At first I didn't think I wanted to produce a line of masks in response to the COVID-19 crisis. Even though I wrote an essay with a full-throated cry for fair pay for all the seamstresses out there (professional and hobbyists) who pivoted on a dime from their usual sewing and alterations work to mask-making, I still didn't think that I wanted to do it, for a couple of reasons: First, I mainly … [Read more...] about Introducing my line of high-end fabric masks
shopping
Coronavirus, Quarantine, and the Meaning of American Life
The governor in my state, Virginia, has now issued a total stay at home order. We've gone from social distancing, travel advisements, and schools being shut down through the academic year to straight out "do not leave home unless absolutely necessary." The governor says to expect this through May. In one way the final order is good news. It's clarifying to have a leader who's not … [Read more...] about Coronavirus, Quarantine, and the Meaning of American Life
Why You Should Buy From an Etsy Shop During the Coronavirus Shutdown
You've gotten all the eggs, milk, and cheese that you can. Check. You're rationing the toilet paper, you've seen every show on Netflix, and you've cleaned out the junk drawers and finally tackled the basement. Check. Even your inbox is de-spammed and folder-organized for a bright future ahead. Check. So now what? You're bored, stir crazy, and itching for a diversion, any … [Read more...] about Why You Should Buy From an Etsy Shop During the Coronavirus Shutdown
New Name: Lady Virginia Vintage
Many of my long-time readers, friends, and supporters know that over the years I've combined my values for clean energy, conservation, and consumer re-use, and the many essays I've written about these topics, with also running both an online and bricks-and-mortar vintage shop. This is where I also share my broadsides, poster art, and fiber arts. Adding to the stew are my passions for history, … [Read more...] about New Name: Lady Virginia Vintage
Big city choices at Roanoke Natural Foods Co-Op
The Roanoke Natural Foods Co-Op market in the Grandin neighborhood of Roanoke just makes me jealous because we have nothing like it in my community. And it really packs a punch for natural foods on this side of the Blue Ridge — I'd put it almost on par with say, Ellwood Thompson's in Richmond. Not quite, but it's a really good minor league version of ET. I'm not reviewing this so much as a place … [Read more...] about Big city choices at Roanoke Natural Foods Co-Op
Black Dog Architectural Salvage & Antiques, Roanoke
As part of our extra days in Roanoke (my hubby's pre-conference days) I insisted we were going to Black Dog Architectural Salvage & Antiques because I had heard so many good things about it. We're not currently renovating anything, but if you're up for salivating over every re-use possibility under the sun, especially drawing on old fixtures, windows, columns, hardware, tiles, doors, … [Read more...] about Black Dog Architectural Salvage & Antiques, Roanoke
