So this bit of news was not in my original plans, but I was saddened to learn that bell hooks died on December 15. She has always influenced me as both an educator and a feminist. Her book, Teaching to Transgress: Education as the Practice of Freedom, was required reading during my doctoral studies and it forced me to think long and hard about the purposes of education. Another of her books, All About Love: New Visions, is required reading for anyone who wants to find meaningful ways to connect with other people, heal our own wounds, and build a better world.
Violet Protest Update
If you recall, I made four squares to contribute to the Violet Protest organized by Ann Morton. The more than 13,000 squares from artists around the nation were divided up into packages of 24 to 25 squares and mailed to each member of Congress. The goal of the project was to encourage our legislators to more on the core values of respect, citizenship, compromise, courage, candor, compassion, creativity, and country over party and corporate influence. I love this picture Ann provided of the squares grouped into a U.S.
Art Quilts and Scrap Fabrics
I ran across this article on Quilting Daily that shows a variety of ways quilters and fiber artists use bits of fabrics instead of throwing them out. One of my goals is to make my projects from as many repurposed and reclaimed fabrics as possible. I often say I use fabrics that were either thrifted, gifted, or stolen (from my own closet!). Below are examples of some of my recent projects:
Although new fabrics are beautiful, I like to take advantage of the many opportunities to work with beautiful used/unwanted fabrics. I get to make fun art and the fabrics don’t end up in the land fill.
Thrift, Make, or Go Without
I think this is my new motto for clothing. I decided that unless I could thrift it or make it, I didn’t need it. I do like clothes, and shoes, and handbags, and watches, and rings, and earrings, and . . . Well, it’s safe to say my closet is full. But I haven’t purchased new clothing in quite a while. If you would like to try thrifting here are my suggestions:
First, find your local thrift shops and consignment stores. Goodwill and Salvation Army are well known, but you probably have other charity shops and independent shops you can check out. I bought a new-to me-vintage Singer 201 sewing machine in a cabinet for $40 at one of my local shops. She sews perfectly!
Second, check out some of the online thrifting sites and apps:
ThredUp. Every time I get one of their signature polka dot boxes, Charles lets me know my “garage sale” box showed up.
Poshmark. Don’t be shy about making sellers an offer on an item. I recently got the cutest vintage Tweety Bird watch for $12!
eBay. Yes. eBay. You will be surprised what you can find. After not wearing pants for many years, I got a pair of jeans from ThredUp that fit perfectly. I searched the brand and size on eBay and found another pair. They fit and, more importantly for me, they are long enough!
The RealReal. Okay, this is for those of you who want to wear designer. You won’t find thrift store level prices, but you will find authenticated designer goods for a fabulous price.
Darn Good Yarn. Technically, buying their skirts isn’t thrifting, but the skirts are made from recycled saris which warms my heart and brightens my wardrobe. I like knowing that someone else is turning old clothes into new clothes. And if you knit or crochet, check out their sustainable yarns.
Finally, visit your local antiques malls and fairs. Many vendors will have vintage clothing for sale. This is where I find a lot of vintage costume jewelry.
Thrifting not only reduces textile waste, it also enables you to buy higher quality clothing for the price of cheap fast fashion.
Happy Holidays
December is such a busy month for people that it can be hard to carve out time just to relax and enjoy the season. No matter what you are celebrating this month, give yourself the gift of a few quiet moments to reflect. Pop this adorable video of cute pets from the OK Humane Society onto a screen and sit back and relax: Yule Log 2021.
The full moon on December 18 was gorgeous and I hope you got to bask in its glow that evening. The solstice is December 21 (the day this newsletter should hit your inbox!). For me the December solstice is the true beginning of the new year. As the shortest day and longest night, it’s as if the earth is perfectly balanced between the old and the new. That long dark night is the perfect time to reflect on the past year, let go of whatever has held us back, and set in motion our desires for the coming year. One of my significant desire for 2022 is to apply to two art shows per month. I actually started this month. Of course, I’ll need to make much more art to make this happen, so I’ll be spending as much time as possible in my studio.
What desire do you want to see come to fruition in 2022?