why handmade

social reasons:

because it distributes wealth equitably.

because it keeps cultural diversity.

because it records specific technologies.

because it articulates human relations.
because it relates to community activities and culture.

because  it empowers the makers.

because it does not produce large amounts of waste.

because it  is not  abusive of resources.

aesthetic reasons:

because items are unique.

because items show the maker's hand.

because items are meaningful for both makers and buyers.
because items are  more than end products.
because items go beyond  trends or fashion.


can you help add on to the list? i would love  to involve lots of people in making this list so ideas are most welcomed!

some weekend reading: this .and further reading: this
stay warm and have a good weekend !

neki desu

zen and friendship

a gift from a friend.she's a painter and has discovered textiles through me. now she's stitching too. and look at the stitching! this is from a series she worked on, each one more wonderful than the previous.

under her influence i am using more paint on fabric.i dare not say i'm  painting.

i think the real gift is being able to learn from each other and grow together.

neki desu

painting with white

in the blu..e. the white stitching is almost done. although the song came out in the sixties it looks very fifties and i like that.
i'm researching lights and magnifiers if i want to continue working. the light in the living room is not good for stitching.it was designed to make people look good, but we can't work nor read there.

here's what i found so far:

• an ott light lamp, portable, electric plug(saving on batteries), no magnifier glass. will have to source locally due to different plugs and  electrical current here.

• information  on daylight fluorescent light bulbs inexpensive, but have to buy a lamp (that could take forever in my household due to aesthetic negotiations) not portable, no magnifying glass.

• led and magnifying glass portable all in one  unit, leds last about 1000 hours , then have to be replaced? that's not too clear. there are many more  options in the web site.

 presently  the last option looks like the goer. how have you solved your lighting problems? do you use a magnifying glass for stitching?

neki desu