Kaffee mit Frau Fibre

Who is Frau Fiber?
A talented textile manipulator whose work encourages you to re-address your opinions about the cheap imports available on our high streets; to re-think the value we place on these clothes in relation to the time and labour spent by others, in often un-bearable conditions, constructing them; and to take up our sewing, knitting and crochet needles and construct our own clothes.

So what does she do about it?
She takes action.
The 'Re-Dressing New Orleans Project' was Frau Fiber's way of both interacting with the community she loves so much in New Orleans and of taking direct action when they needed it most, post-Katrina.
Pedalling her Heath Robinson-esque bike-powered sewing machine through the Gentilly neighbourhood, she offered a free textile service to anyone who needed repairs or a sewing service. (Google and flickr are full of images of her working.)

She's also the force behind The Sewing Rebellion, at the Mess Hall in Chicago.

So why am I telling you all this?
Well, Frau Fiber was kind enough to fit me in on a flying visit to Belfast on Monday. I bought her a rough cup of coffee and a dodgy scone in the bus station and she gave me my own private lecture on what she's been up to. (One of us got a raw deal, and it wasn't me!)
She let me pick her brains about a project I have in mind, and chatted easily about everything and nothing. Her charm, grace and warmth are completely disarming. She has a sparkle about her that puts you at ease instantly and, she inspires you to have the courage of your convictions and actually DO SOMETHING.
Our meeting left me geared up and full of strength to go for it.

What did I learn?
That we can make a difference. It might only be a little difference, but to each and every person to whom we show generosity of time and share our skills and knowledge, life gets a bit better.

Good on you, Frau Fiber! Here's to next time (and I promise better coffee.)

Click here for Frau Fiber's website.

Comments

[Isabel]

Hi Inga
Just catching up with your blog. Glad you had a good time with Frau Fibre. Its always inspiring to spend time with someone with a vision.