Day 1 ✨ Brand Introduction ✨: Somehow even after introducing myself so often, introducing myself is so hard. It feels like Im constantly saying the same thing, I'm a Computer Science major dabbling in knitwear design. I just graduated with my Masters in January 🎓 This picture is actually from when I graduated undergrad 2 years before that, unfortunately due to /these unprecidented times/ I didnt get to celebrate my Masters. Hopefully I get into my PhD program of choice and in 4-6 years we can all be celebrating me attaining my doctorates 🤞 I knit and I sew, one day I hope to be desigining sewn garments as well as knit -- though I dont think I want to draft patterns for sewing 😬 Im actually trying to get into leatherworking (mainly making plague doctor masks) I also (obviously) program so if anyone needs a python or C++ programmer 💻, I'm your gal 👩‍💻👈 No seriously, though this post is more about my knitting and sewing, I would really like a programming job. Pls. Im trying to break into the industry. I can also work Arduinos and RaspberryPis. I technically do have a logo, but its just a silly red semicolon in a black background. I was thinking of designing something more apt for my brand. The semi in my name derives from my internet handle @semicolonexpected which is a reference to a common programming error. I think what makes my brand me is that my designs usually have an element that seems drawn from the fantastic. Dragons 🐲, tentacles 🐙, magic, and sometimes the creepy crawly. I try to stay down to earth but just floating a little. On the @joannehawker's #MarchMeetTheMaker help and suggestions page it says "now is the time to polish up that speech [the introduction] so you can be prepared for next time" but I somehow bomb the speech awkwardly every time. Btw did you know theres an ig character limit? . . . . . #meetthemaker #marchmeetthemaker2021 #meettheartist #plagueknitting #diverseknitters #knittersofinstagram #knittersofnewyork #stayhomeandknit #diversityincraft #diversknitty #knitweardesigner #knitdesign #designersofinstagram #makersofinstagram #womeninstem #womeninbusiness #teamfiberfawns #craftersofinstagram #bipocinfiber #bipocknitters (at The River Café) https://www.instagram.com/p/CL49d7QJ2J9/?igshid=525d4sfyiubc

Unicorns are my favorite thing to make! I ❤️ amigurumi! Far left: Mel the Merpegacorn pattern by @yarn_has_my_heart Middle: Plush Unicorn Toy from Joann website Far right: Unicorn Girl Pattern by @neogurumi . . . Yarn: @yarnspirations Caron Simply Soft in Autumn Maize and Chocolate, Simply Soft Stripes in Times Square, and Simply Soft Party in Black Sparkle and Silver Sparkle all purchased from @joann_stores . . . #amigurumi #amigurumiaddict #amigurumidoll #amigurumilove #amigurumilover #blackgirlmagic #creativesofcolor #crochet #crocheter #crochetersofinstagram #crochetersofig #crochetlove #diversityincrafts #etsy #etsyseller #etsysellersofinstagram #handmade #handmadeisbetter #handmadewithlove #inclusivemaker #meetmakersofcolor #MelTheMerpegacorn #MelaninTheMerpegacorn #pocartist #unicorn #unicorngirl #unicornlove #unicornlover #wip #yarn #yarnlove #yarnlover #drummergirlcreations #hugsarehandmade #crochetgirlgang https://www.instagram.com/p/BuHl-L-HBdp/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=21rq9c8pi1ir

So much love for our homie @realalesharpton! #sweetbeermovement #blackbrewculture #blackpeoplelovebeer #Repost @blackbrewculture ・・・ Great read on our guy @realalesharpton in @uptownmagazine. Fam knows beer! #somethingisbrewing. . . . #blackbrewculture #blackbrewmasters #alesharpton #alesharptonpose #newnarrative #blackbrewers #blackentrepreneurs #diversityincraft #beardlife #craftbeer #craftbeerlife #brewgame #brewbruhs #hops #morehops #creativebrothas #beers #blackbrewcouture #newmerch #beermerch

