SistahCraft

Meditating Upon Completion––It's The Dog's Turn

The Empress's New Clothes

(Della, the "it" bull, in her new sweater; all pics enlarge)

First, I want to thank my friend and new subscriber, the creative and astutely sagacious Veronica Mitchell, for helping me re-discover the practice of meditation, to actualize my flights from chimera into reality; my UFO shelf is almost empty! Here's the latest.

Della's two-piece sweater (underside not shown), is from one of my all time favorites, "Dogs In Knits" by Judith L. Swartz. The yarn, Cascade 220,  is from my stash. I used two skeins of color 9404, and one skein each of 8010, and 9471. The slip stitch stripe, what I call the lazy man's fair-isle, is from "A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns" by Barbara G. Walker. 

 A Dog––The Knitter's Best Friend

Do the sweaters you knit for your mate, lie at the back of the closet, while he/she claims they are worn, it's just that you're not around to see? Does your choice of yarns and styles consistently spark protests from your loved ones? Here's a suggestion. Get a dog. In particular, a short haired one.

I love to knit for Della. She wears my sweaters with enthusiasm. I can try out new yarns and patterns, and she doesn't complain. Sometimes, it's not easy. She's not small. Her chest is 32" in diameter (about the size of a ten year-old's), she's 23" from base of neck to butt, and her neck itself is a good 16" (her hind section does narrow to 17", giving her a beautiful frame in standing profile; she's a sexy beast). But I don't have to worry about sleeves, and her outre´ fashion sense, is great for stash-busting. Another plus––unlike some of my neighbor's children, Della senses when she's wearing something nice, and doesn't wallow in mud or other detritus. She becomes the neighborhood fashionista, accepting compliments with an outstretched paw. Good girl.

My attraction to the aforementioned book, was the author's statement that "dogs do have a sense of dignity." You're so right Judith, they know when they're wearing something silly. Her designs are sophisticated, photographed on a variety of breeds. There's instructions for measuring your dog (great for larger canines), and a basic sweater pattern to start, both in knit and crochet. In Della's case, I limited myself to using four colors, selected with my eyes closed. I then had to make the combination work. We're both pleased with the outcome, and even Mr. K feels he can walk her without looking foolish (read un-masculine).

(Her mistress's voice; underside view)

Big Dogs Need Sweaters Too

If you own a large dog and haven't knitted or crocheted for it yet, consider this. It's bad enough the majority of sweaters sold, are for dogs from 8" to 20". But why do folks think certain breeds––Pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Cane Corsos, to name a few, don't need a coat because of their supposed toughness? Are you kidding? I've seen way too many leashed outside in the cold freezing, while the owners are in a heated store leisurely doing whatever–––it's irresponsible!  Sweaters for large dogs aren't wussy––they're necessary. Remember, in their natural environment, they'd be in a den, if they weren't hunting.

A nice hand-knit sweater, can turn your big dog, into a big deal––they'll love it, and you too.

 

Speak On it, My Sistahs––The "Speak Out!" Show

In The Eye Of The Calm

(the pupil of "Peace Meditation of the Third Eye", by Robyn Mahone-Lonesome; All pics enlarge.)

A lot of self-help guides advise you to express your feelings to the intended, in the form of a letter, if you can't communicate them verbally. "Speak Out!", the exhibition attended by myself and Mr. K at the
Frank H. Williams Caribbean Cultural Center last weekend, had me thinking about the shows description as a correspondence, giving voice to a group of women––The Harlem Girls Quilting Circle––addressing issues affecting them, me, and whether you know it or not––you too.

I am largely a knitter, but I like to look for the connecting threads between diverse mediums to obtain inspiration. This show had my head spinning. The issues, investigated through the modern manipulation of a trad feminine form––the techniques, color, power, size, and beauty––bum-rushed my brain in a kaleidoscopic convergence.

