How To Make A Fiber Arts Makers’ Space
What Is a Makers’ Space?
On a recent road trip, Greg and I used one of my favorite travel tips and walked into a handy public library to make use of their public restrooms. I have loved public libraries since I was old enough to enroll in my first elementary school Summer Reading Program, and so we explored a bit after taking care of the immediate needs.
When my kids were little, I loved taking advantage of all the special programs and seeing the displays and resources that the staff had thoughtfully prepared for the kids and other patrons. As I walked through this library outside Akron, Ohio, I saw an entire room with glass walls labelled “Maker’s Space” and attractively decorated. Inside was a treasure trove of tools that young people and adults could try out, practice on, or use in their creative endeavors.
We saw sewing machines and sergers, die cutters, green screens, video and sound editing equipment, 3-D printers, button makers, graphic design software, and a bunch of other things that I’ve forgotten already. In the center of the room, on two tables with chairs, were two shoebox-sized tubs with yarn, knitting needles and crochet hooks, and slips of paper with QR codes that linked to “how to crochet” videos on YouTube.
Makers’ Spaces Are Spreading
We spoke with the library assistants on staff stationed right outside the room and they told us how these spaces are becoming more common in public libraries all over the country. It’s a fantastic way to give the public access to resources that are too expensive to own, or not practical to buy for occasional use, or something that someone would like to try and see if they enjoy using before investing in the equipment for themselves.
Some libraries (like my own, I discovered after returning home) offer free training courses on some of the equipment so that patrons can use it safely and responsibly. I would have loved this as a kid! What a terrific opportunity for library patrons to continue learning about new tools and methods to express and enhance their creativity!
Why Stop at Libraries?
I live in a city with a great library system, so I wasn’t surprised when I learned that the Makers’ Space concept was thriving here. But those little tubs on the tables have stuck in my mind since the trip. I keep thinking of other places they could live, and how easy it really is to give people what they need to take the first steps in what many of us know to be an incredibly rewarding and joy-filled craft.
I’m reminded of another recent trip to Tulsa, and the Tulsa Botanic Garden there, specifically the Tree Fort in the Children’s Garden. They had cloth strips in a basket by the fence with an invitation to use them to weave a design into the fence. (There was a nice yarn bombing of a nearby tree for inspiration, too!)
Imagine finding free crafting supplies and instructions on a picnic table at the park while you’re enjoying a gorgeous day. Or on a table in the break room as you’re taking your lunch break at work. Or in the waiting room of the medical facility. Or the school cafeteria during the athletic tournament while you’re waiting between games. Or in the lobby of wherever while you’re waiting for whatever.
Starting Suggestions
There are so many possibilities, and I would love to see makers all over the world share their love for their crafts with their communities. Here are the guidelines I think we should consider:
- The materials should be free.
- The materials should be safe for the environment and the people in it.
- The materials should be shared in a respectful, conscientious manner.
Here’s what I mean:
Free
In the box I saw, the directions were clear that anyone was welcome to take a crochet hook or a pair of needles and a ball of yarn home with them. Those things could be returned if the new maker chose to do so, but there was no obligation. Keeping it free means no one has to watch money or police anything. Tub materials are donations, and returns are a bonus.
I realize that someone has to pay for those materials at some point, but think about your stash, the crafters you know who might be interested in pitching in with you, the garage and estate sales in your area, the thrift shops, etc. It might be doing several people a favor to provide a positive place for some excess to go.
You could also talk to your stitch night group, your neighbors, and associations related to the places you want to place your Makers’ Tubs. They might want to make donations to cover the costs of supplies. Don’t forget your local yarn shop! If you’re a yarn shop owner, you might consider this an investment in creating future customers!
Safe
I wouldn’t set knitting needles down in a playground for young children and walk away, but I wouldn’t worry about doing that in my work break room. For the playground, I might stick to yarn and maybe cardboard looms with a pair of scissors firmly attached to the tub, with instructions provided for finger knitting and simple weaving, and a link for where to find more.
Respectful
I don’t want anyone to have to clean up after me or be inconvenienced by me. I also don’t want to break any rules. So I’ll make sure I ask permission to leave a tub if it seems to be appropriate, especially in a place of business.
In most cases, I wouldn’t leave a tub unattended in a park in case of bad weather. If I know the guy who runs the concession stand at the city park, I might ask him if he’d be willing to put it out on a table each day and bring it back in. I might knit him a pair of socks as a thank-you.
I don’t think the hospital where I worked would have approved leaving a tub in the waiting room, but I bet I could have given one to the chaplains and they could have shared it with anyone they thought might have benefitted from it.
So What Do I Need To Make A Makers’ Space Tub?
The possibilities are endless, but here’s one list:
- 3-4 balls of plain or variegated yarn, about worsted weight. I’d avoid anything fuzzy, sparkly, or unique in texture. Remember that people are learning and simple is best. 20-25 yards is plenty to start with, and I wouldn’t make the balls larger than about 100 yards.
- 3-4 sets of whatever tools you want to provide: pairs of knitting needles (I’d recommend keeping the sizes between 7-10 if you can), crochet hooks (G-K is great), or precut cardboard looms.
- At least one pair of scissors, possibly attached to the tub.
- General instructions and identification to be attached to the tub.
- Individual printed sheets with directions and/or QR codes for instructions on the craft you choose.
- A box or tub to contain all the things.
links and QR codes
You may have other links you love, but here are some links and QR codes for some of the crafts you might choose:
Finger Knitting Tutorial
Crochet Tutorial
Knitting Tutorial
Weaving Tutorial
I’ve put all these on a PDF that you’re free to use in your own Makers’ Space Tubs. You can get it and this entire guide by clicking this button:
