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Recently we have been called out on social media for our extensive catalog of patterns that originate in the folk cultures of Asia and Southeast Asia. We appreciate this calling out.
Let's be honest - Folkwear develops and sells patterns based on garments from folk traditions from around the world. Many of these traditions are not our own. We do this in the belief that these are more than just clothing patterns. We hope to inspire and provoke interest and understanding of the deeper value of how clothing has helped shape the world. We believe that sewing is made richer, and therefore more enjoyable, when you understand more about the garments you have been inspired to make - including their histories and cultures. The whole reason Folkwear exists is because of cultural appreciation. We are working to balance the historical cultural context of the patterns we sell and the very real objectification and othering that is experienced by the people who identify with the cultures that created these garments. We should, can and will do better.
Some actions we are taking and will continue to take:
Once again, we welcome your feedback on our efforts. We thank those in the sewing community for urging us to do better. We do believe that to gain a true understanding and respect of all people, it is equally important to look a little deeper into the truths and realities of history.
We would also like to recommend some writing on this issue by others in the sewing/craft world:
(1) When Does Cultural Appreciation Become Cultural Appropriation? | Yala Jewellery
Elizabeth
March 24, 2021
I have long purchased and sewn Folkwear patterns, appreciating a chance to look into other times and cultures. I have welcomed the chance to make a jacket or a skirt or even a type of dress from another country or culture, often an impulse from traveling in that country. In one instance, I saw that the country itself offered patterns for their traditional clothing, but as I didn’t read that language, I waited until I could purchase a pattern written in English.
This idea—that only those of a particular culture can enjoy the fruits of that culture or depict that culture—is not a new one. I remember being in grad school in creative writing and listening to vehement discussion about whether a white woman could write in the voice of a black man, or visa versa. Of course, the issue is never solved. Are creatives only allowed to “make” (whether it be writing or stitching or sewing) in their own narrow cultural heritage? Am I only entitled to the lineage of my grandparents and gr-grandparents? Or can I learn and wear and write and participate in this entire glorious world of influences and cultures and traditions? It is always important to respect and honor different cultural traditions, but if this idea, if taken to its logical conclusion would dictate that other cultures could never wear Western clothing, a laughable idea. Cultural Appropriation also has those who would caution about calling out every instance, as this could unfortunately limit our ability to learn and create from the best parts of our collective human experience.