SistahCraft

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!

Ailing In The Apple––I've Returned, And There's News!

There's No Place Like Their Home

(Check Della, enjoying the AC. As I have a bad cold, ya' think she'd be nice enough to post for me. Felix (the cat), was chagrined, so he hid––feh. All pics enlarge)

Hey there! (cough, sniff)

I've returned from London, with two souvenirs: an ashtray for my close friend and star mixologist, the über-cool Sharon "Boi" Jackson, and a nasty cold from the menopausal weather they call summer. And yes, I did buy some yarn––many thanks to all you enablers that  commented, particularly Chris, who got there first; thank the ancestors, a weak dollar, gave me the strength to say no (after the first purchase). I also took in a good part of the city, while Mr. K––who humorously now refers to himself as the low-rent mogul––was back to back in business meetings.

Back in the city that never slept, the announcements kept coming in, so my adventures will have to wait. Folks, here's the latest and the greatest…

Bringing Joy To The Big Screen

(Not yellow, but golden––like the color of honey; a photo of Joy D.––you GO, sistah).

After a coupla years of hard work, and a lot of support, my co-worker Joy Dietrich finally released her film––and it won a Jury Award for Best Director at  CineVegas! Tie A Yellow Ribbon parts the blinds for a glimpse into the world of young Asian-American women, in particular, a troubled Korean adoptee. 

Her movie, which she co-produced with Jed Films, will have its New York premier at the 10th annual Urbanworld/Vibe Film Festival, this Saturday June 23, and at the 30th annual Asian American International Film Festival, on Friday, July 27th. Do go to the Jed Film's site for a look at the slammin' trailer, and information about the production.

Now, I'm not gonna rant, but hey––put down your needles and hooks, and get out to either––or both––of these venues, so that your brain can get some real refreshment. You know why? Because there are stereotypes more important to counteract, than merely the perception of knitters––trust me.

Why You Should Go See Jindabyne…

… Because Actions, Sometimes Don't Speak At All

(Still photo by Ray Lawrence, for April Films)

A young Australian Aboriginal woman is murdered, her body tossed in a river. The discovery of her corpse by a group of white fisherman, and what they do––or don't do––brings to the surface either questions or answers, depending on who you identify with in the film. This in itself is not easy, because almost all of the main characters are suffering from submerged emotional baggage. And despite sincere, but misguided attempts at restitution to the family, by the emtionally invalidated wife of one of the men––the one question that links everybody to the victim––who killed her?––is never addressed. Is this because those directly involved, can't seem to rise above their inability to give voice to, or own their actions, in order to transfer humanity to the deceased? Then what is the effectiveness of apology, if it releases only the killer?

Over the weekend, Mr. K and I went to see the U.S. release of Jindabyne (April Films), a deftly written adaptation of the short story "So Much Water So Close to Home," by Raymond Carver. My creative and conscious-thinking friend and knitter, Phillipa Bateman, who co-executive produced this picture, did wise to get this film out. A beautifully shot, and intelligently directed (Ray Lawrence) psychological drama, this film illuminates the stifling effect ingrained belief systems have, in navigating issues involving race, gender and our emotional responsibility to each other. Moments of arm-rest squeezing suspense, make you even more upset at folk's self absorption. It's about the young woman. So why is everyone acting like they're the victims? Make sure you get out to this movie. Good on ya' Pippa!

An Imperative Post! Read This, And Don't Turn the Page!

Stop Whatever You're Doing; Change Your Plans and Get to This Festival! I'm Serious!

Mahen, please forgive me for borrowing these images; I'm hurrying to post, and will attribute credits shortly. Thank you, and thank you for your work, over the past decade! Hope to see you, as I'll be there throughout, with bells on!

Today is the opening of The 13th African Film Festival! (the April 20th date was the panel discussion at the Apollo Theater).

