DIY on the airwaves
Issue #26
With Sister Diane as her guide, Elisabeth Donnelly explores the new frontier of crafty podcasting
By Elisabeth Donnelly
Published: December 1st, 2005 | 4:11pm
DIY doyenne and podcast pioneer Sister Diane (a.k.a. Diane Gilleland) is a kindred spirit with Christian Slater’s character Hard Harry from Pump Up The Volume. Like Harry’s takeover of the pirate airwaves, Sister Diane’s podcast Craftypod spreads the good word about her passion. “This is such an amazing and inspiring time in the history of crafting. Now crafting is activism, and it’s wonderful to consider how it’s come full circle.” She’s talking about the mobilization of craft groups to raise much-needed funds in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. However, Sister Diane’s words resonate on a couple of levels, not least of all because she is using crafting as a form of do-it-yourself activism, both heading up the Portland outpost of Church of Craft and sharing her own crafting know-how via her self-produced podcast.
Coined by ex-MTV VJ Adam Curry, “podcast” refers to the new wave of self-produced audio programs on the Internet. It’s essentially radio-style shows made by everyday people. The term “pod” comes from the fact that these files can be downloaded to your computer and then onto your iPod. You can also subscribe to an aggregator so your computer automatically updates when your favorite show posts something. What’s exciting about podcasts, according to Sister Diane, is that it’s a “universe of real people just like me, making shows about the things they geek on.” It’s a blog for your ears.
Sister Diane calls podcasting “the frontier — you can still be the first person to do a show on many subjects.” Since there was a lack of craft-themed podcasts, she started Craftypod in May 2005. It’s a treat to listen to her soothing voice as she clearly explains a subject like how to use microscope slides to make picture frames. She splices in Esquivel song snippets to break up her 15-minute programs, talks about decoupage and zines, and interviews favorite crafters like Extreme Craft blogger Garth Johnson.
Sister Diane’s other podcast, Spinster Spin (spinsterspin.com) focuses on the “philosophical aspects” of the spinster lifestyle, with an invigorating focus on creativity. Other creative podcasts include the British Knitcast (knitcast.com), run by Marie Irshad, which has an intriguing feature about a tour through a museum display of knit and crocheted items inspired by architecture. Annie’s Quilting Stash (simplearts.com/blogs) covers copyright issues for quilters.
These podcasts will supply a host of ideas and introduce you to inspiring crafters, and best of all, it’s easy to follow in Sister Diane’s footsteps and get on the microphone. “I record the audio into my Mac's built-in microphone, using a free software program called Audacity,” she said. “I also mix the show on Audacity and then save it to MP3 format.” Her phone interviews are simply conducted on speakerphone and recorded right onto her Mac, as well. “That's the beauty of podcasting,” said Sister Diane. “Most people can make a podcast with stuff they already own, or stuff they can get for little or no money.” Add an Esquivel riff here, and consider it your first crafting assignment!
Tune in to Craftypod at craftypod.blogspot.com.
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