The goal of this project is to understand the nuances of analog making practices and their effect on the perception of an object. Through the analysis of various traditional craftsmanship practices in fiber arts, several themes emerged that greatly impact our interactions with these physical objects — the role of the hand, material sensibility, and generational knowledge. While we don’t necessarily need to engage in traditional craftsmanship to create meaningful work, it should inform how we approach creative practices in the digital age to preserve a sense of sincerity in the objects, experiences, and communications we design.

By deciding to crochet the words ‘Lorem ipsum dolor’, the emphasis of the piece shifts towards the form of the physical object. Over the course of 156 rows and approximately 40 hours of needlework, changes in tension, dexterity, and level of concentration all embedded themselves into the project. The result is an intimate record of all of the small decisions, gestures, and mistakes made throughout the process. These traces offer a sense of transparency in the making process, bridging the gap between the designer and the viewer.