Browsing by Subject "ompeluharrastus"

The purpose of this study is to investigate the ways in which craft identity is manifested in An adult sewing enthusiast. Handicraft is not only a popular hobby, but also a widely implemented educational practice undertaken in liberal adult education institutions. Leisure activities have a significant impact on a person’s identity. Craft identity forms one part of the identity of a maker. This study investigated the craft identity of sewing enthusiasts who participated in craft classes within a liberal adult education and the role of teaching and the craft group in the formation of the makers’ craft identities. Research on leisure identity shows that individuals are driven to hobbies by certain identity images and social narratives. Crafts are also known to strengthen a person's own identity construction. The data of the study were collected with semi-structured thematic interviews. Seven sewing enthusiasts who had participated in sewing courses in liberal adult education took part in the interviews. Three of the interviewees were from Uusimaa and four from Pirkanmaa. All participants were women, aged between 40 and 69 years. The interview data were analyzed with theoretical content analysis. This study shows that sewing enthusiasts take pride in what they do, are creative and versatile craftspeople and enthusiastic about learning new. They feel empowered by making things with their hands and are happy to share their experiences with others. They are environmentally conscious consumers who want to sew for real needs, both for themselves and for their loved ones. Participation in the liberal educations sewing hobby offered a wide and varied range of benefits for hobbyists. The identity of the sewing enthusiast was developed through the influence of the craft classes and the teaching group. Their self-esteem improved and they became more courageous hobbyists. Social interaction was also important and people described enjoying and experiencing the joy of making crafts andbeing part of a group. Identity is built through social interaction with others and it reinforces a person's own identity, but also forms group identities. The research will help to reveal the diverse craft identities of the sewing enthusiast and the role of liberal education in supporting the identity work of the students. A strong craft identity is reflected in the hobbyist's overall well-being by strengthening the person's self-esteem. The results can be used both in designing and planning teaching in adult education and they also provide groundwork for the field of craft identity research.