SistahCraft

Greetings From Cape May––My Trip To Peru, Row 2

(Some of the girls and ladies; all pics enlarge.)

After purchasing my fleece and a few gifts, came the apogee of my visit––meeting my benefactors. Barbara took me to their comfortably large, clean––and today, cool––quarters, where we were greeted by the flock, as feeding time trumped the heat. Well, I tell 'ya––cute overload aside, looking at these alpacas swelled my sense of pride toward spinning their fleece. Their conspicuous health and beauty are a testament to the care they receive from the Nuessle's, and the couple's concern for the surrounding environment as well.

"We and the other farms in the area had the goal of land preservation in mind" Barbara told me, "so we all locked down the land against further development." Wow. To me, living in New York, where urban development and eminent domain, is erasing the past as fast as rain on side-walk drawings made of chalk––this is the ultimate thank you, to the earth and certainly to Cape May. 

(Hunter and Harrison. You can see more pics of the herd on the website.)

The Nuessle's have 16 acres, on which their 26 Huachaya alpacas reside. Now, I know––as a knitter, spinner, weaver, or anyone else involved with fiber, you've had fantasies of having a (fill in the animal) farm.  Mr. K and my own holdings are limited to a dog and a cat. So how do the Nuessle's do it? "Twenty-two alpacas are easier to care for, than one dog," says Barbara. Really? Seeing the fish-eye I gave her, she explained. "You have to walk a dog, at least twice a day. And there's other kinds of care too."

I learned that alpacas are very clean, and don't defecate where they eat, making them less prone to parasites and disease. Socially, they're herding animals who like to stay with the group––you won't see signs posted around town for lost alpaca, reward $$. During my visit Alfalfa was being served as a treat, but hay is the primary staple, along with a supplement of vitamins and nutrients. Shearing occurs once a year in May, during which the vet visits, and the flock receives the "medical day spa" treatment, consisting of a physical exam, a dental check, their top knots (the hair on the top of their heads) trimmed, and a pedicure.

(Florence, after a happy hosing.)

Show-stoppers––Products of Good Breeding

The loving care that the alpacas receive, has brought about an impressive number of awards. The farm

participates in two major shows during the year––The
Alpaca Fiber Cooperative of North America (A.F.C.N.A.) national show, where BSF Frederico was the Reserve Color Champion of the continental fleece show for 2006––and the Mid-Atlantic Alpaca Association (MAPACA) show. Awards from these shows, translate into breeding with champions of other farms––and Bay Springs is expecting 6 crias (babies) this fall.

(Future Champ; Isabel, Miss Katie's daughter)

Now, what does this mean for you? Top notch fleece if you spin, yarn if you knit or crochet, or fab gifts, if you're the beneficiary of either group I mentioned. 

The Early Spinner Gets The Fleece

There are fleeces still for sale on the website, but spinners––act now! I was informed that the fleeces from last year's shearing sold out rapidly. "Spinning seems to be on the increase", Barbara told me. "When I was at the last TNNA (The National Needlework Association) show, there were a number of spinning vendors in attendance. But for you knitters out there, not to worry; the farm always has yarn for sale.

I'm already thinking about the future. I have my eye on Isabel, a darling 2 month-old cutie-pie, who was entertaining herself by just scampering about. Her fleece already has that championship feel.

Bay Springs Farm Alpacas, 542 New England Rd, Cape May, NJ; (609) 884-0563

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.

 

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.

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,

 

 

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.

Books: Runway Knits

  Run Away With These

Upon first glance, the cover looked disconcerting. The perfection of the model's skin, her clear, glassy eyes, perfectly painted lips, and feathered hat, gave the impression of a store mannequin. Additionally, the dress––initially not impressive––didn't help. I thought, uh oh. I was relived when I turned the book over, and saw ten beautiful garmets on young women a bit more human. Whew, that's better.