The result, was a viscerally, sensory experience; your first thought is not the "gee, these are really nice quilts," kind of pleasantness you get from other shows of similar medium. When you enter, and the first quilt you see reflects the past and present state of Harlem, N.Y., now a real estate epicenter, depicted in a marvelously cohesive member-assigned block quilt––it's more like "Wow, what the *&#@?!"

Harlem On Their Minds

(Harlem 2008, in a nutshell; the HGQC group quilt; machine pieced by Ann Alvarez, machine quilted by Laura R. Gadson)

The messages, while personal to the circle, were certainly not intended for an inaccessible audience; and believe me, the audience came out in force! The issues––injustice, the criminal system, economics, health-care––aren't new, but that's not the point. As the blandness of email makes it easier to delete what you don't want to deal with, the attraction of these quilts, is quite the corollary; like letters written in a sensuous hand, on handmade rice paper with a
Faber-Castel––their beauty renders the subject matter even more compelling to read, no matter how chilling.

(My Country, Tis'  of Greed, by Laura R. Gadson. Flag. Cotton with mixed media embellishments; 2008)

But unlike paper correspondence, this is too powerful to be mentally balled up and thrown away as some of the same guides advise, the importance being "closure". No y'all, this is a trad form of expression turned on its head, to express everything from outrage to a mechanism for coping. And true to our sistah selves, the imagery was bold and to the point––but hey, how else are some folks eventually going to "get it?"

(You GO, grrls; artists Robyn Mahone-Lonsome and Michelle Bishop, in front of a meditation quilt by Paula Wynter).

"Speak Out!" isn't all about facing confounding issues. As in life, there are ways to cope, and these methods are displayed in works that soothe and heal, through balance and meditation. Paula Wynter's diptych, "Meditation: All The Pain And Suffering In the World", and "Meditation: All The Happiness In The World", is inspired by the practice of Tonglen. Unfinished works, they invite the viewer to add to the sending out of the pain and suffering of themselves and others, and then to send out happiness to us all. "Peace Meditation of the Third Eye" comes with an actual mantra to repeat.

At The End Of The Day, Why You Should Go

(Detail of HGQC's group quilt; transfer, magic marker, applique, machine stitched)

The HGQC is an independent circle of Harlem based sistahs who meet regularly to quilt. Together for a number of years, their works grace many private collections. In order to share their refreshingly modern perspectives with the public, they raise money for, and mount many of their own exhibitions. This group effort enables you to enjoy a stereotype-free experience, lacking censorship from the technique dominated, lulling shawl of passivity of many local group shows. I'm sending a HUGE shout out to the Cultural Center for hosting this show; and to my girls at HGQC, for inspiring me with new ways to communicate.

Now, I'ma say this once more. If you're looking for new ways to communicate, there will be a panel discussion with the artists about their way of working together, on April 30th, and then––African-inspired quilting workshops on the 7th, 14th, and 21st of June; for more info, contact Monthina Williams at the center––RSVP early for these, my friends, the instructor is Ife Felix, one of the founders; these workshops don't happen often, and they fill up quickly. So be there, or you're only a square!

Happy New Year! Springing Up, and Out towards the Sunlight––Row 1

My Vacation To Do List, For Art, Music, And Whatever!

(Up close, it's mind boggling! "Peace Meditation of the Third Eye." Quilt, by Robin Mahone-Lonesome; photo, D. James Dee; all pics enlarge).

Friends! I feel blessed to be on vacation in time to celebrate Easter, the beginning of the New Year, along with a number of other cultures on our planet. I long ago gave up on the Gregorian Calendar––looking out of my window at New Year's––I saw no newness.

Now as the daffodils are starting to push up from the ground in my building's courtyard, I'm feeling my own upward push toward renewal and creative growth. Which is exactly why––tomorrow––Mr. K and I are out the door for the opening reception, of new works by the intrepidly creative sistahs of The Harlem Girls Quilting Circle. My girl (and one of the artists exhibiting) Michelle Bishop, blessed me with this info.

