• Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Showroom
  • Shop Online
  • Contact
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest

Lady Virginia Vintage Fabrics

Gracious living that's light on the earth

You are here: Home / Communities / #OccupyWallStreet from home

in Communities

#OccupyWallStreet from home

Soup Bike

Make soup, deliver soup, share soup. DIY soup. Revolutionary soup. Image: Rantipole via Flickr.

I’ve received a number of queries from young moms and others who want to know what they can do to support the #OccupyWallStreet movement even though for logistical reasons — particularly having little kids —they can’t get to New York, D.C. or even a local event.

The rising tide of sympathy for good old fashioned, red, white and blue American protest is a refreshing addition to our national conversation.

It’s great to know how many people back the protests, how many more are finding ways to actually physically be in one location or another to lend their voice to the chorus, and how many will do what they can from the sidelines.

Clearly being there isn’t possible for everyone, but there are very practical ways to help the cause from the comforts of home. The low hanging fruit first. You can:

  • Retweet and Share on Facebook quotes, photos and information from trusted sources.
  • If you blog, blog about it, even if yours is not otherwise a seemingly activist or political blog. Show your solidarity with words!
  • Buy (or make) a button like this and dress up in your best clothes to wear it wherever you go—to pick up the kids, grocery shopping, sports events. (Make extras to give away.)

Eat the revolution

But if you really want to kick up your game, try what I’m calling Revolutionary Soup. This name is partially in homage to a favorite local soup shop of mine, and partially a big wet kiss for my favorite food—soup.

Why “Revolutionary Soup?”

Because one way to hit back at how from Wall Street to Washington concerns about industrial food production, GMO foods, environmental degradation and bad energy policies are ignored is to exercise a buying boycott. Obviously we can’t boycott everything, and we have to eat and feed our families. But we can put an end to any unnecessary purchases, and move away from the industrial economy as much as possible, replacing it with the domestic economy. You might even turn such a stance into a new job.

This revolution is DIY

Leveraging money in the domestic economy means forgoing pre-packaged convenience foods in favor of DIY food options. That means more raw ingredients and more creativity. Nothing from freezers for sure, except maybe plain frozen vegetables and fruits. But no pizzas, no “meals” no snack foods, no desserts. As for boxed foods, ask yourself if you can get it in bulk, first? Staples of rice, grains, beans, granola, dried fruit, nuts, and some basic snacks are available in bulk, and that’s what you need for “revolutionary soup.”

And of course, if you can get your meat, eggs, dairy and produce from local sources, always do so first. If you buy fewer pre-packaged industrial foods, and cook more, all the local stuff becomes a lot more affordable. And the more you buy it, the more that sector will grow, and prices will come down.

As to jars and cans…well, they are helpful for storage and in emergency, and can help with basic DIY cooking. If you can do it first from produce, and have the time to make tomato sauce, smash fruit for quick jam, or to make pies, do so. If you need a few items pre-made, choose generic or small scale Indie and organic brands every time to lob a hit at the major industrial factory food infrastructure.

Believe me, profit losses can say as much or more to the ruling class than a day spent occupying Wall Street. But you have to hunker down for the long haul if you want results.

The peasant’s pledge

In the end, taking a kind of “peasant’s pledge” to eat DIY foods, most clearly symbolized as “Revolutionary Soup,” means making a daily bean, vegan, vegetarian or meat soup and serving it up with simple sides of bread, butter, and perhaps a slice of cheese.

Hearty, full of more than enough calories and fat to sustain you, and tasty to boot, Revolutionary Soup is your way to support the #OccupyWallStreet movement with everything you cook. You just need:

  • Raw ingredients.
  • A stovetop.
  • A commitment of imagination and time.

If you’re really motivated (or able) you could take a vat of the stuff to your local protest. Here’s one of my favorites recipes to get you started, which is so easy that my 14 year-old routinely makes it for us:

Potato Leek Soup

3 leeks
4 potatoes, quartered
1/4 cup butter*
1/2 cup milk*
1/2 cup light cream*
1 qt. water, vegetable or chicken stock**
1/4 teaspoon fresh chopped chervil***
2 tbsp. each chopped celery and shallots
1/8 teaspoon celery seed
parsley, to garnish
croutons (optional)

To prepare

Peel and quarter the potatoes.

