For over 10 years Limbo’s modern handmade jewelry and their awkward brother brand, Triple Z Threadz have built a loyal Chicago following participation in the summer art festival circuit. Triple Z Threadz is best known for their original in-house embroideries on one-of-kind vintage pearl snap shirts. With a cult like fan base they’ve attracted celebrities such as Matthew McConaughey, Quentin Tarantino, Patton Oswalt, Ben Harper, and Danny McBride. Limbo Jewelry is best known for their simple and modern perfect for everyday pieces and gained quick popularity in Chicago with their designs, materials, and craftsmanship.
“Chicago has always held a special place in my heart and the years we’ve spent at artist markets launched us into a few of the most recognized stores in Austin” Anne explains. “What we started as a small jewelry brand has rapidly grown into our family of brands that supports over 100 artists and we are so excited to showcase it all in Wicker Park!”
Background:
At the helm of Limbo is the husband and wife team of Edson Enriquez and Anne Rutt-Enriquez. Edson, who was born and raised in Guadalajara, Mexico, honed his silver-smithing and design skills at ITESO University. Edson developed the concept, name, logo, type, and art direction that would ultimately come to define Limbo Jewelry’s original and exclusive aesthetic. Anne is an entrepreneur with an eye for art. From her innovative ideas to the thoughtful way she curates each store, Anne’s vision is palpable.
For the past 8 years they’ve turned Triple Z Threadz into a power brand providing Austin with original in-house embroidery designs on vintage western pearl snap and Hawaiian shirts. Not only is their South Congress flagship store filled with one-of-a-kind shirts, but the space features hilarious novelties, home decor, art, gifts, and more.
]]>If there’s any other holiday tradition to keep up with, other than disappointing your family, wear the most offensive Triple Z shirt you can get your grimy hands on.
]]>Pinterest… a whole world that you’ve never had the balls to dive into (WARNING: Pinterest may give you a false sense of craftiness and a culinary prowess you may never live up to). You see your girlfriend constantly scrolling through it, making you shit your pants seeing her “Future Wedding” board. Turns out this deep dark hole can be helpful in situations like these where you have to make your home look presentable for outsiders.
When it comes to decorations and table settings, this is the gold mine. You will find everything here that your guests will want to see, table arrangements, ways to display your food, and so much more. I know you woke up this morning with a half eaten McDonald’s Big Mac spilling out of your mouth and your toilet seat covered in piss, but this is why I’m here to help you.
FOOD
Wanna go classic? Let’s go classic. We got our turkey, our mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, butternut squash, now garnish all that shit and then throw it away because we’re doing it better.
Why spend half the day cooking and cradling this turkey when you don’t even have a proper knife to cut it up with. Wrangle that bird and deep fry it. Yeah you heard me right, deep fry that land bird. After that, instead of making the plain old boring pie that everyone expects, get some gummy bears and soak them for a few hours in your $10 McCormick’s vodka. Spruce it up a bit by putting the gummy bears in the finest dish you own. Your family will thank you for the numbing candies to tolerate your MAGA hat wearing uncle’s racist-build the wall-Hillary’s email comments.
MUSIC
Who doesn’t love listening to Metallica during your soothing thanksgiving feast? That’s right, your girlfriend’s parents. Turns out, Spotify has got your back. If you don’t usually listen to music anyone would approve of, nonetheless want to sit through a whole, probably already awkward meal listening to, Spotify has this shit on lock for you. Search “dinner” and there will be stuff popping up like “Jazzy Dinner” and “Classical Feast”. You know people will eat this up.
FASHION
Alright remember, you’re gonna be dealing with some people you don’t like here. Regardless of it being just your friends, or friends and family included, there’s gonna be someone that you didn’t want there. So you know what you’re gonna do? Assert your dominance with the clothing on your body. Wear the boldest things you own. Instead of offending them with your usual vulgarity or “haven’t showered in possibly 2 weeks” aroma, let’s change it up and offend them with the things in your closet. For this year only and every other year we offer fine embroidered crap for you to wear to your thanksgiving feast. If there’s any other holiday tradition to keep up with, other than disappointing your family, wear the most offensive Triple Z shirt you can get your grimy hands on.
Finally, what to do when your friends invite you to their vegan thanksgiving? Block their number.
]]>
Tryna not be a total douche lord in 2018? Here's our science-backed guide to going from zero to hero in 30 minutes or less. Read up, folks.
]]>
The only reason you should be cruising in the left lane on I35 or Mopac or any other Goddess-forsaken highway in Austin is if your car is literally on fire. Otherwise, pass on the left, then MOVE BACK TO THE CENTER LANE. There’s nothing more infuriating than that one dick-hole who goes 10 under in the far left lane, leaving the rest of us to Mad Max our way through semis and the rest of traffic. Be a good person. Use the left lane for passing only.
