Attributions and Artist Statement

Riot Grrrl Sewing Patterns

Riot Grrrl is a Third Wave Feminism music and art movement. It began in the mid-1980s, gaining its name and national media attention in the early 1990s. Riot Grrrl’s DIY (do-it-yourself) infrastructure allowed girls and women to create their own art and music scenes, unconstrained by the institutionalized gender roles that have long oppressed girls and women. DIY also ignored musical specialization and expertise in favor of just making music and sharing instruments (the drummer in one song might play guitar in the next, for example). Making zines, forming bands, and holding meetings, benefits, rallies, and conventions are legendary riot grrrl actions that have had lasting impact. As my mom, Lucretia Baldwin “Teka”  Ward observed, the impact of riot grrrl is herstorical, with art and music as overt action.

When I joined riot grrrl Los Angeles in 1992, we riot grrrls made a zine. One of the riot grrrls contributed lyrics I loved. Years later, @ 1998, I ran into her at the Betsey Johnson store in the Beverly Center! What on earth were two riot grrrls doing in that joint, a fancy mall? She worked at Betsey Johnson. I was buying nail polish! I chose the Butterick pattern of Betsey Johnson because it’s riot grrrl-related and plus I really love that lavender dress. 

I like 1970s sewing patterns because they have that riot grrrl vibe of DIY exploration and the look and feel of tattered romance.

Butterick pattern 3116, Betsey Johnson of Alley Cat
5 1/2” x 8”
Pencil on paper (and I used a Guerrilla Girls eraser. Guerrilla Girls are an activist art group.)

2024

Butterick pattern 6530, Betsey Johnson of Alley Cat
5 1/2” x 8”
Pencil on paper (and I used a Guerrilla Girls eraser. Guerrilla Girls are an activist art group.) 

2024

Butterick pattern 6634
5 1/2” x 8”
Pencil on paper (and I used a Guerrilla Girls eraser. Guerrilla Girls are an activist art group.) 

2024