Prepare the leeks by removing the green portions, reserving for another use if desired. Cut down the center lengthwise and wash thoroughly. Chop the white portions finely. Sauté until softened with the shallots in half the butter for 5-7 minutes.
Add 1 quart of water or chicken stock, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, celery, the quartered potatoes, and simmer 20-25 minutes.
Remove potatoes and leeks to a small bowl. Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes to a puree. Return the puree to the cooking water.
Stir in the milk, cream, and remaining butter. Heat until heated through (about 2 minutes).

Season to taste with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley and croutons.

*I made a version that was vegan once substituting Smart Balance for the butter, and soy milk & soy creams for the milk, though rice or oat milk might work depending on how it affected the flavor.
**You can use vegetable stock instead. Just water tastes a little….watery.
***I couldn’t find chervil in any local stores, even dried. I’m assuming it’s fine w/out since I’ve never made it with.

An army of cooks

I hope you’ll get on board with Revolutionary Soup-making and add the voice of your wallet to the voice of your Facebook posts and your chatter with friends. It’s our world, after all, and our country. If we want to “take it back” from Wall Street and corrupt politicians we have to have a few practical tools, and the will to follow through. Happy eating!

–Lindsay Curren, Transition Voice

Cross posted from Lindsay’s List.

 

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • More
  • LinkedIn
  • Tumblr
  • Twitter

Related

About Lindsay Curren

A Christian, mama, and writer, Lindsay Curren (aka Lady Virginia) is also a passionate lifelong collector of vintage fabrics. "There's something inexplicable about the pull textiles have on me. I simply can't resist sourcing them, using them, and now selling them. Other fabric addicts will understand!"

Previous Post: « Elbow grease on the industrial economy
Next Post: Capturing embodied energy »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jeff says

    October 5, 2011 at 9:52 am

    Awesome commentary!

  2. Waytogohomesteader says

    October 5, 2011 at 9:55 am

    I love this! I didn’t even realize I was making Revolutionary Soup last weekend when I made a big pot of potato leek soup! I can’t promise to make and eat soup every day (we’re all getting a bit sick of potato leek soup at this point since we’ve eaten it every night since I made it), but I do get the vast majority of my food from local sources.

    Can’t wait until I can read more of your blog.

  3. Lindsay Curren says

    October 5, 2011 at 1:07 pm

    Thanks Jeff!

  4. Lindsay Curren says

    October 5, 2011 at 1:10 pm

    Thanks Waytogo. I have really started freezing half my soups for two reasons. Wait, maybe 3.

    1. Like you, I get sick of one after several days in a row.
    2. I want some quick but heart meals this winter on days when I feel I might not have the time to cook. So grab and thaw is my new go-to approach, only I don’t want to do it with industrially made products.
    3. Like can storage, this is a good back up in emergency. If the grocery stoe shelves go bare, it will be nice to have some things on hand.

    Thanks for reading.

    Best,

    Lindsay

  5. cindy hadden says

    October 11, 2011 at 6:35 pm

    wow! excellent! thank you!

Trackbacks

  1. Occupy Wall Street | TimeBank Media says:
    October 6, 2011 at 8:35 am

    […] Occupy Wall Street from Home http://lindsayslist.org/2011/10/occupywallstreet-from-your-kitchen/ […]

  2. Solidarity « A Slim Winter says:
    October 12, 2011 at 3:34 pm

    […] I read this amazing article that someone posted on facebook today.  Lindsay talks about how to Occupy Wall Street from home.  She discusses the act of making soup as a revolutionary act, of removing oneself from the industrial food system as one thing that women and mothers can do to free ourselves from the slavery of the corporatocracy.  I also read this article in the New York Times the other day, profiling a woman who found herself in Deep Trouble, and went back to the land in Brooklyn to feed her family.  I feel so inspired when I read these.  I feel that I am reading this today as a woman who has control over nothing, who has been crying all day at the news that another job we thought was ours has fallen though, at the idea of my family on food stamps and wondering what happened to my good karma points?  I have been thinking of my grandmother a lot, a woman who came of age in the Depression in a one room cabin in the Rockies, no electricity or running water.  I think that if women like her could get their families through it, then I can too.  Then I remember the world I live in, which is so different than hers.  How my generation has been cursed with debt beyond even my parents wildest imagination.  What are we going to do?  Who is going to help us?  Will there ever be an end to all of this?  Will we ever be OK?  Lately, I think not. Share this:TwitterFacebookLike this:LikeBe the first to like this post. Archives Select Month October 2011 September 2011 A Slim Winter on FacebookCloudAbout dinner DIY food home how to politics poverty rants Uncategorized unemployment Search A Slim Winter […]

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe to Our Blog

Stay connected to get all the latest

We'll never share or sell your contact information.