Is there anything more adult than getting a calendar reminder on your phone every Thursday at 4pm to call your mom? Yeah, there probably is, but this is a total class act move. Call your mom, send them thoughtful gifts, be a caring son/daughter. While we’re at it, stop borrowing money from them. You’re better than that.
I swear to Dolly if you’re actually taking shits in public restrooms and aren’t using Pou-Pourri at this point in your life, you’re a grade-A piece of shit and there’s little hope for you. Is there a worse feeling than walking into a stall after someone’s asshole exploded into the toilet bowl right before you? Give us a call, order throne spray, and we’ll ship it to you, ya filthy animals.
It’s time. Delete the hook up app and upgrade to the refined, educated, classy older sister, Bumble. Nothing says “you’re probably a total piece of shit,” then a Tinder bro profile, interested in Netflix and home-brewed beer, looking for their “partner in crime” to share INTP jokes with. FUCKING BARF. Get rid of the pizza emojis, “must have a sense of humor” pleas, and work out photos. You’re better than this. Elevate your romantic endeavors 2k18.
You know who’s not a total piece of shit? Our boy Willie Nelson. Not only did he start writing music at S E V E N years old, he once ran into a burning house, consumed by fire, smoke, and smoldering pieces of his own belongings to heroically, selflessly, courageously save...his weed. He is, quite literally, the coolest man to walk the earth. Bask in his unending glory and soak up some of his awesome with this badass candle.
Want to upgrade your life status to coolest d-bag in the room? Shop local, shop vulgar, shop ZZZ. Walk in wearing one of our dope-ass pearl snaps and you’re GUARANTEED cool guy status. Remind yourself of your newfound vow to not be a piece of shit with this “Suck Less, Thanks” desk sign. Sport our shit and 2018 will be your year. And that’s a scientific fact.
There you have it, folks. Jot that down and put it under your pillow, cool side. DM us with ways you’re bettering yourself in 2018. Keep it nasty, shop ZZZ, and happy new year, ya fuckin’ weirdos!! ]]>FOR THE NEIGHBOR THAT CAN’T TAKE A FUCKING HINT
We all have that one neighbor. Loud, seemingly illegal sexcapades at all hours of the night (seriously, like, is there a racoon in the mix?), cooking fiascos whose smells end up seeping through your walls somehow, the dog who shits outside your door instead of, oh, I don’t know, literally anywhere else…
Let Bryce or Becky or whatever crazy ass white bread neighbor’s keeping you up at night know how you truly feel with a hand-painted, one-of-a-kind “Don’t Be So Cunty” magnet. If they don’t take the hint at that point, the ZZZ scientists have a realtor on retainer for such occasions.
BIG BAD BOSS
Yeah, sure, no one likes a brown-noser, but you know what people do like? Holiday bonuses. More paid vacation time. Higher quality break room coffee. Donuts. A glance in the other direction when you come back from lunch a little *too* typsy. And we all know the boss’s ego needs coaxing from time to time, so grab a Fucker in Charge of You Fucking Fucks desk sign to seal the deal in gaining holiday brownie points with the Fuckiest of Them All.
BESTIE FOR THE RESTIE
Who’s the biggest weirdo in your life? Your bff, duh. The weirdo who’s seen you puke after one too many Fireball shots, and vice versa. The weirdo who doesn’t judge when you order two combo meals from Taco Bell after you took one too many hits. The weirdo who understands you don’t do moderation very well and are usually doing too much of something. Get them this shirt, ya fucking weirdos.
MOST RECENT TINDER HOOK UP
Or girlfriend or boy toy or common law spouse or whatever else gets you goin’. What better gift than a morning after sugar dick spoon to sweeten their morning coffee and encourage them to get the heck out of your not-so-humble abode. Don’t worry, there’s a sugar tits spoon to match.
YOUR MOM
Look, we know what we’re about. Most of our shit isn’t exactly mom-proof, but these teensy-weensy adorable succulent planters are totally safe bets for mother dearest. They’re cute, they’re curse-free, and they’re basically immortal. You have to try to kill these suckers. She’ll love it. Take it from the scientists.
Alright, y’all. These are just the goodies we sell online. Text us at (512) 884-9090 or drop in to shop all the freaky merch for the holidaze season.
]]>Here’s the inside scoop: we were all ready and set to give you a golden blog post about all of the legitimately haunted spots in ATX that you could scope out, get drunk, and bone in or whatever, but, turns out, a fuck ton of those already exist. And we’re not ones for doing what’s expected. So, we gleefully present to you something a little nontraditional. This one’s for the locals.
You know when you’re waiting in line to buy toilet paper, because even though you texted your gd roommate to remind them to pick up toilet paper on their way home, they somehow conveniently ~*did not see*~ this text, so now you’re at the grocery story at 5 pm on a Monday afternoon, when literally everyone and their mother is at the grocery store, and the guy in front of you is separating his cart by 15 items so that he can be in the shorter line, and the kid behind you shit himself and is crying about it, and you’re wondering if you actually got in a car wreck on the way to the store and this is purgatory? Newsflash: it is purgatory, and there are lots of spots like it all around Austin. Take a look.
