida will be holding workshops in Radford to help support the International Fiber Collaborative. An evening workshop is planned for 6-8 p.m. on Friday, February 15 at Unraveled (downstairs at Encore). On Feb. 26 from 3-5 p.m. there will be another meeting held on the second floor of the Bondurant Center. Weida welcomes beginners as well as experienced crafters to join. Minimal supplies will be provided, but bring your own material is encouraged. For more information and to RSVP, please e-mail Courtney Weida at cweida@radford.edu.

Whether you become involved in the projects described here or create your own, it’s important to know that crafting has a history of getting political. And now in the age of the Internet, it’s simple to find likeminded people who are more than willing to join your cause. Social sites (think MySpace for crafters) are popping up all the time, like www.ravelry.com and www.craftster.org or general interest sites like www.getcrafty.com and www.supernaturale.com. You don’t even have to leave your home to catch hold of the idealism, so there’s no excuse for lack of inspiration. Now get into your armchair and make a difference.

Taryn Chase co-founded a monthly online crafting zine called Craftygal.com way back in 2000. She’s been seen selling her wares at the Radford Farmer’s Market, and also happens to be Managing Editor of the New River Voice.