Feminism for All hosted a Halloween-themed event where students were able to watch the 2009 movie “Coraline” and create their own doll inspired by the film. 

The idea for the event stemmed from the idea that when skills or hobbies are labeled as more feminine, they are typically dropped by society because male skills are more valued.

“Skills like sewing have generally fallen out of popular use for all genders,” President Lindsey Herron said. “That doesn’t mean they’re not valuable though.” 

Another idea brought up while creating this event was having the ability to repair clothes because the cost of living and overconsumption of clothing is high. When students are able to make simple repairs to their clothing it can help them contribute less to overconsumption and can also keep more money in their pockets. 

Many of the students who attended the event were first-time sewers, and through the difficulties of learning came friendship and a new skill.

“Learning with a group makes it more fun to get through the frustration phase when you’re first learning,” Herron said. “It’s also a great way to connect with people with shared interests and ideas and build your support system in that way.” 

Herron also wants students to continue to use student organization events to their full extent. 

“Events like these provide low-pressure environments to learn hobbies and skills you may or may not continue pursuing,” Herron said. “Picking up new skills can be expensive and frustrating, so having spaces that provide supplies, teachers and other learners is a really good way to test the waters with things you’re considering learning.”

Although participants were unable to finish their dolls during the time of the event, Herron noted their persistence, and a sense of community established from learning the new skill together.

“Being able to share my interests with others was really nice since sewing is a pretty quiet and private activity typically,” Herron said. “People took home supplies to finish, so it was exciting to see people invested in their projects.”