Stitched Hand Series 15-24

This stitched drawing is thread on 6.5”x6” cardstock, which is then mounted onto 8”x10” watercolor paper, frame not included.

These stitched hand drawings started as a prompt to keep my sewing practice fresh. I take time each day to blind contour stitch my hand - essentially drawing with my sewing machine. I don’t sketch anything out ahead of time and I try not to look at the needle while I’m stitching (that’s the blind part of blind contour). This means each piece is wildly one-of-a-kind and uniquely hand made by me for you! These stitched drawings would make a special gift and can be framed in a variety of standard sized frames. Watch me stitch one here.

The deeper meaning behind the Stitched Hand Series::
Who made your clothes? Do you ever think about the people who make the things you own, especially the things you wear? How many sets of hands have your garments passed through to get to you? Are these garment workers being treated fairly? Are their skills and labor being valued? I feel so honored and fortunate to be able to use my skilled hands to create for you everyday, and after working in the apparel industry and learning how poorly some workers are treated, it’s time I raise awareness and do a better job of honoring the labor of others. So let’s do something together - $5 from the sale of each stitched hand drawing in this series will be donated to feed garment workers and their families through Suay Sewshop’s ‘Know Your Grower, Know Your Sew-er’ Farm Box program. I’ll donate on a monthly basis according to how many were sold.

[Straight from Suay’s website:
'Suay is rooted in community action. From farming to sewing, nourishing the people and planet is where our passion rides. We teamed up with badass LA partners to create a CSA style food bank called “Know Your Grower, Know Your Sew-er.” We are feeding over 200 garment worker families per week during the COVID crisis with the help of our friends at Mother Denim, Block Shop Textiles, Jungmaven, Outerknown, Hiraeth, Seea, Frecker Farms, Gjusta Bakery, Common Room Roasters and the Garment Worker Center.

The average hourly wage of a garment worker in LA is $6. The COVID crisis has crippled their already low income livelihoods. If you care about fashion, immigrant laborers, and community – you care about this! Be a part of this historic action – show up directly to the people sewing your clothes, make their struggles visible, and create value in their job title.]

I believe garment workers deserve better rights to unionize, make a living wage, and feel safe at work. I believe there needs to be a mindset shift in how we consume and care for clothing throughout its life cycle. Until something bigger happens in the way of legislation, let’s show up and make sure these skilled workers and their families are fed (and fed well).