When I hear the name "Africa" or "African" mentioned anytime I am out, It is amazing–and–depressing, to see how much of folks knowledge of the continent and people–my people, your people, our people, as we're all human beings, remember?–is still formed by the media. This is your chance to see works that will educate you and counteract stereotypes, answer questions, enlighten and entertain. Trust me, my program is printed out, and the films circled. I'm postponing a meeting in order to see some films tomorrow (in fact, I'm attempting to take my clients with me and have the meeting afterward).

This Festival Has It All!

A few–I can't list them all–of the highlighted films on my program are:

All  About  Dafur (photo, above). It is imperative that the situation in Dafur is told from the perspective of those within Sudan, and not those from the outside of the country. The director, Tahgreed Elsnahouri, does just that, by speaking to the Sudanese in their environment. This film highlights an example of how deeply rooted prejudices could suddenly burst into a wildfire of ethnic violence. Americans take note. Elsanhouri says that she made this film "out of a passionate belief that I was uniquely qualified to tell a story of race because, as a northerner in Sudan, I know what it means to belong to a dominant group, and, as a black woman in Britain living with racism, I know what it is like to live marginalized as a minority. It is this double consciousness that informs my story."      

(This photo is from "The Golden Ball," an inspiration!)

Parents, take your kids and/or call their school, so they can go see Amal (U.S. Premiere). The importance of education is brought into high relief. Amal is a 12-year-old girl who lives in the countryside in Morocco. Everyday, she walks with her brother to school. A serious and passionate pupil, her dream is to become a doctor. Amal's dreams are suddenly interrupted the day her parents decide she will not be returning to school anymore.

Music lovers, check out Festival in the Desert: The Tent Sessions, and Fela! Fresh from Africa  (N.Y. Premiere). For those of you who are not familiar with Fela Kuti: This incredible documentary guides viewers through Fela Kuti's triumphant return to NYC after his release from prison in Nigeria, where he participated in Amnesty International's concert of hope and an anti-apartheid rally. The local Afrocentric community embraced this cultural icon and gave him a surprising view of his world impact, even after his 17-year absence from the city. This was a defining moment for the legendary Nigerian cultural warrior, as he headed into his final decade supported by the love, strength and power of those who remember -- and those who refused to forget.

Gosh, I have highlighted so much! Les Saignantes (N.Y. Premiere), from the acclaimed maverick director Jean-Pierre Bekolo (Quartier Mozart, Aristotle's Plot), this was one of the first science-fiction films coming out of Africa.

Little Senegal, dealing with a brother's inquiry into his heritage and the slave trade that takes him to America, and to Harlem. This film is particularly touching for me, as I lived in that area of Harlem when "Little Senegal" was first forming, back in '86'. To be honest, It was the Senegalese that brought the area back from abandonment. When they first started arriving, the resemblance of us to each other was outrageous, with mistaken "identities" causing laughter, pain and eventually friendship (a big shout out to my former neighbor Fatou, and to Toure´, who's now big time in Hotlanta!).

There's a program "Out in South Africa", Co-presented with NewFest: The New York LGBT Film Festival, of short films dealing with gay and lesbian rights in the southern end of the continent. From Enraged by a Picture (U.S. Premiere), where lesbian photographer Zanele Muholi challenges her community's taboos by showing her provocative work in the heart of Soweto township; Outlaw Culture (U.S. Premiere), a documentary accusing South Africa's media of repeatedly and consciously delivering gay issues and stories in a negative fashion, and finding answers behind the homophobia; to
Two Moms (U.S. Premiere), an intimate profile of the lesbian couple Suzanne du Toit and Anna-Marie de Vos, and their two adopted children, forever changing the rights of gay and lesbian adoptive parents in South Africa; and more.

Okay, I have given you enough. This festival is as large as the continent itself and just as diverse! I hope this announcement will encourage you to go to their link, print out the offerings and GO! Don't be afraid! It's okay to have some of your media-formatted erroneous belief systems shook up. It's for the better. That's why I go. Because having an informed and open mind, leads to open action.

WhereMySistahsandBrothersIsAt!?

