A grounded theory approach to studying craft: The serious work and leisure of knitting

Abstract

The primary aim of this article is to exemplify and evaluate the application of a grounded theory approach to studying craft participants, including the introduction of social theory in the analysis process. This is done by describing a qualitative research project that explored why women today knit. An increased interest in knitting and other crafts has been noted, particularly amongst women participants. The article sets out how a grounded theory approach was employed to offer new ways to understand this topic. The secondary aim of this article is to share the findings of this research. It is suggested that what participants said about their relationship with knitting could be understood in terms of Stebbins' notions of creating routines for engaging in this leisure activity, fulfilling a sense of obligation to undertake the activity, and a sense of pride and autonomy. This helped frame knitting as an activity that requires hard work and perseverance but results in fulfilment. Furthermore, it was found that knitting deviates from Stebbins' conception of serious leisure activities as the categories of hobbyists, amateurs and professionals may need reworking, given that knitters (classed by Stebbins' as hobbyists without professional counterparts) are partly professionalized and therefore seem more appropriately classed as amateurs.

Reasons for knitting blogging and its importance for crafting

“…Thus, the digital word scaffolded the real-world crafting and vice versa. It can be perceived that both crafting and blogging have been serious leisure activities enhancing well-being (Stebbins, 2015), requiring perseverance, creativity and longterm work based on considerable skill, knowledge and knitting experience (Corkhill et al, 2014;Court, 2020;Pöllänen, 2015). Interestingly, as found in other studies (e.g., Lenhart & Fox, 2006), earning extra income (see Pedersen, 2010) was not the main reason for knitting blogging.…”

“…Knitting can be a short-term pleasurable activity that can be done with little practice (Dirix, 2004;Turney, 2009) and following ready-made instructions and patterns (Pöllänen, 2015). On the other hand, it can be a serious leisure (Court, 2020;Stebbins, 2015) requiring perseverance, creativity and long-term work based on considerable skill, knowledge and experience.…”

“…A growing body of diverse international research about knitting has been concentrated on subjective well-being (e.g., Brooks, Ta, Townsend, & Backman, 2019;Corkhill et al, 2014;Lamont & Ranaweera, 2019;Parkins, 2004;Riley, 2008;Riley et al, 2013;Rosner & Ryokai, 2009;Schofiled-Tomschin & Littrell, 2001), and on the perspective of serious leisure (Court, 2020) andDIY culture (e.g., von Busch, 2010;Farinosi & Fortunati, 2018;Gauntlett, 2018;Kelly, 2014;Kouhia 2015;Wolf & McQuitty, 2011). In addition, craft has also been studied to an increasing extent as a basis for personal, social or political change via new materiality (e.g., Corkhill et al, 2014;Greer, 2008;Hosegood, 2009;Minahan & Cox, 2011;Myzelev, 2006Myzelev, , 2015O´Donald, Hatza, & Springgay, 2010;Springgay, 2010), and in craft web cultures as a basis for knitting as a feminist project (e.g., Humphreys, 2008;O'Donald et al, 2010;Minahan & Cox, 2007).…”