Barbarella is a magical, whimsical dance club for star-crossed lovers and young blood Austinites looking for lively and fun ways to get to know the locals...until about 9:30 pm. Then all cocaine-infused hell breaks loose and the dingy, dark dance bar replaces charm with actual fear by way of drunk white girls screaming “PLAY TAYLOR SWIFT” at the top of their lungs, while sloshing Vodka Red Bulls all over innocent bystanders.
Look, I’ve busted a move a time or two on that dance floor. Tuezgayz is an actual religious evening for many folks, and it will forever hold a puke-smelling place in my heart, but there are 5,000% ghosts shakin’ their thang in that place. Ghosts of “I swear I’m not going to text him tonight,” “Just one more shot!,” “Hold my beer,” and *inaudible mumbling while eyes roll to the back of the head.*
Next time you’re jamming to the Selena remixes out back, keep an ear out for the ghosts of lost phones, bad decisions, and spilled drinks that haunt Barbarella every night at the stroke of midnight.
Every pedicab ride ever
I would go so far as to say that every pedicab DRIVER is actually the ghost form of hipsters past lookin’ to make an extra buck and reconnect with the physical realm while forcing passengers to listen to their list of Spoon albums ranked from worst to best, before they sold out.
I don’t know about y’all, but I’ve never had a pleasant pedicab experience. It’s all car doors opening up and dinging the buggy, drivers honking at us for a solid 15 seconds without a break, and pedicab drivers going rogue and somehow mistaking Congress with a Grand Theft Auto setting??? So, sure, if you’d like to shorten the length of your life and forever roam the dirty streets of downtown Austin as a person who was just trying to meet their friends at Rainey St., take a pedicab ride.
The line for Franklin BBQ
If waiting in line for upwards of seven hours in the beating Texas sun for some meat is your thing, then maybe this isn’t super spooky for you, but some of us are normal-ass human beings who don’t hate ourselves. Seriously - S E V E N H O U R S. Standing in line. Outside. For food. Search what “being in limbo” means and you’ll find dozens of articles about how people pass the time while waiting in line for the infamous BBQ. They don’t even let God-sent Kanye West cut the line, so don’t try any funny business. They’re scary hardcore. Really fucking important sidenote: We jest about the line, but Franklin BBQ is a cherished establishment in ATX, and recently closed after the restaurant caught fire. Follow them on Facebook to scope out their food truck and help support a dope, probably haunted, locally owned gem.
Any HEB between the hours of 4 and 9 pm on a Friday night
I’ll begin this portion by explaining what HEB is for all you non-Texan heathens. It’s a God-send grocery store. It’s a saving grace. It’s everything Wal Mart isn’t plus some. It’s basically holy grounds and shall not be trifled with in any way, shape, or form. On that note, it’s most def haunted.
When the last-minute Friday night plans roll in and you need to get your pre-game on STAT, HEB is the way to go. For all your wine, beer, mixer, and snack time needs, you’re covered. But giant-ass newsflash for you: every single person over (or under apparently) the legal drinking age is in the same fucking HEB at the same fucking time every fucking Friday night. The lines are long, the people are loud, the babies are crying, they’re definitely out of PBR, but no worries, they have 400 selections of Merlot from Italy. HAUNTED AF.
What’s even scarier than braving the lines on a Friday night, not totally dissimilar from having to buy your club soda and limes from the middle of the jungle, is HEB at about 1:45 am, just before closing, where sad souls go to wander in a drunken stupor before being kicked out.
I-35 and MoPac between the hours of UMMM I DON’T KNOW LITERALLY ANYTIME EVER.
This one really doesn’t even need any kind of explanation. If you’ve ever had the unfortunate experience of sitting on I-35 or MoPac (Loop 1) during peak traffic hours, you’ve likely wished you would croak on the spot, to ascend from that ungodly mess, and never have to waste precious life guessing what the person in the car in front of you is listening to, while watching the minutes pass, saying goodbye to happy hour specials while your friends Snapchat photos of themselves together using that obnoxious fucking dog filter and you’re left to rot on the interstate.
According to Forbes, Austin natives waste 41 hours in traffic each year, making Austin the 4th city with the worst gridlock in the nation. Literal hell on earth.
So, yeah, these places aren’t traditionally staked out for signs of axe murderers or creepers gone slayer, but they’re plenty haunted in our book. Happy day of the Spook! Let us know what your favorite probably haunted spots are in Austin and how you avoid them at all costs. Keep it nasty and support your local vintage embroidery shop.
]]>There it is folks. Your golden ticket to being better at literally every single thing you do in life. You’re welcome. Tip your blog post writer. See you next month for whatever unpredictable, unnecessary holiday we’re celebrating then. Until that time, buy cool shit and shop local.
]]>In honor of Women’s Equality Day on August 26th, we’re showcasing some of the most revolutionary, radical, remarkable babes, defying limits, odds, and expectations. Brace yourselves, it’s about to get badass.