Speak Out!––is a correspondence, using the quilt medium to represent the voices of a group of women fearlessly exploring the social issues impeding our progress at the present time. Taking place in collaboration with the Franklin H. Williams Caribbean Cultural Center (they have a most beautiful intro for their 30th anniversary), it's happening from 5 to 8 p.m. in the gallery. RSVP to Monthina Williams at 212 307 7420, ext. 3006. The suggested donation is $5.00US, C.C.C.A.D.I. members free.

Now, if you cannot make the opening, it's okay, the best is yet to come! Put this in your calendar. There will be a panel discussion with the artists next month, and an African-inspired quilt workshop, in June. And trust me, these sistahs rarely hold workshops, so ya' don't wanna miss it! (Ya' hear that Trina?). The show is up until June 27th.

Tie A Yellow Ribbon, In The Following Places!

The fantastic film of my ubiquitous co-worker, Joy Dietrich, is on the move! For those of ya'll who inquired, I know it's been a minute, but festival season is here, and with it––screenings! Check this link, then go and tell her Sahara said hi! And hey––holla' back with your thoughts on this movie.

Okay, I gotta go put some food in me, so I can come back and put up another post, about my arm's-length list of places to go and people to see!

From A Closet, To A Colossus

The Little Shop That Could…Did!

(You won't stumble into this place. All pics enlarge)

A little over a year ago, I literally stumbled into Vardhman Inc., a craft, trim, and yarn business on 39th street. The size of a closet, its ceiling height gave the place the appearance of being housed in an elevator shaft. I was so intrigued by this jam packed jewel of a shop, I gave them a shout.

This past week, on my way to Steinlauf & Stoller during lunch hour to buy a zipper, I stumbled upon––rather into––the new Vardhman Inc., now a few doors down from its old location, occupying a  space about 10 times larger and boasting a mezzanine, no less. What happened?

  (Observation deck; the view from the mezznine.)

"We were fortunate," says Baljeet Arora, one of the owners. "We have now been here six months. It's a bit slow, due to the season, but it will pick up." Indeed it should. I took in the spacious breath-ability of the new digs, and it felt good to exhale. Yes, they've traded the jewel box feel of the former store, for what some may find, as a more sterile environment. But its size is used to good effect; you'll no longer feel as if you're gonna start an avalanche every time your bag swings around.

The place is bathed in an energy-saving cool tint, while contributing to the sterile look––is still better than the eye-strain dinginess of Daytona Braids & Trimming, up the block. You can now actually see what they have to offer, which lead my gaze hungrily to the mezzanine. I became stoked, curious to check out the expansion of what were formerly just a wall of shelves––or maybe it was my yarn addiction kickin' in, at the speculation of what I could possess.

Guess which, won out?

Knits And News

And The Knits Just Keep On Coming

(The Purple Haze Tweed; All pics enlarge)

Occasionally, I like to make my own tweed combinations. For me it's like painting, combining different yarns in order to achieve an amalgam of luminosity, texture, and color. It also uses up some of my machine knitting yarn stash––that I have pounds of.

The sweater Lola's wearing, is made up of one end of 2/32 Linea PIU mohair (the haze) and the remainder: 2 ends of 2/18  wool/silk, 1 end of 2/24 wool/alpaca and 1 end of 2/18 merino, from my all time favorite supplier,   JaggerSpun! Here's a huge shout out to Chuck! The tweed effect, was made using the amazing accessory shown.

The Daruma Yarn Twister, has been around since the eighties (in my memory). I don't t know when the company ceased to make this gadget, but it was a damn shame, that they did. The twister allows for the the threads or yarns to wrap around each other evenly; you don't get "runs" of one color or another, as when you either knit or crochet, slipping the strands through your fingers. And the twist doesn't bias when worked. Valerie, I'll have the full instructions for assembly and use under the Project Working Notes in the sidebar tomorrow.

I've put up the first part of the blocking tutorial in the sidebar  for Twist, speaking on the why and what of blocking; The how is next. Stay tuned.

Big Up Time

My sistahfriend Trina Michelle Robinson, knits together phenomenal occurrences throughout the African Diaspora and presents them on her blog The Passage Project. It's my go to for an aggregation of awareness and consciousness lifting news and events; check it out. It'll become yours.

