Being a bit superstitious, on New Year’s Day I blew the teaspoon of cinnamon over the front doorstep into the house and wished on that; and did the pinch and a punch for the first of the month routine first thing while speaking my first words for the day to my dearly beloved… but three days later he still hasn’t responded with his punch and a kick for being so quick, so I’m not sure if that invalidates the good luck bit, or perhaps it does for him only, so fingers X – as I believe in the power of crossed fingers, too!
We’re only on day 4, but already the trouble spots around the world have been added to and become far more worrying. I read several daily newspapers from Australia, Uruguay and USA, and follow developments through several podcasts I’ve come to rely on for sensible reporting and analysis. Mike and I only have TV news on first thing in the morning, turn it off for most of the day, and watch news and commentary for a couple of hours in the evening, and then we go to Netflix or other entertainment channels. We think that’s a reasonable balance, but I know several people who refuse to watch any TV news at all, and also read very little about it what’s going on “out there”. As citizens of the world, I’ve always believed we all need to pay attention and have opinions on what’s happening at the local, national and international levels of our world. While current events are concerning, nothing stays the same for ever, and the power balances that shape politics all around us are all fascinating: there’s always a ray of hope, no matter the crisis.
Though I’m not a big maker of resolutions, I have made a couple: the first was really before the end of last year, and the other formed in my mind today.
Firstly, I am determined to read more actual paper books for pleasure. It’s wonderful to turn over pages as I read something that is holding my attention. I’ve always had the rule that if a book hasn’t grabbed and held my attention by page 50, I just abandon it – ditch it, and prepare to read another. There are so many books to read and so little time, considering that I also hold needles and threads in my hands for large segments of my waking time.
Secondly, I’ve decided that as far as possible, I’ll only work with fabrics I’ve already purchased; and will seriouly consider recycling fabrics of worn out clothes and household linens where I can, because there’s also the duster bag-cleaning cloths alternative, too. This morning I faced reality about this favourite, classic tailored style button-down long-sleeved Jones of New York shirt that I’ve had at least 10 years. The poplin cotton has just a little stretch, and the rich strong pink my mother called ‘lipstick pink’ has always suited me. It’s been worn and washed so many times though, it was now visibly threadbare along the collar and cuff edges, damage that dabbing with a felt tip pen could no longer help hide. Ignoring the temptation to wear it ‘just once more…’ I cut it up.
Once the buttons are all removed I’ll toss the collars and cuffs in the bin, but the body sections and sleeves will be put into a placcy bag to wait while I think about how to use it. I envisage either a 3D assembly in the Growth series or it would be nice with a strong contrast colour to make a piece for the “Opposites” – old v. new ? My entry’s due by the end of the month… and I need to get pedaling on that now.
I’ve never been very good at recycling, or upcycling as many prefer to call it nowadays. However……you inspire me again and two shirts of mine come to mind that I think need to join your pink one for re-use. They do no one any good hanging in the closet, and there may be a couple more to join them. I have no shortage of fabric already, but keeping even small amounts from the landfills helps!