#Guerilla Knitting

[robthepensioner]

The Fleetwood Knitting Posse have been on the illegal drugs again.

[artfromthefuture]

Wittener Tage für neue Kammermusik 2013: Neele Hülckers Projekt "einwohnen" by Werner Wittersheim Via Flickr: Performances und Installationen im Wohnquartier in der Wiesenstraße. Das "Urban Knitting", das nicht Teil der Aktion war, passte gut dazu.

[atlantisist]

Some working-class whites, of course, could not afford to move. Many of these people lived in closely knit, ethnically homogeneous neighborhoods where ownership of property was both a treasured value and a primary asset. They could not—would not—leave. They banded together to preserve the state of their neighborhood, relying less on covenants—a middle-class ploy—than on direct action. The result was what one careful study has called an "era of hidden violence" and of "chronic urban guerilla warfare." In Detroit between 1945 and 1965, racially transient neighborhoods witnessed some 120 incidents of violence, featuring rock-throwing, cross-burnings, arson, and other attacks on property. In Chicago, which had the largest Negro population of any American city, racially motivated bombing or arson disturbed the peace every twenty days during the last 1940s. Whites also staged large-scale "housing riots" to push blacks away from their neighborhoods. One of these, in Cicero near Chicago, drew a looting and burning mob of between 2,000 and 5,000—to drive one black family out of an apartment. Only the police and 450 National Guardsmen brought an end to the violence. Another Chicago riot, in 1947, aimed to stop blacks from getting space in heretofore white public housing. It attracted 1,500 to 5,000 whites who assaulted blacks, injuring thirty-five. This riot required the intervention of 1,000 policemen, who stopped the trouble after three days of mayhem. In both cases blacks got the message; it was impossible not to.

James T. Patterson — Grand Expectations: The United States, 1945-1974

[afactaday]

#aFactADay2024

#1246: yarnbombing, also known as guerilla knitting, is a type of graffiti involving crocheting or knitting. postboxes, trees, fence posts and so on are adorned with woollen cosies as a form of street art. it supposedly started in Texas when knitters put their leftover bits on some roadside objects. it's been used as a feminist icon, by reclaiming the "housewife" practice of textiles and combining it with "masculine" graffiti and vandalism. it's been used to stop demolitions of trees and to donate soft furnishings to children's hospitals. trains have been yarnbombed to promote better transport and bikes have been yarnbombed to support bike paths and motorcycle groups. is there anything it can't do??

there are a few bollards near me that i don't go past often that have the most adorable full-height jumpers on, and the crazy thing is that they change every few months. i had no idea it was a Thing

[solarpunkpresentspodcast]

Links Roundup

The interwebs had so many interesting things to read this week! Here’s a links roundup of a few. 

Hurricanes Becoming So Strong That New Category Needed, Study Says

Where else would we start but at The Guardian, with an article about how much bigger and more intense the biggest, most intense hurricanes (and other cyclones) are becoming. You might call it doom and gloom, but the climate–adjacent scientist in me finds some weird satisfaction in seeing that, yes, retaining extra energy within the climate system because we’ve overinsulated it by adding extra greenhouse gas to the atmosphere is having spectacular effects. Honestly, we need to get our act together about reducing our greenhouse gas emissions to net zero ASAP (40 years ago would have been better). 

Should More British Homes Be Built Using Straw?

The BBC website had an interesting article about adding straw–packed panels to the exteriors of buildings (generally as they’re being newly constructed, given the size constraints) to improve their insulation. The straw is packed so tight that it’s fire resistant but not so tight that it doesn’t trap air inside the stuffing, thus serving effectively as insulation, vastly reducing how much you need to heat or cool a building. At the moment, here in Germany, they use thick slabs of Styrofoam, which release horrendously toxic fumes if the building catches on fire. Straw sounds like an interesting, non–toxic, sustainable alternative, especially if you consider how much waste straw is generated every time crops like wheat, rye, and even oilseed rape (Canola) are harvested. The main catch is that production of the panels would need to be scaled up quickly enough to matter in our fight against further climate change by reducing the amount of energy needed to keep buildings at a comfortable temperature. 

