SistahCraft

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!

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!

Saying Ha-a-a-a-a-a-y!

Knitters At Work

 

Leonor Mamanna and myself; My former "Student of the Month" is now part of the Saartje KAL at work. We are fashionably outfitting the feet of some of the new babies of our co-workers. All pics enlarge).

Girl, How Ya' Livin'?

Although the temperature is 42º at present, and the view of the park across the street looks pretty bleak, my internal clock feels the beginnings of the subtle transition toward spring. Or maybe it's just menopause. Anyway, it's been a minute, so here's a report on my own doings, while the devil's playground has been closed.

Shout Out Time

First, I want to big up a few new subscribers––Pooch2, Brokedown Tiger, and MissDavis! I also say welcome to any new unpublished subscribers! I'm happy y'all think my blog is worth the time to check out regularly.

No Idle Hands; A Onsie for Karen

Ancestors! I'm just in time for the arrival of Tawana's daughter, Karen Joi! Plymouth Encore D.K. Colorspun, is my favorite Acrylic/Wool mix; there's enough wool to give the yarn a nice hand, and the synthetic lends machine wash-ability; the yardage (150 yds) is value for money. The contrast yarn is Knit Picks' Merino Style in Harvest. Three balls of the main color, and 1 ball of contrast color was used.

The original pattern, is from Minnow Knits, Too by Jill Eaton (Pottercraft). Her instructions are clear, there are detailed schematics and excellent photos of a diverse range of tykes. I chose the 3 month size, in order to adapt to the larger gauge fabric my needles (sizes 3 and 6), produced; the finished garment is sized for a one year old. Here's a close-up of the buttonhole and Crab st. finish.

I don't have a vision of a button yet, but I'm sure  Tender Buttons will have a miniature work of art which will leap out at me. I'm considering a duplicate stitch embellishment of Adinkra symbols denoting blessings. Powerful devices, when rendered in a juvenile color––such as the contrast yarn––softens the viewers response, while maintaining the strength of their definition.   

Chante´ Put Me In A Spin

(My first handspun bulky yarn)

A refresher lesson from Chante´ last summer, revived my long dormant interest in spinning. I dusted off my very old Ashford Student wheel––no longer made––then got busy. I now own a new Kiwi, and a Bosworth Journey wheel (for cotton), an adaptation of the original Charka book wheel, endorsed by Ghandi to promote South Asian independence.

My yarn is spun from Halcyon's Corriedale top, using the long draw method, while simultaneously creating thick/thin spaces. The swatch shown, is a rib using size 11's. I tell you, it's uber-lofty,soft, and with excellent memory. Ultimately, my intention is to spin and knit items for myself and Mr. K, and to give yarn as gifts to friends.   

Folks, before I check out, I want to hip y'all to a few interesting people, places and things.

Support the Handmade

My girl Stephanie Syjuco has it going on! Her site Anti-Factory, features beautiful recycled jersey tops that knock the hipness quotient clean off the charts! All are handmade by her, and if you're slow you blow––her pieces sell that fast.

Places To Knit and Crochet

I love Tribal Spears Gallery & Cafe 2167 Frederick Douglass Blvd. (8th Avenue) bet. W. 117th & W 116th; 212-666-6550.
It's spacious and cozy at the same time. There's a nice group seating area that looks like your living room, cubiclesque enclosures along the wall for laptop users and the outer part of this large room is multi-purpose, encompassing a gallery/performance space. Good lighting, coffee and desserts round out the offerings. They're open daily until 8 p.m., and is where the nimble-fingered sistahs of the Harlem Sistahfriends Knitting Circle currently meet. We will be in the building again next Sunday, February 9th, at 4p.m.

Computerized Knitting

I've become a laptop knitter meaning, I now occasionally carry my laptop, in addition to my knitting and other essentials. I wanted an accomodating bag, that would offer seroius protection for my Macbook (felted bags look nice, but to be honest, I don't trust them; New York at rush hour is way to brutal). I was becoming flummoxed by what I thought were the lack of options out there for women. That is, until I hit upon Kate Trgovac's lens, and found a bag that completely satisfied my needs. In fact, there were a number of laptop bags to suit all of my needs. Kate diligently and fairly reviews an amazing number of bags; she doesn't merely reprint the press release, like some other shopping lenses.

Ironically, the bag I chose, is made by Spire. Kate informed that the owner is married to Lexie Barnes, who is, as you know, a primo craft bag designer. Ah, there's that thread that  binds us all again!

