Last night at dinner, Tod told me that we was going to surprise me with a new computer for my birthday--the dual 1.4MHz G4 I had been eyeing. "But if you're boycotting, I guess that's not really..." he trailed off, disappointed.
But I was ready with an alternate gift. A sewing machine. Not only can I easily buy a really good European or Japanese brand (Bernina, Elna, Husquavarna Viking, Pfaff, Toyota, Juki) but a sewing machine means I can avoid shopping for clothes. I will make trousers that are the right length in colors and styles I like. Sleeves that actually hit at my wrist. Joy!
Now the big decision is whether to get a regular sewing machine or to buy a serger. A serger means I can easily work with knits and knits make me happy because they don't need to be ironed. But a regular sewing machine is a better all-around choice and I can still use it on knits, just not as cleanly.
I am so looking forward to drafting patterns again. It's been a while. I'd better pick up a french curve while I'm getting the sewing machine.
Forgoing a cool new computer is an impressive sacrifice and (combined with your weblog) makes a strong statement about your feelings on the war.
Another way you can make a statement is by Adding your name to the half-million who have signed the global citizens' declaration at http://www.moveon.org/declaration/.
If the sewing machine you are looking is Japanesse made you will have to pass on it. Japan is a part of the colition of the willing also. While they are not providing troops at this time (due to their constitution) they will be providing troops after the war is over. Remember the colition of the willing is 49 countries so far. Must boycott all the members of the colition not just the belligerents.
Rusty,
Are you boycotting all Japanese products in addition to all those from the actual belligerents?
One can boycott or not boycott anyone she wants. She could participate in a boycott of all US/UK/Aus products, or some, or just US products. Right?
All this talk about sewing and making clothes brought back a childhood memory, I remember going into your Mom's sewing room and making little dolls from yarn and clothes out of scraps. They were so cool. I think Shyanne and I will try making some this week. I wonder if she will think they are as fun as we did? Happy sewing, send pictures!!
Have seen a great fabric shop in Shibuya!! I used to make all of my clothes in my poor student days.. given how hard it is to get clothes to fit here, I may ask to borrow it one day.. have never learn how to draft patterns.. am very impressed.
Have individual companies (such as Apple) publicised their position on the war in the face of possible boycotts? If government cafeterias can change the menus...
As a Mac lover, I'd like to send you compliments for your coherence, Kristen. Fortunately, I got my 1GHZ PowerBook before the war began.
;)
But seriously, we all hope this war ends rapidly. It's unconceivable that one man can decide about the lives of so many.
PS-Is your toilet paper made in USA ?
:)
PPS-Love your website !
You can boycott anyone you want, after all its your protest! I admire your resolve to stand up for what you believe. And maybe its time to rekindle some old talents. Who knows, maybe there are enough Americans there who feel the same way you do--why not found Stitchery Eve? You go girl!