Lucy Peterson, a.k.a. hissyfitoly and 100Ladies, works as a clothing designer, seamstress and visual artist. She’s trained as an academic (in English Literature), not-so-secretly loves and collects pulp fiction, and wants to be a punk rock star when she “grows up.” Lucy calls Olympia, Washington her home.
Women’s History Month, for many, may conjure up visions of suffragettes and suffragists (not the same, by the way), famous authors like Jane Austen and Virginia Woolf, and, perhaps, a handful of activists like Harriet Tubman and Margaret Sanger.
Don’t get me wrong, all of these women were amazing, but, if you’re like me, this honorary month (really, just one month for all of women’s history?) might make you think about all of the other outspoken, outrageous, fabulous, feisty, radical, rebellious and righteous broads whose stories never made it into (most) history books. 
- Baroness Elsa von Freytag-Loringhoven (1874-1927): Poetess, visual artist, performance artist, nude model, costume/clothing maker, and central figure of the New York Dada scene.
- Emma Goldman (1869-1940): Political radical, writer, orator, publisher, nurse, and direct-action agitator whose best “quote” (which everyone repeats even though she never really said it) is: “If I can’t dance, I don’t want to be part of your revolution.”
- Dr. Marie Equi (1872-1952): Medical doctor, anarchist, birth-control advocate, pacifist, lesbian (and, some say, cross-dresser), humanitarian and generally upstanding citizen of Portland, Oregon.
Photo by stilettoheights
“Women’s History” isn’t just about troublemakers or “angry politics” either. Women were (and are) sexy, campy, funny and flamboyant vamps, vixens, sirens and show-stoppers. Think: Marlene Dietrich, Billie Holiday, Bettie Page, Gilda Radner, Joan Crawford, 
Joan Rivers and Joan Jett. These famous — often “infamous” — women entertained, seduced, scandalized and rocked our worlds, all while helping to (re)define what we think of as “feminine.” For that matter, I’d include the notorious Divine as well in my list of infamous women who changed the meaning of “femininity.”
Or, maybe when you think of “women’s history,” it’s not all glitz and glamor or all sepia-toned and buried in the pages of a book, but a living, breathing, still-being-written story that
includes the likes of the Guerrilla Girls and the Biotic Baking Brigade.
Painting of Divine by chandarchandar
And, even closer to our crafty commons and handmade-homeland, we can find figures of feminism in the craftivism movement and hundreds of other individuals and groups dedicated to merging art, politics, and direct action in everyday life. Not to say that all crafts are made by women, but the results of the Etsy Blog survey speak to the overwhelming gender tilt in the Etsy-sphere, for both buyers and sellers.
Lest we forget, our contemporary handmade nation has a largely female history as well, one filled with countless (and often nameless) lives of home-economists, domestic-engineers and artisanal-activists whose productions sustained their families, communities, nations and environments, founding such organizations as the Women’s Institute and the Associated Country Women of the World. These women’s stories and a fuller picture of this “domestic economy” should also be shared and honored.
So, despite the gains made by feminism’s “Second Wave” in the 1970s, there’s still some reclaiming, rediscovery and rewriting of history to be done. And it’ll probably take more than a month.
To that end, I’ve started my own, personal list of “women I should know” — challenging myself to find out about the lives, loves, actions and ideas of heroines, artists, trailblazers and rebels who will inspire me to do more, think bigger (or, perhaps smaller, more local), and make a little history myself.
Artwork by AutumnAndEve, JesseMosher, and noveltydoll
Thinking of a woman we should know? Tell us a bit about her in the comments below.
83 comments
Sign in to add your ownwhiletheyplay says:
great article! i think the Pioneer Woman is making history and inspiring many women in the process: http://thepioneerwoman.com/
2 years ago
sarahknightdesign says:
LOVE THIS ARTICLE!!! "outspoken, outrageous, fabulous, feisty, radical, rebellious and righteous" are all things we should be striving for everyday. Rock on:)
2 years ago
SewnNatural says:
Very well said! Refreshing, and a reminder that there's lots to celebrate, past... present.. and future. Thanks!!
2 years ago
PterodactylPants says:
Beanforest is fab.