It Hasn't Unraveled Me

Yes, I'm finally on Ravelry! Now I can see what all the fun is about. I very excited to be a part of this sub-universe, and maybe that's what's motivating me towards completion. I can't wait until I'm finished with the spring publishing cycle at work, and I get some time off; then I'll time to revel!

The Last Twister

Slow and Steady, Made The Cardi

(Colored pearl and semi-precious stone necklace, Shimoda Accessories; suede and mock croccodile satchel by Marie Elanne; boots, Dumond; photo by Mr. K; all pics enlarge).

Bonne Marie's Twist, is the first sweater, not of my own design, I've made for myself.

During the 23 years I've been knitting, I generally supported the work of sweater designers by purchasing their garments. Knitting patterns involved labor, and at the time, I had enough of my own work to do. But, once I changed careers, I found I could relax my mind to faithfully and uncritically knit another designer's pattern––and the timing couldn't have been better. The blogosphere has given rise to some very good knit designers, the major benefit being,  I haven't worked for any of them! Now surrounded with a plethora of interesting knits, I looked for precise instructions with no errata (pattern mistakes make me crazy), and a good schematic and/or pattern chart. Twist, gave me exactly what I was looking for.

Twist is a well balanced design in terms of knitting interest, the fringed cable collar giving it a youthful sass. And, it was classic enough not to date by the time I finished. Given the numerous daily deadlines I face at work, why impose any on an art I enjoy? 

I did resist a strong urge to run the cable pattern along the sleeve, and stayed true to the pattern; the discipline was not to re-design or embellish. If you are already knitting someone else's idea, why create more work for yourself?

Anyway, I started knitting this almost a year ago, and finished this past fall. I've worn it on a number of occasions, and it is indeed a chic-knit, receiving many compliments. Now, to elaborate on a few details.

Penny Wise and Button Foolish

I wanted to prove to some of my thriftier knitting friends, that you can make a beautiful and inexpensive garment out of 100% wool, if you're not too lazy to take care of it; knitting is too much of a labor of love, to use a cheap acrylic. Panda Woolbale 8 ply, an Aussie import from the famous Smiley's Yarns, was my choice, and this baby clocked in at $36.00US. So I splurged on the buttons!             

They are copper, with a green patina finish, from an Italian boy's military academy, circa 1940's (no, they are not fascist); from Tender Buttons, 143 E 62nd St NYC, 1-212-758-7004, my favorite source in New York (in Chicago, 946 N. Rush, Chicago, IL, 1-312.337.7033).

Here is a close up of the collar, and my friend's necklace.

The knitting pattern contained no errata, and Bonne's instructions were very easy to follow, accompanied by a nice cable chart and a good schematic drawing, especially important when you are ready to block your finished pieces. I gotta say, it was a good knitting experience, for a pattern virgin––although of course, the key––was to knit a large (8" x 8") swatch in the cable pattern first! Remember, if you don't ignore this step, your sweater won't ignore you!

For a blocking tutorial and a novel way to attach the collar, my tutorial page will be in the sidebar shortly.

Saying Ha-a-a-a-a-a-y!

Knitters At Work

 

Leonor Mamanna and myself; My former "Student of the Month" is now part of the Saartje KAL at work. We are fashionably outfitting the feet of some of the new babies of our co-workers. All pics enlarge).

Girl, How Ya' Livin'?

Although the temperature is 42º at present, and the view of the park across the street looks pretty bleak, my internal clock feels the beginnings of the subtle transition toward spring. Or maybe it's just menopause. Anyway, it's been a minute, so here's a report on my own doings, while the devil's playground has been closed.

Shout Out Time

First, I want to big up a few new subscribers––Pooch2, Brokedown Tiger, and MissDavis! I also say welcome to any new unpublished subscribers! I'm happy y'all think my blog is worth the time to check out regularly.