  • About
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact

Footer

more about lady virginia

A Christian, mama, and writer, Lindsay Curren (aka Lady Virginia) is also a passionate lifelong collector of vintage fabrics. "There's something inexplicable about the pull textiles have on me. I simply can't resist sourcing them, using them, and now selling them. Other fabric addicts will understand!"

Connect with Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest

looking for something?

Get Our Free E-Book

Get free ebook

Latest on Instagram

What will you make with this supple and pliant, pl What will you make with this supple and pliant, plush woven micro cheetah fabric? Can also be used on pillows or upholstery. Five yards left at $49/yard with FREE Ground Advantage shipping in the US. Find it in our Etsy shop Lady Virginia Vintage Fabrics (link in bio). 

.
.
.
#vintagefabric #vintagefabrics #vintagefabricforsale #fabric #fabricobsession #fabricobsessed #fabricaddict #fabricaddiction #ladyvirginiavintage #fabriclover #fabriclovers #vintagestyle #grandmillennial #grandmillennialdecor #grandmillennialstyle #etsy #etsyshop #etsyseller #etsysellersofinstagram #etsysuccess #animalprint #cheetah #fabric #fabricshop #sewyourownclothes #sewyourown
Make your #allentown local pride dreams come true Make your #allentown local pride dreams come true with these rare scraps from a 1962 hand printed fabric called Centennial. Designed by Paula Cie. Features 18th century home #trouthall , the #lehighcounty courthouse,  the #libertybellshrine , and #bogertsbridge. Rare collectible for your #allentownpa project. Find them in our Etsy shop Lady Virginia Vintage Fabrics (link in bio).

Pieces also usable for general appliqué or #quilting projects, mixed media and #fiberarts pieces.

.
.
.
#vintagefabric #vintagefabrics #vintagefabricforsale #fabric #fabricobsession #fabricobsessed #fabricaddict #fabricaddiction #ladyvirginiavintage #fabriclover #fabriclovers #vintagestyle #pennsylvania #pittstate #etsy #etsyshop
Charming, fun, and eclectic, these vintage interna Charming, fun, and eclectic, these vintage international children fabric scraps (each sold separately) are a unique addition to any fabric collection for quilters, fiber and mixed media artists, slow sewers and others! By Waverly, everglaze. 

Scraps feature children from around the world in dancing and play poses. Use for clever bags, gift bags, tooth fairy pillows, tiny accent pillows, sachets, applique, quilting, patching, slow sewing projects and more!

Roughly 9 x 9 each, white cotton sateen. $24/each. 

Find them in our Etsy shop Lady Virginia Vintage Fabrics (link in bio). 

.
.
#vintagefabric #vintagefabrics #vintagefabricforsale #fabric #fabricobsession #fabricobsessed #fabricaddict #fabricaddiction #ladyvirginiavintage #fabriclover #fabriclovers #children #vintagekids #scottish #japanese #dutch #spanish #french #quiltscraps #vintagequiltfabric #applique #slowsewing #fiberarts #fabricscraps #etsy
Lots of good sized scraps of this 1974 English Me Lots of good sized scraps of this 1974  English Meadow upholstery linen added to the shop today. Great for pillow fronts, retro bags, and more. Find them in our Etsy shop Lady Virginia Vintage Fabrics (link in bio). 

.
.
#vintagefabric #vintagefabrics #vintagefabricforsale #fabric #fabricobsession #fabricobsessed #fabricaddict #fabricaddiction #ladyvirginiavintage #fabriclover #grannychic #coastalstyle #cottagecore #shabbychic #gorpcore #cabincore #etsy #etsyshop #etsyseller #etsysellersofinstagram #etsysuccess #reupholstered #reupholstery #reupholster #floralfabric #floralfabrics #flowersofinstagram
Braemore Fabrics' expressive and iconic "Firebird" Braemore Fabrics' expressive and iconic "Firebird" imprint is rendered in the same vein as P Kaufmann's "Lushan Garden" — energetic, vibrant, a true design statement for the bold designer or home application. Vibrantly plummaged firebirds (or dragons depending on how you see this) leap and preen amidst twisting branches, large and rich flowers, fruits and nuts. GORGEOUS!

