SistahCraft

When Dates Collide––More Announcements!

Take Time…

(This smelled so good, it was worth the work! It may be "Veterans Honor." I'm new at this, so please correct me, if I'm wrong. All pics enlarge).

It's a shame when it takes a darn chest cold to sideline me, from attending all of the goings on of my creative friends. On the upside, it should keep me still enough to get some knitting, er, completion in, but my brain's too fuzzy, and my legs too itchy for that right now––the result of cold medicine and bug bites from working on the roses I saved from neglect, at the building next door.

But even though I'm flat on my booty, I hope the upcoming announcements will have y'all who are either in, or traveling to NYC––to get yours to them. Enjoy, (and if you touch your screen, wash your hands––my cold is that bad).

Find Your Way

The Harlem Girl's Quilting Circle presents––Stitching Our Stories: Quilt Art by Our Community’s Children. It's taking place at the Countee Cullen Branch Library, 104 West 136th Street, New York City. The Artists Reception is now, from 4:00PM to 7:00PM (darn, cough); the exhibition will run until August 27. For info and group visits, contact the library; 212 - 491 - 2070. Curated by my sistahs-in-quilt, Michelle Bishop and Laura R. Gadson, this wonderful project is led by Laura R. Gadson, Robyn Mahone-Lonesome, and Valerie Deas. The works are by the fabulous students from:  The Mahalia Jackson School, PS 123, The Adam Clayton Powell School, IS 172, and The Richard Rodgers School, PS 96. The former schools in Manhattan and the latter, in my borough, the Bronx. Represent!     

Run Away To This!

Knitters, please don't work late, 'cause tomorrow, June 21st, from 6-8p.m. at Knitty City, 208 West 79th St. near Amsterdam Ave. in Manhattan, my acquaintance and inspiration, Berta Karapetyan, the author of Runway Knits: 30 Fashion-Forward Designs and her top-flight sales rep, Diana, will be in the house to answer any questions about her new book, the techniques she used in creating her designs (which I'll be really sorry to miss, cough), fashion styling and, of course, her yarns. If you haven't read my review on her book, just scroll down.

Karabella yarns are well-known for their quality. In addition, if you wish to special order the yarns for some of the styles in the show, provisions will be made just for you! Now, if you are still not quite convinced, some of her creations are on display in the window.

Rambo Trots Down The Road!

My final news, before I go lie down, is for all you sheep lovers world-wide. It was heard before, to the response of "yeah, right." Back in January, when I visited the Big Merino, in Goulburn, Australia, I was told it was going to be moved down the road (to catch up, you can read my post about this eighth wonder of the world). Well doggonit, it happened! This just in from my friend, artist Joan Ross. Check these links out, for a real eyebrow raiser!!!

The Story, and The Pictures.

Skipping Across the Pond––News Before I Break Out Again!

When I Wasn't Knitting…

Before––In late April to early May––major neglect               In June––after pruning and fertilizing

I became "The Guerrilla Gardener of Bronx Park East" (Mr. K's expression), devoted to caring for the horticulture of mine and my neighbors' buildings. If there are any rosarians out there, please help me identify this Old Garden Rose; it smells terrific! (all pics enlarge).

All You Need Is Love (And Knitting)

Happy World Wide Knit In Public Day! I hope everyone felt the collective Morse code of love, coming from the clicking needles of knitters all over the world!  Sit N' Knit, NYC  gathered at Sheep Meadow, in Central Park, doing their bit to encourage more love to emanate from our hearts to our hands and outwards. Hola, ladies! I'm happy nature was on your side today; but in case she changed her mind dearest Anne-Marie, there was always the number six train, tee hee.

As for me––busy as usual, but I can no longer work on this computer without feeling guilty about posting. Therefore, I'm going to take a minute to get away from this project, and engage in some productive procrastination. And boy, has there been some news…

Feet Don't Fail Me Now!

