Sewing Rebellion

Sewing Rebellion blog has moved...

2009-03-13T12:12:00.000-07:00

Sewing Rebellion blog is now located at http://sewingrebellion.wordpress.com

EXTREME Crochet Video - Rockpool candy

2009-02-21T15:00:00.000-08:00

Northern Irish Artist, arm wrestles a giant yarn!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VdnEZgS4KY

Wedding Gown that made history

2009-02-09T18:24:00.000-08:00

This was shared with me by a LA SR participant.

Lilly Friedman doesn't remember the last name of the woman who designed and sewed the wedding gown she wore when she walked down the aisle over 60 years ago. But the grandmother of 7 does recall that when she first told her fiance Ludwig that she had always dreamed of being married in a white gown he realized he had his work cut out for him.

For the tall, lanky 21-year-old who had survived hunger, diseased and torture this was a different kind of challenge. How was he ever going to find such a dress in the Bergen Belsen Displaced Person's camp where they felt grateful for the clothes on their backs?

Fate would intervene in the guise of a former German pilot who walked into the food distribution center where Ludwig worked, eager to make a trade for his worthless parachute. In exchange for two pounds of coffee beans and a couple of packs of cigarettes Lilly would have her wedding gown.

For two weeks Miriam the seamstress worked under the curious eyes of her fellow DP's, carefully fashioning the six parachute panels into a simple, long sleeved gown with a rolled collar and a fitted waist that tied in the back with a bow. When the dress was completed she sewed the leftover material into a matching shirt for the groom.

A white wedding gown may have seemed like a frivolous request in the surreal environment of the camps, but for Lilly the dress symbolized the innocent, normal life she and her family had once led before the world descended into madness. Lilly and her siblings were raisedi n a Torah observant home in the small town of Zarica, Czechoslovakia where her father was a melamed, respected and well like by the young yeshiva students he taught in nearby Irsheva.

He and his tow son's were marked for extermination immediately up arriving at Auschwitz. For Lilly and her sisters it was only their first stop on their long journey of persection, which inluded Plashof, Neustadt, Gross Rosen and finally Bergen Belsen.

Four hundred people marched 15 miles in the snow to the town of Celle on Jan. 27, 1946 to attend Lilly and Ludwig's wedding. the town synagogue, damaged and desecreated, had been lovingly renovated by the DP's with the meager materials available to them. When a Sefer Torah arrived from England they converted and old kitchen cabinet into a makeshift Aron Kodesh.

"My sisters and I lost everything - out parents, our two brothers, our homes. The most important thing was to build a new home." Six months later, Lilly's sister Ilona wore the dress when she married max Traeger. After that came Cousin Rosie. How many brides wore Lilly's dress? "I stopped counting after 17." With the camps experiencing the highest marriage rate in the world, Lilly's gown was in great demand.

In 1948 when President Harry Truman finally permitted the 100,000 Jews who had been languishing in DP camps since the end of the war to emigrate, the gown accompanied Lilly across the ocean to America. Unable to part with her dress, it lay at the bottom of her bedroom closet for the next 50 years, "not even good enough for a garage sale. I was happy when it found such a good home."

Home was the US Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington DC. When Lilly's niece, a volunteer, told museum officials about her aunt's dress, they immediately recognized its historical significance and displayed the gown in a a specially designed showcase, guaranteed to preserve it for 500 years.

But Lilly Friedman's dress has one more to make. Bergen Belsen, the museum, opened its doors on Oct. 28, 2007. The German government invited Lilly and her sisters to be their guests for the grand opening. The initially declined, but finally traveled to Hanover the following year with their children, their grandchildren and extended families to view the extraordinary exhibit created for the wedding dress made from a parachute.

