About Sewn Signs

Semne Cusute•About Sewn Signs
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Welcome to Semne Cusute (Sewn Signs)
European network

Semne Cusute (Sewn Signs) are a visual, universal language used by women in order to encode information, express their status and their vision of the world. Embroidery is communication, in style.

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Sewn Signs
Association

A movement that convinced more than 50.000 persons to get actively involved into keeping our textile heritage alive.

Sewn Signs advocates for the recognition and preservation of the cultural heritage embodied in the traditional Romanian shirt. It highlights the intricate patterns and wisdom encoded in its design, showcasing it as a masterpiece of collective creativity.

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Immaterial heritage

Sewn Signs advocates for the recognition and preservation of the cultural heritage embodied in the traditional Romanian shirt. It highlights the intricate patterns and wisdom encoded in its design, showcasing it as a masterpiece of collective creativity.

Resistance to Fast Fashion and Consumerism

One of the project’s goals is to raise awareness against the fast fashion industry and excessive consumerism. It emphasises the value of slow, sustainable fashion and promotes the idea of making meaningful and long-lasting clothing.

Revival of At-Risk Textile Heritage

The project recognises that traditional textile heritage is at risk due to inadequate documentation and reliance on oral transmission. Sewn Signs aims to revive this heritage by educating and empowering people to become guardians of this fragile tradition.

Educational Initiatives

Through the project, individuals are educated about the sewn symbols, zero-waste cutting patterns, and the significance of every step involved in crafting the traditional shirt. This educational aspect is crucial in preserving the knowledge associated with this heritage.

Community Building

Sewn Signs has successfully built a strong community around its mission. It started as a blog-archive with patterns and tutorials and has grown to include more than 42,000 active members. It has also inspired the creation of over 50 satellite communities, both locally and internationally.

Inclusivity

The project is inclusive and targets audiences who may have little to no knowledge of traditional traditions or sewing. It breaks down barriers by presenting the ancestors who developed the style as designers driven by necessity, with great-grandmothers portrayed as fashion icons with their own ethical style.

UNESCO Intangible Heritage Listing

One of Sewn Signs’ primary goals is to have the Romanian traditional shirt recognised as UNESCO Intangible Heritage. This recognition would help safeguard and raise awareness about this cultural treasure.

Sewn Signs, or "Semne Cusute," is a notable project initiated in 2012, by Ioana Corduneanu

Revolving around the Romanian traditional shirt known as "cămașa cu altiță."
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express yourself through textiles and symbols.

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Do you have questions?

asociatiasemnecusute@gmail.com 

cursurisemnecusute@gmail.com 

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