Marsha was a trend-setting, ground-breaking, march-starting all-around BADASS. She’s known for her extensive and necessary activist work in the LGBTQ+ community, advocating for trans inclusion, education, and safety, beginning in the sixties. Seriously. Bad. Ass. She was a personality - filled with charisma, kindness, and energy, even telling a cop the P in her name stood for “pay it no mind.”
While identifying as a drag queen earlier in her life, Marsha made waves for transwomen like herself in many ways, including being one of the first protestors to help initiate the Stonewall riots in 1969. She and other amazing trans and drag queen activists like Sylvia Rivera lead the fight against prejudice and injustice in the LGBTQ+ community for decades after the riots.
Aside from her incredibly important activist work, Marsha was a pop and cultural icon who wore many hats in NYC. She modeled for Andy Warhol in a series on drag queens called “Ladies and Gentlemen”, gave spiritual offerings to Neptune on the reg, and performed in the comedic theatrical group Hot Peaches.
While her unexpected death in 1992 was ruled a suicide, the unusual and horrific circumstances surrounding her found body in the Hudson River lead many of those in her circle to believe Marsha was murdered. The case is currently closed, but Marsha’s legacy lives on in every LGBTQ+ person who walks after her. Thank you, Marsha.
Want more deets on Marsha? Check out the 2012 documentary Pay It No Mind for more Marsha “I may be crazy, but that don’t make me wrong” P. Johnson.
Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton is arguably the most important singer in music history (you can fight me on that), and you’ve probably never heard of her, though you have DEFINITELY heard her. Her legendary work in rhythm and blues music stands the test of time, opening the doors for women AND men vocalists to defy odds and bend genres for generations.
Big Mama was the first person to record Hound Dog, her biggest hit, before her thunder was stolen when Elvis white bread Presley recorded what would become a more popular version of the song just three years later. In a similar “come ON, white people” scenario, Janis Joplin popularized Thornton’s “Ball ‘n’ Chain” in 1967, though it was written six years prior. Seriously. Come on, white people. [Not so fun fact: Thornton went on to open for Joplin, and even complimented Joplin’s version saying, “that girl feels like I do,” but was never compensated for her work by Joplin or her label.]
Over the course of her career, Big Mama was nominated for the Blues Music Award six times, performed with the cream of the blues crop - BB King, Muddy Waters, Sippie Wallace, and was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame the same year she died in 1984. She sang bigger and bolder than anyone else, on top of playing the drums and harmonica.
What’s most memorable about Big Mama, besides her big voice, personality, and presence, is her tendency to do, well, whatever the heck she wanted, in a time when women were discouraged from singing the blues. She wore whatever the heck she wanted, sometimes opting for suits and stereotypically masculine attire, sang whatever the heck she wanted, often surprising folks running shows by going off program, and made her voice totally, 100% her own.
We have Big Mama Thornton to thank for rock and roll. Without her, Elvis and Janis wouldn’t be who they were, and it’s a disgrace she isn’t recognized more often for her revolutionary, badass work. Thank you, Willie Mae.
Want more Big Mama blues? Here’s an interview with Big Mama from the Arhoolie Foundation.
Also known as Grandma Gatewood, Emma was the first woman to hike the Appalachian Trail (2,168 miles. M I L E S. Like, ain’t no mountain high, ain’t no valley low, ain’t know trail wide enough over 2,000 MILES).
Emma was as strong and determined as they come, in part because she was forced to survive a tremendously abusive marriage for 33 years. During those years, she would escape the physical abuse by running out into the woods of her backyard, finding comfort in the trees.
Emma would go on to divorce the piece of shit who beat her, even after he threatened to have her committed to an insane asylum if she left him. There truly are no words for her strength. She had 11 children, and a shit ton of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-GREAT-grandchildren to bask in her total awesomeness.
Here’s where it gets especially dope: at the age of 67, Grandma Gatewood straight up told her family she was going out for a walk...and didn’t come back for 2,168 miles. She took one moderate-sized bag and wore her freshest white kids, THEN HIKED THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL!!! Y’all. It spans across 14 states.
She would go on to walk the Appalachian Trail two and three times, becoming the first person to do either. I seriously can’t handle Grandma Gatewood. She is everything. Thank you, Emma.
Want more dope grandma stories? Check out this biography on Emma Gatewood and bathe in her total fucking realness.
Our final historic babe spotlight goes to Edmonia Lewis, the first woman of color sculptor to achieve world-wide recognition for her incredible artistic talents. Let’s set the stage so that we might fully grasp the sheer brilliance of her work: the country’s at war, women have still not achieved the right to vote, and black women, in particular, are second-class citizens, even in the more progressive New York state.
Edmonia, orphaned by the age of nine, was raised by her Native American aunts outside of Niagra Falls. While she was born a free child, Edmonia was a first-generation Haitian-American and Native American girl, making going to school and pursuing her passions 5,000x more difficult because, let’s be real, America sucked at this point in history.