This linen gives you casual and effortless elegance in a fresh color that's on trend! Pairs well with any chinoiserie decor and it grandmillennial to the max!

We've got 10.3/8 yards of this one (as of the original posting) so it's more than enough for re-doing a small settee, a couple of wingbacks or club chairs, a set of dining chairs, or drapes, along with small projects like statement-making pillows or café curtains. (I'm currently having made a Roman shade for my bathroom with some of it not listed here!) 

At once a very traditional and yet exotic interior look. Handily crosses over with a more boho look.

10 continuous yards available at $129/yard with FREE Ground Advantage shipping in the US. (We also have it in orange for $89/yard.)

Find it in our Etsy shop Lady Virginia Vintage Fabrics (link in bio). 

.
.
.
#vintagefabric #vintagefabrics #vintagefabricforsale #fabric #fabricobsession #fabricobsessed #fabricaddict #fabricaddiction #ladyvirginiavintage #fabriclover #fabriclovers #vintagestyle #grandmillennial #grandmillennialdecor #grandmillennialstyle #firebird #dragon #dragonfabric #chinoiserie #chinoiseriechic #dragondecor #etsy #etsyshop
Truly gorgeous, this 1990s Thibaut rose and branch Truly gorgeous, this 1990s Thibaut rose and branches fabric titled "Bastide" offers intense color, nostalgic floral renderings, and space through the vining rose branches for the eye to rest between floral statements. Excellent fabric for your shabby chic, cottage core, coastal grandmother, or granny chic project. And with up to 14 continuous yards available as of the original listing there are larger scale projects you could do — curtains, cover a small couch or comfy chair, make a slip cover, duvet, ottoman, fabric covered headboard or coffee table and more!

Features roses, English roses, trumpet flowers, lilies, anemones, along with twisting expressive branches and expressive color-layered foliage. Upholstery weight linen cotton.

54” wide with up to 14 continuous yards available (sold by the yard). $89/yard with free shipping in the US. 

Find it in our Etsy shop Lady Virginia Vintage Fabrics (link in bio). 

.
.
.
#vintagefabric #vintagefabrics #vintagefabricforsale #fabric #fabricobsession #fabricobsessed #fabricaddict #fabricaddiction #ladyvirginiavintage #fabriclover #fabriclovers #vintagestyle #grandmillennial #grandmillennialdecor #grandmillennialstyle #coastalgrandmother #coastalgrandma #etsy #etsyshop #etsyseller #etsysellersofinstagram #floralfabric #floralfabrics #flowersofinstagram #grannychic #cottagecore #shabbychic
A shabby chic dream come true, this 1983 pale gray A shabby chic dream come true, this 1983 pale gray striped upholstery chintz offers granny chic charm for your Cottage Core obsession! In a floral style that channels the late 1920s/early 1930s, you can set the tone for gentile nostalgic charm. And with so much yardage it's possible to do authentic period curtains, bedding, a headboard, covered ottoman, recovered chair, set of dining room chairs and more. OR make fabulous upcycled bags with a delicate old school spin.

Vertical striped background with hydrangeas, roses, anemones, peonies, and toothy foliage along with tiny floral accents in little clusters. Titled "Samson" anmd dated on the selvage 1983 with the maker's mark.

55" wide by continuous uncut 1-yard increments (sold by the yard) with up to 22 continuous yards available as of the original listing. $89/yard with FREE Ground Advantage shipping in the US. 

Find it in our Etsy shop Lady Virginia Vintage Fabrics (link in bio). 

.
.
#vintagefabric #vintagefabrics #vintagefabricforsale #fabric #fabricobsession #fabricobsessed #fabricaddict #fabricaddiction #ladyvirginiavintage #fabriclover #fabriclovers #vintagestyle #grandmillennial #grandmillennialdecor #grandmillennialstyle #hydrangeas #cottagecore #shabbychic #grannychic ##etsy #chintz #vintagesewing #reupholstered #reupholstery #reupholster #floralfabric #floralfabrics #flowersofinstagram
RARE! Bring your woodland decor to life with this RARE!

