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

Greetings From Cape May––My Trip To Peru, Row 1

That's Right, Only $45US! Do It This Summer!*

("Make sure to get my good side." This is Miss Katie, Isabel's mom; all pics enlarge.)

Folks, is there a more wonderful way to spend an afternoon in 90º-plus temperature, than to visit an Alpaca farm? Of course not, if you're an avid hand spinner. But I'll admit though, I was a bit concerned about the temperament of the creatures I wanted to meet––Alpacas can take weather extremes (such as in their native environment), but will suffer heat stress in high humidity; shearing them isn't enough. Barbara Nuessle (one of the farm's owners) informed me there were six fans in the barn, and the flock were getting hosed down twice a day. Now that's cool (excuse the pun), but I'd heard about folks who had been spit on by an aggravated camelid. Nevertheless, my appetence for their fabulous fleece, fueled by my New York sense of time (if I don't get there today, when is it gonna happen?) took hold of me, so that was that.

The Farm

(A bit of graze, after food and a joyful hosing.)

The cab driver asked, "what do they do there? I've heard of Bay Springs, but I don't know what they do."

"It's a farm. They raise alpacas. I'm buying fleece to spin."

"Oh."

I assume he decided not to take this further. I didn't either but, I did wonder how often the owners were asked the same question. I mean, think about it––no one asks this question about a horse farm, and you can spin horsehair. Yeah, I know what the reference is, and no, you can't ride an alpaca, but still…!

I knew of Bay Springs Alpaca Farm from previous visits to the cape, although it's usually during the week, when it's closed to the public. This year, following my recent creative iteration as a spinner/knitter, I saw the very nice fleece on their website, with the magic words––during the week by appointment only. One email led to another, and––awrighty now––you're reading about it.

The Shop

(You can feel the softness clean through your screen; Barbara knits the ear-warmers and the scarves.)

I was happily greeted by Barbara and Warren Nuessle, then Barbara led me through their beautiful home to the shop in the rear. I tell ya', this store is an alpaca lover's dream––it oozes softness. Beginning with the impeccably made clothing, gifts, accessories, and blankets, locally produced, and from Peru, the quality is excellent; combined with the friendly prices,  this a frugally fabulous shopping experience.

(Yarn so beautiful, you'll want to display rather than knit them.)

Fondling the different yarns, made me heady with the inspiration of what my spinning efforts could achieve, so I became even more solicitous about having this fleece. When Barbara opened the bags of it (8 oz. each), I was shook with the kind of rush I imagine that gamblers feel, when the flood of quarters from a slot machine is cascading into their bucket.

Altogether I purchased 32 oz., which I didn't feel was nowhere near enough, as I wanted the whole lot! (this is not greed. If you stuck your hand in any of those bags, trust me, you'd understand). But common sense ruled––or to be truthful, I was comforted by the fact that more could be ordered through their website.

Meeting The Family

(Increase the fleece! Clockwise, from left: Cerise, Miss Katie, and Geraldine; not shown is Florence, a true black fleece).

One of the many joys spinning gives me, is a closer connection to the animal. When buying brand name yarn, you buy the manufacturer. That's all good, but how cool is it to meet your yarn resource up close and personal? I believe this bond guides my spinning method and eventual choice of end use, so I it was only natural to meet and learn firsthand about the sires and dams enhancing my personal luxury.

Okay folks, it's late––my eyes are closing. Tomorrow you'll meet the family, including a 'lil cutie-pie whose fleece I can't wait to spin, when she gets clipped!

(*The cost of a round trip ticket by bus from Port Authority, N.Y., to Cape May, N.J.)

Greetings From Cape May––Wish You Were Here

In A Nod To Victoria, I Brought My Wheel

 (Fitting in with the decor; all pics enlarge)

As I compile my notes for the next post, I thought I'd ramble a bit on my doings here on this lovely cape, and during the time I was away from the blogosphere. First, about the spinning. Soon after my major peeps Chante´ revived my interest (I learned over a decade ago), I've been at it full force. Pictured, is a knitted sample of an Icelandic fleece from Bryna, a sheep at Sunrise Sheep & Wool, in Minnesota. The knitted sample on the chair is mine; the one I'm about to spin and knit, is for the owners. The scoured locks were opened with a flick carder, to spin both the tog (outer hair), and the thel––the inner hairs that feel as soft as cashmere––together for warmth and softness.

(Hail Victoria!; a lovely period home)

Cape May is a lovely place to ride around (go to Sheild's  Bike Rentals at 11 Gurney; 609-884-BIKE). It's flat terrain is easily negotiable, and the drivers conscientious. While shooting these ornate residences, I surmised about the ladies of the time, sitting under the grand awnings that shade their porches; would they be knitting or crocheting the latest pattern from the Godey's Lady's Book? Or would it be just too damn hot, especially wearing all those clothes? Currently, a few of these homes are now for sale––they certainly look nice, but I bet they're  a b***h to heat during the winter.