Despite the wet and cold weather that confronted the Dance Parade, where we left off back in May, folks came on through with the energy of purpose; check out The Melting Pot's link for photos and info on what's to come…

Or Go…Coney Island's Last Season!

The Melting Pot's Sandcastle's Summer Series Dance Party has fabulously started with a bang! The next party will take place again on Saturday, June 23 from 2 pm to 10 pm; as the name implies, they embrace everyone (even kids––remember, dancing improves coordination). So, grab your needles, snacks and even your non-knitting friends (they can sit on the blanket and mind your work while you get your step on. On the serious tip, though––if you are either traveling to NYC or live here, and haven't been to this landmark amusement park––this is your last chance. A Real estate developer is gonna erase part of our city's history, so please take the time to read The Village Voice's article about this fight. It's getting ugly.

We've Gone Native!

(Excuse the  artsy-looking photo; we're eeking out the last of the light. Clockwise form left; Shameka; Njoya (Harlem Knitting Circle), Saunielle (Saunshine), Sherry (Chronicles of She), Hope (Hopie Knits); not included in photo––myself and Zenobia Bailey).
 

Last week, I was graced with the presence of the abundantly talented Saunielle (of Saunshine fame), for a four day visit (do y'all really walk a lot here? I never even think about it). In her honor, a cadre of us got together for a Knit n' Sip, at my fave, fave, fave, eatery––Brian Washington Palmer's Native Restaurant. This Harlem melting pot just gets better and better! A big shout out and thanks to the dashing Delano, who hooked us up with the best seats and service; he's become inspired to learn to knit and crochet, so brothers, I'ma add one more to the ranks. You know, he's so creative, I can't wait to see what he starts making. And, a shout out to the mixer of the moment, Jose´, for providing us with drinks that dropped our attitudes, but not our stitches! And Brian––you're simply the best.

  On the left; Chante´, Njoya, and Saunielle. On the right, fiber artist Zenobia Bailey, featured in the first anniversary issue of Black Purl Magazine.

Now, About That Pond

I am being whisked off by Mr. K to London for a week, leaving tomorrow night! To be honest, I wasn't quite as excited about it, as I was about sewing Swarovski crystals and bugle beads on a silk tape dress I'm working on for a boutique, jaded designer that I am. But then my uterus hi-jacked my body, for a few days, taking my focus with it. Oh well.

I'm now very excited, as this will be an inspirational trip for me, despite being in a nation of people, I was told, who all behave like John Cleese. My itinerary is lined up, and no, I'm not buying any yarn; I'm looking for oddities (like John Cleese).

Okay, time to take another Panadeine, and then pack. I'll wave at y'all tomorrow, before my flight. Any suggestions––holla!

Now, Where Were We?

Playing Catch Up…

(Here's Della, the "IT" bull, in the Signature Sweater I machine knitted for Posh Paws of Manhattan, which officially opened last Saturday).

Hey There!

Gosh, so much has happened during the past coupla weeks, in the knitting and non-knitting world. I'ma try and pack it all in, so here we go!

I want to thank you all for your thoughtful comments regarding the  honesty and consciousness that goes into the planning of your knitting. I received a few emails from those thinking I disliked variegated yarns, so I'll say this, then I won't say no more. I don't hate them. In my opinion––the key word here––is that when dyed well, you don't have funny color pooling, as Shaun mentions, and the shades, when knitted, have a nice transition, and are coherent-looking from a distance.

Now, check this out. Cotton should not hurt your hands. If you have  arthritis, are sensitive, or even have reservations about knitting or crocheting with this delightful warm weather fiber, go for an 80/20 wool-cotton mix; Cascade's Sierra is wonderful and inexpensive, with generous yardage. Another nice yarn is Berroco's Cotton Twist. This yarn is gotta touch it soft; it'll pill slightly though, so don't love it too strongly.

