Along with the Independent Arts Collective, there are a number of small counterculture groups that meet sporadically throughout the year. One of those very groups is AU Sew What?!, a self-described "stitch and bitch."
Sew What?! falls under the Community Action and Social Justice umbrella of groups with a mind for student activism. Sew What?! was started last semester by AU students Jen Zurek, Karen Racowsky, Ashley Mushnick and Ivy Slavis, who were in search of a creative outlet where people could come together and exchange skills and ideas. These skills include things like knitting, crocheting, sewing, silk-screening and basically anything having to do with textiles.
"I wanted to start a club to bring together people who share a sense of a [do-it-yourself] ethic as well as a desire to serve the community," Zurek said.
The group's focus combines creativity and artistic expression with projects aimed toward social consciousness. In the future, Sew What?! would like to organize a clothing drive in conjunction with Hunger & Homelessness, another CASJ group, and a knitting/crocheting workshop with Facilitating Leadership in Youth's weekend program in Southeast D.C.
"Meetings are a chance for people to share their arts and crafts skills and socialize," Zurek said.
As a fledgling club on campus, Sew What?! has experienced a bit of a rocky start, but the group's founders see a lot of potential in the future. They encourage people with an interest in knitting, sewing, crocheting or anything else, regardless of skill level, to participate and get involved.
-JEN TURNER
For more information, e-mail AUSewWhat@gmail.com
