SistahCraft

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!

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!

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

When I Wasn't Knitting…

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

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

All You Need Is Love (And Knitting)

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

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

Feet Don't Fail Me Now!

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

Or Go…Coney Island's Last Season!

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

We've Gone Native!

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

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

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

Now, About That Pond

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

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

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

Catching Up Is Hard To Do

Now, Where Were We?

(Forgive the blur; I couldn't test, as  the security guard was hawking me.
These plaid satin and patent platforms were part of an exhibit entitled The Tailor's Art, at the museum of my old alma mater, The Fashion Institute of Technology, or F.I.T. It covered the evolution of tailoring from around the 1600's to the present.

Now that my life is on fast-forward again, the events of the past month and a half seems like old news; but news it is, so I'll weave the ends into the intarsia picture of my current life.  Let's get busy.

Burn Your UFO's?

It has been brought to my attention, from now veteran burner, and the don of the decks, DJ Adam Goldstone, that a number of knitting groups will represent at Burning Man this year. If you are not familiar with this mind-boggling art festival that takes place in the Nevada Desert for ten days, then check their site; they can explain it better than I. The particular coterie I was emailed about was The Madame De Farge Knitting Circle––isn't that a fierce name?

Description:
Hang out, knit, chat, plot revolution. Crocheters welcome.
Date:
Monday, August 28, 2006  -  Friday, September 1, 2006  (every Day)
(Updated: Thursday, June 8, 2006 11:13am)
Time:
11:00am-2:00pm
Duration:
180 minutes
Hosted by/Camp Name:
Eplaya Bar Camp

Saving Your Needles For Knitting

This is for my lady-friends in the city, who like like to do needlework and have a tipple––or two or three––while they're out. Now, I know some of y'all like to take the subway home, emboldend by the confidence of your needles and hooks doubling as weapons. But trust me, the reality is this: unless you're using straight needles, size thirteen and up––which would give an potential molester pause? I don't think so. Besides, why get blood on the fabulous silk tee, you're three rows away from finishing? If the ebony, glass or rosewood needle or hook breaks in the process, you'll just get enraged, and you know what hapens then––picture yourself in the precinct at 2:30am, with the cops going '" Hey Martinez, listen to what she stabbed 'im with…!'"

Rightrides has teamed up with Zipcar––the economic and ecological rental car of the future––to provide ladies with rides home, free of charge; get the skinny from the link, as a few rules apply. Bonne Marie, Zipcar is now in Chicago.

The Devil Git's No Work From Me

Well, I may have been off, but my hands certainly ain't been idle…