A US Engineer Had a Shocking Plan to Improve the Climate – Burn All Coal on Earth

This article, also on the BBC website, is about the opposite of trying to save energy, and it’s a quick history of our attitude toward anthropogenic global warming. Turns out, the sort of people who don’t want to admit it’s real today were the sort of people who used to think it would be great to burn all the fossil fuels to take the edge of the chillier aspects of climate. Bonkers. These were probably also the people who liked to think that adding carbon dioxide to the atmosphere would totally boost plant growth, and therefore crop yields, on a major scale. Also bonkers. 

Can Slowing Down Save the Planet?

The New Yorker published an interesting review of the book Slow Down: The Degrowth Manifesto, in which the Marxist philosopher Kohei Saito lays out the case for “degrowth communism”. He argues that green capitalism won’t be enough to save the planet—and us. It just looks good from a certain vantage point right now because it pushes the environmental and social costs of resource extraction and good production into the Global South. This allows consumers in the Global North to remain blissfully ignorant of the damage they’re (we’re) doing with their (our) unsustainable lifestyles and obsession with continuous economic growth. 

How Craftivism Is Powering 'Gentle Protest' for Climate

Back to the BBC for a fun article about “craftivism”. I’d never thought about this before, but it’s actually a thing that has touched almost all of our lives, even if we’re all thumbs with a terrible sense of aesthetics. Who hasn’t walked past a street pole or statue encased in guerilla knitwear? Even I knitted a pussyhat to wear to an anti–Trump demo on inauguration day (although I didn’t knit a pink one because I would rather die than wear pink, except utterly ironically). And—although perhaps I’m revealing my age here—who hasn’t seen at least a few squares of an AIDS quilt? On the whole, I think it’s good that people put their crafting skills to good political use. Otherwise—and this may be an unpopular opinion—our need to continually craft is just an extension of our unsustainable overproduction and overconsumption of goods. Everyone I know who knits (including myself) has already made more sweaters, hats, scarves, socks, and baby blankets than they can wear out in a lifetime and yet we keep on knitting. 

A Big Idea for Small Farms: How to Link Agriculture, Nutrition and Public Health

NPR had a great article that fits with our current podcast episode on regenerative farming with Solarpunk Farms. A literally existential crisis that we’re currently failing to tackle is that of how we grow food. The whole agricultural system is messed up from top to bottom. Food’s too cheap (and many people aren’t paid enough to be able to pay the real price of food, which is a whole other enormous issue). Because of this, farmers are pissed off and dependent upon subsidies from the governments they’d increasingly like to overthrow. Meanwhile, they’re frantically farming so intensively to try to bring in enough income that they’re destroying what’s left of our natural world. Their farming practices are degrading soils and polluting our air and waterways with fertilizers and petrochemical pesticides, destroying adjacent ecosystems and driving numerous species of plants and animals (including insects and other key invertebrates) to extinction. Related to this, we’re eating too much of the wrong stuff (meat, highly processed foods) and not enough of the rights stuff (fruits, nuts, seeds, and vegetables). Enter the solution: nutrition incentive programs that make it possible for people with lower incomes to obtain fruits and vegetables from smaller, regenerative farms. It’s a win for public health, a win for fruit and vegetable farming, which isn’t subsidized the way corn, soy, and wheat farming is, and it’s a win for the small percentage of food producers fighting not to be swallowed up by the Big Food companies who’ve all but monopolized the production of the food we eat. 

Tractor Chaos, Neo-Nazis and a Flatlining Economy: Why Has Germany Lost the Plot?  

Having started at The Guardian, we’ll bring things full circle and end there with a look at the situation here in Germany. Lots of us are increasingly concerned about the rise of the far right and... perhaps still flying under a lot of people’s radar... that angry farmers are going to end up ushering in the Fourth Reich. The op–ed says it all, while trying to maintain a sense of humor about it. As with so much else in the news these days, it makes you want to scream that we have more important things to be doing right now—that matter for the survival of billions of people—than withdraw into the hermit crab shell of authoritarianism. Their easy answers and general denial of the problems that need solving will only make life even more miserable for most people and allow all our existential problems, like widening wealth inequality, environmental devastation, and increasingly catastrophic climate change, to escalate even further before we begin dealing with them. 