2 years ago
candacejean says:
Yes, wonderful! I love it! Such a great article and such great inspiration.. I can't wait to get started on some new portraits. Thank you! And "(really, just one month for all of women’s history?)" <-- Agreed! Should be longer! :)
2 years ago
JeansVintageCloset says:
Mae West who worked with WC Fields was One hell of a woman and First American Woman Playwright, Famed for having Her will over Her works of writing, back in her heyday Women did not posses the power that is relished today, to a certain extent, Her mom was a corset model, her dad, Battlin' Jack West was a prizefighter. Her career dazzled everyone in Theater arts & Vaudeville for 80 years, She was famous for Diamond Lil Play or as She Done Him Wrong in 1933.
2 years ago
laurelinsailor says:
I love that article, thanks a lot! Planning on becoming such a woman? Then check out my store for the right outfit!
2 years ago
missindie says:
Girl Power!!!
2 years ago
Ayca says:
Great article!
2 years ago
SeaFindDesigns says:
Go Girls!!!
2 years ago
AnodynePress says:
I'm a fan of the wonderous Bitch Magazine.
2 years ago
breadandroses2 says:
"Sojourner Truth (1797 – November 26, 1883) was the self-given name, from 1843, of Isabella Baumfree, an African-American abolitionist and women's rights activist. Truth was born into slavery in Swartekill, New York. Her best-known speech, Ain't I a Woman?, was delivered in 1851 at the Ohio Women's Rights Convention in Akron, Ohio." - from Wikipedia Read her bio in its entirety. If her story doesn't inspire, nothing will.
2 years ago
gufobardo says:
wow so interesting, thanks! ciao
2 years ago
KamiMono says:
Thanks for the mini women's history lesson!
2 years ago
metroretrovintage says:
Love those "misbehaving" women for sure! Cleopatra, Mata Hari, and others!
2 years ago
lovelygifts says:
Always nice to see women honored!
2 years ago
jhartphotography says:
great article!
2 years ago
BeljaysFeltnArt says:
Great article and I like the personal challenge too. Might have to create a research list of my own.
2 years ago
Giveusakiss says:
Let's not forget to add Angela Davis to the list!! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angela_Davis
2 years ago
MinceCo says:
Baroness von minceco here, i thought your article was fabulous!
2 years ago
polkadotmagpie says:
Love it! Specially the drag queen. So fun!
2 years ago
ArtisticIntentions says:
This is really cool!!
2 years ago
AmericanHandmade says:
RIGHT ON . ALL Women can take pride in our collective contributions to Overcoming the challenges of living, Surviving and Ultimately Thriving in a Male Dominated World. There is not ONE Woman alive who doesn't have multiple stories of the struggle. I have friends in their Nineties now who have wonderful (sometimes horrific) stories to tell. I wasn't allowed to take woodshop or guitar in school in the 50's because i was a girl. My choices were piano and homemaking which I refused and was labeled incorrigible, for that and my many other acts of rebellion. My sister fought the system and became the 1st paid female firefighter in her state. She also was one of the first solo female truck drivers (big rigs) and was a trucker on the ice roads in Alaska helping build the Alaska Pipeline. We both were one of the 1st female equipment operators in the Seebees (navy reserves) My other sister was one of the 1st female gasoline tanker drivers for a major oil co. And one of the 1st female truck brokerage outfits out there. I was the happy hippie in the family and traveled the world doing my thing. It's gotten a lot better here in the free world and while it's true that we've come a long way baby, don't anyone forget that in many parts of the world they are still allowed to kill a woman for disobedience. So we still have a long way to go before we ALL know self determination. Don't quit now. What we do for and to ourselves we do for and to All women "When the Power of Love Overcomes the love of power then there will be Peace in the World" Every little act of courage helps us all. Be that change you wish to see in the world. Each day is a Gift, That's why it"s called the Present ... Peace and Love ...
2 years ago
Floreal says:
such a cool article.. had fun reading it...and great finds..:) www.twitter.com/florealdesigns http://www.facebook.com/pages/Arlington-VA/Floreal/161181661810?ref=ts http://www.etsy.com/shop/floreal
2 years ago
YouAreYou says:
What a great article! Thanks for the history lesson!
2 years ago
riorita says:
Women are the TOP!
2 years ago
HibouCards says:
Great article! It's always nice to hear how talented and inspiring we are ;) oh and also loving and caring and just plain genius... Ok well on most days :)
2 years ago
silkstory says:
Inspiration comes back while reading this article!!