Lilly's family, who were all familiar with the stories about the wedding in Celle, were eager to visit the synagogue. They found the building had been completely renovated and modernized. But when they pulled aside the handsome curtain they were astounded to find that the Aron Kodesh, made from a kitchen cabinet, had remained untouched as a testament to the profound faith of the survivors. As Lilly stood on the bimah once again she beckoned to her granddaughter, Jackie, to stand beside her where she was once a kallah. "It was an emotional trip. We cried a alot."

Two weeks later, the woman who had once stood trembling before the selective eyes of the infamous Dr. Josef Mengele returned home and witnessed the marriage of her granddaughter.

The three Lax sisters - Lilly, Ilona and Eva, who together survivied Auschwitz, a forced labor camp, a death march and Bergen Belsen - have remained close and today live within walking distance of each other in Brooklyn. As mere teenagers, they managed to outwit and outlive monstrous killing machine, then went on to marry, have children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and were ultimately honored by the country that had earmarked them for extinction.

As young brides, they had stood underneath the chuppah and recited the blessings that their ancestors had been saying for thousands of years. In doing so, they chose to honor the legacy of those who had perished by choosing life.

by Helen Zegerman Schwimmer. Author of THE STARS OF THE HEAVENS. helenschwimmer.com

SR-West Hollywood

2009-01-24T16:10:00.001-08:00

The power of the machine, the memory of the hands, the gift of mending. Pins are Verboten!

Kaiser Cartel

2009-01-23T19:35:00.000-08:00

Frau Fiber attend the Kaiser Cartel show at the Silver Lake Lounge. Kaiser Cartel, hosted a Sewing Rebellion in Dec. at their apt. it was great having them on the west coast, and getting to hear their music. I've been having a great time mending to their lovely songs.

www.kaisercartel.com

Praise of the mend and stitch

2009-01-23T19:25:00.000-08:00

While I didn't get to hear this on Tuesday, a Sewing Rebellion Participant in Lancaster PA, sent the poem, and I couldn't help but share it with the rest of you.

Praise song for the day.

Each day we go about our business, walking past each other, catching each others' eyes or not, about to speak or speaking. All about us is noise. All about use is noise and bramble, thorn and din, each one of our ancestors on our tongues. Someone is stitching up a hem, darning a hole in a uniform, patching a tire, repairing the things in need of repair.

Someone is trying to make music somewhere with a pair of wooden spoons on an oil drum with cello, boom box, harmonica, voice.

A woman and her son wait for the bus.

A farmer considers the changing sky; A teacher says, "Take out your pencils. Begin."

We encounter each other in words, words spiny or smooth, whispered or declaimed; words to consider, reconsider.

We cross dirt roads and highways that mark the will of someone and then others who said, "I need to see what's on the other side; I know there's something better down the road."

We need to find a place where we are safe; We walk into that which we cannot yet see.

Say it plain, that many have died for this day. Sing the names of the dead who brought us here, who laid the train tracks, raised the bridges, picked the cotton and the lettuce, built brick by brick the glittering edifices they would then keep clean and work inside of.

Praise song for struggle; praise song for the day. Praise song for the every hand-lettered sign; The figuring it out at kitchen tables.

Some live by "Love they neighbor as thy self."

Others by first do no harm, or take no more than you need.

What if the mightiest word is love, love beyond marital, filial, national. Love that casts a widening pool of light. Love with no need to preempt grievance.

In today's sharp sparkle, this winer air, anything can be made, any sentence begun.

On the brink, on the brim, on the cusp - praise song for walking forward in the light.

-Elizabeth Alexander

Darn Those Socks workshop in Brooklyn

2009-01-17T13:28:00.000-08:00

Darn those socks: Saturday January 24, 2009

The Proteus Gowanus Fixer

s Collective is pleased to offer another opportunity for you expand your mending skills. Donna Maria Perkins will demonstrate how to mend socks using a darning egg. Bring your socks with holes and if you have one, a darning egg. Other materials will be provided.