Sci_Burst

To end on a happier note, here’s a shout out about Sci_Burst, a fun podcast from Australia about “science, popular culture, and entertainment”. They even have an episode on solarpunk. If you’re all caught up with us (including with all the extras on our YouTube channel), our feelings won’t be hurt if you give them a listen. 😊

[guerilla-marketing]

Guerilla Marketing Agencies in Vermont

Guerilla Marketing Agencies in Vermont: Innovation in the Green Mountain State

Vermont, known for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant local culture, is not just a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and artisanal craftspeople. This charming state is also home to a burgeoning scene of innovative marketing practices. Among these, guerilla marketing stands out for its ability to capture public attention in unique and memorable ways. Guerilla marketing involves unconventional, creative strategies designed to generate buzz and maximize exposure with minimal costs. In this blog, we explore the world of guerilla marketing agencies in Vermont, highlighting their role, key players, and the trends driving this dynamic field.

The Essence of Guerilla Marketing

1. Defining Guerilla Marketing

Guerilla marketing is characterized by its unconventional approach. Unlike traditional advertising, which relies on large budgets and extensive campaigns, guerilla marketing focuses on creativity and surprise to make a significant impact. This can include street art, flash mobs, interactive installations, and other forms of public engagement that stand out in urban settings.

2. Cost-Effective and High Impact

One of the main advantages of guerilla marketing is its cost-effectiveness. By relying on creativity rather than substantial financial resources, businesses can achieve high-impact results. This makes it particularly appealing for startups, small businesses, and non-profits looking to maximize their marketing efforts without breaking the bank.

3. Engagement and Virality

Guerilla marketing thrives on engagement and virality. The unexpected and often interactive nature of these campaigns encourages public participation and social sharing, amplifying the campaign's reach and fostering a deeper connection between the brand and its audience.

Why Vermont?

1. Vibrant Local Culture

Vermont is known for its tight-knit communities and vibrant local culture. This provides a fertile ground for guerilla marketing, as campaigns can tap into the local ethos and resonate deeply with residents. Whether it's a quaint town festival or a bustling city street, Vermont offers numerous opportunities for impactful guerilla marketing.

2. Scenic and Iconic Locations

From the charming streets of Burlington to the picturesque towns of Stowe and Montpelier, Vermont's scenic and iconic locations provide the perfect backdrop for eye-catching guerilla marketing campaigns. These unique settings enhance the visual impact and memorability of campaigns.

3. Supportive Community and Business Environment

Vermont's supportive community and business environment encourage innovation and creativity. Local businesses and organizations are often open to collaboration, providing ample opportunities for guerilla marketing agencies to create partnerships and execute successful campaigns.

Leading Guerilla Marketing Agencies in Vermont

Several agencies in Vermont have embraced guerilla marketing, creating memorable and impactful campaigns. Here are some notable players:

1. Renegade Creative

Overview: Based in Burlington, Renegade Creative is known for its innovative and visually captivating guerilla marketing campaigns. The agency focuses on creating buzz and engagement through strategic placements and creative designs.

Notable Campaigns: Renegade Creative has executed campaigns ranging from pop-up events to interactive street art installations. One standout campaign involved transforming a city park into a temporary art gallery, attracting significant public attention and media coverage.

Strengths:

Creative and bold design

Strategic location selection

Strong ties to the local arts and music scenes

2. Green Mountain Guerilla

Overview: Green Mountain Guerilla, located in Montpelier, blends traditional advertising with street art techniques. The agency partners with local artists to create unique and culturally resonant guerilla marketing campaigns.

Notable Campaigns: Green Mountain Guerilla has partnered with community events, cultural festivals, and local businesses to produce campaigns that stand out in Vermont’s diverse urban landscape. Their work is celebrated for its artistic quality and cultural relevance.

Strengths:

Artistic collaborations

Culturally relevant campaigns

High-quality visual design

3. Wildfire Marketing

Overview: Operating out of Stowe, Wildfire Marketing is known for its bold and daring guerilla marketing tactics. The agency specializes in high-impact, visually striking campaigns that leave a lasting impression.

