SistahCraft

UFO Sightings––The End Is Near

Gee, Is This All That's Left To Do?

The best thing about re-visiting your UFOs––there isn't much left to finish; it's great, if you're an eleventh hour knitter, like me. All pics enlarge).

This hooded cardi for Mr. K's nephew Loughlin's first birthday this September, was next, after my shell. The pattern is from a Sidar kid's book I bought when Mr. K and I were visiting his family in Sydney, Australia this past January. The yarn is my current favorite, Heirloom's Heatherwood, in #545 (Cream Spot). Of course, in American knitter style, I bought yarn, without even thinking about any corresponding book of patterns for it. By contrast, the majority of the Aussie knitters I met, were very diligent about getting the pattern, then finding the corresponding yarn, needles, and notions. It may not seem particularly creative, but they are very skilled, good instruction readers, and enjoy not worrying about the desired outcome. Hey, nothing wrong with that.

I, on the other hand, am worried. I knitted a smaller size, to accommodate the larger gauge achieved from the yarn I'd bought.  As I don't understand the proportions of children's clothes––is a one year-old's head that big?––I figured Sidar can take the blame for anything that goes wrong (how 'bout that? I'm knitting a smaller size of the pattern, with larger yarn, and I'm already blaming the pattern company for the outcome). But…

Cheaters Do Win Occasionally

(The SimFlex sewing gauge)

This tool is worth every penny (about $14US). How many of y'all have UFOs, simply because you're flummoxed by buttonhole instructions, or placement? Just pin out your button side band to its proper length, then stretch out the spacer according to the number of buttonholes you need, and mark their places. Now, you can figure out how to knit the buttonhole band, by simply counting the stitches between the markers. Don't worry if the number of stitches between holes isn't exactly the same; trust the accurate measurements on your gauge; it's never let me down!

Buttons––Miniature Works Of Art

(Buttons, Buttons, in Sydney, NSW)

The fun part for me, will be running off to my favorite button shop in New York City––Tender Buttons, 143 East 62nd St., NYC; 212-758-7004; in Chicago, 946 N. Rush Street, 312-337-7033; Cash only. Robin and Clotilde are both knitters, and are wonderful; tell them I said hello. While in Oz (Sydney's nickname), I found Buttons Buttons; 25 Nurses Walk, The Rocks; Sydney, NSW; (02) 9252 0833 (Carson, have you been?). This button shop is absolutely recherche´! Located in a little tree lined street, it's minimalist interior allows for quiet wonder. The owner (who was away at the time), travels globally to find buttons. Prices vary. Here are some of my favorites.

 

I'm loving the Salvador Dali buttons.

And last, some of the jewels!

Heirloom yarns can be ordered on-line from Tapestry Craft, (a big shout out to my girl Kris, the manager), for the frugally fabulous price of $ 5.64 USD. It's  a totally machine washable wool (cold water), and takes four balls for a 12 month size hooded cardi. The swatch itself, with corresponding info, is up in SwatchOut.

All This, And Knitting Too?

I May Have To Give Up Sleeping

On a clear day/ you can see all of Brook-lyn. Deno's Wonder Wheel, Coney Island, Brooklyn. This past weekend, the Melting Pot's dance party, "Sandcastles On The Boardwalk" was fabulous! Many thanks to DJ Kervyn Mark, for helping me and Mr. K burn up a lot a calories. This free event occurs again on July 28th. All pics enlarge.

Carpeted In Inspiration

The Great American Cover-Up is on at the American Folk Art Museum, until September 9th. All I can say is WOW! YOU HAVE TO GET THERE! On display are magnificent examples of rugs for the floor, table and bed from about the past 200 years. I tell you it's amazing what you can be done when one has time, no television, nor a million events to go to. The rugs were displayed in chronological order by method, starting with yarn sewing and shirring, then onto applique´, embroidery, and hooking. Of note––sculptural pile rugs of Waldoboro, Maine, a monumental applique´d carpet, and a knitted circular carpet in garter stitch by Elvira Curtis Hulett, c.1805-1895. This large, powerfully visual rug is notable––to me––for its harmonious variety of color, which is no small feat, considering Elvira was a member of the Hancock Shaker community. Although the Millenium laws (1821, revised in 1845) allowed for the use of carpets, albeit of plain design, hers was rather adventurous, as you can see; the commentary suggested that the rug was placed in an area frequented by worldly visitors. I like to think that sister Elvira's vision in executing this rug, was prophetic, as I was very, very happy, to be one of those worldly visitors.

Men-tal Refreshment For Everyone

July 12th is the opening of J. Chapmyn's Black Man Rising, a new choreoplay celebrating strength, wisdom and fortitude of black manhood––rising above expectations, establishing a sense of self, and honoring the ancestors. Directed by my acquaintance, the talented Patricia R. Floyd––you GO, sistah!––it's at the Players Theatre. For more info, go to Theater Mania. Don't delay, as this play is only on until the 28th.

