Knit Out & Crochet 2005 is Hot!

Is It Really Fall?

I was ready for the Knit Out & Crochet 2005 that took place last Sunday, October 2nd, in Union Square in Manhattan.
Mr. K, looking resplendent in a lightweight  cotton chenille prairie shirt took this picture of me in Sweet pea. (he wants to remain a mystery until his book tour–here's a hint, however; he's in my portfolio).

Knit Out & Crochet 2005–Transitional Troubles

You would never know, looking at this crowd that there was a knitting and crochet event taking place; Mother Nature didn't give a damn (although she cared about yours truly–thanks!) about the event, and she kept the temperature at a high of over 80º. This did not bode well for the attendees, the majority of whom were suffering from hormonal fluctuations. The rest, primarily knitting scarves and hats, were suffering from the resulting fashion fluctuation–how can wear my fun-fur scarf with a tank top?

I will say this–given the realities of  Global Warming–folks, y'all need to get over your fear of Cotton and warm weather knitting and crochet. Then y'all would've been prepared for this.

The Sights

I took a miss on the fashion show sponsored by the yarn companies; in attending past shows, I found that the fashions, while entertaining, did not jibe with the age and tastes of the audience. Indeed, the average age of the audience here would find the clothing suitable to knit for their daughters and grands. I'm not even gonna comment on the dog fashion show–as one young, hip knitter put it: "it was so cute, it was kinda' stupid." She said it, not me.

Speaking of cuteness, the children's table was all that. They were totally captivated by their new found dexterity. And alongside the kids, were adults getting lessons, re-acquainting themselves with their own dexterity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

You know, for a Knit Out, the number of crocheters who attended made me pause; I even predict that soon Crocheters will be sponsoring their own event.  Knitters, the boom in New York may have reached it's zenith. There were a noticeable absence of the "knitterati", although they may have dashed early, due to other commitments; or could it have been a curious lack of hipness this year?

The Dynamics

The layout of the venue allowed for plenty of room to walk around comfortably, and for the few individuals who did have on knitted and crocheted items, to floss, have their pics taken, and be video taped and interviewed.

The booth set up this year was tired. The arrangement was a long line of tented canopies, so everyone was next to each other. In the past, there were individual booths, dotting the fair. The current aggregation didn't allow for much individuality. Many of the stalls themselves looked like they were set up in a hurry. And some of the vendors didn't look too happy to be there, so I commend you all for representing, in the heat.

I'm sure it wasn't thrilling.

I was thrilled to have my picture taken with one of the most glittering stars of the knitterati–world's best pattern writer and designer extraordinaire, Ms. Shirley Paden. In this photo, she is wearing a–what's my word of the moment these days–impeccable light weight alpaca top with a removable cape-let. I tell you, she was way too cool for the heat to mess with her.

I am in total awe of this sister's career as a knit artist (her description). She is published everywhere, all of the time, and  has maintained her lengthy and illustrious career and business without having to resort to dumb-downed designs, or vulgar demonstrations of knitting gimmicks in the media. I consider her to be the Dries Van Noten of the knitting world.

 

 

Accompanying Shirley was the masterful Alice Schwartz, introduced to Mr. K as "the hands behind  the throne". Alice is sporting a stunning rayon blend lace pullover.

While on the subject of thrones, the ridiculous and the sublime had a moment as well. Here we have the "King of the Jungle", representing a yarn co. in the heat. Enough said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

And Now–the People's Show!

This is Heru, an off-the-hook crochet designer from head to toe; check the crocheted-top shoes.

Ms. Michelle Bishop, of The Harlem Girls Quilting Circle, took the time to model her newly finished, cowl-necked crochet cape-let. Check the fabu denim/quilt skirt, by Laura Gadson, another member.

A Final Appeal–So Pay Attention!

HKC's Annie Gordon's diminutive diva
was a standout and brought life to the pitiful canopy that housed the Harlem Knitting Circle, the Big Apple Knitting Guild and the Crochet Guild of America's New York branch.   

