Tuesday, August 7, 2012

What Is Home?

Hi All!
So, here's something I made several months ago that I've been waiting to share with you. This piece was made as a submission (my very first!) to an art show that my pal Ellen was curating in Los Angeles, it was called Home Is Where The Needle Marks. The show was comprised of stitched pieces and textile work, exploring the theme of the word "home" and what it means to different artists. The show has now closed, and was a great success! My piece was not used in the show, but now that the show is over, it can see the light of day because it holds some powerful truths... 

Are you ready? Can you handle the truth?
{snort-giggle!}


Oh. Yes. It. Does.

Upon submission, applicants were asked to fill out an Artists Statement (yikes!). The following words are my artists statement and the meaning behind the piece... This is kind of an over-share, and I'm a little nervous putting this out here into the big, bad internet, but it's good to be honest, and if I was prepared to share this information with the world in an art show, surely I can share it here with you guys.



Home Is Where The Bra Comes Off
by
Lisa Leggett

Embroidery gives me permission to go slowly, one stitch at a time. For a woman who hurries through everything, stitching is a gift of time that I give to myself. A reason to sit still, calm my rushing mind and still hope to achieve something beautiful, funny, or useful; sometimes all at once. Embroidery is my meditation.


I try to approach life with a sense of humor, from the best news to the worst; no problem seems as serious if you can laugh at it. Whether what I’m working on is pretty, whimsical or subversive I enjoy a good laugh, and I try to incorporate humor into everything I do.



Home is where the bra comes off. Not only something to garner a giggle, but an unbending truth in my life, one which I believe many women can relate too.


I haven’t left the house without a bra on since I was in the 3rd grade, I was seven years old. All at once my body developed, and it was no longer ok to go to school or anywhere else, without wearing a bra.  I didn’t feel grown up, perhaps the way some girls might, but rather slightly ashamed and embarrassed.  My budding boobies must be bundled up, and they must stay that way! That was 30 years ago. Home for me, is where I feel safe enough to be unguarded, to remove that armor and be free of the straps, hooks and wires. Home is many things to many people, myself included, but maybe one of the best things about home is that, home is where the bra comes off.


So... yeah... that. I'll be even more honest here; most days I'm dying, literally dying to get home and get this damn thing off. I hate it. Days when I don't put on a bra at all are like a vacation! Please girls, tell me I'm not alone in this? Being rather, ahem, "well endowed", bras have never, ever been comfortable for me. They are a necessary evil. They hurt my shoulders, they pinch, they poke. They are the devils work.

Right? Right.

This piece was a stretch for me even though it looks simple, I don't do cross stitch very often (oy, the counting!) and don't feel like I'm an artist, so modifying a font to the right size to be seen from a distance, and a developing a border which all lined up properly was a challenge, but one which I enjoyed. I don't know what I'm going to do with the piece moving forward, right now it's just chillin' on a shelf in my craft room... I'm kind of getting used to seeing it there, maybe I'll just leave it. 

What do you think, girls?  How do you feel about your bras? Are they a cage or a comfortable familiar? Do tell! I am always genuinely curious how other women feel about this subject. I'm looking forward to your comments!
oxo,
Lisa

p.s.
OH! I've been featured on Craft Gossip!


41 comments:

TheMistressT said...

I love this and I understand! You NAILED the cross stitch aspect, too, lady. Well done.

~Tara

SewAmy said...

You are not alone. I HATE bras. I hate wearing them. I do not wear one when I am at home or when I camp. They are so comfortable.Even after having fitting after fitting and buy expensive ones...they still do not feel good. I love your stitched piece you did! You must keep it and treasure it. I love how true it is and that you made it!

CardinalCrafts said...

I am totally on board with this. I hate bras!! I wish I could hang them up for good, but oh well I can dream right? I love your stitchery!

Christina
cardinalcrafting@blogspot.com

giddy99 said...

I guess I'm the opposite (I can't stand to have mine off), but I LOVE your stitching!! Especially that letter-work. PERFECT.

Bonnie said...

Oh man! Well, I have to say...I hate bras too! At home I try to substitute my bra with a tank top and then a shirt over that. If someone is coming over or just stopping by, of course I've got to put the bra on! Bras are just a pain. The thing I hate most to shop for, is the bra. I have come home in tears before because not being able to find one that fits right, feels good, is shaped just like my body, is not itchy...the whole 9 yards! If I find a bra that actually feels fairly good, I will wear it out to death until the underwires are poking out and then I'm forced to buy a new one! LOL! By the way, I love your cross stitch piece...and I actually like where you have it on that shelf..it looks good there. Thanks for sharing your writing that went along with your cross stitch entry. I know it's hard to put stuff like that out there...I sometimes worry too if I should share certain things too, but really it does make us look normal and human I guess!