Fee. $15

RSVP info@proteusgowanus.com

543 Union STreet, Brooklyn NY 11217

Sewing Rebellion LA - Jan. 18, 1-5 pm.

2009-01-05T17:30:00.000-08:00

The LA Chapter of the Sewing Rebellion will be meeting on Sunday January 18, 1-5pm. Please email to RSVP and for directions.

This month's instructions: how to sew on a button, bring those shirts, and pants from the back of the closet with those missing buttons.

Also BRING your Sewing Machine, scissors, excess cloth, garments to mend and alter and sewing problems to solve. Frau Fiber will be on hand to respond to your questions.

ALSO BRING SNACKS TO SHARE!

Central Iowa Sewing Rebellion Inaugural Meeting

2008-12-29T09:36:00.000-08:00

Sunday January 11, 2009 The Central Iowa Sewing Rebellion will host it's first meeting. Bring yourself, a friend, fabric scraps and things to mend and food to share.

Topics to be covered: mending techniques, button sewing techniques and making a fabric covered buttons from washers and fabric scraps. Bring a coat with holes in the pockets, shirts with missing buttons, and pants with holes in the knee. Brunchluck (breakfast/lunch potluck) to start at noon, demos at 1ish and free sewing instruction until 4pm. Drop in when you can, leave when you need to. Nothing to mend? Bring a project to work on or a question to ask.

All are welcome!

Sew Many Ways to Help

2008-12-25T14:21:00.000-08:00

If you are looking to donate your new found sewing skills, check this article about sewers who are using their skills to respond to disasters.

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20081212-LIFE-812120315

Proteus Gowanus

2008-12-25T14:20:00.000-08:00

Brooklyn Gallery focuses on the topic of Mends. If you are in or around brooklyn I recommend you check it out.

http://proteusgowanus.com

KaiserCartel

2008-12-25T14:19:00.001-08:00

Check out this great musical duet.www.KaiserCartel.com They were two of the three hosts for the Brooklyn SEWING REBELLION.

SEWING REBELLION Red Hook, Brooklyn - Alterations

2008-12-25T14:14:00.000-08:00

Alterations give new life to a garment which may have been in your closet for years. Beck, was in the process of transforming a oversized skirt, into a fun party dress.

Just in time for some cold wet weather, she also updated the look of this red wool coat. She nip in the waist and shortened the length.

SEWING REBELLION Red Hook, Brooklyn - Vintage tools

2008-12-25T14:11:00.000-08:00

One of the evenings themes was getting used to using a sewing machine. These two machines are beautiful examples of vintage machines, which are still in great running order. With a little bit of sewing machine oil, and some good use, they will be running for years to come. The also make great objects to have around the house.

SEWING REBELLION Red Hook, Brooklyn - Mends 2

2008-12-25T14:09:00.001-08:00

Erin's favorite shirt also need some repair. Check out the bold red patch! Ah, the simple pleasures.

SEWING REBELLION Lancaster PA - alterations

2008-12-25T14:00:00.000-08:00

Tim brought his own sewing machine, and altered two vintage jackets. To alter jackets, it's best to follow the seams. Another good tip is to put the jacket or garment on inside out, so the pinning happens on the side you will be sewing on.

SEWING REBELLION Lancaster PA - Patched Jeans

2008-12-25T13:58:00.000-08:00

Rob has been patching this pair of jeans for three years. He uses iron on patches and hand stitches around the edges.

SEWING REBELLION Red Hook, Brooklyn - mends

2008-12-22T13:50:00.001-08:00

Alex first US visit included a stop at the SEWING REBELLION. His travel worn shirts need some patching. Check out one of Alex's collaborative projects: http://www.slum-tv.info.

SEWING REBELLION Red Hook, Brooklyn - found dress

2008-12-22T13:43:00.000-08:00

Hanna is an artist and dog walker in brooklyn, she finds her cloths on the streets when she's walking her dogs. She made the comment, that her cloths are like fishing, she catches them and then releases them. She brought this dress, to be hemmed. Looks like she's ready to beat the winter blues.

