Crafts + Hobby Art

The Colonies, where a hobby was to be useful

Some art forms are very utilitarian and in the Communal Era, the hobbies of woodworking and knitting were very important.  In a time with no computers, television, or radios these hobbies produced useful items such as mittens, scarves, hats, clocks, and furniture.

All children, girls, and boys, were taught to knit as part of their school curriculum. Women often would knit in the evenings, after supper and church.

It seems that every home in the Colonies has an old workbench in the basement.  It’s here that the gentlemen would often build extra items and gifts for friends and family members.  Many of these items were much more elaborate than what was standard issue for our members.

The crafts and hobbies continue today, past down from generation to generation.   Some of our shops carry these types of items.  Be sure to ask the shopkeepers to point them out.

Listings for Crafts + Hobby Art

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    Troy Thomas Art Gallery

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    Creative Colony

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    Iowa Baseball Museum of Norway

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    Amana Heritage Society

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    Fern Hill Gifts and Quilts

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    Michele Maring Miller Art Gallery

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    AJs Copper Garden

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    Catiri’s Art Oasis

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    Colony Carvers

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    High Amana General Store | 1308 G Street

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    Amana Furniture and Clock Shop

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    Schanz Furniture and Refinishing

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    Bumble Books

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    Amana Arts Guild

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    Heritage Designs Quilting and Needlework

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    225 Artisan’s Gallery

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    TKM Theatrical Productions

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