October 2nd is the birth date of Ghandi which continues to be celebrated internationally. This realisation lead me to thinking about how Ghandi's ideals may still affect the world of hand spinning today and the findings were rather interesting and even comforting. I hope you enjoy this short, but thoughtful blog today and feel proud of your hand spinning skills too.
To understand Ghandi's role in supporting the craft of hand spinning we should first understand his whole life values and therefore what he was trying to achieve in India at the time of the end of British Colonialism.
For many years the economy of India had been under British economic control which Ghandi sought to abolish. However his method was one based on non-violence to create self-reliance and economic independence. He did this by encouraging people to spin their own yarn and make their own clothes as a means of empowering individuals and reducing reliance on British textiles and the picture of him sitting with his spinning wheel has come to symbolise his values of self-reliance, dignity and peace.
He believed that everyone, regardless of their social status should engage in manual labour believing it to be dignified, and the spinning wheel was an ideal, accessible tool to allow everyone to participate with the act of spinning being peaceful and therefore ensuring people could protest in a peaceful way.
As hand spinners today we are so lucky to be able to use the skillful craft as a relaxing, although productive hobby especially at a time when the movements of self-sufficiency and sustainable living continue to grow. Ghandi was well known to rise at 4am and to spin quietly for an hour every morning finding the act relaxing and meditative as well as productive, while encouraging others to do the same to meet their needs of self-reliance too.
This resonates well at a time when the importance of non-reliance on mass produced goods is as important to our planet as ever with a focus on slow fashion gaining momentum. As crafters we have the skills to spin, weave and knit a range of products to produce sustainable clothing and homewares and the choice to move away from mass produced goods. Spinning also provides an income for many small businesses providing a creative outlet and freedom of choice for the business owners while preserving our cultural heritage.
In short, hand spinners using spinning wheels today align well with Gandhi's ideals of self-reliance, sustainability, and ethical production, and can be seen as a continuation of his advocacy for simple, meaningful living and resistance to consumerism.
So I encourage you all, today especially, to take time to sit at your wheel and enjoy your hand spinning and allow yourself the relaxation you deserve knowing that you are contributing to one of the most worthwhile of pastimes while moving away from mass-produced goods one treadle at a time.
Happy spinning everyone
Theresa
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