Wart Two: Letterpress

I print. So what do you call me? A printer? But kids are learning that the box next to the computer is a "printer." What about the person who prints? In some languages, the default term for a person who prints takes the male article. So what about a woman who prints?

The weirdness goes further. I am no luddite, but my printing takes the form of letterpress work: type directly in contact with paper. It is considered antique technology. I began, appropriately enough, at a museum, where I demonstrated a press. Quickly appreciating that it was an approachable art (much more so than offset, which I had learned in college), I switched majors, as it were, to letterpress. My course of study did not change, but my printing technique did.

Current trends in letterpress involve more pressure than is good for lead types. The former mode was to achieve a "kiss" impression, where ink, but not indentation, was deposited on the paper. Being a devout middle-of-the-roader, I like a nice heavy kiss... one with a little character. However, I am not willing to sacrifice my type to achieve this look. If there is any question about it, I will order myself a plate from a good proof of the type. I won't have to worry about my type in that way.

I have been asked if I do wedding invitations or business cards. While I _can_ do such things, and have, I have not offered services for pay yet. Depending on my schedule, it might happen in future. However, first the post-move shop must be set up, and moving presses alone is not an option. Things progress glacially.

If you are interested in my printing, see my website: the3toad.googlepages.com/home. I have posted specimens and shop photos.

For printers (those of the human persuasion) I can recommend a website full of links: http://members.aol.com/aapa96/lpress.html, run by my friend Dave Tribby. Of his links, I think Briar Press and the "Letpress" are among the best. Your milage may vary!

An oft-quoted saying from the List: "Freedom of the Press belongs to the person who owns one." I am happy to be among the number.

Wart One: I sew

Hmm. As a beginning blogger I should have something to say. I'll begin explaining my many interests. Most are related to making things I need or want. I can't emphasize enough the importance to me of being able to make things. In this prefabricated world making one's own "whatever" is the ultimate rush. I've beat the system and gotten exactly what I want and didn't settle for inferior quality or poor design. We're talking life skills here.

Sewing is perhaps the most important and long-lasting of my skills. Since I am not an "average" size in any direction, off-the-rack never fits right. But most important, making my own gives me color, style, quality, and design control. I wish more people, guys included, could understand how powerful the ability to sew can be. I can repair favorite clothes; I can remodel things that don't fit quite right. I can design what no pattern can offer me. I am not limited by what retailers want to push at me, because I can make my own version of whatever I need.

I don't always sew my clothing. Sometimes, disgusted with the prices for soft goods (ever buy a high end camera bag?), I make my own. The bag for my 35mm camera has two main sections, six outside pockets, two straps, and a hidden pocket. It is all padded and made of pack cloth with bright zippers to close things. A similar bag cost over $100 when I priced them. Mine has already lasted 18 years, and looks just as good as it did when new. It has been all over the US, and carried many lenses, cameras, and miscellaneous items. Had I not been able to sew and envision what I needed, I'd have needed to spend a lot of money to get something not fitted precisely to my needs.

Sewing, unfortunately, has become a dying art. Schools no longer teach it, and kids have never seen how useful a skill it is. Even should they learn, they assume they don't have time to DO it. My sewing time is at night, when the TV rules so many homes. I don't watch much TV. Hmm... maybe that's why I have time to sew. Actually, though, with my fitting issues, I don't have time NOT to sew.

Sewing is a fabulous way to gain control of your wardrobe, or even your accessories. I highly recommend it as a creative challenge that has real, cost-effective results.

Things I have sewn (either made or repaired:
Tents, quilts, camera bags, briefcases, draperies, specialty bags, purses, canvas leg coverings, outerwear, lingerie, furry animals, furniture coverings, doll clothes, corsets for historical clothing, hats, bathing suits, lingerie, and the usual blouses, dresses, skirts, and pants.

Sewing. Learn how!