Tag: Diy
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In the Blog
the crazy cat lady
I’m a fan of the absurdity of feminist and queer stereotypes. I mean, who thinks of this stuff and why do we let it get us down? Obviously someone is crazy in this situation and it’s not me! I believe that flaunting these stereotypes in an equally absurd and questioning way can be the answer to the self-doubt, insecurity, and anger that may plague you when you find out that “the man” has finally fit … READ MORE
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In the Blog
Learning to knit for myself
Riding the bus down to work this morning I was humming away on my anthropologie-inspired caplet when a rider gets on and sits across from me and he says, “Are you knitting me socks?” My response to this question is usually snarky, but all I could muster up today was a murmur and groan, hopefully hiding the boil in my blood system. I am the kind of knitter that knits wherever I go. This means that … READ MORE
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In the Blog
Drupal or DIY
I’ve been building this site for the upcoming Pan-Canadian Young Feminist Gathering, Waves of Resistance/Toujours Rebelles, using “brand new to me” Drupal. In less techie terms, Drupal is an open source content management system (CMS), with the benefit being that non-professionals can learn to use this tool to build dynamic websites that they have full control over and can allow others to access the process with them. It has definitely been a steep learning curve … READ MORE
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In the Blog
“I base most of my fashion taste on what doesn’t itch.” (Gilda Radner)
The clothing industry can often be an unethical place. Unfriendly manufacturing, sizing that doesn’t reflect actual markets or bodies, and emotionally damaging advertising campaigns create a culture of feminist disenchantment with what we wear and where we buy it. Even American Apparel, a cultural icon positively known for its lack of sweatshop labour, has a CEO who has been known to perpetuate a sexual environment within the company, including having sex with his staff and … READ MORE
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In the Blog
A prime example of sexism in crafting
Modofly is an artists’ collaborative run by “jack of all trade artists/designers” Jordan and Kevin. They make these hip-looking notebooks and are currently seeking submissions for new artwork for their next run of notebooks. And this time they’re requesting art within two themes, “Girly” and “Femme”. We are looking for work that women and girls alike will gush over. We have been accused by some of the female folk of being weak on the feminine … READ MORE
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In the Blog
Making comics!
Recently, after a stint of reading a bunch of great comics, I got inspired, and thought, “I’ll make comics!” Or maybe I had just read a bunch of sexist comics not fit to use as kitty litter and thought, “God, I could make a way better comic than that.” I quickly discovered a difficult truth: making comics is hard! I can’t draw! Characters’ facial expressions are impossible to capture and drawing hands, wtf? Also, combining words and … READ MORE
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In the Blog
“And remember that, in a world of ordinary mortals, you are a Wonder Woman.”
As far as empowered and hip feminist idols go, Wonder Woman is hands-down the favourite of many third-wavers, comic lovers, epherma junkies, and crafters. While her outfit can be seen as another reason to wear very few clothes on Hallowe’en, as a costume it has a sense of ownership and agency that a Playboy Bunny costume or a Swedish Bar Maid costume can’t afford you. Often crafters take on the Wonder Woman motif in surprising … READ MORE
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In the Blog
DIY or Die: KnittyDirtyGirl
I have this tendency of hording crafters into my pocket and obsessing over what they make, how they sell and contribute to the crafting world, and lauding them for every wonderful behaviour and personality trait they embody. They become my idols and I look up to them and think, “When I grow up I want to be a crafter just like them!” I’m not sure what originally drew me to Rachel-Marie at KnittyDirtyGirl, but there was … READ MORE
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In the Blog
Turn that “shoulder pad” feminism into a hat!