Meet the brewer! #TheyWhoBrew November 28th we co-host the 3rd Annual #Movember event with @islandtoislandbrewery in Brooklyn, NY to promote #menshealthawareness! @kbraithw head brewer of #IslandToIslandBrewery will be brewing his "Slapsgiving" Cranberry Sour for the evening and talking craft beer from 8-10 pm. KEVIN is one of four brewers collaborating on this epic experience so come meet them all, drink their brews and get to know the men behind the mustaches! For more information and ticket options, visit @islandtoislandbrewery and click on the link in the bio. #somethingisbrewing . . . #americanbrewers #tripadvisor #brewerytours #brewerytour #caribbeanbrewers #caribbean #Caribbeanbrewery #craftbeer #Caribbeanbeer #newnarrative #brewersofcolor #islandtoislandbrewery #houseofjuicebar #diversityincraft #menshealthawareness #craftbeer #craftbeerlife #brewgame #brewbruhs #hops #morehops #642rogersave #brooklyn #beerselfie #beerstagram #movember #beerbiz sponsored by @blackbrewculture

Diversity in the craft beer community: why we want it, and how to get it

In an article published in 2013 on NPR.com in The Salt, the author, Alastair Bland, discusses the lack of color in the craft brewing community. The piece presents the question, “So how did American craft brewing end up so lacking in diversity?”. Wall Street Journal beer reviewer and author, William Bostwick’s answer was, “It’s a puzzle…virtually every culture in the world’s human history has made alcoholic beverages.”

I was interested to see that as of 2013, when this article was published, the Brewers Association “[was not keeping] statistics on the ethnicity or race of people in the industry.” I think these statistics, as well as the stats for women and LGBT people in the industry, would be worth having available, instead of having to come to conclusions based on bits and pieces of evidence.

5 simple reasons why we should seek out and celebrate more diversity amongst craft brewers:

1. Diverse communities contain greater diversity of tastes.

2. Diverse communities contain greater diversity of ideas.

3. Diverse communities are (often) more fun. The rules are more squiggly, because aside from the basics, norms tend to be slightly different between people of different backgrounds.

4. Diverse communities challenge their peers. This hearkens back to all of the other points on this list so far. As long as we maintain insular communities deficient in differences, people tend to settle in, get comfy and start behaving weirdly. Evidence of this can be seen in any stereotypical sorority or fraternity.

5. Diversity amongst professionals breeds diversity amongst customer base, and the reverse is equally true in craft beer.

Seeing is believing. You can say you want to sell to a more diverse customer base all the time–and mean it–but diversity in customers is challenging if there isn’t diversity of brewing professionals. On the customer end, marketing, including labels, slogans, events, as well as beer names, all more or less paint a picture of not only what you are selling, but who you think you are selling to.

So, why is American craft brewing so lacking in diversity?

I would argue that it is not a mystery at all. The fraternity of brewers exists. That doesn’t mean that they don’t discourage others from joining them, but let’s face it, most of the breweries, beers and events are attempting to cater specifically to middle class white dudes. Being in the majority makes it easy to say “Well, that’s just how it is!”, instead of digging deeper to examine why.

I agree with the article in The Salt about the connection between those homebrewing and brewing professionals. If only white dudes are homebrewing, and buying craft beer, few if any other people will end up as brewers. To me, this says much more about the white dudes at homebrew shops than anyone else. It’s a hobby. It’s paid for with disposable income spent in shops that are often in white suburbs and or in affluent neighborhoods in cities.

In the first few years I started homebrewing, I honestly didn’t have funds to pay for equipment of my own, and even then, didn’t have time to brew much. Sure, homebrewing 5 gallons of “regular” (5% classic style) beer is much less expensive than buying 5 gallons of beer, but the bottom line is that you don’t need to have 5 gallons of beer. Instead of brewing more often, I spent $10 on brewing texts, and read them one at a time. Homebrewing is an exercise in a certain level of masochism, especially given the huge array of fantastic beer available for purchase out there. People who aren’t friends with homebrewers can see its inherent insanity. People who caught the craft beer bug totally get why it’s worth the time and money for them.

Being a pro brewer is not glamorous, in fact, it’s a pretty low level trade as a standard shift brewer. It isn’t very lucrative. The wear on your body can take you off of the brewery floor within a couple of decades or less. For people who don’t have the privilege of chasing their dream at all costs in time and money, a brewing gig makes little to no sense. Some people mistakenly think that opening their own place makes more sense, but it just carries more risk and responsibility (This is a discussion for another post).

