How do you differentiate between art and craft? by Leanne Dyck

-How do you define art?
-How do you define craft?
-In your eyes, does one have more value than the other?
-How does society view art?
-How does society view craft?
-Is there art in craft, craft in art? If not, why not? Please explain.

Craft: I grew up in rural Manitoba. There, crafters surrounded me. In my grandma's home braided rugs lay at the front door and a crocheted afghan covered the sofa. My aunts sewed their children's clothes. My mom knit mittens, scarves and sweaters. When I was old enough I joined 4-H and was schooled in handicrafts.

Art: As a child, I never saw adults painting pictures or modeling with clay. These were activities for children in kindergarten.
In 1999 I moved to an island off Canada's west coast. Here, visual artists, musicians and wordsmiths fill my life. In the beginning, I revered them. Now I'm among the artists' rank. I eat, I breathe, I write. Still, I continue to wrestle with art, with craft.

Knitting Groups (guilds, circles) by Leanne Dyck

Knitting groups are important not only because they ensure the survival of our craft and give much to our communities, but also because of what they give to individual members. Groups help members through life crises, celebrate life rewards, and help to develop hidden talents.

Knitting guilds
To become a guild member, you must complete a registration form and pay a registration fee. Once membership is acquired, dues become payable annually. In the guild, formal meetings are held regularly and presided over by a president.

Guilds usually have an educational component. During this education, your knitting skills are judged, and you must perform to a set level of competency. Upon successful completion of this education, you gain the status of Master Knitter. Participation in these educational programs is voluntary.

Guilds exist mainly in urban areas. Rural knitters may become affiliate members. Active participation in a guild for most rural knitters is sadly impossible.

A brief history
In the seventeenth century, knitting guilds were the mainly male domain of professional knitters. To join, you had to embark on seven years of study, the culmination of which was a demonstrated prowess in the craft. Work was subject to strict regulations as a form of quality control. As a member of the guild, you belonged to a family who would care for you when you were in need and discipline you when you stepped out of line.

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Knitting circles
"Knitting circle" is a term coined to describe any knitting group that is not a guild. Membership is free or not necessary. Socializing, not educating, is the focus. The environment in which participants meet is created and maintained by the facilitator. Any knitter anywhere can form a knitting circle. Simply find a place to meet and ask your knitting friends to join you there.

What are the origins of the meeting circle?
King Arthur and his knights of the round table are legendary. The round table was chosen to ensure that all knights were equal—all voices heard.

Historians speculate that the round table was adopted from the biblical Last Supper. During the Last Supper, Jesus and his apostles feasted at a round table. Yet, the meeting circle is even older than this biblical reference. It dates back to the nature spiritualists.

Nature spiritualists revered females as the givers of life. Mother Goddess was the creator of all. They didn't dominate but sought to live in harmony with Mother Goddess' creations. From the harvesting of plants, they learned of the never-ending circle of life. They formed a sacred circle to celebrate the Mother Goddess and to pass on knowledge of her.