Slow Cloth Group on Facebook

Jude and Glennis and I hatched a little Slow Cloth group on Facebook. Please join us if you're a member of that demon seed that I spend too much time on wonderful invention. We have a great community coming together, with designers, stitchers, artists, fiber and clothing entrepreneurs, teachers, dyers, knitters, activists, garment people, textile collectors--all kinds of people who share an interest in exploring, using, and appreciating textiles and fabric in a meaningful way. We're still figuring out what to do with our growing group; it's ripe with possibilities.

I think Slow Cloth is a good moniker (with a nod of appreciation to the Slow Food movement for inspiring the concept) but I get frustrated that "slow" sometimes has a connotation of dull, pokey, lacking energy, unexciting, and even uninteresting. That's not us! At least, not on most days. So come on in and join up.

Comments

[Leonore Alaniz]

As events rush time along, overwhelming us, people embrace SLOW FOOD, even SLOW MONEY ! There is no need to defend the un-rushed ways, but to uphold its value, so that "efficionados" may catch on, (not up), that mindfulness (another kindly buzzing word) take roots among us. Slow is IN ! the cat is out of the bag. Good for her.

[Patricia]

Oh, I think "slow" is just the right moniker. I am most familiar with Jude Hill's work, out of all of the above-named artists. Following her posts as she works on a piece has been the best design and spiritual education I can imagine getting. The emphasis on uniqueness over mass-production (and consumption!), the process-based approach, and the endless contemplation of the essential nature of the materials and their many, many (inter)connections--I've tried to incorporate all of these in my work. I look forward to seeing a book that brings together these ideas and related images. Best of luck!

[Anaka Narayanan]

Starting a group on facebook is a great idea- a great way to spread the word. About "slow" cloth, I have a similar problem when I wrestle with the word "handloom" for Brass Tacks. I often wonder what I need to be emphasizing with my brand, because handloom in India, especially for younger women, translates to frumpy and dowdy. Maybe you'll decide what to do once you see the response on facebook. One thing is for sure, that strong idealism will tend to mostly attract only like-minded people (which is fine). But if your goal is to convert others to appreciate the movement and perhaps become a part of it, then it's best to figure out how to appeal to that more mainstream audience. That's my two paise bit :)

[Laura R]

Good luck! I'll be following you!

[Cathy Bullington]

Awesome Lainie and friends. I have joined and I am already enjoying the conversation in the Slow Cloth group. I think you have a great idea that will turn into a great movement. It is making me think more carefully about the projects I want to do and why.

[Rachel Biel]

Cool! I just joined and invited a bunch of friends.

[debraann]

Slow and pokey, no. Sedate and peaceful yes.

[Martina]

hi there...your site is what i also have in mind with my page: http://mmmartinique.wordpress.com. My idea is that everyone has a nice shirt at home which he can´t or won´t wear anymore. I sew these "old" clothes into different kinds of bags and give them a second life :-) (The site is in German, but you don´t have to understand the language, the pictures will do) Greetings from Austria, awaiting a Snowstorm :-) Martina

[Lainie]

That article looks great! Ill post it to the Facebook group. Thanks for sending it. And all the buses are slow here today--icy roads and sub-zero temperatures, fun.

[schinders]

i'm on the slow bus!!
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203550604574358643117407778.html