Notable Campaigns: Wildfire Marketing's work often includes large-scale installations and performance art. One memorable campaign involved a series of live street performances that captured the essence of the brand and drew significant public attention and media coverage.

Strengths:

High-impact visual campaigns

Expertise in live and performance art

Ability to generate media buzz

Trends in Guerilla Marketing

1. Technology Integration

Modern guerilla marketing campaigns increasingly integrate technology to enhance engagement and interactivity. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are being used to create immersive experiences that captivate audiences and encourage social sharing.

2. Sustainability and Social Responsibility

With growing awareness of environmental issues, there is a trend towards more sustainable and socially responsible guerilla marketing. Agencies are using eco-friendly materials and focusing on campaigns that promote social causes, aligning brands with positive community impact.

3. Hyperlocal Campaigns

Guerilla marketing is particularly effective when it resonates on a local level. Agencies are creating hyperlocal campaigns that reflect the unique culture and character of specific neighborhoods, fostering a deeper connection with local audiences.

Challenges and Opportunities

1. Navigating Legalities

One of the primary challenges of guerilla marketing is navigating the legal landscape. Regulations around public space use and advertising vary, and agencies must ensure they have the necessary permissions to avoid fines and legal issues.

2. Balancing Risk and Reward

Guerilla marketing often involves taking risks to achieve high rewards. Striking the right balance between bold creativity and potential backlash is crucial. Effective campaigns are those that surprise and delight without offending or alienating the audience.

3. Measuring Effectiveness

Measuring the effectiveness of guerilla marketing can be challenging. Unlike digital campaigns, which provide clear metrics, the impact of guerilla marketing is often gauged through social media engagement, public feedback, and media coverage. Developing reliable methods for tracking these metrics is essential for demonstrating ROI.

The Future of Guerilla Marketing in Vermont

As Vermont continues to grow and evolve, the potential for guerilla marketing as an advertising medium is immense. The state's unique blend of urban environments and natural landscapes provides endless opportunities for creative campaigns that capture public imagination.

1. Embracing Emerging Technologies

The integration of emerging technologies like AR and VR will continue to shape the future of guerilla marketing. These technologies offer new ways to engage audiences and create memorable experiences that extend beyond the physical world.

2. Fostering Community Connections

Guerilla marketing in Vermont will increasingly focus on fostering community connections. By creating campaigns that resonate with local cultures and address community issues, agencies can build stronger relationships between brands and their audiences.

3. Sustainability as a Core Value

Sustainability will become a core value in guerilla marketing, with agencies prioritizing eco-friendly practices and socially responsible campaigns. This shift will not only appeal to environmentally conscious consumers but also set a positive example for the industry.

Conclusion

Guerilla marketing agencies in Vermont are redefining the advertising landscape with their innovative and unconventional approaches. By leveraging the state’s unique cultural and environmental assets, these agencies create campaigns that captivate and engage audiences in meaningful ways. As the industry continues to evolve, the fusion of technology, creativity, and community focus will drive the success of guerilla marketing in Vermont. For businesses looking to make a lasting impression, partnering with a local guerilla marketing agency offers a compelling and effective path to achieving standout results.

[kenpaul-sumanoy]

Exploring El Nido Palawan🇵🇭🏖

El Nido Palawan is a breathtaking destination located in the Philippines. This travel essay aims to provide a comprehensive overview of El Nido, including its history, the local community, expenses, route, rules and regulations, culture, traditions, celebrations, and climate. By delving into these aspects, travelers can gain a deeper understanding of this remarkable place and plan their visit accordingly.

El Nido's history dates back thousands of years when it was inhabited by the Cuyonon people. The area was later colonized by the Spanish in the 17th century. During World War II, El Nido served as a refuge for Filipino guerillas. In recent decades, the town has transformed into a popular tourist destination due to its stunning natural beauty and pristine beaches.

The people who live in El Nido are primarily from the Cuyonon ethnic group, which has a rich cultural heritage. The Cuyonon people are known for their warm hospitality and close-knit community. Interacting with the locals provides visitors with an opportunity to learn about their customs, traditions, and way of life.