The Last Wort

The lack of diversity is really a symptom of a couple of issues in craft beer:

1. The huge profit margins and extravagant beer recipes that lead to high prices for most craft beer discourage people from “buying into” it. The higher the prices, the worse for increasing diversity and market share of craft beer. It's a product of privilege.

2. The lack of a brewer’s union allows for exploitation of brewery staff. This is essentially a trade job, so let’s get a union and support potential brewers with proper safety training, trade schools and pay standards that give brewers a representative cut from the huge profit margins that breweries enjoy. They are the people making the beer, right? I’ve seen people take on the persona of a “craft beer martyr”, which just serves as a signal to me that there’s something wrong with how people are trained, treated and paid in the industry.

I’ve been seeing a shift in the Chicago beer community in the few years I’ve been around. I see the benefits of increased diversity already happening, and I’m looking forward to see and participate in the brewing community of the future, five years from now. I wish I knew what was happening in the craft beer communities across our country. There are ways we can make craft beer a little less about privilege and a little more diverse. Let’s get creative, and make craft beer better for those interested in trying it and those who might be interested in making it.

This is something different from the kind of pictures I normally take -- mainly because I don't know how to take a picture of a whole scarf. Tips and constructive criticism appreciated. This also happens to be my Day 19: Inside My Project Bag (or was) for #fiberuary! I actually just finished my @nancymarchantbrioche Champagne Bubbles scarf in 🧶@PatonsYarn Lace in Bonfire 🔥and #Filati Mohair Lace II in Burgundy. This had actually been in my project bag for over a year! I had originally started this for @fruityknitting's #FruityBriocheKAL but never finished---until now! This I think technically also qualifies for Day 18: Yarn 🧶 too I think. Though I dont normally use acrylic anymore, I do really love both these wool/mohair/acrylic/nylon blends and the effect of combining the thin cobweb Filati with the more traditionally laceweight Patons. I really like the color transition in the Patons I also like how the halo of red and black nylon core plays with the fire tones. It reminds me of the instagram script font with the highlight. I feel like alone both of these yarns would be a bit flat and generic, but paired with each other it just looks like *chef's kiss* This yarn really got me into liking mohair esp for combining with other bases. . . . . . . . #fiberuarychallenge2021 #fiberuarychallenge #fruityknitting #filatiitaliani #mohairlace #mohairknit #laceknitting #lacescarf #laceshawl #diverseknitters #knittersofinstagram #knittersofnewyork #knittingaddict #diversityincraft #diversknitty #briocheknitting #briochelace #lacebriocheknitting #lacebrioche #champagnebubbles #ravelry #knittersoftheworld #knittersgonnaknit #stayhomeandknit https://www.instagram.com/p/CLfEmmipT-j/?igshid=1f6vzl7n57ckc

Came in a little late to the #fiberuarychallenge, but better late than never 🙃 Here's my Day 1 and 4 (I'm allowed to combine prompts to play catchup right?) Intro: Hi, on the interwebz I'm SemicolonExpected and as expected from that username I am a Computer Science major who just graduated with my Masters in January! 🥳 I dabble in knitwear design and have so far released 3 patterns 🔼 LINK IN MY BIO 🔼 and working on releasing my fourth! (🤫 Hint: its the sweater I'm wearing right now - I'm working on getting a call for testers out. Just need the perfect modeled shot first 🤫) I like all things fantasy 🐲, lovecraftian 🐙, and am definitely partial to period dramas and anything with pretty costumes 👗 Its cliche bit video games 🎮 are definitely one of my biggest sources of inspirations. Day 4: Made in 2020 was also this sweater Ive introduced above. I was inspired by @hashtagliza's Smock Madness when I noticed that the smocking st looks like scales and I knew I had to make a draconic sweater. Any guesses to what Ive named this? . . . . . . . . . . #craftersofinstagram @fiberuarychallenge #diverseknitters #knittersofinstagram #knittersofnewyork #knittedsweater #knittingaddict #diversityincraft #fiberuary #bipocinfiber #bipocknitters #fiberuarychallenge2021 #handknit #plagueknitting #dragonsweater #knitstagram #ravelry #knitweardesigner #knitdesign #sampleknitting #testknit #testknitter #teamfiberfawns #madebyme #nerdgirl #nerdy https://www.instagram.com/p/CK4D5lLpjvK/?igshid=13ose1dmixjmu