She would go on to attend Oberlin College at the age of 15 to study art. While there, she was accused of poisoning two school friends, eventually drug out into an open field and severely beaten, left for dead, then, once found bleeding out in the middle of a winter night, arrested for attempted murder via spiked mulled wine. I mean...wow.
She would eventually recover from the traumatic event, but did not finish her studies at Oberlin, opting to move to Boston, then Rome, where she would adopt her infamous neoclassical style sculpting, and spend the remainder of her life creating utter masterpieces, viewable today around the globe.
Her work stands alone as impressive and skillful, but to become internationally successful as a woman of color artist during the late 19th century speaks volumes to Edmonia’s determination and gifts. Thank you, Edmonia.
Want more sculptor soap opera drama? Check out a gallery of her incredible works here.
There are quite literally millions of other women who are just as valuable, just as significant, just as trend-setting and revolutionary, but we have shirts to embroider, so, here are a few of the badass babes who we encourage you to do some research on as well!
You can support local women makers and artists by checking out the goods at our shop - including work by Luella, Abby Lou Pottery, and Hatton Henry. Happy Women’s Equality Day!
]]>When you find yourself at a fork in the road, ask yourself what all of humanity has pondered when faced with any kind of moral dilemma since the dawn of rock and roll- “What would Prince do?”
Even though His Purpleness wasn’t much of a drinker, sticking to a little red wine on occasion, he also didn’t have much of an affinity for keeping track of time like a normal human being. To drink or not to drink - “Time is a mind construct. It’s not real,” so, take that shot like the grown-ass adult you are and get to work whenever YOU decide it’s 8 am.
Nope. Mm mm. No way, dude. Prince let no man, woman, or child sway his radiance. You do you, boo, and you do it well. Embrace your bedtime routine, don’t forget to moisturize, and leave that fool on read. Don’t. Get. Played.
Tell them that. Enough said.
Everyone knows to replace any purchases made at Triple Z with mom-friendly merchandise before she drops by. Let’s say you have one of our fabulous “Tug on my balls” magnets keeping your Bed, Bath, and Beyond coupons safe on the fridge. Swap that bad boy out with one of our precious “I love you so much” planters. Boom. Kid of the year.
Not sure how to break it to her that you’re the fucker in charge of you fucking fucks? Ease into it with a little humility by way of our world’s best entry level employee desk sign.
And, for the record, Prince cleaned up his potty mouth by removing explicit lyrics from his music for the sake of respecting women and remaining positive.
Stand outside of McDonald’s and take in some free smells until you write your first hit record and make enough change to go for the Big Mac.
If you’re in need of a daily reminder of what his Holy Purpleness would do in tricky situations, drop by the shop or give us a call at (512) 994-8080 today to shop our brand spankin’ new line of WWPD? embroidered pearl snaps!
]]>The first known sighting of sasquatch is a complicated matter. There are legends of giants and wild men dating back to the first indigenous folks of the Pacific Northwest region, and tales passed down from generation to generation between First Nations tribes like the Sts’Ailes.* Written documents emerge in the 1920s and, more recently, in the dawn of social sharing, supernatural dating, and the popularity of found-footage horror films, shitty, low-pixelated videos and photographs have surfaced. There’s even been legislation passed in Washington prohibiting “any willful, wanton slaying of such creatures” as a felony.
For Austinites, sasquatch has been a less intimidating monster, who pales in comparison to chupacabras or Republicans, until now. Just last week, after several sightings from locals and park rangers, the Round Rock Police Department received a bizarre, straight out of an episode of The X-Files notice from the FBI - Bigfoot has officially been added to America’s “Ten Most Wanted Fugitives” list. Sightings of Bigfoot in Texas aren’t a new occurrence, but they aren’t typically this close to the capital. What can we say? Bigfoot likes to keep it weird.
Whether you’re a believer or not, you can sport a very fashionable wood ape (the politically correct terminology) every day of the week with our Sasquatch with a Wristwatch embroidered pearl snaps. And, who knows, you might even catch a glimpse of Bigfoot hitting up the shops on South Congress.
*Google it.
]]>It’s graduation, wedding, and retrograde season, so make sure you’re the coolest friend in your crew by stocking up on delightfully kitschy, whimsically naughty, thoroughly hilarious must-have gifts.
]]>Let’s face it - as much as we adore watching our loved ones graduate from college, marry their sweetest of sweethearts, or push a slimy, glorified alien out of their hoo-ha, sometimes we lack the energy and time to snag the perfect, thoughtful gift for every occasion. Don’t sweat your increasingly blocked off Google Calendar any longer! We’ve got you covered.
For the cinephile cousin who traps you in a conversation about the downfall of M. Night Shyamalan or the brilliance of Paul Thomas Anderson’s tracking shots, snag a pair of Nicolas Cage and Christopher Walken pillows and henceforth be known as the hippest cousin to grace this planet with their presence. (Listen, we both know you want to keep the Nic Cage pillow for yourself. That’ll be our little secret. You’ve earned it.)