A Rebellion of One

2008-12-22T13:30:00.001-08:00

The Sewing Rebellion in Lancaster PA, Dec. 13, began as a rebellion of one. Deb Serdy, a local artist, was the first to arrive. She had a vision for a paneled skirt, and also wanted to learn how to put a zipper in. She achieved both. The skirt is still in process and hopefully she will post and image of the finished product.

Sewing Rebellion at GOOD

2008-12-10T12:04:00.000-08:00

Monday Dec. 8, 2-7 pm, at Good Magazines THE GOOD SPACE, http://www.good.is a new community space on Melrose Ave. The SR participants:

Debra, mended denim jeans, repairing holes and reinforcing seams; Angie, over came her zipper phobia, and created a zipper pouch; Beth, updated some vintage skirts, with her grandmother buttons, and Andrea has agreed to host the next SR. Watch for details.

Also coming soon: Ask Frau Fiber. It seems numerous questions are arising, during the SR events. These questions require further investigation, and instruction. Frau Fiber will be responding to your questions in the coming weeks.

SEWING REBELLION Patch

2008-11-29T16:10:00.000-08:00

ID yourself as a participant of the SEWING REBELLION. Email your address to receive a FREE patch.

Frau Fiber hit's the road in December.

2008-11-29T14:43:00.001-08:00

Bring your sewing machines, needles, thread and sewing problems to the SEWING REBELLION! Frau Fiber will also have East German Shopping bag, Hunters Hat, and white-collar shirt patterns on hand for you to produce.

Monday December 8, 2-7 pm, @ Good Magazines offices, 6824 Melrose Ave. LA, CA

Saturday December 13, 10:30 am- 2:30 pm @ The Lancaster Museum of Art, 135 N. Lime Street, Lancaster PA.

Thursday December 18, 7-11 pm, 5 Delevan Street, Brooklyn NY.

SEWING REBELLION a history.

2008-11-29T14:17:00.000-08:00

The SEWING REBELLION began in the fall of 2006 @ Mess Hall, a community cultural center on the North Side of Chicago. It began as a monthly free sewing workshop and clothing exchange. In January 2007, it was decided that a rebellion couldn't happen once a month. Weekly meetings on Sunday afternoons were established until May of 2007, when Frau Fiber became itinerant. The SEWING REBELLION as Mess Hall www.messhall.org, continues today.

Frau Fiber's intention is to bring the SEWING REBELLION to communities around the country, where she lay's the ground work for an economy of STOP SHOPPING, START SEWING.

Welcome to the Sewing Rebellion

2008-11-22T13:54:00.001-08:00

The Sewing Rebellion is a FREE workshop!

I WANT YOU, to emancipate yourself from the global garment industry by learning the skills to alter, mend and make your own garments!

Facilitated by Frau Fiber, textile worker and activist, Frau Fiber distributes her knowledge of the garment industry, pattering making and sewing. Encouraging the REUSE,RENOVATION and RECYCLING of existing garments and textiles in the creation of unique items tailored to YOUR taste and body shape.

BRING garments to mend and alter; sewing problems to solve, or an old piece of cloth to use in the production of an East German shopping bag. Other knock off patterns on hand: hunters hat and white-collar shirt.

Please post your questions or email Frau Fiber , fraufiber@gmail.com

Sewing Rebellion on the Road:

Dec. 8, 2-7 pm, sponsored by Good Magazine, 6824 Melrose Ave, LA, CA

http://awesome.goodmagazine.com/december/

Dec. 13, 10:30 am-2:30 pm, sponsored by Lancaster Museum of Art, 135 N. Lime Street, Lancaster PA

Dec. 18, 7-11 pm, Red Hook Sewing Rebellion, privately sponsored, email for directions.

Stop Shopping, Start Sewing Frau Fiber