Cotton Kills

Cotton is a great fiber for clothing if grown without chemical intervention, GMO (GM or Bt)modifications and where water is not an issue.

However that is a small part of this industries yield and instead the GM horror stories are mounting. (Because pesticides and fertilizers are "yesterdays papers" and the water thing is in an issue in throes of major denial)

"Thousands of sheep, buffalo, and goats in India died after grazing on Bt cotton plants"

WHY?

"Before the FDA decided to allow GMOs into food without labeling, FDA scientists had repeatedly warned that GM foods can create unpredictable, hard-to-detect side effects, including allergies, toxins, new diseases, and nutritional problems. They urged long-term safety studies, but were ignored." More at the Instute for Responsible Technology.

Shame on you, corporate bullies! Like what about your own children....what are you thinking? What is up with humans?

green neighbors

The Seattle Motion Picture Company is right down the street from me. Full of vintage cameras and film equipment they are a little museum. They turn outdated films and videos into digital formats for todays machines but will rent or sell film cameras for those wanted an analog experience. Seeing the big reels makes me think of doing a great re-purpose, don't have it yet but they are so cool!

Symbols in Dress

Wearing talismans and symbolic accessories is an ancient practice that really flourishes today.

Thinking of this makes me wonder at how we identify and or create our reality with assigned meanings given to perfectly, unextraordinary things. Cone hats are for the KKK, witches, dunces and clowns. Rings can signify cult orientation, marriage or intent and status. Logos are designed to be identified as powerful symbols that act to proclaim brands. Colors are assigned meanings.

The peace sign was designed specifically for disarmament and that is the best part of shorthand symbolism; how it can say so much so simply. I wonder if the peace sign is as globally recognizable as the nike swirl or the coca cola symbol ?

(words are actually just symbols too, right?)

My tatoos are symbolic. The black rose on the nape of my neck signified the birth of my son and the death of my singular space...after all being a mother changes many things. Humans and symbols, a manifestation of the spark, nice!

Certifiable

Is certification a boon or a bust for sustainable fashion?

Certification implies a guarentee, a way for consumers to spend wisely. It implies standards on the ways and means of a product. However the very big downside is that this will add to the cost of the label. Once again the small start up, pioneer designer who is the most ethical of the ethical can be doomed by their inability to pay for the licensing process.

This has happened in the organic food industry, where many small, local organic farms cannot afford certification. Farmer's markets are a blessing here as the relationship between farmer and purchaser can develop and the truth beyond labeling may bloom and all may thrive. However the unfair advantage of the large agri biz now going organic because of the market swing, becomes the winner in what was started, driven and nurtured by the very (small) farmers who are now at a disadvantage.

Tain't right!

changes

With October around the corner, this works. That's my niece with the clown make up ready for trick or treat.

The green pants are now cut apart- the wide legs were just too much fabric. They were wool and maybe heavy or just too fashiony MUCH. I don't really know why, but I only wore them a few times.

The reFashion shots will be online soon. Oh right, I made the originals. The blouse was trimmed out in remnants from a sari custom re-do for a client. I don't know what happened to that blouse, but i still have some sari bits about; but then don't we all? :)

Montana Style

What can you do with odd pieces of fabric from a 3rd tier donation? The skirt in the photo was made from knit remnants donated by Goods for the Planet . This store is where Sew Up Seattle meets and in true 'pass it on' fashion was picked up by Montana's mom for her daughter's sewing class. This is where I enter the scene as the sewing guide and after several hours of cutting, pinning, fusing and sewing, Montana has a fabulous one of a kind, custom fit skirt for school.

The remnants were two of several pieces. Montana chose the fabric combination and as the pattern was not made for a beginner, she really had to do some sewing. This is why I teach! Yay Montana!

(ps Montana is 13, she started sewing last year but this is the first human garment she has made)

Fremont Abbey Art 4 Kids

anon but not lost...yet!

Bumbershoot was different this year.

I volunteered for the Fremont Abbey Community Arts gig for kids which was enjoyable but brought up ?s. The paint was applied to fake wood panels and was painted over as the day wore on. One child asked to keep his work and this was honored. (once in my 4 hour shift)

Message +

things change

collaboration

inspiration from others

sharing of resources

your art has no value beyond the experience

Message -

what you do doesn't really matter

(then who you are & how you show up ......?)

paint is a resource without much value

your art has no value beyond the experience

Bumbershoot Party Hats

best of show

Disco ball repurposed

Yvonne

Ms Donna

yours truly

Linda

Steelheadz from steelheadz .com

Last Wednesday(9/1) Teatro Zinzanni hosted a birthday party hat contest for Bumbershoot insiders. Bumbershoot is 40 years old this year.

Well I can't afford a Teatro ticket, but I can whip up a hat or two; so I did and this got me and a friend into a dress rehearsal for TZs newest show, Hearts of Fire. Go if you get the chance, so fun, impressive and tingly.

I wish I had put more time and effort into the hats I made (humble designer moment); then again, being an underachiever made it easy to glory in the spectacular head displays of others

Do sign up on the Bumberfan email list for next year- it's a really great way to participate in one of Seattle's iconic events of summer.

dyed au naturel

Interest in natural dyes is advancing.

A new book by India Flint, an Australian artist, writer and sheep farmer was featured in Quilting Arts magazine's e letter last week.

Like many i have used teas and coffee to color cottons and I saved the the stamen powder from lillies once (that yellow colors hands, tablecloths and everything it touches!) but it molded before i had enough to "brew."

For a great info/interview check out the "Go wild! Dye textiles naturally- Q&A with India Flint at the Quilting Arts blog.