FEMINIST CROSS STITCH CLUB

Feminism has already achieved everything – no way! Especially times like the pandemic remind us that social injustices and inequalities still exist. Being forced
to stay at home reinforces patriarchal structures and often leads to domestic violence. Suddenly, one’s own children must be taught and elders have to be cared for in addition to one’s professional life or studies. Usually, these additional tasks put a strain on women and mothers. Due to the isolation in the private sphere, the exchange with like-minded people is missing. People feel left alone with their problems and suffer from the lack of community support. In addition, care- and maintenance work as well as household chores lack appreciation. The pandemic reinforces the underrepresentation of these professions – a public discourse about these unpaid services is needed. In addition to protest movements, resistance can also be exercised in everyday life and in private – it holds true: even a silent protest is a loud protest! Feminist Cross Stitch Club provides space for an exchange with fellow human beings. Communicating with others makes you realize that you are not alone with your challenges and injustices.

Feminist Cross Stitch Club strives to offer people space for a common exchange. Within the setting of a workshop, the awareness of emancipation is strengthened collectively. Slogans are embroidered on provided crocheted surfaces. These materials/slogans, like the textile techniques used, have a long history. Feminist Cross Stitch Club views crocheted and embroidered surfaces as a symbol of the intergenerational oppression of women. Supposedly old feminist demands today seem very current and necessary. By making social injustices and inequalities visible, the reproduction of patriarchal stereotypes as well as structures can be prevented. The embroideries on the patches can express discomfort and
at the same time gratitude – Feminist Cross Stitch Club offers a space for any experience.

The slow emergence of the patches illustrates the years-long, slow and, above all, ongoing struggle for equality. The workshop promotes the shared expression of common experiences and life stories. This can be empowering and mitigate the perceived lack of appreciation and loneliness. Collective emancipation is achieved through the community. Translating resistance and its demands into everyday life is at the heart of Feminist Cross Stitch Club. The resulting patches are turned into various everyday objects. The knowledge acquired can be put into practice in future personal projects and adapted as needed. Moreover, the textile techniques can be shared with friends.