March 8th marks International Women’s Day, a time to celebrate the achievements, creativity, and resilience of women across the world. As a maker working with textiles, I am constantly reminded of the generations of women before me who stitched, mended, and created not just out of necessity but as an expression of artistry, heritage, and resourcefulness.
A Legacy Woven with Skill and Care
For many of us, our first encounters with sewing, knitting, or crafting came from the hands of women—grandmothers, mothers, aunts—who quietly passed down their skills through generations. In my own family, my grandmother Irene embodied the values of hard work and zero waste, long before sustainability became a buzzword. She, like so many women of her time, made do and mended, finding beauty in utility and ensuring nothing went to waste.
Textile arts have long been intertwined with women’s history, from the traditional weavers of Harris Tweed® in Scotland to the quilting circles of North America, where women gathered to sew not just for warmth but to share stories, support one another, and create something meaningful. These skills were often undervalued, yet they carried entire households through times of hardship and change.
Honouring the Women Makers of Today
Today, women artisans continue to shape the world of textiles, from independent designers to master weavers and sustainable fashion advocates. Whether through handwoven fabrics, upcycled designs, or carefully crafted patterns, their work breathes new life into traditional skills while pushing boundaries in design and sustainability.
Platforms like Etsy and independent businesses allow women to reclaim their craft as not just a pastime but a viable, empowering career. The ability to share handmade work globally has transformed what was once seen as ‘women’s work’ into a powerful creative economy.
Creating Boldly, Honouring Our Heritage
On this International Women’s Day, I encourage all fellow makers to honour the women who have shaped their creative journeys. Whether by sharing their stories, passing down a skill, or simply taking a moment to appreciate the hands that taught us, we continue to stitch our stories into every piece we create.
Let’s celebrate the power of craft, the resilience of women, and the beauty of tradition carried forward with pride.
Who are the women who have inspired your creative journey? I’d love to hear your stories.