The Stitchwitch Directive 2

 Throughout time, both men and women have participated in the art of sewing. But, as usual, when a man sews it's a professional job, something worth paying for. He is a Tailor. The sewing that women carry out has never had the same status. Making clothes for the family came under the heading of domestic duties. A woman who sewed things for others was a jobbing seamstress, earning a bit of pin money. Tapestries, samplers and embroideries dating back centuries were never recognised as an art, despite arguably requiring more skill and talent than some internationally renowned artworks produced by men. Intricate quilts were just blankets, made to use up fabric scraps. Things have changed a little...but not enough and maybe that's because we can just buy anything we want cheap as we like, instead of having to make it - not because of any great strides in feminism.

More women are reclaiming the traditional activities that we like to keep alive as a form of witchcraft. Making kitchen remedies, creating a herb garden, learning how to give spiritual guidance - can now come under this heading. We are standing in solidarity with those women who were unappreciated at levels ranging from ignored to murdered and calling ourselves "Witch".


Directive 2: 

Letting the moon guide your sewing.

Always have a few sewing projects on the go. Monoculture in anything is not to be advised - it is draining and uninspiring. Let the moon's phases guide what you work on and when.

Full Moon

When the light is at its best, this is the time for intricate stitching. Artistic embroidery to please the eye and decorate rooms should be done now.

Waning Moon

As the night light fades and the pull on the imagination is weak, this is the time for utilitarian repairs. Patch holes, darn socks - all that is useful in protecting the longevity of clothes.

New Moon

This dark period calls for something methodical and repetitive, a task that gives comfort. Use it to make quilting pieces and attach them to each other for your winter comfort. Re-use old fabrics that feel familiar to the touch.

Waxing Moon

As the power and light of the moon builds, transfer some of that power to yourself by making something for your warmth and comfort. Clothing, a cushion or a bag - anything that makes contact with you and allows your creativity to flow.

'Sewing With Sylko - A Treasury' - is available from Amazon


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