DRS2012 Bangkok Proceedings Vol 4 - Design Research Society

Anna SERAVALLI
The idea was to expand the designing network beyond the regular users, the members of
the local hacker community (Forskningavdelingen), and the volunteers of the bicycle repair
shop (Cykelköket). The opportunity came by when Luisa, who is, as she defines herself, a
textile geek, contacted Fabriken. She was working on a feasibility study for her project
Mormors Verkstad (Grandma’s Workshop), a place for reclaiming and learning traditional
textile skills. As a part of this study, she was interested in setting up a textile community.
On this basis in May 2011, Tantverket (the Grannies’ Group) was established as a weekly
meeting where people with interests in textile could gather and work together. The idea
was to buy some tools and fabrics, to initiate the group activities and then to let the
participants take the lead. However, building a community needs time and intervention. In
addition to being in the space every Thursday evening to meet the participants, Luisa and
the author have tried several activities, from organizing workshops to setting up swap
parties 3 and participating in Fabriken events.
3 Events based on bartering of garments
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