Signal Strength.  Stand Together.  Speak Clearly.

Inspired by traditional maritime signal flags, the A for Advocacy weaving transforms a timeless nautical symbol into a modern declaration of voice, visibility, and collective care. Designed and woven in small batches by Under The Root in Seattle, WA, this piece blends geometric flag design with soft, tactile fibers that speak without words. It is a piece of textile artwork.

The Ahoy Alphabet Weavings series draws inspiration from traditional maritime signal flags.  A historic visual language once used across oceans to communicate meaning without words. Each weaving reimagines this nautical system as a textile alphabet.  In maritime code, a single raised flag carries intention across distance.  In this piece, the language of signal flags becomes a call toward visibility, protection, and collective action. reminder that advocacy begins when we choose to be seen and to stand for one another.

A is for Advocacy.

It is a signal rooted in awareness, protection, and respect for unseen labor happening beneath the surface.  This meaning makes it a powerful emblem for advocacy that reminds us to slow down, pay attention, and create space for those whose voices deserve safety and recognition.

Each handcrafted weaving reimagines this maritime icon as textile art, blending coastal tradition with purposeful storytelling.

The Meaning Behind A for Advocacy

Advocacy asks us to notice what others may overlook.  It states that we are here to protect, amplify, and are acting with intention.  

• A for Amplify

• A for Allyship

• A for Action

• A for Advocacy

Advocacy is choosing a direction rooted in justice and moving toward it with courage.  Hang this piece in spaces where decisions are made, organizing begins, or reminders of shared responsibility are needed.

It is the steady hand guiding toward justice.
A signal when support is needed.
The declaration that no one travels alone.

This weaving honors those who speak up, organize, witness, protect, and accompany others through moments of vulnerability and transformation.  Like a flag lifted into open wind, advocacy sits with courage and invites connection.

Just as the Alpha flag calls for care and consideration at sea, this piece honors the work of standing up for communities, causes, and individuals navigating challenging waters.  It serves as a visual reminder that meaningful change often begins with awareness.

Perfect for spaces dedicated to learning, organizing, healing, or simply living with purpose.

Handcrafted Details

• Handwoven textile artwork

• Inspired by the International Maritime Signal Flag “Alpha”

• Created using carefully selected fibers for texture and durability

• Each piece is individually crafted with subtle variations make every weaving one of a kind

• A collector card insert with details is included
  

Design Inspiration

The Ahoy Alphabet Series draws from nautical communication systems once used to send messages across vast oceans without spoken language. These flags carried urgency, cooperation, and trust. They signal values that continue to resonate today.

Influenced by international nautical signal flags, this piece translates maritime geometry into handwoven form:

• Bold color fields echo ocean communication systems

• Structured shapes reference flag symbology and directional signaling

• Textile texture softens the rigidity of coded language, transforming command into care

Where sailors once communicated across vast waters, this weaving communicates across shared human experience.  By translating maritime signals into fiber art, this collection reconnects historic communication with contemporary social meaning.

Part of the Ahoy Alphabet Series

The Ahoy Alphabet Weavings form an evolving alphabet of values where each letter is a navigational marker for living in relationship with community, land, and self.

Collect individually or assemble multiple letters to create your own visual language of intention.

Uses for Ahoy Alphabet Weavings

• Advocacy spaces and community offices

• Coastal or nautical-inspired interiors

• Thoughtful gift-giving

• Educators, organizers, and changemakers

• Anyone who believes visibility creates change
  

Materials and Care

• Eggshell white hemp, natural hemp, and midnight blue chenille

• Wooden dowel or hanging support

• Indoor display recommended

• Dust gently or spot clean as needed
  

The Signal

The A for Advocacy weaving is more than décor.  It is a signal of solidarity. A reminder that care, awareness, and protection begin when we choose to see one another clearly.