No Idle Hands; A Onsie for Karen

Ancestors! I'm just in time for the arrival of Tawana's daughter, Karen Joi! Plymouth Encore D.K. Colorspun, is my favorite Acrylic/Wool mix; there's enough wool to give the yarn a nice hand, and the synthetic lends machine wash-ability; the yardage (150 yds) is value for money. The contrast yarn is Knit Picks' Merino Style in Harvest. Three balls of the main color, and 1 ball of contrast color was used.

The original pattern, is from Minnow Knits, Too by Jill Eaton (Pottercraft). Her instructions are clear, there are detailed schematics and excellent photos of a diverse range of tykes. I chose the 3 month size, in order to adapt to the larger gauge fabric my needles (sizes 3 and 6), produced; the finished garment is sized for a one year old. Here's a close-up of the buttonhole and Crab st. finish.

I don't have a vision of a button yet, but I'm sure  Tender Buttons will have a miniature work of art which will leap out at me. I'm considering a duplicate stitch embellishment of Adinkra symbols denoting blessings. Powerful devices, when rendered in a juvenile color––such as the contrast yarn––softens the viewers response, while maintaining the strength of their definition.   

Chante´ Put Me In A Spin

(My first handspun bulky yarn)

A refresher lesson from Chante´ last summer, revived my long dormant interest in spinning. I dusted off my very old Ashford Student wheel––no longer made––then got busy. I now own a new Kiwi, and a Bosworth Journey wheel (for cotton), an adaptation of the original Charka book wheel, endorsed by Ghandi to promote South Asian independence.

My yarn is spun from Halcyon's Corriedale top, using the long draw method, while simultaneously creating thick/thin spaces. The swatch shown, is a rib using size 11's. I tell you, it's uber-lofty,soft, and with excellent memory. Ultimately, my intention is to spin and knit items for myself and Mr. K, and to give yarn as gifts to friends.   

Folks, before I check out, I want to hip y'all to a few interesting people, places and things.

Support the Handmade

My girl Stephanie Syjuco has it going on! Her site Anti-Factory, features beautiful recycled jersey tops that knock the hipness quotient clean off the charts! All are handmade by her, and if you're slow you blow––her pieces sell that fast.

Places To Knit and Crochet

I love Tribal Spears Gallery & Cafe 2167 Frederick Douglass Blvd. (8th Avenue) bet. W. 117th & W 116th; 212-666-6550.
It's spacious and cozy at the same time. There's a nice group seating area that looks like your living room, cubiclesque enclosures along the wall for laptop users and the outer part of this large room is multi-purpose, encompassing a gallery/performance space. Good lighting, coffee and desserts round out the offerings. They're open daily until 8 p.m., and is where the nimble-fingered sistahs of the Harlem Sistahfriends Knitting Circle currently meet. We will be in the building again next Sunday, February 9th, at 4p.m.

Computerized Knitting

I've become a laptop knitter meaning, I now occasionally carry my laptop, in addition to my knitting and other essentials. I wanted an accomodating bag, that would offer seroius protection for my Macbook (felted bags look nice, but to be honest, I don't trust them; New York at rush hour is way to brutal). I was becoming flummoxed by what I thought were the lack of options out there for women. That is, until I hit upon Kate Trgovac's lens, and found a bag that completely satisfied my needs. In fact, there were a number of laptop bags to suit all of my needs. Kate diligently and fairly reviews an amazing number of bags; she doesn't merely reprint the press release, like some other shopping lenses.

Ironically, the bag I chose, is made by Spire. Kate informed that the owner is married to Lexie Barnes, who is, as you know, a primo craft bag designer. Ah, there's that thread that  binds us all again!

A New Perspective Has Arrived!

Check It Out

(Cover, the art of Xenobia Bailey; all pics enlarge)

Forgive my delay in posting of the arrival of Black Purl Magazine's  inaugural print issue; don't worry, it's still relevant.

Why Do We Need Another Needlecraft Magazine?

