Counterfeit Crochet
Check out this website for the Counterfeit Crochet Project. Stephanie is coordinating a bunch of crochet kids (not me though I still haven’t gotten around to learning this fine skill) to make free form crochet counterfeit copies of designer handbags.
Here’s a Chanel number:
For me, this project pays homage to the DIY aesthetic of those who choose to make their own goods in an era of mass consumption and mass production, as well as addresses issues of high fashion piracy and counterfeiting.
I think this is great and I’m really interested about the political underpinnings of a project like this. It’s all part of the amazing level of consciousness in the crafter world. So many crafters have a very deep understanding of the connections between ecological crisis, rampant consumerism, global trade issues etc, and are using craft as an active form of resistance and critique. Loving it.
And check out the anti-factory blog here.
Melbourne Craft Mafia Market
Howdy everyone, I’ve been a busy bee with elections, a visiting parent and various other excuses. And I’ve been helping organise this market! And it’s gonna be ACE!
For crafty types who don’t dig rose-scented doilies.
Celebrating all that is irreverent, kitchy, delightfully offensive & made lovingly by hand.
Come & indulge in some free wholesome BBQ goodness while checking out the subversive spoils.
5pm ’till late
First Monday of every month at Section 8 Container Bar
I’m selling all sorts of weird little things including some non-socialist badges, black block door snakes and hopefully some cool new cross stitch kits!
Seriously this is the best market to get your chrissie presents from, your friends will love you! And what other market do you get to drink beer and eat free bbq?!?
And there’s a facebook group for those that dig these things.
See you there!
It does not behoove me…
My latest finished work, one that I’ve been wanting to make for a while: a quotation of the Finland-Swedish poet Edith Södergran. It says “It does not behoove me to make myself smaller than I am.”
(Cross stitch and back stitch, size about 20 x 14 cm.)
The Revolution Has Begun!
And I mean the cross stitch revolution of course. I don’t know what it is about this week but I seem to have stumbled on some cool stuff, and it’s still only Tuesday!
Firstly, this great blog Agoraphobia has this AMAZING cross stitch. Definitely gets a RCS medal of honour!
10k
Goodness time flies when you’re having fun. I moved into this site, thus becoming part of the goonanism mob in August. Today we hit 10,000 unique visitors! Hoorar!
This had quite a lot to do with the appearance of the super easy baby hat tutorial on the Sew, Mama, Sew! Handmade Holidays feature (hi everyone from there!). It’s by far the most popular post on this site and has a number of links to it around the interwebby. I’ve updated it a bit too so if you were holding back on making one, check it out and you might be more inspired. If you know any new babies this is a seriously easy one to make. And the recipient will think you’re really clever!
Continue Reading →
Blatant Political Brain Bashing
It’s funny, in Aotearoa, there is a whole lot of people who don’t get how MMP works. It seems to be too complicated to work out. But here, I can’t even work it all out and I’m ‘smart’. And to make things more fun, voting is compulsory! What kind of brilliant fascist trick is that eh?
I’ve had numerous conversations with people recently who don’t really get how their political values translates into a vote. So I’m going to break it down for you all.
Continue Reading →
Operation LandGrab
Created by some of my favourite people. Deadly work crew!
Let’s Hear It For Tuhoe
This is allegedly the work of TV reporter Ali Akram. The singing is atrocious.
But goodness this is funny.
EDIT
I’ve removed this clip because this has caused great offence to many people in particular the people of Tuhoe. See Ana’s comment below and this story over at Te Kaea to understand why. While I don’t agree that this was intentionally denigrating to Tuhoe, in fact quite the opposite. And I have had enough interactions with Ali in the past to know that he is more than understanding of issues of tino rangatiratanga and the history of colonisation in Aotearoa. But it’s not up to me.
Watching this video again I can totally understand why it is seen as offensive. TV3 might be a bit confused and not sure about it cause it wasn’t their intention to offend. But nonetheless they should definitely pull this from their site (they won’t be able to pull it from the internet, too late for that now) and issue an unreserved apology. And it would be nice for Ali to visit. Knowing him he probably will if he’s invited.
Te petihana o Aotearoa
I have to draw your attention to this incredible piece of art that has been produced by Dunedin artist Fiona Clements.
This piece was created to raise people’s awareness of the issues of organics, GE, sustainability and other connected issues. People who support the text written on the skirt can sign the skirt to demonstrate their support.
A Cross Stitch for my friends
I actually finished this a little while ago but it’s taken me ages to get my a into g. I’m still not happy with the photos but I really want to get this out there now all the crew are out of lock up. Hopefully someone near them will bring it to their attention. Please note that cross stitch is a slow art and I know that Urewera 17 is inaccurate, forgive me.
It’s framed in one of those great cross stitch hoops that doubles as a frame. I got it from an op shop and I’d been waiting for the right project. It doesn’t quite hold the fabric straight, but close enough.
For those who don’t know what this is about read here, see indymedia for updates, and go to the civil rights defence website to send messages of support and donate to the defence fund.