It has been more than ten months since I last blogged, and life’s many demands have taken precedence. Balancing multiple roles inevitably brought pressure, and the overwhelming stress towards the end of the year only added to it. Just before Christmas, I received the unsettling news that my two-day fractional role was becoming redundant. The Christmas season became a time of deep reflection—assessing my craft skills, PhD research, and university work. I needed space to process, regroup, and map out new opportunities for the future.
Amongst the chaos, knitting became a source of solace, offering a calming and meditative escape from emotional upheaval. It eased my anxiety and provided a sense of stability. Over time, a few individuals commissioned me to create knitted pieces for their loved ones, and seeing their joy in receiving these handmade garments has been incredibly fulfilling. I also took the plunge into artisan indoor markets, which turned out to be a wonderful experience—not just for showcasing my work but also for connecting with fellow creatives and fostering a sense of community.
Building a community of craft enthusiasts has always been close to my heart. It is about bringing like-minded makers together, encouraging collaboration, and creating a space for sharing ideas and supporting one another. Given this, I have organised a few knowledge-sharing sessions with colleagues at UAL. These sessions have not only enriched my professional development and research on cultural identity and ethnic clothing in evolving spaces but also allowed me to extend these conversations beyond academia. Engaging with external craft communities has been a rewarding way to bridge knowledge and creativity, strengthening connections both within and outside the university.