Reader of the Week: Allison Moyer

This Canadian’s indie rock shows are actually craft fairs in disguise

By Kirsten Kilponen
Published: January 5th, 2009 | 12:00am

Not only do our neighbors up north boast beloved creations like Poutine, Much Music, and the term “hoser,” but they also give way to crafty Canadian Allison Moyer. This 27-year-old has cleverly disguised her local craft fairs as rock shows, and shows you that those childhood knitting lessons with grandma really do pay off.

What were your biggest influences that turned you into the successful crafter you are today?

Although it was my mother who first introduced me to sewing, and my grandmother who showed me how to knit, I would say my biggest influence has been Karissa Cove, who was featured in your magazine several years ago. Karissa and I went to high school together and at the time she ran a company called 'dab,' which was a mail order catalogue zine! She made purses, pants, skirts, and hoodies all on her own, occasionally throwing 'dab' parties where you could go and buy her fantastic handmade merchandise. I also became interested in the handmade community that exists online, and when I was laid off from a longtime bartending gig a few years ago, I decided to create The Rag Boutique, an online store [where] I could sell my handmade clothes, accessories, and décor.

Where did you come up with the idea to throw craft fair rock shows?

In an effort to attract a new audience to handmade, all of my Cordially Yours shows are marketed as rock shows or dance parties, [as] opposed to craft events. Most attendees are fairly surprised when they enter the venue, while some just don't get it. Without a doubt, the overwhelming majority has been very excited and pleased at the result. I always try to incorporate aspects of public participation into all of my shows as a fun way to become involved into different forms of DIY.

What are some of your favorite moments from your craft shows?

At our second show, I employed a video artist who was able to take video clips and incorporate the images into a live collage, which was accompanied by images of live painting by another artist, who was able to complete a full canvas on site. But my most memorable moment was the thank you speech given by the Women's Health Clinic at my very first show. We were able to raise nearly $2,000 for the clinic, which reinvigorated their struggling Birth Control/STI Prevention Program. It put into perspective everything that I had been working for and gave me a feeling of accomplishment that has yet to be matched.

Do you have any more clever craft campaigns up your sleeve?

At our 3rd installment of the Cordially series, which we are calling “The Big Make,” I will be borrowing an idea from a local band, The Waking Eyes, who perform what they call “the 4-track challenge.” It works by placing randomly made song titles into a hat that are then drawn by each member of the band. They then receive a preset amount of time to write a song for each corresponding title. This has produced some extremely interesting and hilarious results for the bands willing to take up the challenge and play their musical creations live at the fair.

www.theragboutique.com