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

Amen! This should be a bumper sticker!

Great stitching by the way. :)

Aunt Spicy said...

I am so glad you entered and showed this, brilliant!

Wendy said...

This is so funny!

You know, I hate taking my bra off. I've very well endowed and the "dropping" as I remove it is painful. I used to hate my bra and you know what? I was wearing the wrong size. I had the shoulder pain and pinching and poking you described, no more.

You know how traditional measuring is to measure under your boobs and add 4 inches, that's your back size, then calculate the difference and that's your cup? Stupid. Why would you wear something that's supposed to be supportive but is actually 4 inches too big? Measure under your boobs, that's your back size. I went from a 36DD to a 30GG and I'm so comfortable in my bra. The back strap holds my bra and boobs in place and my shoulders never ache. I could slide the straps off and my boobs would stay in place.

try it!

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Unknown said...

Can i get an AMEN!!

Hope you’re having a great Wednesday! Drop by nichollvincent.blogspot.com and say hello!

debbie @ happy little cottage said...

Bra-vo Lisa!!! You think after all these centuries, someone would come up with something more comfortable to hold those puppies up! I never leave the house without wearing mine, and cannot wait to take it off in the evening! Great job!

beadgirl said...

Ha, I visited your site right after visiting Cocoa Eyes, and the contrast between your views on bras is great -- almost like you two planned it.

Great design! I like bras, I need bras, with work I have found bras that are actually comfy, but I also like taking them off at the end of the day.

Beedeebabee said...

Hold it right there, girlfriend! You are too AN ARTIST, and a darn good one at that!!!...Okay, now that that's out of the way, I just love this piece! It's perfect. Not just in the way you designed and beautifully stitched it, but because I can so relate! My bra is the second thing that comes off as soon as I walk in the door. First my shoes, then I walk into the bedroom and yank off the bra. I'd never go braless outside but in the house, the girls are very happily let loose! If I'm wearing something a bit too showy, I throw a tank top under it, and all is good! What a great piece (and post!) Lisa. Love it!!! xoxo Paulette :)

Kira - oopsicraftmypants.com said...

Love this piece, Lisa! The statement rings true for me, too, even though I'm not super busty! Home is where we hang loose, so to speak! :) Your cross stitching is excellent and I'm super glad you decided to share.

trishie said...

Love this! Made me giggle a little

Anni S said...

:oD LOVE it!!

I saw you on the link up! Great blog!

Hope you had a good day! Stop by grapefruitprincess.blogspot.com and say hi :)

suzitee said...

Beautiful work Lisa, and thank you for sharing your thoughts. Love that you've infused your piece with humour :)
On bras...well, I don't mind wearing one (especially in our long hot Aussie summers) and usually keep it on until bedtime. It doesn't bother me too much at all...so there you go ;)

Ida from Central PA said...

I love the artwork, and the sentiment. I completely understand, and agree.

Would you consider selling the pattern on etsy or some similar place? I'd love to reproduce it!!

Chrissie said...

Oh, my, YES! Halcyon are the days when I don't have to put a bra ON. And there's nothing quite like the feeling of taking the thing off and pitching it in the drawer. I'm not especially well endowed, but I share the sentiment heartily. I'd also LOVELOVELOVE to cross stitch this for my self, too!

Chrissie

Melissa Boo said...

I'm of the well endowed and prefer to keep my bra on, but I have days where I hate the darn things.

I love your piece. It's definitely a head turner.

Shanny Khoo said...

LOL! Your got that right! Being small chested (am lucky enough to be on the "just right"size to have them "hang free") the bra is just like an amor for me whenever someone drops by or going out!

Funnily enough I've always enjoyed XSing. Its my very own outlet to stop and think of the days events, think of a solution to a problem or even have a sudden bright ieda. I enjoying sewing as well but its rather stressful as I'm still not very good at it. Really live your work and I'm sharing this with my " friends! Cheers!

Anonymous said...

AMEN sister. That is one of the first things that happen when you get home. Take that thing off and get into cozies!!!

Anonymous said...

Oh, and I would LOVE the pattern

Jesse said...

