Wellington Craftivism Collective: November 2011

Wellington Craft-a-Patch Workshop

Thanks to everyone who came along and created some beautiful patches for our Giant 'Occupy' Blanket!

We have decided that since it was a really nice way to collectively create the patches that we will be arranging another one soon, details to come.

Just a reminder for those of you who are not in Wellington or cannot attend the workshops, to send your patch to as as soon as possible so that we can begin to transform them into the blanket! we have quite a lot of donated fabrics now so just holla if you would like some for your patch.

Your Right to Vote

There are only 3 days left to go till the polling booths open on Saturday to cast the vote to decide

"Who will reside in the Beehive".

This election is especially important as New Zealanders will also cast a vote for the referendum to decide which voting system will be used in the future.

It is shocking to hear that according to the Electoral Commission's latest statistics, more than 100,000 young people (18-24 years) are not enrolled to vote in this year's election and referendum on the voting system. I think that it is understandable that young people, given the current economic climate have a certain apathy towards the voting system. I know that a lot of people, being bombarded with election campaigns are finding it hard to find unbiased information to aid their choice.

I feel that not only it is so very important to continue to exercise our right to vote, but for your decision to be an informed one. Many countries in the world are not fortunate enough to live in a democracy that allows people to have a say in how and who forms their government and many people have fought and died for our right to vote today.

Women can also be thankful to so many strong amazing women involved in the suffragette movement who achieved against great struggle to secure our right to vote, notably Kate Sheppard in New Zealand and Emmeline Pankhurst in England.

For unbiased information on who you can vote for, who are they, their policies and information on the referendum you can visit vote.co.nz

Their site claims that they "believe in encouraging democratic participation and education on the web. This site is made available at no charge to all candidates and parties - so that you the voter can have a more informed voting experience."

the above cross stitch pattern is courtesy of the
UK Craftivist Collective, you can view more of their awesome voting patterns here

I urge you to make your vote count this election day.

Occupy Your Ears

Some of our beautiful and musically gifted

collective members have been inspired by our Giant 'Occupy' blanket to create a sound track to travel with it!

As we are creating a patchwork blanket in Solidairty for the Occupy Movement, this compilation of protest music will be a tapestry of amazing and inspirational tunes.

If you are musically minded and would like to share a piece of your own music with the world or contribute how ever you can then please contact us and get involved!

There will be a series of CD's so if you don't have anything ready right now but would like to compose a track especially then you have time to do so.

A meeting will be held to talk about the music cd's on
Thursday 24th November from 1-3pm, at 128 Abel Smith St Wellington.
You can Rsvp to it on Facebook here

Buy Nothing Day 2011

Saturday 27 November is Buy Nothing Day.

It's a day where you challenge yourself, your family and friends to switch off from shopping and tune into life. The rules are simple, for 24 hours you will detox from shopping and anyone can take part provided they spend a day without spending!

Everything we buy has an impact on the environment, Buy Nothing Day highlights the environmental and ethical consequences of consumerism.

The developed countries - only 20% of the world population are consuming over 80% of the earth's natural resources, causing a disproportionate level of environmental damage, and an unfair distribution of wealth.

On this 20th anniversary of Buy Nothing Day, we take it to the next level. We realize that consumer minimalism is one of many strategic operations in our continued fight for real democracy and life without dead time. This year lets fast like never before. Lets get monastic with our actions. Lets take back our holidays. Lets wean ourselves off of mega corporations, put our money back into the local independent economy, and live for a different kind of future.

For more info and awesome downloadable posters click here

Craft-a-Patch Wellington Workshop

Wellington Craftivism Collective is Creating a giant handmade patchwork blanket to show support and solidarity for the Occupy Movement and in conjunction with Buy Nothing Day.

Come along for a day of Patch Making Workshopping goodness at
2pm Sunday 27th November

at 128 Abel Smith St (Social Centre), Te Aro, Wellington.

As part of the Craft-a-Patch 'Giant 'Occupy' Blanket Project we will be making patches to contribute. We will be teaching how to screen print designs, cross stitch and knit. Bring scraps of fabrics (Patches will be 20cm x 20cm ), your skills to share and inspiration!

Vegan cakes and nibbles would be received gratefully!

Please share this event with crafty friends.

Love the Wellington Craftivism Collective ♥

Craft-a-Patch Giant 'Occupy' Blanket Project

Wellington Craftivism Collective is Creating a giant handmade patchwork blanket to show support and solidarity for the Occupy Movement and in conjunction with Buy Nothing Day.

We invite people from all over the world to submit patches to us by mail, these patches will then be lovingly crafted together to form our united blanket.

We have plans for the blanket to then travel around the world to different Occupy locations where workshops will be held and people invited to add patches to the blanket. Once the blanket returns to Wellington it will be showcased in an exhibition

All patches need to be 20cm x 20cm’s (please leave a 1cm border blank around the edge to give us space to sew them together with out loosing any of your beautiful designs). The patch can be made in any fabric based medium- cross stitch, knitted, crocheted, embroidered, fabric paints, felt… go get creative!

This is your chance to make a statement, use your square to convey how you think the world could be a better place.

Postage address for worldwide patches is 7/b Blucher Ave, Newtown, Wellington, New Zealand.

Please invite your friends to take part!

Love the Wellington Craftivism Collective ♥