Hello everyone,
I am dropping a brand new video tutorial and crochet pattern today. We are making a crochet marijuana leaf. π₯¬π¨
I am calling this project 'Free Mary Jane,' and I am putting it out there into the world completely free, as Mary should be. No paywalls, no tiers, just a gift from me to you, because, in the grand scheme of things, that is exactly what this plant was meant to be. Free. πΏ¨π️
Back to the Roots of the Craft π§Άπͺ
As makers, we use our hands to create things that bring comfort, heal, and bring joy. For generations, this plant has done the exact same thing for people. But instead of being celebrated, it was locked down. And let's call it what it is, and look at the history of cannabis prohibition is deeply rooted in a history of racist laws and systemic injustice. It was never about the plant itself, it was about control.
To this day, people are still serving time or carrying records for something that grows naturally out of the dirt. Meanwhile, corporations are turning around and making millions off of it legally. It just ain't right. π
So when I eventually sat down to design this leaf pattern, after years of putting it on a back burner, (π€£) and write about my thoughts on the matter, I didn't want to sell it. Keeping this pattern free is my tiny way of honoring the spirit of what is natural, what is right, and what belongs to everyone. It is a nod to liberation, a conversation starter, and a piece of visual solidarity.
The Design π₯¬πͺ
Whether you want to use this appliquΓ© to patch up a favorite jacket, turn it into something larger, use it for another project down the road, or just hang it up in your space, I wanted to make sure the shape was instantly recognizable and satisfying to stitch.
The video tutorial walks you through the super simple leaf segments, step by step. It is a great, rhythmic flow once you get the hang of the stitch counts, and you can whip one up in a single sitting using whatever scrap medium weight yarn you have lying around. (hopefully green π¬ I had Blue for my first one π )
Grab your favorite hook, settle into your comfortable spot, and let's make a pot leaf.
Free Mary Jane
Thank you for stopping by and for your continued support.
Best wishes, happy crocheting and ...
Let US see about freeing Mary, not leashing her like a dog.
Okay, I must add as well, I have had my doubts and fears for many years where the future could lead us, and here we are on the precipice of my fears, with pharmaceutical companies holding cannabis hostage. Especially given the changes that keep happening. The Department of Justice and the DEA officially moved FDA approved cannabis products and state licensed medical marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III.
On paper, people celebrate that as 'progress' because it means it is no longer legally lumped in with heroin. But if you look closer, moving it to Schedule III, instead of completely de-scheduling it (taking it off the controlled substance list entirely), is exactly what opens the door for massive corporate and pharmaceutical control.
The 'Leash': Schedule III means a substance requires a prescription and is heavily regulated by federal agencies. It paves the way for giant pharmaceutical companies to swoop in, patent specific formulations, and dominate the market.
The 'Limbo': Recreational use, regular people growing a plant, or independent crafters and small legacy growers are still technically left in legal limbo under federal law.
It changes the game from "prohibition" to "monopolization." It is no longer about a natural plant that belongs to the earth, it becomes a tightly controlled corporate product. It is substituting a cage for a tight leash. In my opinion.
Thanks.
~ Cathleen π§Ά