Traveling from Dumaguete to El Nido Palawan involves several expenses such as transportation, accommodation, food, and souvenirs. The exact amounts may vary depending on individual preferences and travel arrangements. As of current year, here is an approximate breakdown of expenses: Transportation, Flight from Dumaguete to Puerto Princesa: $100-$150 (round trip). Van or bus from Puerto Princesa to El Nido: $10-$15. For accomodation, Budget guesthouses or hostels: $15-$30 per night. Mid-range hotels or resorts: $50-$100 per night. Luxury resorts, $200 and above per night. For foods ,Local eateries and street food: $3-$5 per meal, mid-range restaurants: $10-$20 per meal, fine dining establishments: $30 and above per meal. For souvenirs, local handicrafts, t-shirts, and trinkets: $5-$20

The most common route to reach El Nido Palawan from Dumaguete is as follows:

Fly from Dumaguete Airport to Puerto Princesa International Airport. From Puerto Princesa, take a van or bus to El Nido town, which takes approximately 5-6 hours.

To ensure the preservation of El Nido's natural beauty, there are certain rules and regulations that visitors must adhere to. These include:

Environmental Fee: All visitors are required to pay an environmental fee of PHP 200 (approximately $4) upon arrival in El Nido. Island Hopping Tours: When participating in island hopping tours, it is essential to follow the guidelines provided by tour operators, such as not littering, respecting marine life, and avoiding damage to coral reefs. Responsible Tourism: Visitors are encouraged to practice responsible tourism by minimizing their impact on the environment, respecting local customs and traditions, and supporting sustainable initiatives.

The Cuyonon people have a vibrant culture with various traditions and celebrations. Some notable cultural aspects of El Nido include:

Festivals: The "Pangalipay sa Baybay" festival is celebrated annually in El Nido during the month of June. It showcases traditional dances, music performances, and colorful parades.

Cuisine: The local cuisine of El Nido features fresh seafood dishes such as grilled fish, kinilaw (ceviche), and seafood soups. Visitors can also try traditional Filipino dishes like adobo and sinigang.

Handicrafts: The Cuyonon people are skilled artisans known for their intricate weaving, pottery, and woodcarving. Travelers can purchase unique handicrafts as souvenirs.

El Nido Palawan has a tropical climate characterized by two seasons: the dry season (November to April) and the wet season (May to October). The dry season is the peak tourist season, offering sunny days and calm waters, while the wet season brings occasional rainfall and rougher seas. It is advisable to check weather forecasts before planning a trip to El Nido.

References:

1. Official website of the Philippine Department of Tourism - www.tourism.gov.ph

2. Lonely Planet - www.lonelyplanet.com/philippines/palawan/el-nido

3. TripAdvisor - www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g294256-El_Nido_Palawan_Island_Palawan_Province_Mimaropa-Vacations.html

[calvin-arium]

(Extremely personal intervention but I think it fits the subject)

What I find awesome, is whatever special interest I pick up (2/3 a year ?) ends up relating to ecosystems and nature and capitalism and health

I got into being less cold outside. That brought me to hemp, chattel slavery and coton monopoly, plastic clothes, climate change, and WOOL. I can never be the same again after experiencing wool clothes. Clothes made by our synergy with other living animals ! Who don't poison the oceans and our bloodstream like polyester do ! I can never be the same again after reading about my land ancestors working with wool to stay warm in harsh winters, and fast fashion, and dying oceans

I got into paganism, that brought me to the balance of things and faith people had before christianity, what was true and what was wrong, how it disappeared, their relationships with animals (wool !) and food offerings

I got into understanding Mast Cell Activation Disorder, an illness I have and is very common, that can be triggered/activated by pollution, harsh pollens (and many more things)

I got into disability justice and the need for plastic for medical equipment. I got into public health and how modern society is making sure we get pandemic after pandemic. I got into urban planning and how we can make accessible cities that are still full of nature, that you can cycle and wheel on, how people are just feeling better when they don't have to be in a car 1/3rd of their waking time. I got into dogs ! Domestication process ! How they were bred for each population who walked with dogs alongside ! (And how it relates to wool and sheeps too !)