For the purists––Classic Elite's Provence. I'm currently knitting a lace shell of my own design for the store, and on Addi-Turbo needles, she is flying through my fingers. Here's a hint––do a lace, yarn over, or drop stitch pattern; something that doesn't require a lot of finger manipulation. Slip stitches are good too. Try it, and lemme know how it goes.

Don't Buy All of the Tickets, Or I Won't Win…Just Kidding!

This in from my girl Michelle Bishop, of the Harlem Girls Quilting Circle

The HGQC convenes monthly in sisterhood and fellowship to explore the techniques and artistry of quilting in the African and African-American Diaspora. Over the pass year, HGQC has gained notoriety through the media, most recently featured in The Quilter Magazine, and in Quilts Japan. Again, we have been selected to display our quilts at The Cork Gallery, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts – June 30 to July 10, 2006 – This year's theme is Syncopated Threads––Feel the Rhythm, See the Music. HGQC is selling raffles to underwrite the production costs of an exhibit of this stature.

Yo, the photos, don't do justice to these authentically utilitarian beauties. Please email me, for her snail mail, to purchase a raffle. The Cork Gallery is a non-profit org. that provides groups with a highly visible venue to show their works; however, artists must foot the expense to mount their exhibition. The tickets are $5US, per raffle. The drawing takes place July 1, 2006 at the artists reception, and the winner need not be present. Thanks y'all and good luck!

What Else is New?

Smiley's, purveyors of the cheapest, decent yarn on the planet, is having an internet sale. The yarn I'm recommending?––Panda Woolbale! This 100% wool Australian sport is excellent, I tell ya! I'm knitting Bonne Marie's Twist Cardigan with it. Normally $3.99US per ball, it is $1.99US! Holy S**T! The colors are close to the screen. Trust me, you can't go wrong.

As the Mac Turns…

Go over to Ambrosia's blog and say congratulations to her! She graduated from college over the Mother's day weekend. If you want to give her a present, you know yarn would be nice, right sis?…this is as arresting as a traffic accident, but if you are a knitter who is faint-hearted, leave this link alone––from my dear Margie, of Inconsolable Memory, an art blog, from Sydney, Australia…If you are faint-hearted, the Knitting Room Project, from Tasmania, may be much more your speed; it's submitted by one of the sweetest people on earth, Victoria Harbutt, also from Sydney––thanks for that, their skill is amazing!

Row 1–Good News You Can Use!

One of My Knitting Icons…

A bit of history–These cards were sold by Ms. Truth, to earn her living. Carte de visite (seated), 1864.
Gladstone Collection, Prints and Photographs Division. Reproduction Number: LC-USZC4-6165 (3-11b). To learn more about her and her influential contribution to our country's history, check out The Sojourner Truth Institute of Battle Creek.

I'm Back!

It has certainly been a whirlwind time for The Magpie! And I have even been knitting! And I'm near the finish line of the UFO you would least expect. Let's say a carrot (or a BIG bag of birdseed) has been placed in front of me.

So Many Fish In the Sea!

One of the major things Mr. K and myself have been doing, were going to birthday parties. In fact, we have so many long time-friends born under this sign, I started to wonder. Asking around, I found out that several other friends have relatives, significant others, and friends born under Pisces. With birthday events still left to attend, I'm now speculating if this is the most crowded sign in the Zodiac! Counting back nine months–to June–it does make sense, but dammit–folks gotta slow down. Listen, if any of you out there are planning to have kids, please–be considerate and time their arrivals better. Remember, everyone is still paying off the debt from holiday shopping.

Dancing Keeps You Warm!