Now, for those of you in other states who missed the festival when it was traveling earlier in the year, you can request these films to be shown in your area! Organize! Call your schools or your home-schooling group–Latoya, you hear me? Erica? Stephan? Franklin? Nakachi? 
 Njoya? Everybody in my sidebar? Spread the word. My sister Mahen would be happy to hear from you, I'm sure.

Knitting will be back later. Catch y'all at the movies!

New swatches. Kinda' seems boring, after this.

 

 

 

Row 2–Women's Big Up Month!

Another Knitting Icon...

(Dorothy Parker as a modern day Betsy Ross or Madame Defarge       
Oil on Canvas: 22 x 30").

I figured I start off the month with a bit of irony and sarcasm; dearest Dorothy was an avid knitter, and was rarely seen without her knitting bag. For me, she laid waste to the errant belief that knitters are, for the most part, nice people.

One of her more endearing opinions, was put forth in her first theater review for Vanity Fair in 1918; she recommended a lackluster Broadway musical as "'a great place to get some knitting done.'" In the past, having sat through a number of such performances on a smaller scale (Broadway tickets being too expensive to court failure), I took her advice and ordered a Beam N Read® hands free light.

I didn't have to bring it with me, this past Monday night at Joe's Pub.  My acquaintance, the copiously talented choreographer Ken Roberson, staged an energetic, and hilarious cabaret performance. His "Middle Age Passage Crisis", took me on an excursion through the hills and valleys of his life; from his current incarnation as a middle-aged gay brother, back through his past and forward again via song, narrative, and some whirlwind choreography (I know not to go out dancing with you, as you'll make me look way too slow.) Accompanied by a trio and two back up singers (one, the daughter of a Broadway diva), his rendition of Billy Holiday's "God Bless the Child"–"God bless the child who's got a phone…'" describing a dancer's difficulty paying the bills–had me on the floor. Even old Dorothy herself woulda' put her drink down, for that one. You Go, Ken!

It's Big Up Time!

In my first series of mentions for Women's Big Up Month, I am finally posting pictures of my "Student of the Month," Leonor M.'s first scarf (worn by her sweetie, the recipient). She taught him how to knit, and he now appreciates the process. She has since knitted another scarf, and informed me that she knits everywhere!

I hope that her next project when we meet up, will be a sweater for Stella, her "it" puppy. Stella's picture will be shown at the ASPCA's new state-of-the-art adoption facility, this spring.

The scarf is Brown Sheep Worsted, knitted on size 10 needles.

That's it for now, as I'm actually in bed somewhat early, for a change; coming furiously soon–Michelle's new classes for the season, and a showcasing for the Knitting Out of Africa book. New York knitters, the sweaters are here! Here's a hint–think Knitty City…

 

 

 

If You Want A Finished Object...Leave New York City

More Distraction!

I swear, it always happens when you are at the halfway point in your projects. Now, is when you need the time to finish, and suddenly there's a whole new wave of events to help you procrastinate. Here we go...

This is the addendum to Rugged Lace Shell (you can click on image for enlargement), so you won't think I haven't been getting any knitting done. This spec was generated by software from Cochenille Designs, Garment Designer®. It makes me happy, because It gives me a lot of liberty to tweak the fit details of  variety of styles.

I am almost finished with the back, and I thank the ancestors for 13's, in spite of the fact that I have to knit slowly on them because they make my hands hurt after a while.

It was during one of these frequent hand breaks, I found this article on gauge and proper swatching in the Men's issue of Knitty.

I found it telling that the designers in the men's issue,  contributed pieces developed primarily for the men in their lives. While I found it  romantic, what happened to everyone else? 

Despite the fact that Mr. K is the focus of my attention–and, in keeping with his ahead of season fashion tastes–has a pile of knits to attest to that–he is not the only man I look at, or talk to. Keep other men in mind, when designing for publication. Sometimes, your man isn't the standard. And if the sartorial gene pool around you is dry, then check some better men's fashion mags. I mean really.

