You’re likely here for some sewing and maybe a libation. I’ll get to that. It can wait.

Our (that’s Meg and I), our plans for a summer sewcial, Caftans and Cocktails, have shifted. We’d like to hold space for Black lives as well as host a community for our fellow sewists and friends wishing to continue discussions about racial injustice and our anti-racist journeys. (Meg explains more in her blog post.) While we added “the twist” as a pun on a beverage garnish, it’s ultimately much more important, one might say pressing (I couldn’t help myself), than a self-sewn dress and a drink.

This morning I came across a Ted Talk interview with Ibram X. Kendi. It’s the single most powerful anti-racism educational piece I’ve come across in the last several weeks. His message further transformed the notions of “racist” and “anti-racist” for me. And that was just the first few minutes. If you’re not familiar with Ibram Kendi, you can read his bio here.

Please listen.

Ibram ends his interview by sharing his IG post with a photo of his four year old daughter and a message about what drives him, LOVE.

View this post on Instagram

I love. And because I love I resist. There have been many theories on what’s fueling the growing demonstrations against racism in public (and in private). Let me offer another one: Love. We love. We know the lives of our loved ones, especially our Black loved ones, are endangered under the violence of racism. People ask me all the time. What fuels me? It is the same: Love. Love of this little girl. Love of all the little and big people who I want to live full lives in the fullness of their humanity. Not barred by racist policies. Not degraded by racist ideas. Not terrorized by racist violence. Let us be antiracist. Let us defend life. Let us defend our human rights to live and live fully. Because we love. 🖤

A post shared by Ibram X. Kendi (@ibramxk) on Jun 7, 2020 at 6:59am PDT

Comments, questions, and further discussion encouraged below.

If you scrolled down, skipping listening to Ibram, please tell me you’ve already read his three books and heard this Ted Talk. If not, ask yourself why my sewing is more interesting.

I didn’t even sew my caftan. I purchased it from a recent fundraising sample sale.

See the dress in the upper left? I purchased her for $25. She’s Art Gallery rayon, so she’s breezy as all fuck. I simply hemmed the sleeves up 2 inches. *jazz hands*

Pattern: Dress No 3, 100 Acts of Sewing, size small, sewn by Cristin

This pattern wasn't even on my radar when I compiled a list of indie caftans patterns for Caftans and Cocktails, but it's a great option, especially for beginner sewers. Those side slits make a statement!

The cocktail I’m sharing this week is a ginger mojito. My thirst for it came from post & beam’s cocktail offerings.

A recipe can be found here.