On Saturday night, the Dons of the Decks: DJ Bruce Tatum (club editor, Time Out NY) and DJ Adam Goldstone will serving up a "grand edition" of Whoville! at Love; 40 West 8th Street, at MacDougal Street (MacDougal Street entrance). Trust me, this party's gonna be fierce! It is Bruce's birthday, Andy "Andyman" Reynolds of Penetration Inc.'s birthday–he is also responsible for the Seuss-themed art installations–and the invited guest, spinning at prime-time is primo deck wrecker Jerome Sydenham of Ibadan Records–Sandcastles! Feet don't fail me now! Admission: $5US until 1am, $10US until 4am $15US after. And this is a beautifully diverse party, too!

"Carnaval," Will Make You Warmer!

On Sunday, the 718 Sessions, featuring my man DJ Danny Krivit, has teamed up with Alma, NYC, featuring the Brazilian brothers of soul, DJ True (a big shout out to ya'!) and Miller Cruz, to bring  Carnaval to New York! The Alma–soul, in Portuguese–link says it all! Knitters and crocheters, wear your wildest gear; this is gonna be seriously festive! My mask and costume are ready!

Maybe, I should wear the mask to: Flow: The Magazine's Trunk Show–a fashionable, small business expo purporting to highlight "the best Brooklyn has to offer." It's taking place at the Brooklyn Marriott,  on the same day, from 11am to 7 pm. I'll remove it at the Cocoachic booth, though–so I can try out and buy more of their fabulous products!

Big Up!

Now that the future is out of the way, I can change directions and step back in time, to the recent past.
Njoya Angrum, our Fearless Leader of HKC–Harlem Knitting Circle–was bestowed the distinction of being "The New Yorker of The Week," by NY1 news, last week. This is no small shout out, considering there are about 8 million people in this city, and only fifty-two weeks in a year. Let's all wave our needles and hooks in the air for this totally selfless and dedicated sister, a current heroine of mine, who I will be honoring next month. I'll keep you posted.

Well folks, the Magpie's pooped. Time to walk Della (imagine–a bird walking a dog), and work a little on her new coat–the UFO I'm suddenly finishing, ahead of the others I wrote about. She has an upcoming photo shoot for the opening of a new upscale pet shop, in Harlem.

To everyone else, looking for their mentions–don't worry, I'm continuing tomorrow, starting with my "Student of the Month," a trip back to Africa via the subway, and from there to Joe's Pub for a performance.

Geez, I need to lie down.

Down for The Count...Momentarily

Sniffle, Sneeze, Cough, Blow

Well folks, I'm done in, with a cold. Probably from all of the running around before my birthday, starting from the previous week (the flowers are from Mr. K.).

What's funny (sneeze), is that we were ready to lay low for a transit strike weekend. I suspect, a lot of folk were secretly looking forward to the excuse of the strike to release them from their holiday obligations; especially knitters, cause y'all really know what you'd rather be doing!

Well, the strike is over (cough).

So–since you sooo must go out, you knitters who love to twirl, can get that pre-Christmas aerobic workout, tonight at The Speakeasy, one of Loisadas' last remaining old-school spots. The man, whose been rockin' since he first started spinning as a youngun' Adam Goldstone, is playing an amazing collection of Latin/tribal house, (select casa 3), Merengue, Salsa, Mambo, Highlife, Worldbeat, Afrobeat, R & B, Cosmic Disco, Electro, and Dancefloor Jazz. Whew! If any of this music is new to you, please take the time to follow the links and enjoy! (cough)

Indeed, the lot of crowd who party here are primarily from Spain and Latin America, hence, the Latin music flavor. Drink prices are actually reasonable, and this is a fun-loving, friendly, mixed crowd, of nationality and gender preference. The best part, is, it's free! 151 Avenue C, between East 9th St. and East 10th St. Ring bell at stairway landing for entry. 10:30 pm till 4am. Discretionary door, so look and be nice.

Speaking of nice, I want to say THANKS to all of the wonderful birthday greetings I received from my friends in the blog-sphere; and a special shout out to Nancy, (I love the El train on her blog heading) for the e-card she sent me. My girl from the Bronx!

