craftygal scraps

Bitch Magazine

The book "Home Comforts" is also stirring up debate

Splat!

by Jan

That's the sound of a big ol' snowball hitting the Craftygal camp. Our friends at Bitch magazine have an article in their Winter issue ("Queens of the Iron Age") that takes aim at our lack of feminist cred when it comes to housekeeping. What? You didn't know that we were a housekeeping zine? Well, to be honest, neither did we, but apparently Ms. Justine Sharrock thinks differently. To wit:

"Just when I start to get excited by the subversive possibilities of craft, it slips over that precarious edge into the realm of housework. Craftygal (www.craftygal.com), for instance, offers articles like 'Dressing for Kitchen Success,' 'The Craft of Being a Great Hostess,' and 'Everybody Must Get Sconed,' creating a definition of crafting that sounds more like housekeeping."

Hmmmm, we thought our definition of craft was more along the lines of creative expression through whatever medium appeals at the moment. And, as for us, well, we like to cook up the occasional batch of scones, and why not wear a cute apron while baking them? Should we be ashamed that we actually enjoy some elements of housekeeping? That we consider entertaining a creative endeavor? Are we setting back the feminist cause by organizing our craft supplies and keeping the clubhouse neat? Who says a subversive crafter has to be messy? We encourage you to pick up the magazine and check out Ms. Sharrock's piece for yourself.

In the meantime, the winter cold snap has us snuggling in here at Craftygal headquarters. Christy suggests throwing the Fridge open and inviting some friends over to enjoy some tilapia with roasted peppers. I put down my embroidery long enough to interview Jenny Hart of Sublime Stitching out on the Porch. Guest author Selma Yalazi joins us at the Table to share her technique for adding some flair to the same ol' winter boots with a little fabric paint. Christy hits the Stump to ponder whether it's worth it to venture out into the cold for an evening of cinema when you're bound to wind up with a chatty film commentator nearby. And Christy's also manning Travels this month with the tale of our pampering manicures.

Stay warm and crafty,

Jan and the Craftygal Crew

Lunchtime Poll:

Top 6 feminist housekeeping tips:

1. Vinegar combined with water at a 2:1 ratio in a spray bottle makes a great glass ceiling cleaner.

2. Equal opportunity baking soda makes a great oven cleaner and can also serve as fabric softener.

3. Since wimmin earn only $.75 to a men's $1.00, leave a tip jar by the kitchen sink to help offset the difference.

4. Exercise your right to make cleaning fun by tying Swiffer cloths to your feet and skating away the dirt.

5. Safety first when burning your bra--keep a box of baking soda handy as an inexpensive fire extinguisher.

6. Problems with chauvinism in your guy's shorts? Shout it out!