*everything* is bringing me to ecosystems, balance, public health not as a "you should go to the gym" thing but as "you are entitled to walk in the grass and run with your dog and see the stars and sleep under a tree and spare a snail so it can be eaten by a hedgehog later"

(And also wear a mask please)

I suck at knowing bugs name but I try anyway, and I consciously learn to be unafraid of bugs. I consciously say hello to little mammals I cross path with. I want to learn guerilla gardening for the revolution. I want to learn to spin wool to supply my knitting friends and make clothes that are not poisonous.

I agree with the idea that a lot of humans nowadays have a severe lack of curiosity about the world, but I think there has to be a solution other than shame.

I think about this every day because the fate of our world hangs on curiosity: either we will rediscover the importance and wonders of the soil and bugs and flowers and water and finally with the whole natural world, or this way will be forgotten.

People raised in the great wasteland of the suburbs and roads and buildings have never seen most of the plants and creatures that are supposed to fill every field and meadow. So many humans have never seen with their own eyes more than a scant few of the most common of hundreds of wildflowers that are supposed to surround them. Some live in biomes designated forest and have never witnessed truly mature trees. They do not know what the birds sound like. When they see an ordinary deer, they are awed and amazed by it or even afraid of it. They have never eaten any of the delicious wild fruits that grow in their homeland; all birds except starlings and robins and sparrows are so strange and beautiful that they stare in wonder. They confront insects like people on an alien planet encountering an unknown life form: What is this? Will it hurt me?

I cannot even describe the grief I feel on behalf of humans that grow up and live in the wasteland of pavement and lawn. That we are expected to live in these brutal environments, that we are expected to be content without the right or ability to live alongside living creatures, to walk among wildflowers, to hear birdsong, to feel the plush softness of moss, to see even common bees and butterflies—the fact that we live, work, and raise our children in poisonous wastes where nearly everything has been wiped out, and the simplest and most abundant of natural pleasures are rare privileges—it's cruel. It's a crime against the human spirit. It makes me so angry and sad.

When I started researching plants, I had no idea that I would end up expanding my mind so much that I would be virtually a different person within the year. Before I learned, I could not have imagined the diversity and beauty that exists in the world. My mind did not have the tools to come up with it.

I lived for over twenty years believing that there was only one species of firefly. I lived for over twenty years not knowing that the Southeastern US has native bamboo. I had never tasted the indescribable flavor of a pawpaw or seen the iridescent vibrance of a red-spotted purple butterfly. I had only seen a Pileated Woodpecker out the window of a car. I had never touched true topsoil, the soft, living blanket of rich, sweet-smelling earth full of mycelium, as springy and plush as a mattress. Just one year ago, I knew nothing!

Humans, as creatures, are insatiably curious and hunger for beauty. It is so cruel to deprive a human of relationship with their natural environment.

It is no wonder that we are all addicted to the internet—we have a crucial need that is unfulfilled. Compared with a forest, the world of lawns and buildings is so ridiculously flat and unstimulating. You would expect humans in such a place to feel constantly bored, restless, frustrated, and incurably sad.

I feel that lack of curiosity can be a chosen thing, but it is also a defense mechanism against a world that will feel like sandpaper on the senses of the curious.

But we need curiosity to fix this—we need the ability to notice the living things that have crept in at the edges of the wasteland and be infected and tormented by their beauty. We need to recognize the forest reaching into our cage in the form of tiny saplings. We need to discard the word "weed," not because it is derogatory because it is fundamentally incurious—it designates a plant as needing no identity outside of its unwantedness. We must learn their names. We must wonder what their names are.

[ribstongrowback]

There is another life, fractured. A myriad of facets, nodes in a wide net, flashes of light in the dark peppered across the landscape, neither plant nor beast. Something else, something greater perhaps. Not that it knows, nor does it care. The blight is dotted across the chunks in the sky like itchy spots on the back of a great beast. The fungal forests sprout from its mycelium, and the blightlings are born from it, tend to it, and some day, they return to its mouldy embrace. The forests take many shapes, chanterelles, toadstools, amanitas and many others, with towering mushrooms of dizzying heights inhabited by their enigmatic smaller cousins. Each of them has a monarch of boundless wisdom, gazing upon the stars from mushroom tops, waiting.