Runway Knits, By Berta Karapetyan (Potter Craft, New York $32.50US) is a collection of knits, that combines New York style, with European sophistication. The author's claim of inspiration taken from the fashion runways is apparent, but there is nothing in this book that is frivolous or strange––like Aran knitted shorts in bulky yarn. Berta, instead references the designers she was blessed to work for as a technical knitwear developer: Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, and Club Monaco, among others. The work showcases her signature detailing, with a large dose of creativity thrown in. This is a knitting book you can literally build your wardrobe around. It's division into four sections, cover every aspect of your personality, or lifestyle. In other words, if you made one garment from each section, your clothing needs would be covered from day to evening. The photographs are clear and bright, and the and the classic styling shows off the knits to their advantage, without the use of weird lighting and action poses. The book's charm, is in its distinctly euro feel. Incidentally, my impression of the cover changed, when I saw this little black dress in the book––it and the model, are beautiful.

Berta's pattern instructions and schematics are proof of her technical mastery. She knows her construction methods can be unconventional, so you're given row by row directions, including the number of stitches. What you're not given are charts, even for lace patterns; there are only two charted outfits in the book. Now, don't become perplexed or huffy; the reasoning is very clear. In sweaters that have unique shaping or proceed in a peculiar direction, a chart isn't helpful. Berta's instructions are so precise, if you follow them exactly, you will obtain the intended result. That said, this is not lazy time knitting; these garments are designed to be interesting to knit and beautiful to wear––what more could you want?

Perhaps for them to be larger. And cheaper. Sizing is small––41" maximum, including ease for most garments. Its' a shame too, for many of the silhouettes are figure flattering. The cost to knit, speaks investment––possibly a factor in the sizing. Again, as a credit to Berta's considerateness, she includes a yarn substitution list in the back of the book. Of course, you won't get the same effect––Karabella Yarns are fantastic––but if you chose wisely, you can sport some fabulous outfits.

And trust me, there isn't a bad one in the bunch, for all skill levels, a common complaint with knitting books. Beginners, without giving anything away, the opening project is a shawl using an ingenuous combination of yarn overs, drop stitches, and knit stitches, giving the effect of a plaid-type woven. It looks major, but you can do this.

So, if your book budget is limited, Runway Knits is worth it for the sheer number of looks alone––thirty, for all seasons. That should last you quite a while.

Do I Need New Frames, To Stay Focused?

With All, That I Have To Look At––

(Pics enlarge)

I gotta bunch of new books to review.

A shell, to block, finish, and put a Johnny Collar on.

A jacket, to finish, to get out to a shop (and yes, the pockets are real; I dislike non-functioning tabs).

And most important, a writing deadline, of an interview with Xenobia Bailey, for Black Purl Magazine's anniversary issue––it's going to print!

What do I want to do?

Be frugally fabulous, and run, to the Alan Mikli sample sale starting today, until Friday. For those of you who aren't familiar with this designer––it's simple; if you wear glasses, then you must have a pair. Period. Prices normally running from $400 to $700USD, will drop down to $45 to $95USD. Then, I can run to Sol Moscot, have the lens put in, in about an hour, and cavort through the city, looking fabulous in the beautiful day we're enjoying.

But I can't! Email me, call me, help me stay home and focus!!! But if you can't focus, I reccommend you get over there. The eyes are the windows of the soul; since you can't cover them with curtains, make sure your frames look good.

Alan Mikli Showroom; 260 Fifth Ave, (between 28th and 29th Streets), second floor; cash, or charge.

Finish Up, The Distraction, Is Starting!

I Love New York In Spring! How 'Bout You?

(the window of the Sanrio store, in Times Square; for my girl, Jen, Da Purse Ho. All pics enlarge).

New York is in bloom, and it ain't just flowers! So, if you are between projects, or bored with your current one, put it down––and move your feet instead! The first annual New York Dance Parade, will take place on Saturday, May 19th! Join over six thousand other dancers, floats and Dj's representing every step from Ballet to Zydeco. This parade is a true celebration of my city's diversity, and a response to the ever-more stringent cabaret laws. Given the obscene number of bars here, maybe if people danced more, they would drink less; alcohol interferes with your rythmn. The event is for all ages, groups, gender preferences, races––everybody, dammit, who likes to dance, or go to dance performances, or just move. So register, grab your stilts, tap shoes, flats or sneakers, and join me, Mr. K, and the rest of us (we'll be part of the House Collective).