Not sure how to slip it to your sister that she’s not your Maid of Honor and she can’t bring that rando Tinder guy Topher to your wedding? Grab one of our “I Love You” magnet planters to soften the blow with something so adorable, she can’t be mad! It’s scientifically proven that teeny tiny adorable things make it humanly impossible for people to get upset.*
If your boss is celebrating yet another work anniversary or birthday or whatever it is they’re incessantly creating needless email chains about, and you feel the compulsive need to simultaneously impress and amuse them, grab a “Fucker in Charge of You Fucking Fucks” desk sign. Enough said.
For every season, there’s that one friend who outdoes themselves with the ultimate flawless gift. Step up to the plate, dear reader. This is your chance. Be that friend. Shop our cool shit.
*ZZZ is not responsible for subsequent cat fights involving sisters, Tophers, or tiny adorable succulents. We are not scientists.
Written by: Bethany Swoveland
]]>There is never a shortage of quality comedians and filmmakers in town for the event, taking up a majority of the first week of SXSW nightlife. But it’s the following week, the music portion, that dominates the city from dusk til dawn. We suggest grabbing the nearest bad ass, embroidered pearl snap in your closet and heading to a few of these showcases we’ll be attending.
The Continental Club, just down the street from our iconic South Congress location, will be hosting bands from noon until just about 2am from the 16-18th of March to promote local artists, an excellent place to spot one of our infamous ‘Bowie’ or ‘Snake Lady’ designs. Heading more downtown, though, you’ll be immersed in live music on just about every corner.
Live Sound Stage at Bangers Sausage House on Rainey St. will feature some amazing artists the 15-18th, as well. Whether you catch one of us from the shop at any given concert is purely circumstantial. You will, however, be seeing some ‘DAMN HELL, FUCK SHIT’ embroidered beauties no matter where you end up this SXSW, and we wouldn’t want it any other way. ]]>Our embroidery designs all start out as something rather simple, an idea. From there it’s sketched into existence, and then the magic begins to occur. We hand off our end of this deal to our Master Embroiderer Lucas at his shop in South Austin, so that they may soon come to life. All of our threads for our embroideries are eco-friendly, that way you don’t have to choose between that badass pearl snap and that fancy kale salad you’ve been eyeing. From there, he uploads the design into the machines computer, where it begins to take physical shape. After all the kinks have been worked out, it’s time for a test run. We put a shirt into the embroidery machine, tie her down, cross our fingers and hope for the best.
Watching the machine whiz back and forth as it pierces through the shirts fabric with thousands of our threadz, our ideas begin to come to life. After a short time of being mezmerized by the process (liken it to watching bacon sizzle), we have success. Our newest idea child is now a reality, and boy is he perty. Seeing David Bowie’s infamous Alladin Sane silhouhette brazened into a kick ass pearl snap is something special. Something we here at the shop have been looking forward to for quite some time. We just hope you all enjoy it as much, or at least close to as much, as we all do here at the home of the most badass embroidery you ever did lay your eyes on. ]]>Thankfully for me, working at Triple Z Threadz leaves me in a rather prime location for whenever I’m able to catch a live set or two after closing time. South Congress has a number of historic venues and clubs that embody the whole reason why people love coming to this funky town of ours. So i wandered on up to C-Boys, a bit south of our shop located at 2008 South Congress Ave. After grabbing myself a double shot of whiskey, I make my way into the back to soak up the sprawling patio area they have here.
I’m greeted by a gentleman who’s very soft spoken, very put together and at the same time, appears nervous. His name is Dylan Bishop, and he’s performing next. Based out of the Dallas-Ft.Worth area, Dylan makes his round all over this great state, none more prevalent than his stints around Austin. His style of play could easily be compared to that of the legends Stevie Ray Vaughn, Mercy Baby, Johnny “Guitar” Watson, and Frankie Lee Sims. Him and his simple band setup produce such an abundance of sound and soul, it’s easy to get lost in his sets. Being a young man as well, it’s no doubt in my mind that this old soul is going to make it quite far in this business.
Suffice to say, I left that night both full of liquor and soul. You can catch Dylan Bishop and his band every Tuesday night at C-Boys, but he also performs at many other venues in this city such as Antone’s and The Continental Club. To learn more about him and his music, or to find out where he’s going to be playing on any given night, feel free to visit his website at www.dylanbishopblues.com.]]>Now, anyone who knows us already can assume that we are definitely the home of the most badass embroidery for men AND women this side of the Mississippi. What you may not know, however, are all the other great products we offer to help make each visit into the shop one to remember. It all just depends on who or what you’re looking for. For that booze hound in your life, there’s never anything wrong with treating that special someone to a carry-on cocktail kit or flask. For that sweet gal in your life, we offer an assortment of locally crafted jewelry that’s sure to help her forget that you never remember to take out the trash.
