What’s in a name? Why the name 32 Market Street for this tee?

Now, on to talking about the tee. So, like I mentioned last week, the name of the tee is paying homage to my heritage and social justice and to not being able to travel.

When I started this design, the pandemic hadn’t hit yet. I had grand plans for the summer which this tee was going to be center stage. But with traveling not an option and to support all the social justice work happening around Black Lives Matter (let me be clear here that Black Lives Matter… my life, the lives of my son and my brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc., the lives of these and all Black people matter at the bare minimum, so if you don’t believe that Black Lives Matter, this is definitely not the space for you).

Anyways, with everything happening around race, and the need to dismantle the patriarchy and white supremacy, I wanted to create a piece that could shine a light on important social issues. A piece that could encapsulate what I'm feeling and what many are feeling.

With that being said, a few of you guessed correctly that the pattern name’s a reference to 32 Market Street. If you guessed that it’s the birthplace of Marcus Mosiah Garvey, Jamaica’s first National Hero, you are correct. What I love about Garvey’s story is his humble beginnings and his desire to serve his people and fight for justice.

And with the 32 Market Street Tee, that’s the type of feeling I wanted to bring to the design. Its simple construction is reminiscent of Garvey’s humble beginnings. The bold statement of the lace pattern on the front illustrates how from simple beginnings you can make a big impact. And quite frankly, you have to have some confidence to wear this tee and it leaves little hidden if you choose (wink, wink).

So, while you might be thinking “what can I do as just one person?” in this environment, start with believing you CAN achieve a lot.

"If you have no confidence in self, you are twice defeated in the race of life." ~ Marcus Garvey

I’ll be sharing more about the construction and yarn choices next week. So stay tuned for that.

In the meanwhile, comment below and let me know if you have a yarn in mind for your 32 Market Street Tee.

Also, I'm working on a worsted weight version. Would that be interesting to you? Should I add information to the pattern about changing yarn weight? How about adding sleeves? Oooh, so many options.

Talk me off this ledge y’all. I want to add so much to the pattern, so, let me know what you want to see.

Talk soon.

xo

Tian