January…AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH AmIRight?!
I’ve got three patterns for you today my friends because if you are like me, stabbing shit is the only way to process right now. I’ll start with two and leave one for the end to entice you into reading the whole email. ; ) #psychology
Annual Report
So many of you invest in my ability to do this work. You are patrons, pattern purchasers, workshop attendees, art collectors, GoFundMe donors, and occasionally you just Venmo me coffee money when you think I need it (I always need coffee y’all). You share my stuff on social media, you invite me to speak and teach - I love you for all the ways you support me. It all matters and ensures I can continue this work and keep coming up with new stuff!
In service to you, I wanted to show you what you made this happen this year.
I present to you my 2021 annual report…
February Events
The January events all sold out! Don’t dally when it comes to February. As always, my workshops are pay-what-you-can.
Embroidery Workshops
#YearOfStitch Intro Workshop (2/5) - If you want to join in the #YearOfStitch and learn a new embroidery stitch every week this year but you need to learn the basics of embroidery then sign up now!
(Reminder that if you want to part of the #YearOfStitch sign up here)
Intro to Embroidery (2/26) - Let me teach you how to embroider in this super fun and fast gathering of friends!
How to be a Good Human Workshops
Unions! What are they and does your workplace need one? (2/9) Presented by Mansi Kathuria. So many folks are quitting shitty jobs. Minimum wage is a joke. Workers have power. Workers united together and advocating for themselves hold exponential power! Unions can offer that. Anyone can be a leader and make the first moves to form a union. Why not you?! This is a chance to create lasting systemic change in the workplace! Come learn all about it. Bring your questions.
Activism 101 for Introverts + Highly Sensitive People (2/12) Presented by Omkari Williams. Every time we offer this workshop it sells out.
If you identify as an introvert who wants to make a difference without burning out this workshop is definitely for you. If you identify as someone who wants to make activism a bigger part of your life, whether you’re an introvert or not, this workshop will guide you to a path of doing activism your way that is sustainable and satisfying.
Discover your activist archetype, find out what kinds of actions are in your natural wheelhouse, create a structure that will help you stay in action, and so much more. This 2.5 hour workshop includes breakout sessions, journaling prompts to help guide you along your path, a workbook, and more.
Grant Winner + An Ask
THE WINNERS
The winners of the 2022 Craftivism Grant are Kentucky-based artists, Cecelia Rhoden and Kiana Mahjub. They are connecting the future of needlework with its feminist and activist roots through their embroidery focused summer camp, The School of Needlework for Disobedient Women. Their two-week camp will be made up of up to 20 girls from the Madison County, Kentucky area, aged 13-18.
We had our kick-off meeting last week and I am really excited about all they have already accomplished and learned from their first year. I look forward to being able to support them as they embark on year two.
There were so many strong applications but ultimately I needed to select one which I felt would most benefit from my contribution.
THE ASK
While I was reading through the amazing applications…
One of the applicants had such a strong pitch that I thought - y’all don’t need me at all. You got this. BUT they do need some specific and limited funding to buy sewing machines so that they can realize their vision. Seems like something we could collectively support?
Can you chip in so they can buy 5 sewing machines? They will be leading regular sober stitching events in Houston, Texas! The plan is solid and powerful. All they need are the tools.
The total cost is: $800
We have talked and it’s easiest for them if you Venmo me and I transfer the money over to them. If you can kick in a few dollars to make this happen it would be like together we were able to award 2 grants! I’ll yell when we hit our goal so you don’t keep sending me money lol.
1/26 update: We met the goal!!!!! Thank you
My venmo: @Shannon-Downey
QuiltCon + Travel
Well I did that thing where I proclaim something - I’m taking a do-over!
And then covid did that thing where it was like - Hold my beer and allow me to introduce Omicron.
FFS.
I’ve been traveling and hiding again with no in-person events. But let it be clear, my solitude has not sucked and I’ve gotten to hang with so many of you online so yay for technology.
I think it’s extra important that you know that since I don’t work for anyone and our country ties healthcare to formal employment - I DO NOT HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE. I have catastrophe and accident insurance but I can’t just go see a doctor. So not getting Covid feels super important.
This is Tybee Island, GA
I am currently parked in San Antonio, Texas and making my way through Texas as quickly as I can. I certainly don’t need a repeat of last year and the whole great freeze/near death/saved by community situation. I’m making my way to Phoenix for QuiltCon. I am on faculty and will be teaching many sessions about Craftivism.
I’m probably going to wear a space suit.
I will be in Phoenix for a month, hoping the wave passes and I can resume planning in-person stuff. In my endless optimism, I bought a ticket to see Hannah Gadsby in Toronto on July 8th. I also bought ticket insurance because I am no fool. Here’s hoping y’all!
In the meantime, I’m doing a ton of online workshops and talks so let me know if you have a class that could use some Zoom craftivism and I’m there.
Philadelphia Show
My show at the National Liberty Museum has been extended through February. If you missed it, now is your chance. Deconstructing Bowie just opened there as well and I have a piece in that exhibit. And who doesn’t love David Bowie?!
Photo of opening night by Mike Arrison
Arts Create Hope Pattern
I partnered up with Americans for Arts and made a fun pattern for their #ArtsCreateHope campaign.
I also highly recommend learning about their advocacy work. I had a lot of fun last year meeting with legislators about NEA funding with their team.
That’s it for now my friends!
And remember, stab fabric not people.
xo
Shannon