Dear Lisa,

I am from the Netherlands and YES !!! me and my friends often have the same conversation about the bra. Even the AH-Bra (something new in bra-land) does not give you the comfort after all those years of suffering. ( LOL)
I am an art-therapist and going to try and make the bra embroidery, and hang it in mij practice. I have a lot of women clients who will love it. Thanks for the inspiration and pardon my english writing, wich is not so good.
Bless you,
Jesse

marie said...

Delightful post...totally made my day! Home is definitely where the bra comes off!

Quilter Kathy said...

I feel exactly the same way and loved your blogpost AND your stitchery!

Barbara said...

No you are not alone in feeling like this..I'm 61 years young and have worn one since I was in 5th grade..and hate the dreaded necessary evil..and like you can't wait to have a day where I can be free.

Amy Cluck said...

That looks SO good! I can't believe it wasn't included in the show, I love it and all of it's truthfullness ;)

Grandma said...

I want your pattern!!! I hate bras! Too much information.....my husband hugs me and says "What? You have a bra on!!!" If you decide to sell copies of your pattern please let me know!

Sandy said...

I absolutely love it!! The cross-stitch, the saying and your intimate sharing. I am well endowed also and wish I was little and perky and could wear the darling little tops and dresses that are so popular. Kudos to you for this post! BTW...came from Sew Many Ways.

DebbieSFL said...

Okay, you are going to sell this pattern, right....because I.MUST.HAVE.ONE!!! When I come home, I barely make it in the door before I start unhooking......

Nina said...

So very true - both literally and figurally (pun not intended, or was it?)!
I had a mastectomy two years ago, tried the prosthesis but, for one who hates bras to begin with, lasted only about a week. So now I wear a sports bra (actually quite comfortable, like a tight undershirt), but still feel awkward in public. Will wear a blouse, or t-shirt with scarf to minimize the one breast look. At home my one sided look is free to breathe!
Liberate the girls (or girl for some of us!) and be free!
Thanks for the laugh - love to see stitching done with a modern and realistic twist.
Nina

Tracy Marie said...

I too hate bras. So much so that I refuse to wear them at all, ever. No one seems to notice. I'm heavy and big and wear loose dresses and shirts. I am disabled too, which would make it very painful too if I tried to put one on. I tried the "Ahh-Bra". The fabric just rolled up causing pressure points which began hurting in about 5 min. Everyone else seems to think it is somehow indecent to go without. But when I took pix years ago to see the diff. There just wasn't any. The bra didn't hold anything up at all. (and it was an expencive, pro fitted one.) So I quit. I was 37 at the time. Now I'm 54. I'm commfy all the time.

Angela McRae said...

Oh wow, HOW MUCH DO I LOVE THIS! Yes, I so agree with your bra thoughts. When you're 5 foot 2 as I am, you find that bras never ever fit because they are made for taller women, so I would estimate I've spent a good two or three years of my life hiking up bra straps! (Is that TMI? Sorry.) Those "fit specialists" in stores? Don't make me snort. Anyhoo ... love the thought AND the art! I'd love to see you do something with this ... seek publication somewhere? Sell charts, maybe? Etsy?

Unknown said...

I LOVE your piece I was a teen in the jiggly, braless 70s. That being said, I, too, hate bras. Even though I'm small busted, they are just plain uncomfortable to me. I (almost) always wear one in public, but I spend as little time as possible in one at home. Conversely, my similarly-endowed 23 year old daughter is rarely without a bra. She even wears them to sleep. I don't know how she can do that!

Sabrina said...

Awesome needlework!! I totally need this sign in my house. love it! I too hate bras and it is the 1st thing to come off when I get home. In fact, I have been known to find them around the house - Thrown off, from when I just couldnt take it anymore. :-) Would love to have the pattern if you ever decide to sell it.

Tana said...

would you ever sell one of these to me?! I really need one for my friends!

Adrianne's Whatever Blog said...

I do hope you will eventually Share that pattern. I would LOVE to stitch that for a few friends i know! We are all the same, doesn't matter who's house we are at, Eventually we are all taking off the Bra's and gossiping.

Unknown said...

Where can I buy this? it would a great(and hilarious)gift for a friend?

Katrina said...

Hey Lisa! I absolutely love this! Is there any way you'd consider making one to sell?

All the best to you!

Katrina

http://needlesandwords.blogspot.com/ said...

Lisa, i LOVE this; i am a large breasted girl and that is the first thing that happens in the evenings...i also do needlework and was wondering if you are going to make a pattern? If so let me know.

thanks, deborah