A New Perspective Has Arrived!

Check It Out

(Cover, the art of Xenobia Bailey; all pics enlarge)

Forgive my delay in posting of the arrival of Black Purl Magazine's  inaugural print issue; don't worry, it's still relevant.

Why Do We Need Another Needlecraft Magazine?

And one that features people of color? Haven't we moved on? My answer is I don't think so, not in America. Needlework is not immune, from the same prejudices that influence opinion in our society. There are few popular needlework periodicals that I've seen, whose content and contributors accurately reflects this nation's mosaic on a regular basis. And though I'm aware of the financial equation that makes e-zines more conducive to inclusion, as opposed to print (this is one excuse I hear), we all want to put our feet up and enjoy a print edition occasionally. And Black Purl will still maintain its e-zine, so join up.

What about marketing? This is another excuse. Marketing deals with who you see, and that sight is based on perception. However, the birth of great ideas are often the result of this narrow mindedness. Men now have their own needlework mags, meaning they no longer have to wait for a woman-focused publication to produce a special issue for them––and neither do I. On the flip side, I was honored to have had my design accepted for the inaugural issue of Men Knit. So, as far as an ethnic knitting mag––well, why not?

What's In It For You?

Black Purl is choc full of interesting patterns, and articles that render inspiration, advice, and encouragement. There's a feature on Xenobia Bailey, an internationally recognized fiber artist, whose work is only now achieving appreciation from the mainstream art establishment in this country. Contributors include Afi Scruggs, Donna Druchunas, Paloma Parra and publisher, L'Tanya Durante, as well as myself and others. Book reviews focus on global needlework, expanding our awareness of the cross-cultural references of our world. Best, is the inclusion of different types of needlecraft––a little something for everyone.

But Is It All That?

There is room for improvement; but hey, to go from an e-zine to a glossy mag in a year, is an achievement in itself, especially when the editors are all busy sisters and brothers juggling jobs, families, and publishing issues. That said, I give a huge thanks to L'Tanya, Sonja, and the rest of the staff.

Please support the efforts of these amazing folk, in their aim to produce a 'zine online and in print, that promotes our diversity in craft and perspective. It is my hope that soon, the sight of me, or another brother or sister performing any form of needlework will evoke an intelligent exchange, rather than an exclamation of disbelief.

We Are Fam-i-ly…The Second Annual Sistahfriends Harlem Knitta'-Que

…I Got All My Sistahs With Me!

(And these were just the folks in the frame; all pics enlarge).

WHOOOWEE! The Second Annual Sistahfriends Harlem Knitta'-Que was a resounding success! Given by myself (which is part of why I haven't posted), and my girl Chante´of Harlem Purls, we turned a small patch of St. Nicholas Park into the place to be, for a coupla' hours of folks, food, fun and fiber.

The Family

I'm delighted to say––all of our sistahfriends turned it out! Everyone who RSVP'd came and then some, bringing their wonderful spirit, guests, and some fabulous food. Necia, we missed you (but I hope you had an equally fabulous time). Veronica, you were asked for; Saun, we were there till dark––next year, we're gonna have torch-lights, so you can join us after work!

My New Peeps

 I was particularly excited to finally meet Iris ("Who you takin' a picture of?") of Unfurnished Brooklyn fame (yes Iris, you're famous); blessings to you for making the hike and bringing the corn.

Visiting from Toronto, Canada, was Sharon, whose blog is Scheherazaade. In addition to possessing a copious sense of humor and a sharp wit, she brought marinated veggies that we didn't need to be reminded to eat.

From left; my acquaintance Trina, Vivian, Sharon's friend in NY, and Sharon.

The Food

It was a soulful feast that we chowed down on, between stitches, rows, and treadling. Ready? In addition to what I already mentioned, there was: curried salmon, Jamaican mini-chicken and mini-beef patties, peas and rice Trinidadian style, a macaroni and cheese dish that woulda' made my mom return from the grave to eat, pasta salad, shrimp salad, tomato and cucumber salad, fruit salad, corn, and the prerequisite burgers, veggie burgers, ribs and chicken (I'm glad I made enough). For the vegetarians, we kept it respectful, using a separate grill. Dessert was cheesecake, carrot cake and fruit. There was plenty to eat and plenty to take home––one of the things, a  good BBQ is about.

Turn Down The Furnace, My Needles Are Hot!

Isn't Hell Filled Already? Why More Heat?

(Courtesy of Weather.com; It was 5º cooler, when I started to post. All pics enlarge)

Now, Where Were We?