We even offer an array of badass locally designed t-shirts for men and women, you know, to help keep that pearl snap nice and fresh (duh). You know what goes great with a t-shirt? A kick ass John Wayne Illuminidol candle, that’s what (or any of your other 21st century idols for that matter). If that doesn’t work, I’d have to suggest a personal favorite and go with that Christopher Walken in military garb pillow we both know you want (Bill Murray will also suffice).
If you don’t have the time to visit us in shop, no need to worry. For the holiday season you can also see a lot of our bad ass embroidery at both the Blue Jeanie and Armadillo Holiday Bazaar. That, or you could always drop us a line to have us assist you with whatever it is you might need this holiday season. Stay safe, love the ones you love, and most importantly, just keep being you.
]]>One evening after i leave our fine shop down on South Congress, I decide to go and catch a show at a venue I’ve yet to visit for myself since moving into town. I make my way downtown at an hour where just about everyone is headed in a similar direction. Mind you, it’s Halloween night so I’m greeted by many interesting get ups along the way. Silver Surfer glides by me across the Congress bridge. I’m coerced into a number of pictures with folks who are in egg costumes since I am sporting my usual Bacon ensemble.
The venue is The Belmont, located just West on 6st downtown. Since reopening in 2012, it has become a staple in the area for great local and world renowned acts. On this particular night, I’ve come to see HeartByrne, a Talking Heads tribute band. While making flippy floppy across the dance floor to catch myself a much needed beer, I notice something familiar. A couple visiting from Vancouver, BC, who I had met earlier that day at ZZZ Threadz. Both of them sporting one of our staple embroideries, Sasquatch with a Wristwatch for him and our voluptuous Snake Lady for her. We catch eyes as if we’ve known each other for years and from that point on, the good times kept on rolling. You never know where you might make a new friend, find a new favorite band or even a new favorite beer. On this particular Halloween though, I couldn’t help thinking, “This must be the place”.
]]>If you’ve never heard of The Reverend Horton Heat, then I’m not quite sure what to tell you at this point. Since the late 80’s, Jim Heath and his Dallas, Tx based group have been bringing a special blend of rockabilly beach rock fused with just enough country. When I read that the historic Continental Club would be hosting a 6-night event and converting into the Continental Church of The Reverend, I pounced. I was able to attend two nights of sermons, about 4 less than I would have liked (these bills don’t pay themselves).
The first night was everything I had hoped it would be, but better. I was even lucky enough to meet stand up bassist Jimbo Wallace right before they brought ‘the heat’ into the club and clumsily asked him to stop by our shop if he at all had the time (sporting a kick ass Gorilla vs. Shark pearl snap certainly helped my case). Listening to Jimbo talk to me about getting to tour with groups like The Cramps and Motorhead simply made my mind melt. I even ran into a few loyal ZZZ Threadz patrons inside during their set, each of us locking eyes and performing the ever popular ‘I see you, you see me’ head nod.
As for Jimbo, he came into the shop over that weekend and made his presence felt. I knew his birthday was in just a few days, so I decided to let him pick out any of our bad ass embroidered pearl snaps to make his own. After careful choosing and much deliberation, a decision was made. So if you happen to catch the Reverend Horton Heat at any of their shows across the globe, keep your eyes peeled. You might just catch bassist JIMBO sporting one the finest, most ass-kickingest Posado embroidered pearl snaps you ever did see.
]]>Tucked away in the Vespaio parking lot, alongside South Congress books (and some badass embroidery loving neighbors) you’ll find all types of beautifully crafted jewelry, art and other nick-nacks to make your day. The market has been managed by the dynamic duo of Gretchen Grimm and Warren Sawyer, who also operate their own booth in the market under their brand Black and Bluebird Studios for a number of years now and I don’t think you could find two lovelier folks to man the operation. Take a break from the air conditioned storefronts to truly appreciate what it is these merchants from near and far have brought to impress us all.
From pipes and papers (for those who partake), to hand crafted earrings, to the Illuminidol candle tent, it’s been made far too easy to spend your hard earned money on items that have been worked on tediously by their creators. Now in case you can’t make it to see for yourself, don’t you worry. At Triple Z Threadz, we try to keep things as close to home as humanly possible. We are always looking for new local talent to put on display, and Austin never disappoints in that department. You’ll always find a good number of these same local artists on our shelves, and we wouldn’t want it any other way. ]]>From music outside of the Zilker Park festival grounds, to all the great sights and food Austin has to offer, it can be overwhelming to decide on what’s best. Well have no fear! Triple Z Threadz has comprised a list of some of the best of the best to do while in town for the event.