Pop quiz! You might be a shoulder pad feminist if: a) your messenger bag sports a “Vote Clinton” pin b) you “do it all” c) you came of age in the era of shoulder pads and still see sexism everywhere. But, if you’re like me and you don’t like to wear your shoulder pads in your thrifted blazers, cutting them out doesn’t have to mean more garbage: you can now wear those shoulder pads on your head! Jennine over at … READ MORE
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In the Blog
Put down your scissors and shrinky-dinks
Hello lovelies! I have had an oh so secret crush on Shameless for some time and it has been one of my personal goals to contribute to the incredible presence that it is. For a while now I have been convinced that crafting, homework, and an overall sense of DIY has long been a place of feminist identity and resistance. Every week from now on I hope to present you with a crafty idea, a crafter, … READ MORE
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In the Blog
making (and saving) airwaves
Time for a little shameless (heh heh) self-promotion (sort of): if you like your media free from corporate manipulation, remember that even free media ain’t free to run, and support your local community media outlet. CKUT, Montreal’s community radio station, is holding its annual funding drive, where the station raises money to cover its operating costs. Because they’re not backed by either large corporations or advertising, grassroots media organizations (like Shameless!) need the … READ MORE
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In the Blog
Shopping for a cause that I can get behind
Shopping for a cause can be problematic; we’ve explored it here, here and here. But when I came across this fantastic fundraising campaign via myspace (no, not facebook,) I knew I had to share it with readers. This isn’t corporations selling pink iPods and red t-shirts. This is the kind of grassroots, DIY fundraising I can get behind: Help a FtM get top surgery and get a rocking shirt at the same time! Here’s the deal, via … READ MORE
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In the Blog
fixing flat tires and flattops
There are two crucial things every cyclist should know - how to change a flat, and when your bike is too messed up to fix yourself. In which case, it helps to know a good mechanic, and if you’re in Montreal then you’re in luck. Revolution Montreal (1757 Amherst, in the gay village) is our city’s new woman-owned bike shop, where Danielle Flowers will true your wheel and her partner jj levine will - … READ MORE
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In the Blog
Wenches with Wrenches
When the Community Bicycle Network’s BikeShare program was forced to close this year due to lack of funding (though not a lack of enthusiasm or merit), I foolishly didn’t realize that was not the end for all of CBN’s programs, most particularly – Wenches with Wrenches. Wenches with Wrenches “is an ongoing program of CBN volunteers who host bicycle repair workshops run by and for women in downtown Toronto. The idea has been … READ MORE
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In the Blog
Video camp
Concordia University TeleVision (CUTV) in Montreal is offering a two-week summer day camp in July for youth ages 14 to 19 to learn filming techniques (shooting, editing, directing, etc). At the end of the camp, you’ll have made your own short film! The fee is $150 or pay-what-you-can. The only criteria is enthusiasm, and preference will be given to youth who come from low-income situations. If you’re interested contact Jason: jason at geek4hire dot ca. … READ MORE
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In the Blog
Heartbreaker reading Feb 22 and why I hate V Day
Last week saw the unfortunate passing of Valentine’s Day. I hate Valentine’s Day. People I have dated will say it is because I have a penchant for unsentimentality, that I am unromantic, and that I am a bit of a love party pooper. (Well, the ones who are still bitter would likely say these things.) A few days before the “big” night of the 14th, I went to a yearly literary party (we usually get … READ MORE
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In the Blog
hot pantz just got hotter
Nicole’s post below just reminded me of something I’ve been meaning to post about. A small British press called godhaven ink has reissued Hot Pantz, the DIY gynecology zine that’s been on the bookshelf of every savvy riot wiccan and herbal grrrl since it was first published in 1994. If there was one object I’d like to place lovingly in the hands of every woman I meet, it’s this guide to, as the … READ MORE
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In the Blog
I (Heart) Zines
Ring in the new year with some good ol’ fashioned zine making, care of Cheryl Dobinson! When: Tuesdays, 6:30-9:00 pm, February 6, 13, 20, 27 (4 weeks) Where: This Ain’t the Rosedale Library, 483 Church Street, Toronto Cost: $80 per person, $60 for students/seniors/underemployed In the DIY (do-it-yourself) tradition, this 4 week course is your chance to learn how to make your own zine. Well cover … READ MORE
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In the Blog
A Couple of Great Workshops at TWB
Just a quick blog entry to let you know about two great workshops that are happening at The Toronto Women’s Bookstore next month: JANUARY 2007 courses @ TWB 1. Bisexuality: Exploring the Issues with Cheryl Dobinson (Mondays) 2. Anthology Incubator: From Pitch to Print with instructor-facilitator Anna Camilleri (Tuesdays) I’m big fans of both women, and the work of each have had major effects on the redefinition of the feminist community at large. Camilleri has been involved in … READ MORE
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In the Blog
Expoz(ine) Yourself
I’m beginning to get a sneaking suspicion that posting on any event outside Toronto on this board might be a little academic, so let this be my attempt to woo readers from outside the Big Smoke, specifically those in Montreal and surrounding areas. This Saturday is the fifth annual Expozine, Montreal’s yearly fair of all things stapled, photocopied, folded, bound, silkscreened, glued, BeDazzled, beglittered, hand-tinted, and read all over. Take a look at … READ MORE
