Family heirlooms provide us with not only a physical connection to the past, but an emotional and spiritual connection to our community. Textiles in particular have the ability to carry memories, and these memories act as a historical record of family history. Family heirlooms help to establish a connection to those who came before us and play a crucial role in the construction of identity on the basis of ancestry. This Master's thesis project stems from not only a desire to re-discover an affinity for handmade objects, but to inspire new ways of making by observing the skilled craftwork of eastern European women who passed these skills down to one another with intention.
Memory Through Fiber is a collection of skillfully and thoughtfully crafted heirloom knitted garments for babies inspired by these values. Each piece is intended to be treasured and passed down from one generation to the next. This holistic approach of making considers the complete life cycle of a garment, which in turn produces a product that will withstand the test of time.