And one that features people of color? Haven't we moved on? My answer is I don't think so, not in America. Needlework is not immune, from the same prejudices that influence opinion in our society. There are few popular needlework periodicals that I've seen, whose content and contributors accurately reflects this nation's mosaic on a regular basis. And though I'm aware of the financial equation that makes e-zines more conducive to inclusion, as opposed to print (this is one excuse I hear), we all want to put our feet up and enjoy a print edition occasionally. And Black Purl will still maintain its e-zine, so join up.

What about marketing? This is another excuse. Marketing deals with who you see, and that sight is based on perception. However, the birth of great ideas are often the result of this narrow mindedness. Men now have their own needlework mags, meaning they no longer have to wait for a woman-focused publication to produce a special issue for them––and neither do I. On the flip side, I was honored to have had my design accepted for the inaugural issue of Men Knit. So, as far as an ethnic knitting mag––well, why not?

What's In It For You?

Black Purl is choc full of interesting patterns, and articles that render inspiration, advice, and encouragement. There's a feature on Xenobia Bailey, an internationally recognized fiber artist, whose work is only now achieving appreciation from the mainstream art establishment in this country. Contributors include Afi Scruggs, Donna Druchunas, Paloma Parra and publisher, L'Tanya Durante, as well as myself and others. Book reviews focus on global needlework, expanding our awareness of the cross-cultural references of our world. Best, is the inclusion of different types of needlecraft––a little something for everyone.

But Is It All That?

There is room for improvement; but hey, to go from an e-zine to a glossy mag in a year, is an achievement in itself, especially when the editors are all busy sisters and brothers juggling jobs, families, and publishing issues. That said, I give a huge thanks to L'Tanya, Sonja, and the rest of the staff.

Please support the efforts of these amazing folk, in their aim to produce a 'zine online and in print, that promotes our diversity in craft and perspective. It is my hope that soon, the sight of me, or another brother or sister performing any form of needlework will evoke an intelligent exchange, rather than an exclamation of disbelief.

Nikoa And Garrett Invites A Knitter To Paradise, With Roses Too!

Congratulations!

You look fabulous! (Garrett Hendricks and Nikoa Evans; her gown, Nicole Miller; his suit, The Men's Wearhouse; all pics enlarge).

Ancestors! There just couldn't have been a better way for Mr. K and I to recoup from the hectic holidaze, than by spending four luscious days in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, to attend the wedding of my sistahfriend––and a lovely crocheter––the effervescent Ms. Nikoa Evans to the handsome and mischievously humorous ("we're  movin' on up") Garrett Hendricks. Their comfortably chic ceremony took place on January 5th, at the award-winning Frenchman's Reef and Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort. With the weather giving a postcard perfect day, all of us, family and guests, basked in the affectionate hug of the sun and the joyfulness radiating from our two lovebirds.

(A truly blessed day; The terrace reception area).

But lest I start to sound staid––we enjoyed some bangin' Caribbean food, and kicked up our heels––and sandals––to the fabulous music Garrett selected; you GO, brother!

(And it tasted as good as it looked; cake, The Marriott).

Deftly adorned with real roses, this cake was beautiful and refreshingly non-trad. We so need to move on from over-done, heavily frosted layer cakes topped with a non-edible wedding party. Hey, I've always wondered how many brides have quietly panicked, when confronted with cutting such a thing.

(Paradise is nice; a view from the reception terrace)

I was honored to attend their wedding! Nikoa and I met a few years ago at the Harlem Knitting Circle, when I was a volunteer instructor. She wanted to advance her skills in crochet, and we became friends, linked to the thread which binds us all.

Nikoa and Garrett, I wish you as much happiness as there are stitches from all of the crocheters and knitters, and needle-workers on the planet! And start stockpiling yarn girlfriend, for those blankets and little sweaters you're gonna make down the road, LOL!

Here is their official announcement in the New York Times.

Greetings From The Epicenter! - Row 1

Macy's, May Not See Me!

(Rush hour, across the street from the world's largest department store, right; all pics enlarge)

Have You Spent Enough Yet?

