Considering Classism in the Fiber Industry

This is a subject I’ve been trying to untangle my words about for a very long time. After recent discussions around pattern prices and more on Twitter, I reached out to two friends in the industry to see whether we could work on something together.

The event is listed on Eventbrite, and you can click through here to reserve your place.

The event is ticketed and we’ve asked for a donation to help us cover our costs and because, well, our time and expertise has value! We’re keen to keep it free so that anyone can attend but if you’re able to donate, it would be very much appreciated.

If you’re able to make a donation it’ll be much easier for us if you make that donation through the Eventbrite page. I’m incurring costs hosting the event, as zoom isn’t something I’ve had the use - or internet capacity! - for before now, and that cost is proportional to the amount of attendees. For this event to happen, donations will need to cover any additional costs as well as pay ourselves. We don’t have sponsorship I’m afraid! We’ve had queries from folks wishing to donate by buying patterns from each of us, which is great suggestion, but it would make it tricky to sort out the paperwork and admin.

From the event listing and booking page:

About this event

Woolly Wormhead, with special guests Karie Westermann and Shannon Okey.

As experienced knit designers and publishers we're coming together to share our views and experiences on how classism plays out in the yarn industry.

With discussion ranging from professionalism, costs and wages to exploitation, we aim to highlight just how challenging it is to earn a living wage from the content we create and produce.

Date and Time

9th March 2022; 9pm Italian and Central European time, 8pm UK and GMT time and 3pm US Eastern Standard time.

Playback

I will be recording the discussion panel within zoom and will make it available afterwards for everyone to watch.

This is my first zoom hosted event and as it’ll be evening time for me our internet may be intermittent but I’m working on back up options just in case. I’ll be joining live from my studio and I’m really excited that Karie and Shannon will be joining me. I hope you’ll join us too?