Speaking of magazines, I thought Cast On had put out a very good issue this month. Only one or two bombs.  There's a men's fair isle that looks really chocolate-y and rich (Dale of Norway), and some on the money articles unmasking stitch and garment techniques. Folks can say what they like, and indeed, CO has had some bad issues, but for learning techniques, in order to raise your skill level so knitting becomes more enjoyable, you can't beat it. Hey, I renewed my membership.

But, it's gonna be hard to raise your skill levels with all this goin' on! Who-o-o-o-e-e! Check what's next!...

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!                                                                                                                        
                  

An Upcoming Film of Importance

Ms.Trudy Williams is a sisterfriend and fierce knitter (I met her at a new knitting group that met at the Hue-Man Bookstore and Cafe. She finished off a pair of striped gloves which she then wore, as the weather was cold  that day.
I was mad impressed).

Well folks, the documentary she worked on (as assistant producer /assistant editor), is having its Opening Premier at the 2005 SilverDocs AFI/Discovery Channel Film Festival.  It will take place next week on June 18th at 2:15 pm, at AFI Silver Theater and Cultural Center (8633 Colesville Road, in downtown Silver Spring, Maryland. Information details can be had, and tickets
( $9 each US ) can be purchased in advance, online at www.silverdocs.com.

This documentary film, The Faces of Change, is produced and directed by Michele Stephenson and Firelight Media, a Harlem based media production company. Stephenson trained five activists from five different continents to use video cameras and create a story that would best capture the meaning and power of their work. Mohamed, is a man from Mauritania, West Africa campaigning to end slavery via an underground political movement; Elodia, a sister in New Orleans, Louisiana, is organizining her home-owning neighbors, who live on a toxic dump site. Kathir, a Dalit (Untouchable) fights to eliminate caste discrimination in South India, while Ivan, a Roma (Gypsy) attorney and doctor struggles with  discrimination and his self-esteem in Eastern Europe. Lastly, Nara is an Afro-Brazilian woman who works to instill self-empowerment in Black teenage girls. This passionate film winds the binding thread of our common experience (in this case, racism) around us and weaves it into our conciousness.

The activitists discovered the stunning commonalities of their history and experiences at the United Nations World Conference Against Racism in Durban, South Africa.

Contact Michele Stephenson
718 222 4041
michele@radafilm.com

Row 1–The Bee-Line to Completion

Sorry I haven't posted. S**t got in the way.

My understaffed job had me going. It's the height of Allergy Season. Illness Rules. Everyday, when I got home, I was too exhausted to even think about needlework. My weekends were spent seeing independent film–"The Illustrated Family Doctor" by Kriv Stender (an aquaintence of Mr. K) at the Tribeca Film Festival–and jumping up and down at the DAT Party, in the City.

The only time I've had to knit and crochet was on the (Bumble) "Bee-Line" bus to and from Westchester.  I'm a big fan of public transportation for this reason. I generally take two small to medium sized projects that I can fit in my bag. One for the way there, and one for the way back. This alleviates boredom, and gives me the psychological effect (or illusion) of getting more done. I will sometimes take a book along for procrastination purposes, though. 

I love transit knitting. I get comments, constructive (and non-constructive) criticism, advice, homage. I meet potential students, other needleworkers, get customers, and I don't have to try not to stare at people.

Does anyone out there do needlework in transit? Yes, no, and why?

Some sisters tell me they don't knit/crochet well enough. Bulls**t. Trust me doll, despite the so-called "boom", there are still plenty of folks who don't know. They're amazed at what you're doing. And if you're struggling, they just think you're concentrating real hard on a complicated whatever–giving the impression that you have more discipline than they do.

I see at least one to two sisters a week crocheting on public transit. I still only see very few knitters, and rarely see a person of color knitting in transit. Maybe knitters judge each other's skills too harshly ("look at her struggling with that scarf. Beginners shouldn't knit on the train"). I hope not, 'cause that's a damn shame.

I encourage ya'll to knit on public transportation. You don't stress so much if your ride is held up, 'cause it ain't your fault, and you can get in one more row.