As we continue in our mission to support local, sustainable projects we come upon many folks working to support themselves through small-scale ‘cottage industries.’ We have recently expanded our selection of locally made usable art to include some of these folks. Here you see two examples of this. One is hand-made vegan wallets made from recycled materials such as rice bags and other food containers. Each one is unique, and all are way cooler than the old beat up bit of vinyl I have in my pocket right now. The other example seen here are crocheted hats from two local artisans, some made with reclaimed yarn. Since we are in Tucson’s rather short winter season right now it is a perfect time to pick up one of these babies; they are stylish, comfy and support the work of folks just like yourself, only more talented.

Dineh dolls

Plain Jane Designs

Dineh Doll Designer – Jane Todachiny

“I grew up in a traditional Dineh family on the reservation in Bluff, Utah. I started hand-sewing with my mom at the age of 6. Mom was a weaver. She would cut patterns and I would hand stitch them.

We had nine children in our family – I was the eldest. Money was hard to come by. Mom bought material, I designed outfits. She continued to teach me in my pre-teens and I started making traditional Dineh clothing. In High School I took Home Economics and I learned to make patterns. Once I know how to read patterns I made my own clothes – dresses, skirts, pants.

As a young mother life took me in a new direction. I was approached to start a traditional dance troupe in Salt Lake City, Utah. My dad had a dance troupe in Buff, Utah where he was also teaching Dineh in the schools. He showed up in Salt Lake City with a children’s troupe. I fell in love with the dance group- I thought – why don’t we start on here in Toole, Utah.

I spoke to a few of the ladies – they were excited. I immediately began creating outfits for the children, starting with my daughter. My dad started teaching me the songs for the dances. We traveled to Cedar City, Montana and Idaho. Our Dance group in Toole was called Four Peak Dance Troupe.

My company is called Plain Jane Designs. I’m a simple woman that loves laughter and meeting people. That’s why the name Plain Jane. Each Dineh doll, like a unique person has it’s own personality. I love life, I love living on the Rez, walking in water, rolling in sand. I grew up on the reservation. I raised my children in the city, but my heart is here. I’m most comfortable  in a dirt hogan.

Now that I’m a grandmother it’s time for the children. Children are my passion. I want to maintain and preserve my culture, increase the quality of life for myself and my people, yet remain self-sufficient. I want that for all the Grandmothers. I have a passion for making handmade collectible Dineh dolls, doll outfits and dance outfits for Pow-Wows and children. Each doll, like a person, has it’s own personality reflecting daily life.

It’s important to teach children dance so they can learn traditional ways. I was raised in a traditional family. As a child I was taught our Native dances and culture by my parents and grandmother. It’s important to re-learn traditional ways if we have been away in the cities. We should be teaching our children. They need to know their heritage- they need to know they are Dineh children. By making dolls I can share my culture with children all over the world”.

Che’s fave – named for Paul’s son, who is named after the famous revolutionary
Vegan turkey and vegan peppered turkey, vegan swiss, avocado, romaine, peperoncini, vegan mayo and hot sauce on sourdough bread
Recommended music: Sueños -  Jaunes -  from the album Mi Sangre
Recommended Reading: Animal Ingredients A-Z by E.G. Smith Collective

Turkey time – We decided to offer a meat option for those who feel a need for such things, it is insanely popular.
Oven roasted turkey, swiss cheese, romaine, red onion, with choice of honey mustard or wasabi mayo on toasted sourdough
Recommended music: Ring of Fire – Johnny Cash from the album, Ring of Fire, the Best of Johnny Cash
Recommended reading: Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan

Red menace – why is the idea of socialism so scary to people in the US? We think it is because they don’t really know what it is, and it is so very easy to fear the unknown.
Sliced tomato, romaine, avocado, red onion, cucumber, carrots, red bell pepper, cream cheese and shiitake vinaigrette served on toasted wheat bread
Vegan menace – on sourdough with vegan cream cheese or hummus (yum)
Recommended music: Decisiones – Ruben Blades y Son Del Solar from the Album Ruben Blades y Son del Solar Live
Recommended reading: One Hundred Red Hot Years by Deborah Shnookal and Eduardo Galeano / What is Socialism from Red Letter Press

Trotskyite’s treat – early on a very irate customer loudly proclaimed that Trotsky never had hummus in his life. I’d say that is debatable as he was a well travelled man, but this is not Trotsky’s treat so it is a moot point. Just kick back with a good book, relax and enjoy.
Delicious homemade hummus served on toasted pita with cucumber, tomato, romaine, kalamata olives and feta cheese.  For a flaming treat add pepperoncini & hot sauce
Recommended music: The Internationale (pick your favorite version)
Recommended Reading: In the Casa Azul, a Novel of Revolution and Betrayal by Meaghan Delahunt

Cruelty-free BLT – You see a lot of ‘bacon makes everything better’ on TV these days. I wonder how much the pork factory farm industry has to pay to get all that infotainment content?  At least this way you can have your bacon and leave out the soul killing cruelty and environmental damage.
Vegan bacon, vegan cheese, vegan mayo, lettuce, tomato on toasted sourdough
Recommended music: Grunt; Pigorian Chant from Snouto Domionko De Silo by Sandra Boynton
Recommended reading: Hope’s Edge by Francis Moore Lappé

Ham it Up – our latest offering, we are not sure how long it will stay on the menu. I mean, why have two meat options?
Honey roasted ham, muenster cheese, avocado, tomato and lettuce with mayo on multi-grain bread.
Recommended music: The Very Thought of You – Billie Holliday from the album This is Jazz Vol 32
Recommended reading: Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

Born in Logroño, La Rioja, Spain her father was a Spanish republican, moving to Venezuela with his family when his daughter was still at an early age. At 24, Soledad began studying architecture and philosophy at the Universidad Central de Venezuela, where she also began performing. One year later, in 1968, she released her debut titled Soledad Bravo Canta (Soledad Bravo Sings), which made her a star in Venezuela and other parts of South America. In the years that followed, she cooperated with Atahualpa Yupanqui, Violeta Parra, Gilberto Gil and others, having lived and performed in Europe and the Americas. Her repertoire is a vivid mixture of fiery, vivid Caribbean and Latin rhythms, Sephardic elegies and heartwarming ballads.

Considered to be one of the best voices in Latin America, one of her most popular and best known songs is Hasta Siempre, a cover of a Cuban hymn by Carlos Puebla to Ernesto “Che” Guevara.

Source: Wikipedia