My knitting brothers––are you in a stitch, too? Well…

Billie's Black, a sexy little restaurant, is presenting Black Friday: The Adonis Party, a sexy little cocktail party on Friday, May 18th, at 9pm. I'll probably pop my head in with Paul Eaddy for a minute, to catch up with some friends––the copiously creative painter Gregory Grey, Tom Martin (who was excellent, in the TWAS production of Hamlet), Tony D. (please, put that mohair sweater down. You can finish it in September, honey; come out and have a glass), Murphy Heyliger (co-owner of Harlemade. I'll make sure you get your sweater), the gifted Kenneth Lee Roberson, and many more…last night was the men's night at Pier 2110. I heard that three weeks ago, it was packed. Now, there's about 30 or so fellas. Hmmph. Come on now, support!

You Won't Get These From NetFlix

This Saturday, May 12th, The National Museum of African-American Cinema, is having a rare video and DVD fair, taking place at the museum gift shop. There will be over 5,000 different titles for sale, including some rare all-Black cast movies from 1928 -1950, documentaries and recent releases. Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office Building, 163 West 125th Street @ 7th Avenue; museum gift shop - 9th floor; from 10am to 7pm (but you better get there early, as it's gonna be crowded). Proceeds will go to the museum's building fund. For more info, contact Gregory Javan Mills, 212-749-5298.

It's Tea Time!

(This wonderful image, is by Florence Ward, ca. 1950-1970; children's catalog, Library of Congress;      LC-USZ62-122105 (45)).

The Harlem Knitting Circle is having it's 2nd annual afternoon tea party to celebrate Mother's Day, on Saturday, May 12th, from 11am to 3pm. Come out to knit and crochet, while enjoying some delightful food and music (and trust me, these sisters can turn out some fabu fare). Admission is a dish to share (purchased food is welcome, so don't be intimidated). Dress up please, no slacks allowed. The George Bruce Branch Library, 518 West 125th St.(btw Amsterdam Ave & Broadway);  (212) 662-9727 or e-mail, at george_bruce@nypl.org. I'll be checking in.

One Last Thing

That's it for now folks, I'm beat––but I'll leave y'all with a lil' sumptin' sumptin,' just to show that I haven't spent all my time, running the streets.
My Conflicting Cables cardigan looks better on me, than Lola here, but my hair isn't done; tomorrow is another day. Made from Berella "Whistler," a too soft merino wool, (thank the ancestors for pumice stones), it took me only two months––seriously––to knit. I needed a replacement for my leather jacket. The yarn came from Smiley's, purchased at the store. The cost, including buttons––$36.00USD. See, knitting does save you money; that's the frugal fabulousness of it.

Reasons To Be Cheerful–I'm Back!

Wow! Spring Is Here, Baby!

(Prunus serrulata 'Kanzan'; Pelham Parkway, Bronx, New York. All pics enlarge)

Hey there everybody!

I'm not being egotistical about the post title––I'm just happy to hook up with y'all once again, after a brain-consuming cycle at The Magazine. Parallel to this, life has provided a lotta news––knit, needle and otherwise. So much so, that I can actually post––$%@#**––regularly, for a while. Even better, I can use some of my company-mandated leisure time, to catch up with the doings of my sisters and brothers in the yarn-world! Spring is here! How is everyone's fingers holding up?

Past Present

On Monday afternoons there is a 19th century knitting and needlework circle that takes place at The Merchant's House Museum, the perfectly restored (right down to the unfinished needlework lying about), home of a prosperous family of the time, in Greenwich Village. It's beautiful. And no, your knitting doesn't have to be old, unless you are finishing up your own great-great grandma's UFO's. If you are, you can learn some past techniques.

Spring Savings

One of my knitting buddies took me to task, since I am always preaching about you can save money on knitting and crochet, especially on the high end. She wanted to know "what do you try and save money on, since it ain't yarn?" (that's not true, but that's another post).

The plastic hair clips holding my cardigan, come in a package of 8 for one dollar, from the 99¢ store; I find them just as good as the more expensive product. There's been discussion about this already, but I feel that, given the price of yarn, the cost of your accessories––which you need––shouldn't help to relegate your item to the UFO bin. Hey, you can even get cute, with the many choices available. Check the faux velvet––that's a conversation starter for the knitting circle, securing the pieces of your Araucania Yarns, "Nature Cotton" beach hoodie.

Used gently, I haven't had snagging problems. It has made
backstitching and crochet seaming easier, as they don't fall out, like pins.

And remember, a penny saved, can buy more yarn.