August has blazingly arrived! Is it hot enough for ya'? Are you're needles too hot to hold? I'm on a break, in my sweathshop feeling studio, envying Della, the Wonder Pit(bull terrier), who's napping, while I embroider bulge bead stems, for the flowers of a silk ribbon evening dress––gosh, I'll be glad when it's finished.

Wassu-u-u-u-p?

It's been a minute folks. I returned to the Magazine, for fall, starting with the women's fashion issue. In a word––headache-y. And, I've finally adjusted to working in Renzo Piano's building, our new headquarters. Check it out! It's a far cry from "The Gray Lady," whose interior reminded me of my old high school. People, we've joined the 21 century! The best part of being here, besides the cafeteria, where the groovy mezzanine lounge is the perfect place to knit––is that I'm closer to the Garment District.

This Old Dog, Learned A New Technique

My small sample, is the result of a class I took last Saturday, in silk ribbon embroidery at The City Quilter. They are an excellent shop, for classes in surface embellishments, and they're nice to knitters! A huge shout out goes to my instructor, Polly Whitehorn, whose patience, demos, and clarity of explanation, helped me learn, in three hours, a technique I had wanted to do, for years. It's astonishingly easy. The keys are patience, a bit of concentration, and a relaxed hand. There was no plan to the arrangement, similar to my gardening style.

Product Placement

A number of you have mentioned to me, of having trouble finding the Simflex Sewing Gauge, from my previous post. The chorus––"it's sold out." All I can say is Google the name, and go from there. I bought mine from Elegant Stitches. I won't supply another link, 'cause when I start looking, I inevitably wind up ordering something. Mr. K thinks I'm having an affair with the UPS brother, he comes around so often.

Make Mine, With A Twist

I used to dislike marled yarn; the effect of twisting two similar shades together was okay. In contrasting colors, it could look down right ugly, as in a cheap red/black marled pullover, I saw in a store. I overcame an urge to grab some scissors. Then, I purchased a Daruma Home Twister, to make bespoke marl combos for private customers, and my attitude changed. Currently, every now and then, I get bored with commercial yarn offerings, but since I can't spin, I twist. Shown, is the beginning of a V-neck pullover I'm enjoying for fall; a thin strand of mohair gives a wonderful purple haze to the soft hand of the fabric. The yarns are composed of 2 strands of 2/18 merino, 2 strands of 2/18 50/50 merino/tussah silk, from Jaggerspun (hi Chuck!),  and one strand of 2/20 mohair, from School Products.

This baby is hard to find, but if you like knitting with several different yarns––get it. Yes, I know you can just hold all the strands together, but you get row areas, with only one color showing. Not nice. This device, twists yarns evenly, for a more harmonious effect, and you can use more than three yarns, currently the limit with stacking yarn twisters.

Let's Face It…

I am currently besieged with announcements, so I am going to devote a page to them, which will be linked in my sidebar. There is just so much happening in New York City, that it's interfering with other posts I want to write––like my time in London, and a commentary on the end of the New York Knit Out. So, the last announcement I'm posting, is for tomorrow––the opening reception for the show of my sistahfriend, the golden-fingered Laura Gadson. A member of The Harlem Girls Quilting Circle, her portraits are quite something to behold, and indeed, are a prominently displayed acquisition, in the homes of prominent collectors of my acquaintence. Entitled Folks and Family, It's taking place at the  Russ Berrie Medical Science Pavilion, Columbia University, 1150 St. Nicholas Avenue at 168th Street New York City, from  5:00 to 7:00p.m. The show will run until September 12th. I am certainly not going to miss getting an eye-bath of inspiration! And, neither should you. For more information, contact harlemneedlearts@verizon.net or 212-491-8581.

 

All This, And Knitting Too?

I May Have To Give Up Sleeping

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

Carpeted In Inspiration

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

Men-tal Refreshment For Everyone

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

Stretchin' Out in Jersey

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

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

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

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

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.

Rub A Dub Dub, Some Crafts For The Tub

Cleanliness, Is Next To Friendliness!

(Mr. K's rubber duck, is from Dinosaur Hill, New York City. All pics enlarge.)

Back in March, Leslie of Nak-idknits, and I, made an exchange which involved items neither of us would normally make, but were related. I was totally undone, by a coupla' bars of some absolutely fabuloso, soap, from a batch she made––and I sent her the crocheted chenille washcloth; Lesie, if you're reading this––thanks and enjoy (and everyone can click on the title link, for a grin). 

