Christine Hmiel
Posted By Craft Corps on March 30, 2009
Christine Hmiel
Name: Christine Hmiel
Age: 24
Location: Albany, NY
Profession: I just finished my Masters degree and now work at a nonprofit organization.
Craft(s) of Choice: Sewing, crochet, embroidery, block print… anything new I can learn! Oh and baking too!
Blog: Unspeakable Visions
Growing up, my mom encouraged creativity at every turn– craft-themed birthday parties, homemade jewelry, DIY projects around the home, etc.. It wasn’t until I started my Masters degree in Public Policy that, ironically, I reclaimed this craftiness and passion for the “domestic arts”. The more involved I became in the professional world, the more I turned to sewing as a creative outlet and reprieve from daily deadlines and pressures. In my graduate classes we learned the value of analysis, careful decision making, and thorough planning but in my little world of sewing, I threw all caution to the wind. I started with simple clothing patterns and soon began tackling every project in sight– no matter how complicated or time-consuming. In a world that can seem unmanageable and impersonal, sewing allows me to take a few quiet moments and to make things with my own hands and mind. For many crafters, the creative and professional parts of life can seem contradictory or incompatible. I don’t see it that way. I think you can be a strong woman and still adore frilly details on vintage aprons; you can command respect in the board meeting and still return home to decorate cupcakes and cookies; you can have professional ambitions and still take time to enjoy a small herb garden or the warmth of a handmade scarf. For me, crafting provides the perfect balance to our fast-paced, hectic world. I am proud to be a new-wave seamstress, crocheter and all around crafty lady.
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