Bring your woodland decor to life with this incomparable 1974 handprinted upholstery fabric titled "Pook's Hill" by the unrivaled fabric house of Brunschwig & Fils. 

Rabbits run, a squirrel explores a pinecone, quail poke along the ground, a black and white bird cuts a striking figure in the ivy while deer peek shyly from behind a tree. Beetles crawl among the strawberries, birds both nest and play, hedgehogs, frogs, a possum, and color layered details are all set against a ferny wonderland of toothy expressive foliage in a wood of gentle delight. 

Imagine this as the fabric headboard for a child's twin bed?! Or peeking below as a bed skirt?! Make bunches of pillows for a high-end upcycled collection for home or sale. Valances, a cozy chair, a child's play tent — oh my!

Up to five continuous yards available (sold by the yard) for an engaging playroom, nursery, or child's bedroom re-do or even use it in a gorpcore adult space at some cabin or lodge AirBnB.

Among its other amazing features, this piece was entirely hand printed. Swoon! 

Up to five continuous yards available at $249/yard and FREE Ground Advantage shipping in the USA. Find it in our Etsy shop Lady Virginia Vintage Fabrics (link in bio).

.
.
.
#vintagefabric #vintagefabrics #vintagefabricforsale #fabric #fabricobsession #fabricobsessed #fabricaddict #fabricaddiction #ladyvirginiavintage #fabriclover #fabriclovers #vintagestyle #grandmillennial #grandmillennialdecor #brunschwigandfils #etsy #etsyshop #etsyseller #etsysellersofinstagram #etsysuccess #reupholstery #woodland #gorpcore #vintagebaby #vintagekids #vintagechild #woodlandanimals #woodlanddecor
Say yes to whimsy! An engaging and beguiling toil Say yes to whimsy!

An engaging and beguiling toile, Robert Allen's 2004 Playful Animals fabric for his @ Home Collection is a delightful print to add visual charm and appeal to your design project. Great for statement-making pillows, fabulous baby bags, nursery curtains or lampshades, a small upholstery project like a crib skirt or nursing pillow, and more! 

Animals are rendered in storybook style in homage to 19th century animal illustrations for children's books of that era into the 1930s.

Various wood framed lozenges are set against an elaborate trellis of toothy leaves and cherries. Animal vignettes include a heavyweight lifting monkey, a bulldog and Jack Russell riding a tandem bike with horn and flag, skirted klittens on a see saw tossing a brightly colored ball, and a cat playing the violin as a duck honks out a tune.

1 half yard available for $45, 3 continuous yards available at $89/yard. Find it in our Etsy shop Lady Virginia Vintage Fabrics (link in bio). 

.
#vintagefabric #vintagefabrics #vintagefabricforsale #fabric #fabricobsession #fabricobsessed #fabricaddict #fabricaddiction #ladyvirginiavintage #fabriclover #fabriclovers #vintagestyle #etsy #etsyshop #etsyseller #etsysellersofinstagram #etsysuccess #monkey #monkeyfabric #vintagekids #whimsy #robertallen #kidsfabric #childrensfabric #babyfabric #cats #geese #bulldogs #jackrussell
One of my customers @mackythegoosegirl re-covered One of my customers @mackythegoosegirl re-covered some dining chairs in one of our vintage Indiennes. Very #grandmillennial ! They look amazing! We’re sold out of this one but we have several others. Check us out on Etsy at Lady Virginia Vintage Fabrics (link in bio). 

.
#vintagefabric #vintagefabrics #vintagefabricforsale #fabric #fabricobsession #fabricobsessed #fabricaddict #fabricaddiction #ladyvirginiavintage #fabriclover #fabriclovers #vintagestyle #etsy #etsyshop #etsyseller #etsysellersofinstagram #etsysuccess #grandmillennialstyle #indienne #jacobean #reupholstery #vintageupcycle #vintageupholstery #vintagereupholstery #recoveredchairs
Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2023 Lady Virginia Vintage · 11 E. Beverley Street · 3rd floor, Suite 21 · Staunton, VA 24401 · Contact Us Online