Episode 29

Stitchcraft Podcast

We chat shrubs, beeswax wraps, and Black-owned businesses. Enjoy!

Links:

Aislinn was drinking the cranberry shrub cocktail from David Lebovitz with Cedar Ridge Bourbon aged in port barrels.

Maranda was having A Real Nice Surprise (hazy DIPA) from Big Grove.

Aislinn is working on the Penny Cardigan from WATG in Shiny Happy Cotton in Bazaar Orange and Cameo Rose. However, for the friend’s baby, she has moved temporarily onto Baby’s First Principles by Amy Manning, from the now out-of-print Doomsday Knits, in Plucky Cozy (now discontinued, waaaaaaaaah) in Classics Club colors Laughing at Clouds; I Jump, You Jump, Remember?; and Chic.

Aislinn also made beeswax wraps following the instructions from Apartment Therapy. It is the best method for doing with kids because the wax never gets hot enough to burn anyone. However, it is also probably the slowest method because you’re never sure if you’ve got enough wax to cover the cloth, so you end up having to add more repeatedly. For fabric, we recommend tightly woven fabrics that are well-worn so that they are thin but still hold the wax. The resultant beeswax wraps are great however you make them!

Slipping around in the Midwestern winter that never seems to end? Try the Due North Traction Aids. They never fail.

Aislinn has been following @meetmakersofcolor on Instagram. Highly recommend. So many impressive and creative makers to learn about!

Maranda got to fangirl at Bea Feliu-Espada, creator of The Honey Pot, at the Target Black-Owned Business Vendor Fair. She recommends the washes and wipes. As a doctor, I (Aislinn) would be remiss if I didn’t tell anyone with a vulva to please don’t wash it with soap. That is not good for vaginas or vulvas! Don’t douche, either, please dear god. However, external washes and wipes without soap are fine and unlikely to harm you unless of course you are sensitive to the ingredients (specific scents, etc). We are thrilled that The Honey Pot is a company that is supportive of all people with vulvas (all sisters, not just cis-ters), and also collaborates to provide hygiene items to people who are homeless or living in poverty. If you’re looking to support more businesses owned by BIPOC, this is a great place to start.

Maranda also enjoyed the Ambi booth at the Vendor Fair, and is trying out the Black Soap Bar with shea butter, just the thing for midwestern winters. Everyone needs moisture, even those with oily skin. For the people in your life with facial hair, she thinks 103 Collection has some promising products, their product reps definitely know what they’re talking about, and they are doing some wonderful outreach in their community.