Stretchin' Out in Jersey

Yeah, yeah, yeah! From the 26th through the 29th of this month, the second annual Lincoln Park Music Festival will have folks from both sides of the Hudson twirling! This is three, count 'em, three action packed days with vendors, live performances, art and music––House, Gospel and old skool hip hop––Biz Markie, baby! Joaquin "Joe" Clausell, and Tony Humphries are two of the deck dons that are getting me there. It's also a pretty place to do needlework, if you need to take a break from all the excitement. Now, I know you jaded New Yorkers, think that the State of New Jersey is really another country, but it's not. This festival is just minutes from Newark Penn Station, on the southern end of Broad Street (near Newark Symphony Hall); so be there, or be square!

H-O-U-S-E, Has Finally Come To Harlem!

For way too long, rap music has dominated the dance scene in Harlem, while us poor house fans have had to contend with hearing tired old dance music, usually at the beginning of the evening when the spot is empty. Now maybe, we have a home. I Heart House Music Sundays, is happening at Shrine, a newly opened African world music and multi-media venue, that promises to be the hip scene uptown, from 7 to 12 midnight. I haven't been there yet, but as my other mixologist of the moment and house fan, Jose is there––that's a good sign; it's free, so get out there, bring your musical instruments, support and move your body!

Well folks, it's time. I'm not going to give up sleeping, tonight; I'm looking forward to flying in the air––my dreams of late. But coming shortly in post land will be––London! All the news that was fit to knit!

The Vote Is In…It's A Pattern!

The People Have Spoken!

(Aw-w-righty now! Thanks to everyone who holla'd back at me with compliments and comments! Pics enlarge).

Change, Is A Good Thing

After taking your feedback into consideration, I made a few decisions. First, you'll have a choice of two finished neckline heights: the one shown at left, and on me, in the previous post––11", and a slightly higher one, at 9-1/2". These will be displayed in a graph chart, as it would be a lot to write for each size––10 necklines in total. Hey, you just can't simply raise necklines up and down; the rows between decreases change. Trust me, this will be easier to see in a graph chart. The necklines will be color coded, for ease of reading.

I'm going to lengthen the shell to 24" from 22-1/2".  Interestingly, though many of you didn't mind showing a little more up top, almost everybody wanted more coverage around the bottom. Finally, the bottom ribbing will also change to match the armholes and neckline; it's all about balance, and the knit 1, purl 1 ribbing is more elastic.

(Back view)

If Cascade "Sierra" isn't available in your area, Brown Sheep's "Cotton Fleece" is a perfect substitute, in fiber content and weight.

O.K. y'all, I'll get to work!

Sahara's Knit Parade

All Cast Off, And Nowhere To Go

Finally, my Italian collared shell. Silver ankh, Mr. K's; Malachite bracelets, Djema Imports, Harlem, NY; silver earrings, my own; sunglasses by Coach. Photo taken by Mr. K. All pics enlarge).

Thanks to Lady James, I finished my shell on Wednesday morning in the laundromat. Unfortunately, Sit N' Knit NY's meet up was postponed that evening, due to the power outage on the Upper East Side, and an impending thunderstorm. Man, I was bummed. It was too hot––97º––to wear my top, but that was okay; it was just that, after working alone at home all day, I was really looking forward to meeting up with a group of knitters, and listening to some jazz in the piquant summer evening. Oh well. The meet up will take place, nature––and/or Con Edison permitting––again, on July 11th.

Knit Notes

I basically like this shell, and would like to put it up as a pattern, but I want to make a few fit changes. I'm going to lengthening it by 1-1/2". I'm also raising the neckline up 1" for a more confident feeling. I may drop the needle size used for the ribbing down from 4 to 3, for a tighter ribbing, but I'll test that out on a swatch first. Holla' back with any comments about the neckline or collar. In terms of cost, it was frugally fabulous, using almost 4 skeins; it came out to under $30USD.

(View 2, with the open collar over the shoulders.)

Yarn Notes

Cascade "Sierra" though nice to knit with, feels substantial in a garment (11.5 oz). This shell is comfortable to 85º tops. I'd  say the yarn's wool/cotton mix works well if you live in a climate where it's warm during the day, but drops at night. I'll pretty much wear this top on a summer evening when the temp drops and carry a light shawl for my arms, or during the early fall, when I can throw on a light jacket.

There is no mention of Sierra being discontinued on Cascade's site. Indeed, I found three stores in New York City that carried it. However, it is not listed on Yarndex. Once I can confirm the continuance of this yarn's production, I'll use it, as I love the color range. If not, Brown Sheep's Cotton Fleece is a great alternative. The pattern's sizing will range from a 36" to 52" bust (size 38" shown). If you click on their link, please note that Cotton Fleece has a slight sheen, and the colors are richer than what may appear on your screen.

It'll be a tall order, instruction writing wise, so I'd like to ask you to please vote. If I get enough interest, I'll go ahead with the pattern. And if not, cool, I'll make it available by request.