Entrance Slip: Braiding is Hard

While reading the excerpt from Kallis’ book, I found myself stopping to marvel at the sheer difficulty of knitting an entire shirt by hand. It made me appreciate the patience, skill, and persistence required. I’ve always wanted to learn how to work with threads, whether crochet, knitting, or weaving, and I carry a huge amount of respect for those who can do these crafts so beautifully.

Alongside the reading, I watched the tutorial on the seven-strand double braid and even tried it myself. I’ve attached a photo below. The process was surprisingly difficult. I kept dropping the strands mid-crossing and lost track of my progress more than once. Still, the challenge gave me a deeper appreciation for the labor and artistry that goes into handwork. What seems simple or decorative on the surface often requires immense focus and practice.

For me, both the reading and the braid practice highlighted an important point:
making with our hands is a form of knowledge. Even small attempts at these skills show how much respect is owed to those who dedicate themselves to traditional crafts and ecological art practices.

I don't think I got very far