(The Fiber Arts Yarn Shop carries some outrageous yarns; would Vikki approve?)

No trip to this town would be complete without a stop at the local yarn shop (LYS). The photo foreshortens the store, but believe me, it's not messy. Actually, it's easy to walk around in, has an abundance of natural light, and Kathy is welcoming and lovely! Yes, I bought a few things; my purchase was so small, Mr. K would approve. Please go to the above link for more details about this great shop.

(Keep these artisans going; hand carved circulars from Nepal)

I thought these were fabulous! They're 12mm circular needles, connected to a fabric tube. The photo doesn't do justice to the exquisite carving.

(The separate guest house at Buttonwood; its two mini apartments are cute for a small family, or friends)

Before I sign off, I gotta tell ya'. If you are either allergic (as I am) to mosquitoes, or have a phobia of them, you won' t do well at Brothers II Pizza, on Sunset and Broadway. They had the door open, and as I was waiting for my outgoing order, I looked around and realized I was surrounded by mosquitoes––hundreds of them––on the floors and walls; I programmed myself out of panic, and, in a testament to the power of Off! Deep Woods I was not bitten. In fact, when a fly landed on me, I was grateful.

Greetings From Cape May––The Aliens Have Returned Me!

And Guess Where I Was Left…

 

(Monique Greenwood's Buttonwood Manor B & B; all pics enlarge)

Okay okay, I'm not gonna front, folks. The truth is, after our last publishing cycle at work, I was pretty done in mentally; so I took a breather from everything––well, from blogging and needlework anyway. I joined the rest of the world to live for a while, as the Brita® pitcher that is my brain, needed a filter change and refilling. Now it's filled to over-flowing, so I'm gonna start spilling out the details; check it out.

Regain Your Needlework Mojo

(To the Sistahfriends knitting group; y'all would just love to knit here! The sun parlor.)

West Cape May, NJ is the place to be! It's so not trendy, thank the ancestors. This picture postcard Victorian town (trust me, the architecture here is no joke), sports the best of everything from bird-watching, to some of the best beaches on the east coast, and let's not forget the bi-annual Cape May Jazz Festival. And yes Donna, there was an important African-American presence here––go to The Center for Community Arts for details, particularly the walking tour.

To The Manor Knitted

(It's like staying with a favorite relative; a lovely breakfast awaits in one of the dining rooms.)

Once you're in the place to be, Akwaaba-At-Buttonwood is the place to stay! The latest aquisition to Ms. Greenwood's portfolio, Buttonwood––another historic home, directly across the street from Akwaaba-By-The-Sea, her first B & B on the cape––doesn't cheat on attention to detail, and I mean from the first B, to the last! Her inns are cultural, calm, and cozy––perfect for needlework.  And best of all, the rates will leave you enough money to run to  either the Fiber Arts Yarn Shop, or Stitch By Stitch,  both within walking distance!

Well, I'm gonna walk upstairs to my lovely room, and get some shut eye, so I can be fresh to tell y'all about my visit to Bay Springs Alpaca Farm––stay tuned (no, it won't take another month).

Please go to the links, for stunning pics of the rooms (which doesn't divert from reality), and for booking info; Michelle, there's enough rooms to host all of you at The Harlem Girls Quilting Circle! Whoo hoo!

Speak On it, My Sistahs––The "Speak Out!" Show

In The Eye Of The Calm

(the pupil of "Peace Meditation of the Third Eye", by Robyn Mahone-Lonesome; All pics enlarge.)

A lot of self-help guides advise you to express your feelings to the intended, in the form of a letter, if you can't communicate them verbally. "Speak Out!", the exhibition attended by myself and Mr. K at the
Frank H. Williams Caribbean Cultural Center last weekend, had me thinking about the shows description as a correspondence, giving voice to a group of women––The Harlem Girls Quilting Circle––addressing issues affecting them, me, and whether you know it or not––you too.

I am largely a knitter, but I like to look for the connecting threads between diverse mediums to obtain inspiration. This show had my head spinning. The issues, investigated through the modern manipulation of a trad feminine form––the techniques, color, power, size, and beauty––bum-rushed my brain in a kaleidoscopic convergence.

The result, was a viscerally, sensory experience; your first thought is not the "gee, these are really nice quilts," kind of pleasantness you get from other shows of similar medium. When you enter, and the first quilt you see reflects the past and present state of Harlem, N.Y., now a real estate epicenter, depicted in a marvelously cohesive member-assigned block quilt––it's more like "Wow, what the *&#@?!"

