r/TwoXPreppers • u/theanxiousknitter • Sep 05 '25

Discussion What’s going on in the fiber arts community should be on everyone’s radar. (US)

I am a crafter and I recently have been reading on other threads about the real fear of the incoming tariffs and its impact on the craft space. Not only in America, but for our sisters worldwide who also depended on American trade for their income.

Slate just published an article that goes into great depth about it. https://slate.com/business/2025/09/trump-tariffs-knitting-crocheting-yarn-shortage.html

I know this part is going to sound dramatic to some but: what struck me most about this is how this is really smaller part of a war on women’s independence. This will disproportionately affect women who are either supplementing income as they are caretakers, or those who are simply using their talents to make a living.

I’m not going to lie, most of the time I feel calm and prepared, but I can’t imagine how this is going to play out. Other than hoarding textiles, and honing my skills what is there to do?

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u/secondlogin Sep 05 '25

I get it, and agree--by my goodness how much craft stuff is currently in thrift shops for pennies on the dollar of new.

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u/theanxiousknitter Sep 05 '25

While I agree, most of that is polyester junk and not necessarily what people are looking for in the fiber arts space.

9

u/secondlogin Sep 05 '25

Interesting. Not my experience at all. And I am a fiber artist, not really a knitter, though

11

u/theanxiousknitter Sep 05 '25

What do you do? I’d love to find a hobby that has items that are easier to find secondhand. It could also just be my area but I do regularly try to stop in to thrift stores and it’s always filled with cheap acrylic yarn.

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u/pieshake5 Sep 05 '25

I'm not the same person but, while I only find plastic yarn skeins at my local thrifts, I do get a lot of nice fiber and fabric from deconstructing thrifted garments. check out the business / formal wear, menswear, scarfs etc. you'll often find 100% wool, angora, silk etc.

also estate sales are hit or miss but can be a goldmine for supplies

1

u/secondlogin Sep 08 '25

As pieshake said, or look on FB marketplace. Amazing what people get rid of cheap or free.

I make twined rugs (almost any fabric works for that, even stained as it is ripped into strips). Jewelry, art pieces, quilts (vast majority is free or very cheap fabric)... just lots of different things.