After purchasing Christmas decorations and other holiday wonders, from Jamali Garden Supplies––a most fabulous and inexpensive store––I was walking up to my gym over on 43rd Street and 10th avenue last Friday when, overwhelmed with awe at the scene, I took this shot. For me, this says it all. I mean, does anyone look happy? And why not––it's the holiday's, ain't it?

Here's an alternative…

If you're wondering why you continue to participate in this contact sport year after year, an acquaintance of mine, the divine Lilith, will be giving a psychic performance entitled, “Money, Sex, Power: What’s Your Karma?” This mind-opening event will take place on Wednesday, December 18th––that's tomorrow––from 7:00 - 8:30pm, at the TIMES SQUARE ARTS CENTER, 300 W. 43rd St. (at 8th Ave); 5th Floor. It's an interactive show––including 15 random readings––that will examine the reasons why we do the things we do, and how we can fix it. To RSVP: bookings@whatsyourkarma.com. Please include your name, phone number, and email. There is a two guest limit per person. The event is free; hold off on your shopping, until you get some answers. For a peek, go to What's Your Karma?

By the way, about Macy's––I mean no offense to my friends who work there. It's no joke to be exposed to constant rudeness, while on your feet all day. But last year, when I saw a woman expel her toddler out of her stroller, saying, 'you can walk, I need this (stroller) for my bag's, I decided that I would no longer cut through the store to the subway, stopping to say hello. I can see y'all after work.

And for those of you, who are having second thoughts about finishing those gifts in time? Take a long look at the above photo, then sit back down and knit.

Later,

 

 

At Some Point, We're All Going To Dye

A Friendly Guide, to The Next Step

Whenever I bring up the subject of dyeing to my friends, I generally get the same response.

"Girl, I'm scared. It can get messy."

"You can't control the outcome."

"It's expensive, if you wanna do it right."

"How's my family gonna' deal with this?"

Along our journey as yarn enthusiasts, dyeing is something we'll all eventually come to grips with. And it's scary. You've certainly heard of others who've attempted this––and reaped disastrous results. As a product of the RIT® generation (remember your first tie-dye?), I wanted to dye easily and at home with a minimum of fuss. But I thought real dyeing entailed a separate kitchen, lot of equipment, and, if you dyed naturally––a beautiful house by a stream. Well, the only folks I knew who had that were fiber people––read wealthy hippies, so my palette and money, was essentially confined to what was commercially available.

In 1984 "I'd Rather Dye Laughing" by Jean M. Neel (Graphicom Inc.) a wonderful little booklet, now enjoying a comeback among collectors of esoteric fiber manuals, was an introduction to casserole and microwave dyeing. Ahead of its time, it redefined the relationship a lot of us had with our stoves. But then came the sudden explosion of the contemporary yarn market with its burst of color and texture, and home dyeing was once again placed on the back burner, relegated to a world of crones with large cooking pots, selfishly not used for food.

Linda's book from Potter Craft, out this month, puts dyeing back into the homes of the masses. I love it. She shows you there's an easy way for everyone to dye, and guess what? You don't have to be a "fiber person." You can re-dye that ill-fitting sweater you received from your aunt, to re-gift for the office grab bag! And parents, you can dye with your kids. Kool-Aid® is safer than RIT (for dyeing; I don't drink the stuff.)

Ms. LaBelle has done her due diligence. She starts with a complete overview regarding safety, materials, dyes and techniques. In subsequent chapters, an easy to use brand is explained, complete with a project you can make up, or you can dye a knit or skein you already have––no more ugly yarn! The lavish photographs aren't for their own sake; they bring life to the instructions and positive reinforcement for what you can achieve, apropos for a book about color. Now, the large amount of equipment called for in the beginning may seem off putting, but some ot the techniques, such as dyeing with food coloring, don't require a major outlay; dyeing doesn't have to be costly.

For a glimpse into the other side, Linda has interviewed seven major professionals that we all want to know and who've lived to talk about it, including, yes! the women of Koigu. Not only do I now have a deeper appreciation for the love and effort that goes into hand dyed yarn, but the inspiration has given me the courage to take the next step––becoming the hit of the office grab bag. Just kidding, auntie.