Harlem On Their Minds

(Harlem 2008, in a nutshell; the HGQC group quilt; machine pieced by Ann Alvarez, machine quilted by Laura R. Gadson)

The messages, while personal to the circle, were certainly not intended for an inaccessible audience; and believe me, the audience came out in force! The issues––injustice, the criminal system, economics, health-care––aren't new, but that's not the point. As the blandness of email makes it easier to delete what you don't want to deal with, the attraction of these quilts, is quite the corollary; like letters written in a sensuous hand, on handmade rice paper with a
Faber-Castel––their beauty renders the subject matter even more compelling to read, no matter how chilling.

(My Country, Tis'  of Greed, by Laura R. Gadson. Flag. Cotton with mixed media embellishments; 2008)

But unlike paper correspondence, this is too powerful to be mentally balled up and thrown away as some of the same guides advise, the importance being "closure". No y'all, this is a trad form of expression turned on its head, to express everything from outrage to a mechanism for coping. And true to our sistah selves, the imagery was bold and to the point––but hey, how else are some folks eventually going to "get it?"

(You GO, grrls; artists Robyn Mahone-Lonsome and Michelle Bishop, in front of a meditation quilt by Paula Wynter).

"Speak Out!" isn't all about facing confounding issues. As in life, there are ways to cope, and these methods are displayed in works that soothe and heal, through balance and meditation. Paula Wynter's diptych, "Meditation: All The Pain And Suffering In the World", and "Meditation: All The Happiness In The World", is inspired by the practice of Tonglen. Unfinished works, they invite the viewer to add to the sending out of the pain and suffering of themselves and others, and then to send out happiness to us all. "Peace Meditation of the Third Eye" comes with an actual mantra to repeat.

At The End Of The Day, Why You Should Go

(Detail of HGQC's group quilt; transfer, magic marker, applique, machine stitched)

The HGQC is an independent circle of Harlem based sistahs who meet regularly to quilt. Together for a number of years, their works grace many private collections. In order to share their refreshingly modern perspectives with the public, they raise money for, and mount many of their own exhibitions. This group effort enables you to enjoy a stereotype-free experience, lacking censorship from the technique dominated, lulling shawl of passivity of many local group shows. I'm sending a HUGE shout out to the Cultural Center for hosting this show; and to my girls at HGQC, for inspiring me with new ways to communicate.

Now, I'ma say this once more. If you're looking for new ways to communicate, there will be a panel discussion with the artists about their way of working together, on April 30th, and then––African-inspired quilting workshops on the 7th, 14th, and 21st of June; for more info, contact Monthina Williams at the center––RSVP early for these, my friends, the instructor is Ife Felix, one of the founders; these workshops don't happen often, and they fill up quickly. So be there, or you're only a square!

From A Closet, To A Colossus

The Little Shop That Could…Did!

(You won't stumble into this place. All pics enlarge)

A little over a year ago, I literally stumbled into Vardhman Inc., a craft, trim, and yarn business on 39th street. The size of a closet, its ceiling height gave the place the appearance of being housed in an elevator shaft. I was so intrigued by this jam packed jewel of a shop, I gave them a shout.

This past week, on my way to Steinlauf & Stoller during lunch hour to buy a zipper, I stumbled upon––rather into––the new Vardhman Inc., now a few doors down from its old location, occupying a  space about 10 times larger and boasting a mezzanine, no less. What happened?

  (Observation deck; the view from the mezznine.)

"We were fortunate," says Baljeet Arora, one of the owners. "We have now been here six months. It's a bit slow, due to the season, but it will pick up." Indeed it should. I took in the spacious breath-ability of the new digs, and it felt good to exhale. Yes, they've traded the jewel box feel of the former store, for what some may find, as a more sterile environment. But its size is used to good effect; you'll no longer feel as if you're gonna start an avalanche every time your bag swings around.

The place is bathed in an energy-saving cool tint, while contributing to the sterile look––is still better than the eye-strain dinginess of Daytona Braids & Trimming, up the block. You can now actually see what they have to offer, which lead my gaze hungrily to the mezzanine. I became stoked, curious to check out the expansion of what were formerly just a wall of shelves––or maybe it was my yarn addiction kickin' in, at the speculation of what I could possess.

Guess which, won out?

Nikoa And Garrett Invites A Knitter To Paradise, With Roses Too!

Congratulations!

You look fabulous! (Garrett Hendricks and Nikoa Evans; her gown, Nicole Miller; his suit, The Men's Wearhouse; all pics enlarge).