Now a great place to start might be on the festival grounds themselves. Zilker Park has long been known to be one of the city's most beloved green spaces. When it isn’t hosting various events into the tens of thousands, it’s where many folks go to unwind from their busy weeks, whether it be with a Frisbee, volleyball, or just laid up under a tree with a good book. Every inch of the 350-acre plot will be utilized to ensure that all available space will be accounted for, whether it be food truck, music stage, or porto-potty. If you happen to arrive in town a day or two early, take advantage of the scenery before it's overrun with people and cars. Not to mention the neighboring Barton Springs (weather permitting of course) and Lady Bird Lake parks. There is far too much green space around this beautiful city to not take advantage of a day-hike whenever possible.
Once you settle in, a great place to explore would have to be the South Congress, or SoCo District, as its known. A plethora of shops, food and sights make it one of the most desirable areas in the city. Enjoy a signature ‘Laura Palmer’ from Jo’s Coffee while you snap a picture in front of the infamous ‘I Love You So Much’ mural. Grab a large pie from Home Slice, since it’s the best slice of pizza you will find outside of New York City. If you’re feeling more beefy, get on line at HopDoddy and drool for the duration of your stay while being lost in their mesmerizing burgers. Walk into one of the many shops that offer unique takes on local hand crafted art and clothing. That of course, is where we come in.
Located in the heart of SoCo, you’ll find a happy little space called Triple Z Threadz. Our focus is always on our badass embroidered vintage shirts, but we offer so much more. The artists we consign with are almost entirely comprised of local merchants who we simply cannot live without. Did you mention needing a new desk plate that exclaims, “MAKE TODAY YOUR BITCH”? Good, we got that. Have some bad vibes in that new apartment? No need to fret, a Dolly Parton themed Illuminidol candle will ward off any and ALL bad spirits. My personal favorites would also include the wall of beautifully tiny succulents from Potigy, as well the hilarious, hand-crafted magnets from our favorite R-Rated artist, Kill Taupe. Whether we’re listening to some good ole Willie, or bumping to some funky Rick James, its hard not to feel welcome. If you don’t end up spending your whole day with us (we know you want to), there is still plenty to see and do. Venture into Big Top Candy for some olde time soda, or Monkey See Monkey Do for your fill of retro robots and all things funny. It’s a trip down memory lane that very few could turn down. By the time you finish your trip down South Congress, it should be very hard to walk between the shopping bags, and the grease running down your forearms from all that damn good food.
My most important piece of DON’T advice would have to be this simple message, don’t lose sight of where you are. Don’t lose your sense of patience and understanding when it comes to things like traffic and long waits at any destination around Austin. Don’t take our beautiful city for granted, help keep it clean and make your impact on it a minimal one. Don’t be the rude asshole you are every other day of the year, I swear you won’t regret it. Everyone came to have the same great time, so working at it together will always have a lasting impact on the memories made. Walk softly, listen closely and visually soak up as much as your brain will allow. If you can’t manage these things, you’ll always have your friends down at Triple Z to remind you of just how easy it can be.
by Matthew MeadeIf you’ve never had the pleasure of meeting Bob, the lone gentlemen who works in our sister shop Limbo Jewelry, then you’re just plain missing out. While still being relatively new in town, he certainly hasn’t wasted any time making his mark. When he isn’t slinging assorted styles of bracelets and earrings, you can usually catch him at one of the many venues throughout Austin performing with his sister and their band, The Wilds. Recently, a few of us from the store made a night of going to see them perform.
Right across from the historic (as well as haunted) Driskill Hotel downtown, you’ll find The Firehouse Lounge, which is located at 605 Brazos St. Now at first glance it may just seem like any old hostel, but when you walk into the lobby, the first thing that’ll catch your eye is the sliding bookcase which will lead you inside their infamous bar (no secret handshakes required, only encouraged). The first thing to notice is the intimate booths and tables, which really lend their hand well to the overall atmosphere created inside of this speakeasy. Once you finish choosing the signature cocktail from one of the professionals behind the bar, the overall mood and vibe of the space begins to really take hold. If you happen to arrive hungry, which is usually the case for me, I would have to suggest their “Lieutenant” sandwich. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, they have an array of other tasty bar snack options to choose from. Drink and food in hand, Rachel, Phoebe and I all take our place while the band warms up and does their sound check.
With a refreshing blend of strings, drum and vocals, Bob and The Wilds take control of the room and command nothing less than full attention from the crowd. Now I do spy, with my little eye, one of our signature Scorpion design shirts on their lead guitarist and damn does he make them look good. Track after track, the band melodically mold into what appears to become one entity. By the end of their set, the three of us really have a newfound respect for our friend and coworker, as well as everyone else who performs in the band. Anyone who is a fan of good old rock and roll is doing themselves a disservice by not catching these guys at a show. When we weren’t dancing our asses off, the ladies and I were simply caught with our mouths open and eyes wide. Yes people, they are THAT good.
We may sell tons of fine embroidered crap, but we also specialize in soaking up fine tunes, hard booze, and delicious food.
Till next time,
Matt Meade (resident blogger and drinker of fine beers)
Anyone looking to catch The Wilds at an upcoming show should check out their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/thewildsarehere
]]>