What's up with the BAKG? they claim to have over 300 members, but their section of the table was a throwback to another era, and there were only a coupla' people there. Ditto for HKC. The CGOA had a small, poorly-made crocheted sign hung across the front of their section of the canopy.

Listen. There has to be a connection made between the younger knitters and crocheters, and the current membership of these organizations. You know why?

Because right now, it seems like there is a tremendous gap between the generations; in style, knitting and crochet attitude, and even in thermostats. How are we gonna move beyond these differences, so that we can share our skills and create an environment of creative stimulation?

By having mutual respect for one another and each others ideas. Embracing an attitude of acceptance, rather than disapproval. And most of all, to transcend our own ages, and find the common thread that links us together. Then our guilds and meetings will foster a supportive, and forward-thinking culture, to be replicated for years to come.

Cause if ya' keep going down this road, next year y'all gonna be sharing a table. Hopefully, it won't be hot.
 

SB

Comments

[Charles Paden]

Hello Big Sis,

I hope that you are having an amazing summer. Give me a call.

Peace,
Charles Paden

[Necia]

I know I'm mad late, but I've recently embraced cotton, and I would love to know where I can find a pattern for this gorgeous sweet pea that you sho is wearing. Please let me know if it's for sale.

necia

[cheryl]

And do you have the pattern for sweet pea for sale???? I LOVE IT!!!!

[Michelle]

Sweet Pea looks really beautiful on you! It came out really nice. Love your model pose too!

[JSC]

Your Sweet Pea is beautiful and I loved your previous post on finishing *properly*.

[obscure]

Beautiful Sweet Pea, and such fine work by Ms. Paden and Ms. Schwartz. These excellent garments should be illustrate "Why Knit?" essays for those who've done their scarves and wonder if they should continue to explore new techniques and skills. We hope many will continue to knit with us.

[Wanda]

That is one amazing capelet/sweater and Shirley Paden is so beautiful. I've always liked her designs and didn't know that she was a sistah!

And, um, the Sweet Pea is fierce, my girl. You look slammin'. I love it. So pretty and looks so feminine and beautiful on you. Great job.

[Kay]

Now I know what I missed! Shirley Paden looks like a movie star in that amazing capelet/pullover. Sweet Pea was perfect for the weather and looks over-the-top fabulous. And I will confess that I love the yellow crochet outfit. xoxo Kay

[Franklin]

Madam, with pictures like that first one up on your blog you could make a guy forget which team he plays for.

This must have been quite a day. We need such a thing in Chicago. I wonder how I could get people to mobilize?

[Nik]

You DO look good in Sweet Pea, My dear.

[Cameellie]

Bravo! You look quite fetching in your Sweet Pea and I hope that your sweet pea appreciated your cuteness, too. Nicely done! :)

[Jeanine]

I am so happy to have come across your blog. What a joy. I must first compliment you on your Sweet Pea. It looks so great. After reading about the Knit Out via your blog, I don't feel so guilty so not attending this year. I too am a fan of Shirley Paden and her work. Seeing your photos reminded me of the year that I also met her at the Knit Out. Keep on knitting on.

[Jon]

I have noticed in the shop that the scarfies have been absent this fall. Perhaps knitting has reached it's zenith and in the fall, it will only be us diehards left.

Only time will tell.

[Colleen]

Shirley Paden's creation is breathtaking. Yours ain't bad, either!

Thanks for the report - it's refreshing seeing how great things are in the big city!

[Nick]

You should include a warning with those pics of you in Sweet Pea: Warning, amazing hotness about to be displayed. Please put down all objects (especially those containing liquids) before viewing.

Seriously, I almost choked on my morning caffeine.

I also totally agree with you about the disparity between the knitting establishments and the current influx of knitters. I find it really difficult to find images and/or patterns that I like (especially the men's sections of books, it's almost shaming how limited that is).

[dg]

Awesome. I wish I could make for those wonderful events. Its real nice to read about them on your blog. Thanks