"Ducks and Dobs" is now LIVE! As the last design of this year as well as the last design of my #ESKpatternacademy fellowship, Id like to take some time to thank everyone who has supported and helped me take my first steps as a #knitweardesigner from the test knitters, to my knitting friends, to the companies who took a chance on me. I can't wait to see what 2021 has in store! I hope its as bright as the flowers in this picture! How are yall ending your year? . . #eatsleepknitters #eatsleepknit #eskpurlers #knitknitknit #semiknits #DucksandDobs #PatternAcademyPurlers #testknit #testknitter #sampleknitting #gloveknittersofinstagram @eatsleepknitters #knitdesigner #knitdesign #knittingpattern #diversityincraft #diversknitty #designersofinstagram #diverseknitters #newrelease #newdesign #flatlay #knittingaddict https://www.instagram.com/p/CJbptqoJdKi/?igshid=1fpsyoigx9at6

Unicorns are my favorite thing to make! I ❤️ amigurumi! Far left: Mel the Merpegacorn pattern by @yarn_has_my_heart Middle: Plush Unicorn Toy from Joann website Far right: Unicorn Girl Pattern by @neogurumi . . . Yarn: @yarnspirations Caron Simply Soft in Autumn Maize and Chocolate, Simply Soft Stripes in Times Square, and Simply Soft Party in Black Sparkle and Silver Sparkle all purchased from @joann_stores . . . #amigurumi #amigurumiaddict #amigurumidoll #amigurumilove #amigurumilover #creativesofcolor #crochet #crocheter #crochetersofinstagram #crochetersofig #crochetlove #diversityincrafts #etsy #etsyseller #etsysellersofinstagram #handmade #handmadeisbetter #handmadewithlove #inclusivemaker #meetmakersofcolor #MelTheMerpegacorn #MelaninTheMerpegacorn #pocartist #unicorn #unicorngirl #unicornlove #unicornlover #UniquaTheUnicorn #wip #yarn #yarnlove #yarnlover #drummergirlcreations #hugsarehandmade #crochetgirlgang https://www.instagram.com/p/BuHl0hGnlzH/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=c9p2fjiosp6f

Unicorns are my favorite thing to make! I ❤️ amigurumi! Far left: Mel the Merpegacorn pattern by @yarn_has_my_heart Middle: Plush Unicorn Toy from Joann website Far right: Unicorn Girl Pattern by @neogurumi . . . Yarn: @yarnspirations Caron Simply Soft in Autumn Maize and Chocolate, Simply Soft Stripes in Times Square, and Simply Soft Party in Black Sparkle and Silver Sparkle all purchased from @joann_stores . . . #amigurumi #amigurumiaddict #amigurumidoll #amigurumilove #amigurumilover #blackgirlmagic #creativesofcolor #crochet #crocheter #crochetersofinstagram #crochetersofig #crochetlove #diversityincrafts #etsy #etsyseller #etsysellersofinstagram #handmade #handmadeisbetter #handmadewithlove #inclusivemaker #meetmakersofcolor #MelTheMerpegacorn #MelaninTheMerpegacorn #pocartist #unicorn #unicorngirl #unicornlove #unicornlover #UniquaTheUnicorn #wip #yarn #yarnlove #yarnlover #drummergirlcreations #hugsarehandmade #crochetgirlgang https://www.instagram.com/p/BuHlrTUnmh1/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1e44rpkmv3ie5

Who's a pretty birdie 🐦 IM A PRETTY BIRDY 🐣🐥 GAZE UPON HOW MY HAIR NATURALLY FORMED A PRETTY BOW 🎀 AND DESPAIR!!! Im clearly bored waiting for Round 1 of #SockMadness so check out my plague doctor mask made using @dieselpunk.ro's pattern! I also made a full mask but unfortunately thats less practical and more costume since most places wont let you in with a mask that covers your whole face--esp if they look ominous. Do yall want to see more sewing/leathercraft endeavors? I recently picked up some white leather to make a Darkest Dungeon Plague Doctor cosplay as well. 👀 BH Cosmetics Illusion Palette in Green and Gold . . . . . . #marchmeetthemaker #leathercraft #leatherwork #plaguedoctor #stayhomeandmakesomething #plaguesewing #stayhomeandsew #plaguedoctormask #plaguebabe #cosplayerofinstagram #pandemiclife #plagueinc #pathologic #seuchendoctor #plaguedoctorcosplay #facemask #creepycute #чумнойдоктор #чумнойлекарь #cosplayfun #diversityincraft #sewingfacemasks #sewingwithlove #sewistsofinstagram #sewingmakesmehappy #bhcosmetics @bhcosmetics https://www.instagram.com/p/CMsF6clpIYj/?igshid=128qi9v49ae90

