Making Things While the World Burns

Hello Friends!

It’s really hard to come up with a light hearted opener when the world continues to burn.

Should I talk about my works-in-progress when there are wars and genocides all over the world? Should I share pictures of my garden when basic human rights continue to be debated? Should I end each post with a cute picture of my cat when white supremacists are coming out of hiding and the patriarchy is making life worse for everyone?

I’ve been thinking about this a lot. And the answer I’ve come up with for now is, yes.

There’s a lot of content and messaging out there designed to devalue and suppress women’s voices. Showing up in my fat, middle aged body doing whatever the heck I want without giving a damn what the patriarchy thinks of it is an act of rebellion.

And I have to acknowledge that I’m able to do so because of all of the privileges that come with being a white settler in Canada. And if I don’t use that privilege to try to help, then I’m complicit.

So I’m going to be my derpy self and share my wonky art and flowers and floof pics. Maybe in doing so it will inspire others to do what they love.

And I’m also going to speak out against bigoted, harmful ass-hats and talk about ways we can support each other through this global dumpster fire.

It’ll probably be clunky at first. But I’ll figure it out.

I hope you stick around!

A More Lighthearted Opener

I know I’m not alone in looovvvving autumn! The cooler temps, the changing leaves, the SWEATERS. I love me a good sweater. And knitted socks. And generally just being cozy. Now that I think of it, it’s probably when I persevered with learning to knit. It was a real struggle, and I was convinced that I was the only person in the world whose fingers just would. not. move. like. that.

Sixteen years later and I have a drawer full of socks made from bright self-striping yarn, a few accidentally oversized sweaters, many hats and scarves and mitts. AND. This super soft yarn that I will soon start turning into a new…something. I had a pattern picked out, but I’m having second thoughts.

What The Heck Have I Been Making?

I went on a bit of a textiles bent.

I don’t know where this will lead, but I really love the addition of fabric and stitching. I’m not really into ASMR, but the sound of a needle puncturing paper is incredibly satisfying. And the texture of the thread on paper makes me happy.

Want To Watch Me Make Stuff?

Do you like process videos? If so, you can watch me try image transfers on fabric using a lot of different mediums. Spoiler alert, the yellow paint worked really well!

Garden Brags

I did a terrible job keeping on top of the weeds this summer, and October is their month to gloat. But there are a few flowers still flowering. So we’ll only look at them, okay?

A Message From My Studio Manager

Impressions are a high form of flattery. Humphrey is showing off his impurrsenation of a cinnamon bun.

Supporting Each Other Through This Global Dumpster Fire

The Cornell 7 case is disgusting and another glaring example of how fundamentally unsafe women are pretty much everywhere, and the lengths men will go to to protect themselves and other men. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, google it but do so with all the trigger warnings. I don’t want to link to it.

If you’re in Nova Scotia, check out Avalon’s works to end sexualized violence and help those who’ve been affected by it. If you need help, they’re an amazing resource. If you can help, consider donating to them. If you’re not in Nova Scotia, look for similar organizations in your area.

If you live near Dartmouth, join the annual Dartmouth North Walk Against Violence. Wednesday October 21st at 6:30pm. They’re meeting at 60 Farrell St. See you there!

Be weird. Make stuff. Fight the ass-hats.

xoxo

Sarah