2 years ago
workingforpeanuts says:
I'm all for misbehaving! Until we don't need a 'history month', that's what i"ll do! Yeah Women!
2 years ago
MagicMarkingsArt says:
This is a great article to be read with dignity and joY! We Go Women. And my new favorite quote, which I would love tattooed on my body, is “If I can't dance, I don't want to be part of your revolution.†Love it!
2 years ago
jewelrybyjackie says:
This is wonderful! I am going to educate myself on some of my heroines! Thanks for the inspiration.
2 years ago
KMStitchery says:
Come on over to my etsy shop! I have hand cut stenciled t-shirts of many different kick ass women. I add a new woman *almost* every month. Some are more well known, some aren't as much.
2 years ago
bejeweledbynikki says:
We are amazing ladies!!! xo
2 years ago
findjac says:
I love this, and it coincides with an blog I wrote about how important it is to know the history of your company. Or let your team know the history of your company if you are the owner.... here is the link http://www.inspiredemployee.com/?p=478 but make sure to check out this WF womens history: http://www.wellsfargohistory.com/history/Women.htm I found it becuase Cassie Hill is one of my heroes. Best to all of you, Jackie
2 years ago
saintesmariesjewelry says:
Beautiful article! I love this!
2 years ago
julessabjewelry says:
I LOVE the Joan Jett portrait. Lucy! Thank you for sharing!
2 years ago
cayennepeppy says:
good reminder to embrace who you are and love yourself!! rock on mujeres!!
2 years ago
OpulentOddities says:
Love this that someone posted above: " [Misbehaving]...until we don't [need] a history month."
2 years ago
VelveteenHabbit says:
OMGosh!!! I love the perspective of women with something to say AND they are talented artists too!!
2 years ago
KristyLynnJewelry says:
We are warriors!!!!! Let's hear it for the ladies!!!! Great portraits!!!!
2 years ago
flowergurlcrafts says:
I love learning about outspoken women. Nice posting, thanks!
2 years ago
girltuesdayjewelry says:
Really great article. We've come a long way, but the journey is far from over.
2 years ago
Frankenkitty says:
Very cool and informative article. I am a huge fan of Divine's and drag queens in general, so thank you for including her in this as well. The woman that had the greatest influence on me was my grandmother. She was an amazing artist, and even though she passed away when I was a teen, she continues to have an influence in my life. A couple of other awesome women that come to mind are Ani Difranco, Diane Arbus, Cindy Sherman, Jane Goodall and probably my favorite, Ruth Gordon. Many of my favorite fellow artist friends are female as well, and it's really inspiring to see women creating powerful work. Thanks for putting this together, Lucy.
2 years ago
artofjane says:
Nice article and nice response AmericanHandmade.
2 years ago
craftivista says:
Aw, shucks, thanks so much for including craftivism in this article made of awesome, Lucy! What a wonderful article chock full of cool links, women's history and reminders to live boldly and bravely. I'm curious about the rest of the 100 women list, too! Bonus points for mentioning Baroness Elsa von Freytag-Loringhoven, she is the coolest.
2 years ago
SatinandBirch says:
Why I came to be an artist, so that I could read articles like this one.
2 years ago
mfmapparel says:
Great article! One female artist I think everyone should be familiar with is Jenny Holzer. She does amazing text based LCD installations and has been one of the top women artists for the last 30 years.
2 years ago
recycledwares says:
you make me want to read about Baroness Elsa von Freytag-Loringhoven. love the era and how you describe her.
2 years ago
estasketch says:
Great article & great links; I am reminded of all the times I became sidetracked reading some fascinating snippet about some fascinating woman and desperately wanting to research more, alas, information was scarce and it was rarely related to the topic I was supposed to be researching anyway..
2 years ago
TanyaMac says:
I am woman...hear me ROAR! ;D
2 years ago
ClementinesJewelry says:
Wonderful article! thank you
2 years ago
mazuli83 says:
Always interesting to read about talented but unfortunate unknown women. There are a lot of beautiful and talented women out there that we never heard of. It's nice to be illuminated.
2 years ago
HandmadeHandsome says:
Great article. Very positive.