Now, my head may be stopped up, but my fingers can't stop for **&#%$@*! (Sneeze, blow)

My Apologies! Under Restoration, Will Post Shortly!

Hey there!

To all at the New York Knit Out & Crochet 2005 and other events and doings this week!

Please accept my apologies for not posting currently. Typepad experienced a rare 'natural disaster', causing  service degradation that affected my blog. I lost a large number of files, including files in Swatch Out and on some of my posts, and Seen On the Street. So, on top of my arms-length of tasks to accomplish already, this happened. I do not blame them; the apology was professional and the resolution and compensation, equitable. These things happen and sometimes you just have to deal. Neurosis wastes time, and blame is for God and babies.

One of the most important lessons I learned from knitting is this: there is no mistake that cannot  be fixed.

My site will be restored for those of you doing fabric research, and posts will be up later today.

Thanks for your patience, y'all.

Later,

SB

Keep On Keepin' On

Compassion (Noun), A feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another's suffering or misfortune, accompanied by a desire to alleviate the pain or remove its cause.

I am impressed with the rapid galvanization of our brothers and sisters to help our extended "families," affected for the long term by Katrina's wrath. From Rap celebrities–some of Master P's  relatives are still missing–to our churches, which have once again become the rock which bore us from slavery, through re-construction, Jim Crow and beyond; we are banning together without regard to the government that regarded us as redundant once we were free. Lord! it's about time.

Fingers, Don't Fail Me Now

I am not going to be redundant by listing all of the craft links that are contributing to the relief effort, however. Part of my contribution to the benefit happening this Thursday at the Canal Room (see previous post), will be washcloths from cotton in my stash. If any of y'all out there are looking for a durable INEXPENSIVE COTTON, go to Smiley's; they have an Internet sale, starting at $.77 US. That's right, seventy-seven cents a ball! Purchase the light colors (they don't run), please leave me some, and get started.

After receiving your supplies–get on over to the Copper Stitch Gathering which meets this Saturday, September 10Th at Barnes & Noble Booksellers; Camp Creek Market Place 3685 Market Place Blvd, East Point, GA 30344 (404-349-0359). The time will be from 12 noon until you leave. Knit-Hop Re-Mix is back in effect!

If you're knitting at home, hey! One of the sensual pleasures I enjoy in life, that enables me to knit speedily through major commitments–births, birthdays, support and now, relief–is a good audio-book and a glass of good wine.

It was at PJ's about two weeks ago when I met Victoria Meghdir, and her son, Laoufi of, Meghdir & Sons, a family-owned vineyard in Algeria. I'm going to keep this short, but sweet. Their wines were simultaneously, some of most sophisticated and intuitively enjoyable I've tasted. The flavor imparts a sensual enjoyment, downgrading the–unnecessary for the most part–complexity that spawns verbose analysis. Especially after a few glasses.

That said, they are linked to my site. Do inquire, as you can drink this wine with or without needlework. I'm already considering knit/tastings, during the season, since they are currently available at a few fine wine shops in New York. Bring them to your area.

I'm signing off to thank the ancestors for the compassion I've witnessed over the weekend. You're welcome to join in.

Later,

SB

 

Thursday IS the New Friday!

Ah, the Joy of Procrastination!

I really should be gettin' down on "Sweet pea" and Rugged Lace Shell, as I am now near the finish line of both. My swatch library is languishing, and I have a pattern to finish writing for the expert knitter/costumer of the diminutive,  Ms. Annie Gordon of HKC  (Harlem Knitting Circle–See a pic of her work in  Row 1–HKC and Constance's Dilemma, June 2005)

Therefore, I will bypass this next little wave of fantabulous distraction and bring it to you instead, so you can slow down your own progress. Procrastinators love company.

Knitters, you have approximately less than one hour EST from the time you see this post, to get to Asser Levy Park to see Patti Labelle perform for free! Stop what you're doing and leave the office now! She starts at 7:30 pm. You can rent a chair for a small fee.

