Thandi Welman-Hawkes

I’m a chronically ill fat person who sews to make clothes to nurture my inner child and cover my butt in fabulousness. Sewing is a great way to tap into the hyper focus that is ADHD gold and also to heal decades of internalised fatphobia. When I can’t sew I knit and occasionally embroider. 

What influence does music have in your life as a creative?:

Music is a visceral experience. I want it to thunder in my blood and drive me through the fatigue that is a frustrating part of my autoimmune disease. I’ve always had a strong connection with dramatic music that makes you feel Big Feelings. When I sew I usually listen to a podcast or audiobook, so that I feel like I’m making the best use of my time, scaffolding my tasks. But sometimes I need the burst of energy that I only get from what my spouse calls my shouty music. 

Tell us about your playlist:

Some people like to listen to gentle, soothing music when they are crafting. I am not one of those people. If you: 
a) Have occasionally worn all black and wished to shriek like a banshee while being carried aloft on the wings of a thousand bats
OR
b) Also wore too much eyeliner in first year at university
OR
c) Seriously considered stabbing a foolish, 
interrupting mortal with a seam ripper 
OR
d) All of the above
Then this playlist is for you! The core of the playlist is the nostalgia of the nineties angry femme grunge band updated to include some more recent rocking foot stompers and a little dark electronica. Awaken the angry 90s teenage girl within. Please note that this playlist is made up of at least 60% explicit content. Put on your Docs and proceed with caution.