If I had more time I would be writing lots of blogs about lots of things. Two topics I would definitely be writing about are the Arts and Crafts movement and environmental issues. But I don’t have to because I can just read Margaret’s blogs – Earthly Paradise and Greener Chic! Every time I read a post from one of these I think ‘YES, that’s what I think!’
You may have noticed a slightly green tinge to some of my writings; however, because this blog was established for my embroidery and quilting interests, I try not to go too off track. Greener chic is a great blog, full of interesting green bits and pieces, hints and tips. I am often concerned by the ease with which people/companies jump on the ‘green’ bandwagon, without giving thought to the consequences. Natural fibres are one example. It is not a clear cut case of natural fibres being better than synthetic. Cotton, even organic cotton, uses huge quantities of water, and here on the east Coast of Australia, water is in short supply (except currently in Emerald and Rockhampton etc who are suffering horrendous flooding). Of course synthetic fabrics made from petroleum products are not the answer. Better alternatives appear to be hemp *and bamboo fibres. However, with bamboo at least there are a couple of issues which need to be considered. Read more here and on Margaret’s post here. On green living online there is an article about it and a comment which refutes much of the article, just to illustrate how unclear the whole issue is. I am not going to go on a big political green rant here, as it isn’t the place, and I don’t have time but you get the idea……
Earthly Paradise is a reference to William Morris’ poem of the same name. Like me, Margaret is a big fan of William Morris, and his ideas of beauty, craftsmanship and the Arts and Crafts movement. Again, I established this blog about my needlework, though I do make the occasional reference to WM and the Arts and Crafts movement. If I had time to do the research and write other blogs, I would love to write more about the Arts and Craft movement – at this stage I am content just to read all the great information Margaret is pulling together on this blog. One post of interest, especially in light of all the ’slow cloth’ writing (thanks to Elaine on Red thread studio ) is this post of Margaret’s on the revival of handicraft.
*I’m not saying that hemp is better than bamboo either; I just haven’t done research one way or another.
Thanks for this post and the introduction to Margaret’s blogs. You are quite right about the green bandwagon being an easy one to jump on to, but at the same time, I think we have all got to put more thought into what we do and do and how we do it. There is so much to think about, but it seems that there are a lot of people who care enough to find out how they can tread more lightly. Blogs like the ones you flagged up are a great way go.
I’m a big fan of Arts and Crafts too, as well as green issues.So your post really hit the spot. Keep ‘em coming : )
Comment by threadspider — January 29, 2008 @ 2:58 am
I’m so glad you like my blogs, Paula! I really enjoy reading yours. It’s always so nice to see people who are inspired by the ideals of the Arts and Crafts Movement (and in such different ways!). I tend to focus more on research in my blogs since I lack your stitching skills. I am working on that though! I finished my first needlepoint pincushion last night. However, I don’t think people will want to see photographs of my handiwork for a while!
Thanks again!
~Margaret
Comment by Margaret Pace — January 29, 2008 @ 5:31 am
Margaret- I tend to concentrate on stitching becuase I lack your research skills! You should post a photo of your pincushion -I’d like to see it, I’ve posted some horrendous photos of my work (my needlepoint sampler is a case in point!)
Comment by paulahewitt — January 29, 2008 @ 5:53 am
Just for the record, organic cotton farming has been shown to use less water than conventional farming does. The soil is healthier and therefore retains water better and is more drought tolerant.
Comment by Harmony — March 12, 2008 @ 4:11 pm
Harmony: point taken. I was making the same point as Elaine about water use regarding cotton, and the problem with bamboo. I wasn’t implying organic cotton is as bad as conventional, just that it does use a lot of water, and here in SE Queenlsland we can’t afford the water use on cotton, organic or otherwise, when food producers downstream end up with insufficient water. I’m sorry it wasnt clear …I somtimes assume people will know what Im talking about.
Comment by paulahewitt — March 12, 2008 @ 5:57 pm