Linda La Belle, the wonderful owner of The Yarn Tree in Brooklyn, New York, is a former costume designer who worked with Matthew Barney's Cremaster Cycle and costumed several sculptures for Keith Edmier, one of which ("Beverly Edmier") is in the permanent collection at the Tate, in London. Her first book signing is November 16th at Habu Textiles, New York. The following two book signings will be at The Yarn Tree.

 

Growing Pains––The Autumn of The Matriarch

"Growth Is The Only Evidence Of Life" –– Apologia pro Rita Sua (1864); John Henry, Cardinal Newman

(Leaf photo taken in Rhinebeck, NY; all pics enlarge)

Hey there,

I'm returning after taking some time off. Many thanks my sistahfriends up at the Festival on Saturday, for letting me know they cared, and for shaming me into coming back.

But honestly? Between the mental input required at work, to assist in putting out an entire magazine every two weeks or so, and the input needed to live a full and balanced life––blogging became a highway pile-up of events, projects, and life that I could no longer sort out fast enough to post in real time; hence, all lanes were closed, until the traffic could be cleared.

Besides––the thought of staring at another computer screen for 2 hours or more to blog and read blogs (especially coming home late), wasn't a pleasant one, considering the other people, places, and projects competing for my attention. And I've never been good at keeping a journal––essentially what a blog is. Two-and-half years was enough. I have given up on the diary format, making some adjustments to the portal, this blog was originally designed to be.

I'm adding pages to filter all of the happenings coming in. Categories like announcements, book reviews, and people, will have their own page for you to check at your leisure. My main posts will consist of issues that are compelling, tutorial, or covering a major event (such as the New York State Sheep and Wool Festival, this past weekend). Now, I can exhale. When our fall cycle at work finishes up in about 2 weeks or so, I will devote a good chunk of my time to the portal––gosh, there's so much good news to share, like an interview with a copiously creative artist, in a new mag hitting the shops this December!

As for Rhinebeck, I'm sorting out the photos and compiling my notes; folks, this year was a doozy! Revelers are probably still traveling back as we speak; I'll get to you post haste!

The London Chronicles: Happy Anniversary To I Knit, London!

The Little BIG shop

Originating as a stall in the Spitalfields Market, I Knit, London has grown into an organization that's leading the way in bringing knitters together through its events and the weekly knitting group, that's putting the "pub" in public knitting. The shop bills itself as a sanctuary for knitters, and indeed, its location is just far enough from the madding crowds. I was happy to find refuge there when I visited the city for the first of what will be many visits.

Whenever I travel to a new city, one of the first things I do, is to find a yarn shop. By meeting others through shared interest (if they are cool), I can find alternatives to the tourist track; for me, it's the equivalent of a community center.

After having a bite in Covent Garden, near our hotel, Mr. K and I perused a local bookstore, where good 'ole Time Out, London, hipped me to I Knit, London––the name, a bold statement in comparison to shops  with names like "A Good Yawn Yarn," or "Me and Ewe." I was down to investigate.

Voyage to Vauxhall, South London 

I was knitting away on the Tube, seated next to two American tourists. How'd I know? Well, after fixating on me for a minute, the woman turned to her partner and said in a pronounced nasal twang "you know, knitting is popular for them over here." What!? As opposed to who, where? I faced her, smiled, and replied  in my pronounced northeastern accent, "yes, and it's quite popular among African-Americans like myself." Watching her turn the color of the Circle Line was priceless, but simultaneously disappointing. The seditious assumptions of Americans about ethnic cultures, have never been surprising to me; I'm only sad, because it's hastening our slide into global isolation.

But, aside from them, I still feel that needlework––in the rest of the world––is a Great Equalizer, and the reception I received at I Knit was a confirmation of this. It's instantly relaxing to enter a shop where a black knitter isn't seen as an unwelcome oddity. After all, the Brits did contribute to the expansion of the art throughout their former colonies––of which we were one, once.