All of them hate each other, with a passion, which the monarchs can only explain with “it’s what’s expected” as the closest translation, and none of them wish to elaborate on what they are waiting for. There are beautiful things beyond the shroomline, a few will say, we merely wait for them. The mushrooms simply go about their incomprehensible existence, drinking in sunlight and watching travellers with a curious eye, for such is their want. Some of them sport guns taken from those who came to die in their shade. The blight is for quiet contemplation, it does not entertain outsiders. It tolerates intruders but only offers its bounty to friends, and hungry raiders can be rather unfriendly. The blightlings are not smart, but they’re smart enough to know to defend themselves from predators. They form roving packs to push back wild beasts and other intruders with coordinated ambushes and guerilla tactics, striking from the mushroom tops with ferocious bravery in the face of creatures almost always two feet taller than them, at least. And still, adventurers come. Some look for a challenge to which the more gutsy blightlings are more than happy to rise up to, some seek to gather supplies from the ample bounty of fungal flesh, but whatever they’re in here for, none can help but wonder, where did they come from? Theories. Some people believe they were seeded from beyond the stars and are waiting for their kind. Others think they’re yet another victim of our forebears, fellow humans twisted out of the animal realm for some nefarious purpose or other, condemned to formless existence beyond humanity.

And then a blightwalker comes, and everyone goes wild. A corpse will shamble into town, knit from the mould, burgeoning with fungus, and salute. Grim puppets from a wandering mycelium, they joyfully oscillate on their legs, knitting themselves back together whenever they get hit, and trudging ever forward. They seek to learn and see, they say. A whole world out there, they say. Few dare reply, most turn their eyes away from the macabre display. Yet some extend a hand, and find it gripped by the cold, clammy limbs of a new friend. One day, they will stop walking and put down the mycelium of another burgeoning fungal forest, but for now, they will travel, and hope that the world they see is kind to their companions.

[unexpectedyarns]

If you can go to Ravelry, you MUST go look at this aging artist’s projects.  The titles are hilarious and her sense of photographic style is priceless..

[zagrebist]

ArtPark, ZGB, June 2018 photos by @zagrebist​

[knitvienna]

Old but good, spotted at Lindengasse in Vienna. Unknown artist.

[deezknitz]

Classy!

[makinology]

[punk-stitches]

Visible Mending

Based in the Japanese art of Sashiko embroidery, visible mending is an art form that embraces the wear and tear on garments, turning them into their own art. Mending is a skill that has gotten a bit lost amongst industrialization and fast fashion, but it's an incredibly important life skill that is ! It extends the life of your clothes, saves you money, and is a form of self-expression.

Traditional Sashiko is done using running or single stitches in white or blue thread on indigo-dyed fabric, there are many traditional motifs and forms created through the manipulation of the main stitches. While modern Sashiko and visible mending mix colours, patterns, and stitches. Sashiko artists use specific needles and threads on cotton fabric, but visible mending can be done with any needles and threads on any material.

My mending journey started with wool socks, which are expensive these days, but in my opinion are the very best socks for brutal winters. I had several pairs of socks or knit slippers from my late-aunt, which they were the last pieces she made me and so, I taught myself how to mend! To me, mending embraces the history of the garment, the maker, and you, the wearer. Personally, my favourite type of visible mending uses whatever scraps I have in the same colour as the garment stitched using contrast threads, such as the red and black in the second photo. Although, if you want a more subtler mend, the greens and blues of the first photo strike a nice balance.

Links to learn more:

Wada, Yoshiko Iwamoto, “Boro no Bi : Beauty in Humility—Repaired Cotton Rags of Old Japan” (2004). Textile Society of America 9th Biennial Symposium. 458.

Visible Mending - MEND!

Sayraphim Lothian author of Guerilla Kindness and Other Acts of Creative Resistance. (Very good if you are like me and prefer a physical guide).

Caldecott, Sophie. “A Beginner’s Guide to Mending Your Clothing” (2021). Sustainably Chic.

EGA. “Introduction to Visible Mending” (2020). Embroiderers’ Guild of America.

[forestgreenlesbian]

Mom Knows Now (Guerilla Banner Drop on the Steeple of the Ira Allen Chapel, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT.)

LJ Roberts

Hand-knit yarn. 15' x 10' x 10

2003