Or better yet, you can (actually must) see my own personal soul-bangin' rock godess Tiyee, who will be performing tonight at Arlene's Grocery (don't let the cover shot put you off, the place is cool!). Ms. Tiyee, your new website sounds fabulous!

Old school needle-workers, can knock back a few drinks and a few rows tonight in the backyard at PJ's Lounge in Harlem (2256 Adam Clayton Powell Bvld. at 133rd St. 212-862-1511). Good music and good people!

While I was on the web, minding other people's business, I came across a few phat links: my girl at Creative Soul Confessions posted a link for a custom postage stamp site! Lord, you know what us knitters are gonna do now, ah-ight?

And if that wasn't enough, I clicked on Black Purl Magazine in her sidebar. SAY WHAAAT? See, this is what happens when you're out all the time, s**t you need to know flies by you.

Well, before I start the evening knitting shift, I want to seriously thank DJ Adam Goldstone and DJ Spun (Jason Drummond) for making me lose a few pounds, because of the music they were spinning in the Blue Room at Movida last night. The kids were much better this time, dancing more. Please get there on Wednesday nights. The dance music is w  i  d  e   r  a  n  g  i  n  g, the people are cool and conscientious, the drink prices affordable, you don't have to seriously dress up, and more superlatives. It's well lit upstairs too, if you want to knit. This is an important criteria for my outings. I never know when the urge will strike!
 

The Mid-Week Round Up!

Hey there!

This may be my last post 'til the weekend. The heat and humidity so far this week in NYC has been paralyzing, the 1010 WINS AccuWeather real feel temperature around 101º (y'all Southwest knitters may be laughing, but do any of you have to take public transit?).

I will be updating SwatchOut (see sidebar) for the rest of Summer, then starting Fall. I have Fall/Winter mag submissions I want to plan and swatch, my HKC public workshop schedule I have to plan, email to send to customers, and three, count 'em, three patterns to write. That ain't so bad, but my work studio is downright steamy. So, I'm shutting myself up in my new bedroom/office where there is AC, and only coming out to work on the MAC when absolutely necessary.

I fell off Step Four of the Sahara Briscoe Twelve Step Yarn Rehab Program. Step Three, was to knit only from your stash, 'til it's almost finished.  Not to go into yarn stores and buy yarn, or cruise online discount sites and order any. We ain't talkin' 'bout a ball here and there for SwatchOut. I tend to make garments, so I would buy sweater quantities–for at least two to three sweaters. Per season. Step Four is NO MORE UFO's–UFO's compel me to buy more yarn. The idea is to finish whatever I create by only working on that project, which is why "Sweet pea" has progressed so quickly.

The swatch pictured here, is why I fell off of Step Four.
   
As you recall, I'm a public transit knitter. I like to have one project to knit on the way there, and one to knit on the way home.  Well "Sweet pea" is knit on 6's, and I want something now (such an illusion thinking that, isn't it?). So I reached into the stash last night and pulled out Karabella Yarns "Softig", in this eye-ease lavender. I've had this yarn for over two years, knitting a dress that started to look
stupid. I am now going to knit a sleeveless, open V shell.                                                       
The swatch pictured here, measures 10-1/2" wide by 11" long (from ribbing to top), preshrunk. Large needles and large yarn calls for a large swatch. I used a Cable Cast On for ribbing strength, and the ribbing itself is k1, p1 for two rows (1/2"). The body of the swatch is an alteration of Feather Faggot, taken from A Treasury of Knitting Patterns–Barbara G. Walker.  Feather Faggot is a one row lace pattern, perfect for beginning lace knitters to get their technique together, while making something nice. However, it looks better when worked in fine yarn. I knitted the first row according to the instructions, then  purled the return row, turning it into a two row pattern, because the first knitted sample looked too gnarly after three rows. (The thumbnail shows a closeup of the stitch repeat itself).

