bread and roses
2024
Inspired by the 1912 textile mill workers' strike in Lawrence, Massachusetts, this jacket is a warm invitation to explore, remember, and celebrate a pivotal chapter in US history. The appliqué pieces and text throughout the jacket encourage further research into moments often omitted from traditional historical narratives. The back features a partial map of 1910 Lawrence, highlighting textile mills and working-class neighborhoods by nationality. The front displays a "capital" padlock and a key with a "general strike" key tag. Embroideries reading "acquitted, they kissed" and "you never were as beautiful as you are now" embellish the sleeve and collar, while the inside reads "1912."
selected readings:
Dynamite: the Story of Working Class Violence in America by Louis Adamic
Lawrence 1912: the Bread and Roses Strike by William Cahn
The Bread and Roses strike of 1912 by Julie Baker






100% cotton fabric
100% wool batting
hand appliquéd
hand quilted
hand embroidered