The experience was truly fascinating. I know few personal soap-makers, as I generally buy my soap either on-line, or at Zeytinz (24 West 40th Street, New York City 212-575-8484. It's the olive oil, for $1.50 per bar). Most of my female friends do not use soap at all, preferring to slough off their expired skin cells, with any number of brand name beauty bars, gels, scrubs, and lotions––the ingredients of some, to me, no more than overrated, skin-drying detergents. A "real soap," brings forth immediate positive results, both visual and tactile; it's especially satisfying for mild skin conditions. And the price ain't that bad; trust me, regular use of an essential oil soap, will save you money on moisturizers and Fraxel® treatments. Pallas Athene Soap, is the vegan-standard, fairly priced, and honest soap site, that's getting my money.

Anyway, remembering this is a needle-work blog, I'll mention my thoughts on the design of the washcloth. Folks, it took me four knitted attempts to realize, the absorbent properties of the chenille would be better served by crochet––its multiple loops, better at building a thick, juicy washcloth. Thin, washcloths, when wet, make me feel like I'm cleaning myself with a rag; part of the home spa experience of your bath, should be having a hefty, soap-bearing fabric gliding over you. The yarn is Crystal Palace cotton chenille; using a G (4.00mm) hook, the pattern is double-crochet, with a staggered two-row overlay check; a row of single crochet borders the cloth; its finished size is about a foot square. Email me, if you want detailed pattern instructions.

Book Review: Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria

(This book may be directly ordered from the Black Threads site, so there's no excuse).

Back in December, I accepted a children's book to review, the second book written by Kyra E. Hicks, a nationally known and respected quilter, lecturer, and the author of a most resourceful site, Black Threads.  When the book arrived, my curiosity was stoked. It was a true, but little-known story I thought would be great to review during Black History Month.

Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria (Brown Books Publishing Group, $16.95) tells the story of Martha Ann, a former slave who, made a quilt as a gift to Queen Victoria, out of gratitude for the protection of the people in her new home-land of Liberia, against their kidnapping and sale into slavery. She saved her money for 50 years, to make the voyage to England to present it.

As a storyteller's book, it's fabulous. Enhanced with illustrations, realistically portrayed by Lee Edward Fodi, It's the kind of book you'd want to read-aloud to your young children crumpled around you on the bed, or, during the children's story hour at the library.

Older, and more worldly kids reading on their own, may find the narrative less interesting. It reads a bit flat, but remember––picture books do not need the amount of adjectives necessary, to form the sharper mental images for greater engagement. Additionally, Martha Ann goes from childhood to elderly woman  in only thirty-six pages, so there are some pretty big gaps––which will raise as many questions as it answers. Don't fret. These are questions that have answers, for the most part. Do the research with your kids, since you probably never heard of Martha Ann, either. Besides, discovery is fun.

The events that precede the gaps, may seem more exciting to kids, than the heroine saving money. For instance, during a time after Martha Ann's family re-settles in Liberia, the majority of them, with the exception of her older and younger brother, are wiped out by "African Fever" (Wow! What's African Fever?). But then, she grows up and gets married (what happened between then?). In another episode, the mission where she and her husband resides, are attacked by 300 tribesmen, led by their chief, Gotorah (Gee! Why don't they like each other. Isn't everybody the same?). All the while, she is still saving money, towards her visit (yeah).

Do you see what I mean?

Kyra Hick's book fulfills its purpose of bringing to life a true story of persistence and keeping a dream alive. It will be energizing to young children––of all races––still filled with wonder about what must have been a huge undertaking (when I was six, I thought ten years was a long time, and five dollars big money). Other kids, may find the spaces between the gaps more interesting. A young friend of mine, about nine, read the book. While she enjoyed the story (it was different), it was hard for her to understand saving money for fifty years ("what did Martha Ann do for work? My mom gets paid every week"). Ah, kids today.

She was more curious, about the country in which Martha Ann's family re-settled (the British Navy patrol boats, the fighting, and Queen Victoria). Cool! The history of Liberia and its subsequent drama, is a subject of major interest for me, and is not often covered in Black History Month classroom teaching; which is shameful as it contains some very relevant info for kids today. My friend was shocked to find out that Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf is that country's president, and the first female elected head of state on the continent. It was more shocking to find out that the sister made it, despite being beaten and jailed (the odds).

"Do you think it could happen here? A black woman president?"

"Why not?" you could do it. And it may be easier for you, too."

She grinned.

Now that's relevant. Thanks, Kyra.