The size of the body of this swatch is 28 sts., plus two edge sts., by 38 rows. Putting edge sts. on my swatches makes it easier to count stitches in the body, and you can try out what seam you want to use. I knitted the ribbing with 11's and the body with 13's. I want a rugged lace, with the lace sections standing in relief. The flip side is equally nice, but more tame, so I will use an invisible Mattress st. to sew up the sides, and then graft the shoulder seams together, making the garment reversible.

So, I'm off to do laundry in this heat, just to see how this comes out (cold water wash, dryer until dry), get my gauge, and make a spec (pics to follow). Then I'll have something to work on, while I travel downtown to the Wednesday Night Knitting Group at Seaport Yarns, located at the South Street Seaport. After that I'm going to see my sister Tiyee–rock goddess extraordinaire perform at the Cutting Room in Chelsea. Then I'm off to hear bestest friend and deck-melta' Adam Goldstone at Movida. No kids, I'm not a social butterfly (I'm an artisan, how could I be). I just have way too many creative friends and you gotta support them all.

Tomorrow night, is the last night of the 4th Annual Historic Harlem Parks Film Festival. Wattstax! the documentary of the 1972 concert after the riots in Los Angeles, celebrating hope and renewal is playing in Jackie Robinson Park (the basketball courts @ 150Th St. and Bradhurst. I will be sitting with the lovely Ms. Michelle Bishop, from the Harlem Girls Quilting Circle, so you know I have to have something FAB to work on.

Peace!                                                                                                                        
                  

Good News You Can Use!

I'm waiting for my camera batteries to recharge, you can see the latest installment of "Sweet pea".
Meanwhile, some news:

Meet Up

My dear friend Scott (who thinks he's never gonna get that towel I promised him. It's coming, darling),
has a site up I want to mention, Poz4Poz.net. Ladies, this ain't for you, unless you have a gay brother (friend) you would like to pass this along to. Move on to the next announcement. The site contains medical, lifestyle, and leisure links. There's a great picture of him on Well Being and Leisure Links–Miami Hot Links–Twist–Bartender Bios, better than the one on the homepage (I gotta ask Scottie why there are no leisure links for New York. Now, please do not comment and start yelling at me about the circuit and this and that. I've been out there a long time. It's another alternative. We are all grown, and everyone has the right to connect. There are some craft blogs out there that would be too homophobic to even mention a gay friend's site. So, chill.

Warm Up? It's Hot Already!

Warm Up is the outdoor DJ music dance series at P.S.1 in Queens, NY. It's a huge venue, and a lot of the ground is pebbly, so do wear sneakers if you want to dance easier. There is a dance floor (concrete) and stairs to sit, and a fountain/sculpture to dance in when it gets really hot. The bathrooms take a minute to get to. All in all, the sound system is phat, all races and gender groups are represented, and everyone's well-behaved (we need more sistah's though...where my sistahzizat?). There's no charge listed on the flyer I received, and I've been on the guest list, so, call and make sure.  Legendary DJ Luvbug Starski, winner of this year's Legendary Mix Tape Award (and who I was partying with last Thursday at PJ's in Harlem), is appearing on Aug. 13Th. Before him, the DJ lineup is worldwide. So I'm working on my leg curls and extensions!

Quiet As It's Kept

PJ's, located on 2256 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. (or 7Th Ave.) 212 862 1511, is the place to be for rollicking, kickass house music if you get there early (around happy hour). The Gorgeous (yes, I capitalized it for you, mama) Afua has some CD's that are off the rug hook. Her drinks aren't bad, either. Outside, in the back is a netted canopy that is perfect for getting some rows in. It seats nine. The surrounding yard is pretty urban looking (tenements), but this is New York, baby, and Harlem in particular. So email me and let's get together, so we can have a cocktail, twirl and get a few rows in, before the crowd comes.

O.K. that's it, I gotta' dash. Be back shortly, with some posts!