Why Make? Episode 46, Part 1: Melanie Falick

On this episode of Why Make? we talk with Melanie Falick an independent writer, editor, creative consultant and lifelong maker who lives in the Hudson Valley in New York.

Making things, handwork and creativity were avidly fostered by Melanie's parents in their household growing up and with a natural talent for writing Melanie began a career in publishing and soon combined it with a passion for knitting and other forms of handwork. As a result, she has written and helped other authors create many beautiful how-to and literary non-fiction works.

This includes her first book, the influential Knitting in America, and her most recent book, Making a Life: Working by Hand and Discovering the Life You Are Meant to Live, an exploration into the meaning of making in today’s world. She takes us on the journey she went through to write Making a Life.

We also talk about her grandmother’s knitting, how knitting can be a lens through which to learn about women’s lives, and why knitting—and all forms of handwork—are so much more than a means to an end. 

This episode is split into two parts… Make sure to listen to the next episode to hear the rest of our conversation. And please enjoy our Why Make? conversation with Melanie Falick.

You can find out more about Melanie at melaniefalick.com and on her Instagram or pick up a copy of Making a Life at great retailers like Indiebound

Portrait photo by Christine Ashburn. Making photos by Rinne Allen and excerpted from Making a Life: Working by Hand and Discovering the Life You Are Meant to Live by Melanie Falick (Artisan Books). Copyright © 2019.