Meet the brewer! #Movember 28th we co-host the 3rd Annual #TheyWhoBrew event with @islandtoislandbrewery in Brooklyn, NY to promote #menshealthawareness! Island To Island's Kevin Braithwaite will be brewing his Slapsgiving Cranberry Sour Saison for the evening and talking craft beer from 8-10 pm. Kevin is one of four brewers collaborating on this epic experience so come meet them all, drink their brews and get to know the men behind the mustaches! For more information and ticket options, visit @islandtoislandbrewery and click on the link in the bio. #somethingisbrewing . . . #blackbrewculture #blackbrewmasters #newnarrative #blackbrewers #blackentrepreneurs #islandtoislandbrewery #houseofjuicebar #diversityincraft #menshealthawareness #blackmen #craftbeer #craftbeerlife #brewgame #brewbruhs #hops #morehops #642rogersave #brooklyn #creativebrothas #beerselfie #beerstagram #movember - sponsored @blackbrewculture

Just finishing pressurizing a new Stokely Stout for GO. #blackstarlinebrewing #blackbrewculture #wnccraftbeer #diversityincraft #blackwomenbrewtoo #craftbrewlife #representyourbrews @sheneikaesmith, y'all ready?!

There's other women in Brewing! Loved hanging out with the Highland crew. #diversityincraft #craftbrewlife #blackstarlinebrewing #blackbrewculture

This is especially resonant for us, with our MD roots. Pro tip: No such thing as "too many postings" during #blackhistorymonth. We rise by lifting others. Cheers! #Repost @blackbrewculture ・・・ Vintage BBC. Dorothea Towles Church was the first successful black model in Paris, and discovered personal liberation on the runways of Christian Dior and Elsa Schiaparelli in the 1950’s. Ms. Church’s success was a historic achievement in an industry that had been especially resistant to using anything but white models to represent beauty on magazine covers, advertisements and runways. Ms. Church was responsible for breaking down some of those barriers and was one of the first African-American models to be widely used in the global beer market. Fame, however, did not eliminate prejudice on the part of some designers. While working for Pierre Balmain, she recalled, he would not allow her to borrow dresses for a photograph for Ebony magazine, fearing that it would offend his white clientele. She took the clothes later on the pretext that she would wear them to a party, and the magazine then photographed them. This particular ruse endeared her to young black women with dreams of careers in fashion. “I feel that my going all over America with my show had a great influence on American black women dressing differently and feeling good about themselves,” Ms. Church said in “Black and Beautiful.” “I saw them dressing more creatively, more internationally. They could say, ‘If she can do it, I can do it, too.’ ” . . . #somethingisbrewing #blackbrewculture #vintagebbc #blackhistorylife #blacktrailblazers #blackbrewmasters #newnarrative #blackbrewers #blackentrepreneurs #vintagebeerads #diversityincraft #blackwomen #sistasandbeer #craftbeer #craftbeerlife #brewgame #brewbruhs #hops #morehops #creativesistas #beerselfie #beerstagramofficial (at National Bohemian Brewery Tower)

@blackbrewculture - Plenty of Island Squared available this Friday here at @islandtoislandbrewery when we release four new seasonal brews and @djlokash kicks off our Holiday Fete! Check out the write up in @craftbeerdotcom on head-brewer @daniioliver about how this wild imperial Saison is made, and pick some up this Friday the 1st from 7-10 pm. #somethingisbrewing . . . #blackbrewculture #blackbrewmasters #newnarrative #blackbrewers #blackentrepreneurs #islandsquared #islandtoislandbrewery #diversityincraft #blackgirlsdobrew #blackwomen #craftbeer #craftbeerlife #brewgame #brewbruhs #hops #morehops #brooklynbrewers #creativesistas #beerselfie #beerstagram #newbeerrrlease #642rogersave (at Island to Island Brewery)