2 years ago
ShebboDesign says:
Women are Top! Love those "misbehaving" women ! Marlene Dietrich, Cleopatra, Mata Hari, and others!
2 years ago
stilettoheights says:
what a great article!!! I could not be more proud that I have a piece featured here, you made my whole week!!
2 years ago
BlackStar says:
Great article! For all of the herbalists out there: the grandmother of herbalism: Juliette de Bairacli Levy. She led an amazing life and was, and still is, an inspiration to so many women.
2 years ago
MissHildebrandt says:
I just put Google into more business! Very interesting. Definitely a well done article. Thank you for it. Women are great. I even like to make them up!
2 years ago
vantiani says:
Oh such a great piece! Really inspiring! Thanks much, Lucy!
2 years ago
BirdonWireStudio says:
The "WOMEN AREN'T HOES" pin is fantastic. Rah!
2 years ago
stilettoheights says:
fabulous article!!! This made my day.
2 years ago
falunique says:
Women are very happy working on jobs that are enjoyed by them ,if we do not move forward this is not negative thinking on our part ,it is just the opposite in order to move forward we have to know what holds us back ,then we figure out how to deal with whatever it is what is the problem ,what steps can we take to ensure it will not happen again .if problem is lack of knowledge find other ways to learn about our field .in order to progress I love my work and will continue to share and learn from others ,welcome advice and willing to put it to great use .
2 years ago
falunique says:
Our guiding principals are those that reflect our core belieft and guide not only what we do but why and how we do it.
2 years ago
shopgoodgrace says:
Love, love, LOVE the article! Thank you for sharing. (...especially all of the links!)
2 years ago
chandarchandar says:
Great article! So pleased to be a part of it, thanks for adding my work!!
2 years ago
InfamousQBert says:
thanks for writing this. my personal choice for someone more people should get to know is Melissa McEwan, of Shakespeare's Sister, an AWESOME feminist blog. she's created a space online where bullshit is NOT accepted and progressive thought is held to a much higher standard than it is in some other spaces. http://www.shakesville.com
2 years ago
anagrampress says:
This is so great—and I'm so happy you mentioned the difference between "suffragette" and "suffragist." I think we spend more time explaining that than actually making art. Thanks for including our postcards in the mix!
2 years ago
LANCERIKA says:
Females forever! thanks for inspiring me today, and to all the fantastic,daring woman artists from the past that tried so hard to make it in a man's dominated world!
2 years ago
avecjasmine says:
Loved this :)
2 years ago
nowonder says:
such beautiful prints! Great article!
2 years ago
purlsofcolour says:
I've just added that pendant to my favourites. I so want one! Great article, and it's wonderful to hear from a fellow academic-turned-craftswoman! In a former life, I was a Historian... :) Happy Women's History Month!
2 years ago
lindapaloma says:
Love this! However, Divine was a man. Fabulous as a woman but... can't we have one month without men stealing our thunder?
2 years ago
springtidepress says:
Lucy, come visit us Tacoma feminists! Thanks for a great article.
2 years ago
BodaciousBiddies says:
Awesome Article! And must mention thank goodness for Coco Chanel who was a major innovator for women..if not for her we'd still be wearing dresses and laced up corsets that left us immobile! Kudos to all the great women out there present and past!!!
2 years ago
tiemee says:
Louisa May Alcott--one of my favorite authors-- is a great example of 'an all powerful amazon warrior, not just some sniveling girl...' Oh ya, and Ani Difranco--quoted above!
2 years ago
vintageNsome says:
Super empowering
2 years ago
byemma says:
Love it
2 years ago
Summer2MyWinter says:
Love this!! :)
2 years ago
HollyyS says:
Inspiring! Love it!
2 years ago
buffalogirls says:
Right on sisters! I wore Emma Goldman's button “If I can't dance, I don't want to be part of your revolution" when I was back home in Europe right after the fall of the Berlin wall. I love her writings and her courage and her humor.
2 years ago
hulagirlsoapco says:
Etsytastic!!!!
2 years ago
JesseMosher says:
This is great . Thank you for including my Joan Jett painting , it's an honor .
2 years ago
dresserfurniture says:
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2 years ago
JesseMosher says:
thanks for including the joan jett piece in your treasury. feel free to include more of my women, (paintings)
1 year ago