EPISODE TWENTY SIX :: Shannon Downey of Badass Cross Stitch - Subversive Embroidery, Craftivism & Processing through Stitching

Summary: In Episode 26 of the Close Knit Podcast, I spoke to Shannon Downey of Badass Cross stitch. Shannon is a subversive cross stitcher and weaver based in Chicago. We cover some really incredible topics in this episode. Shannon explains how she sees her role in craftivism and the role of craftivism at large. She walks me through her process of creating Feminist War Flags, and tells us about a project on gun violence that prompted her to create an incredible fundraiser for an arts therapy project in Chicago. It also happens to be the 1 year anniversary of the Close Knit Podcast, and I’m really stoked to be able to share this chat that Shannon and I had with you. I’m so grateful to get to speak to folks like Shannon and I’m hopeful that the Close Knit Podcast can continue to grow to be a space that is safe and inclusive for important conversations about the intersection of craft and social justice.