Ancestors! There just couldn't have been a better way for Mr. K and I to recoup from the hectic holidaze, than by spending four luscious days in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, to attend the wedding of my sistahfriend––and a lovely crocheter––the effervescent Ms. Nikoa Evans to the handsome and mischievously humorous ("we're  movin' on up") Garrett Hendricks. Their comfortably chic ceremony took place on January 5th, at the award-winning Frenchman's Reef and Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort. With the weather giving a postcard perfect day, all of us, family and guests, basked in the affectionate hug of the sun and the joyfulness radiating from our two lovebirds.

(A truly blessed day; The terrace reception area).

But lest I start to sound staid––we enjoyed some bangin' Caribbean food, and kicked up our heels––and sandals––to the fabulous music Garrett selected; you GO, brother!

(And it tasted as good as it looked; cake, The Marriott).

Deftly adorned with real roses, this cake was beautiful and refreshingly non-trad. We so need to move on from over-done, heavily frosted layer cakes topped with a non-edible wedding party. Hey, I've always wondered how many brides have quietly panicked, when confronted with cutting such a thing.

(Paradise is nice; a view from the reception terrace)

I was honored to attend their wedding! Nikoa and I met a few years ago at the Harlem Knitting Circle, when I was a volunteer instructor. She wanted to advance her skills in crochet, and we became friends, linked to the thread which binds us all.

Nikoa and Garrett, I wish you as much happiness as there are stitches from all of the crocheters and knitters, and needle-workers on the planet! And start stockpiling yarn girlfriend, for those blankets and little sweaters you're gonna make down the road, LOL!

Here is their official announcement in the New York Times.

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,

 

 

The London Chronicles: Happy Anniversary To I Knit, London!

The Little BIG shop

Originating as a stall in the Spitalfields Market, I Knit, London has grown into an organization that's leading the way in bringing knitters together through its events and the weekly knitting group, that's putting the "pub" in public knitting. The shop bills itself as a sanctuary for knitters, and indeed, its location is just far enough from the madding crowds. I was happy to find refuge there when I visited the city for the first of what will be many visits.

Whenever I travel to a new city, one of the first things I do, is to find a yarn shop. By meeting others through shared interest (if they are cool), I can find alternatives to the tourist track; for me, it's the equivalent of a community center.

After having a bite in Covent Garden, near our hotel, Mr. K and I perused a local bookstore, where good 'ole Time Out, London, hipped me to I Knit, London––the name, a bold statement in comparison to shops  with names like "A Good Yawn Yarn," or "Me and Ewe." I was down to investigate.

Voyage to Vauxhall, South London 

I was knitting away on the Tube, seated next to two American tourists. How'd I know? Well, after fixating on me for a minute, the woman turned to her partner and said in a pronounced nasal twang "you know, knitting is popular for them over here." What!? As opposed to who, where? I faced her, smiled, and replied  in my pronounced northeastern accent, "yes, and it's quite popular among African-Americans like myself." Watching her turn the color of the Circle Line was priceless, but simultaneously disappointing. The seditious assumptions of Americans about ethnic cultures, have never been surprising to me; I'm only sad, because it's hastening our slide into global isolation.

But, aside from them, I still feel that needlework––in the rest of the world––is a Great Equalizer, and the reception I received at I Knit was a confirmation of this. It's instantly relaxing to enter a shop where a black knitter isn't seen as an unwelcome oddity. After all, the Brits did contribute to the expansion of the art throughout their former colonies––of which we were one, once.

I'll Be Off This Ride Soon

What My Life Has Been Like, Since My Last Post

(The Zipper at Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York)

Aww man!

I'm sorry I haven't been posting of late. Sometimes, I feel as if there's a conspiracy to keep me from my computer. In reality, I've had some intense days and evenings at the Magazine; we're literally putting out an issue every 1-1/2 weeks, with a day schedule that is totally unpredictable, making it impossible to meet anyone at a reasonable hour; if you get off work at the same time everyday, be grateful. On top of that, I've boosted my gym time to three times a week minimum (trust me, it is very difficult to negotiate this city every day, especially if you're middle-aged and not in shape; so far, I've lost 15 unecessary pounds). That said, when I get home, usually late, my eyes and brain are too tired to stare at another computer for two hours, to blog. I've perused old blog posts and thought that y'all must be a forgiving bunch, for letting me get away with all those omissions and typos––geez.

Weekends have been either catch up at home, or go to: you gotta support the endeavors of your creative friends, if you want to stay on their radar screen––that's what networking is about. However, this part of my life––thank the ancestors––doesn't involve my fingers. I do manage to get in some knitting time, even though some days, it's only to and fro, on the subway.  Labor Day weekend was when Mr. K's birthday occurred, so no real relaxation happened there, although I did get some spinning in (yes! it's what you think; more on that later).

So everybody please bear with me, there's been so much happening, and I'll have a series of posts and pics up soon.

Love and Yarn,

Sahara