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Mostly Knitting Blog

Want to find the new stuff on Knitting-and.com, or read about my latest projects and discoveries? This is the place.

A Difficult Discussion

Over the last few weeks there has been much discussion about racism in the online and physical knitting community. I have taken that time to think if/what I would like to say about the issue. I’m a very slow thinker and I wanted very much to say what I think is important. So here goes. For those that don’t know me (so you know where I’m coming from), I’m a white, 48 year old English woman living in Australia since 1975.

I acknowledge that the colour of my skin allows me the privilege of not knowing what BIPOC (black, indigenous, and people of color) go through on a daily basis in terms of the racist actions of others. It also offers me the freedom to walk away from the discussion (which I have chosen not to do).

Even though I am classed in some “other” categories (disabled, bi, a tomboy in many respects), I acknowledge that the colour of my skin allows me to not have to endure these types of actions on a constant basis. Therefore I do have to not carry the hurt, fear or emotional exhaustion created by those actions around with me every day.

I acknowledge that it is up to me to seek out this knowledge in order to be a better person, and is not the work of black, indigenous, and people of color to do that work for me.

I acknowledge that I have made mistakes in the past and am extremely sorry for the hurt they have caused. As a person who shares historical needlework patterns and vintage public domain publications, I have used the excuse that racist projects are “of their time” and whilst not appropriate for today, they should remain in a historical context. I was wrong.

I would like all black, indigenous, and people of color to know that I will always endeavour to make this website a safe space from now on.

As of June last year I began updating the whole site, which included removing any racist projects form downloadable vintage pdfs, and any projects that appropriated aspects of other cultures. The new site went live on October 6th 2018*

I will continue to follow and promote the work of textile artists of all cultures, as I always have.

Most importantly, if I make a mistake I promise black, indigenous, and people of color that:

  • I will listen to what you say without excuses.
  • I will not “tone police“.
  • I will never say “I didn’t mean to”. I will acknowledge the hurt my actions have caused.
  • I will act upon the problem in order to make it right.
  • In my day to day life I will call out other white people on their racist actions.

I will always do my best to be a safe person to talk to.

Sarah

* I am still working on correcting the closed captions on my Youtube videos. If you’d like to help please let me know as there are a lot and I’m only one person!

Week 3 of Our Sewing and Embroidery Adventure

This week’s “And So To Sew”, and “And So To Embroider” bulletins really kick off into some great projects.

Dirndl skirt and two aprons

And So To Sew bulletin 3 includes full patterns and instructions for two aprons, plus a dirndl skirt with shaped or straight waistband.

While And So To Embroider 3b (aka And So To Sew Embroidery Section 3b) teaches us to embroider them, and a cushion, with interesting spot motifs. It also introduces a new range of embroidery stitches.

As always with these leaflets, I have included links to video and photo tutorials for each technique or stitch, so as many people as possible can get the most out each week.

Sarah

And So To Continue

Those “And So To” puns are going to get old really quickly. I should totally stop that.

🙂

Today we continue “And So To Sew”, and “And So To Embroider” with the second leaflet in each series.

And So To Sew 2a - collars

And So To Sew bulletin 2a contains two full patterns for making these cute collars. The one on the left is my favourite.

And So to Sew 2b cover

And So To Embroider 2b (aka “And So To Sew Embroidery Section 2b”) contains lots of new stitches and a section on choosing suitable threads and fabrics for different types of projects.

As always with these leaflets, I have included links to modern video and photo tutorials so that everyone can get the most out of the information within. They’re a real treasure and I wanted to make sure they were as useful to as many people as possible.

Sarah

And So To Create

I have been collecting these vintage leaflets for quite a few years now, and am very excited to finally be able to begin sharing them with you now that I have managed to find complete sets!

Today we begin a journey into vintage sewing and embroidery with the “And So To Sew”, and “and So To Embroider” series from the UK. I have three leaflets for you today, due to a very unexpected surprise while I was scanning. They include two sewing leaflets that cover creating with felt, and one embroidery leaflet covering basic stitches, needle and fabric choices.

Wherever possible, I have included links to modern videos and photo tutorials that cover each topic.

Please note that the early “And So to Embroider” leaflets were named “And So To Sew Embroidery Section”.

And Sew to Sew 1a cap and mittens

And So To Sew 1a – felt mittens and hat. These are also a great pair of patterns for anyone who likes to felt and upcycle old jumpers/sweaters.

Felt donkey and puppet

And So To Sew 1a – alternate. Felt toys (slightly edited). I suspect this leaflet was released before WW2 and the rationing of fabrics and paper  as the toys are very much in the style of the late 30’s. It is never mentioned again in the series, whereas the bulletin with the felt and mittens project is.

And Sew to Embroider Cover No1b

And So To Embroider 1b (aka And So To Sew Embroidery Section 1b). Materials, needles and threads. Varieties of running stitch and cross stitches.

Come back next week for the next leaflets in the series, or sign up to be notified of every new post! (on the left on desktop, or under the post on tablets and mobile).

Sarah