Just do it yourself

How can we keep traditional handiwork in our lives?

Nowadays, having something that looks nice is no longer important. Instead, it is about being part of a process and making things yourself. It does not matter whether it is sewing, knitting or crocheting: handiwork is experiencing a revival and a reinterpretation, driven by Generation25. Why? Because Generation25 is looking for a remedy to the quick and restless world of work. Working with your hands brings about calm and deceleration, and handiwork is good for mind and soul.
This is exactly where the online platform "Makerist" comes in, which Amber, 33, founded two years ago. "I think many miss the haptic element nowadays. Everything is so mechanised and depersonalised."
"Makerist" is an online school with tutorials for all kinds of handiwork such as sewing, knitting, crocheting, and patchwork. Amber explains her concept thus: "We want to combine e-learning and DIY: workshops and courses for everyone to take home with them – digitising handiwork, so to speak. Using the videos, we do not just want to teach people something, but to make the entire process as simple as possible; even purchasing the material, for example."
How closely Amber's concept fits with the Zeitgeist, and also the desire of Generation25 to create something with its own hands, was also borne out by the discussion at #Deutschland25.
"As a hobby you can create wonders just by playing around! It is relaxing. And at the end you get the feeling that you have achieved something." (Daniela, 34)
DIY is not just a trend DIY combines tradition and future:
"The DIY trend for gifts shows that creating something with your own hands can be combined with the online world." (Kisseny, 29)
"I love my old-fashioned shoemaker, because he delivers quality and is human with it. Quality is worth a smile."
In the comments of the #Deutschland25 discussion, you could sense the curiosity and passion of Generation25 to combine their affinity for new technologies with handiwork. For them, life in the digital world does not mean giving up on tradition. Traditional handiwork can live on through the Internet, through exchange, and through the interlinking of communities.
Generation25 found quick answers to the "How?" question:
"As with Amber, it is about simplifying considerably access to this happiness. Working with my hands is always good for me." (Johannes, 26)
"By us taking things back into our own hands enthusiastically and not having everything served up on a plate for us." (Swantje, 35)
"Bring crafts, sewing, etc. into timetables and the curricula more!" (Björn, 26)
"Get older people involved with courses in the neighbourhood and learn from them!" (Jule, 24)
"Online through tutorials and offline through workshops, etc." (Milena, 27)
Through the effective connection between the off and online worlds, platforms such as "Makerist" bring us close to haptic work once again, and connect people with similar hobbies and interests. The Internet has succeeded in bringing traditional handiwork back into our day-to-day consciousness. Those interested can find instructions, advice, and discussions online; offline is where the ideas are implemented. The comment from Bernhard, 27, is the perfect note to end on: "Tradition is not the passing on of the ashes, but how you make fire! Thanks for the platform!" Novelties and inspiration: things that give us the possibility of further development as a creative society.

#DEUTSCHLAND25