SistahCraft

Charmed! In San Francisco

 Golden Moments

 

(Mr. K's pic of the Golden Gate Bridge, on his last visit; all pics enlarge).

Hey there everybody!

Checking the date of my last post, I was a bit shocked––where did the time go? I Thank the ancestors for photo aps, while sorting through the blur of events pics that your life becomes when you're on the move.

Right now my butt's stationary, having had to cancel my standing date to spin in the park with the spinderella of Harlem herself, my sistahfriend Chanté, due to the iffy-looking weather. But disappointment has led to a welcome opportunity to catch up, and share with y'all a few things I felt could make a needleworker's life more joyful.

San Francisco, Coming And Going

On a stopover, you don't have time to take in all the sights, so Mr. K and I had to concentrate on what was important––knitting, eating, drinking, and shopping. A delicious lunch at Kuleto's, which included some spicy, sensual bloody marys, fortified us for walking around (and occasionally up and downhill) the downtown section of the city. We ended our day at Heaven's Dog in SOMA. I let the bartender chose to make a cocktail for me, and it was transcendental, as was the food––light and lovely on the palate.

(The area shown, is fab in summer evenings for knitting friends to sit and get some rows in while having a cocktail and their divine dumplings. 

Reveal Your Charms

(And the flyer whorl on the spinning wheel turns!).

Whether you knit or crochet, stitch markers not only fulfill their intended purpose, but like shoes and cars, speak hanks about your personality. Sarit Simäyof's World of Charms on Powell Street, abetted my lust to re-purpose a more than a few of their trinkets. With over 9,000 charms that represent the who, what and where (the Michael Jackson charms are in, ba-by), everyone's needlework can give a clue. I also want to send a shout to their gracious and patient sales associates––you're the best! Prices range from under $20 to over $1000.

(She's as sweet as the candy she's holding. Thanks to thedailygrommet.com, for this photo).

Claudia Schwartz  is the seraphic owner of Bell'occhio, an absolutely recherché treasure chest, that's worth a trip to on its own. Mr. K  bought the vert vapeur shoe box, which was perfect to hold the wine goblets he hand blew for his father's 80th birthday. Now, go to her website post haste!

The Littlest San Franciscan

But not yet. Before you go, here is a pic of the city's most charming new resident, who arrived into the world in March.

Finn Liang, is the nephew of Ursula Liang, my co-worker. His arrival was inspiring for me, in that I could knit something that wasn't  a "baby color", and was meaningful.

In Chinese culture, red and gold symbolize prosperity and good fortune, and I believe that babies born into today's world should have as much as possible! The number 8 additionally symbolizes good luck, and this pattern called for 8 buttons. See, the ancestors know, 'cause that detail wasn't conscious in my choice––they will guide you every time.

Finished in spring, the large (18 month) size, will fit just when it's cold enough to need it. The pattern from Lion Brand Yarns, took about 4 skeins of Universal Yarns "Eden Silk", a merino/silk combo, for the body, and one skein of a  gold wool/silk from my stash. The needle size was a 4 (3.5mm).

Aren't these frog buttons the best?

Ursula and I went to Tender Buttons at 143 E 62nd St (212- 758-7004), where she chose them. All blessings to the family!

Get Your Sydney On! Row 1-My FavoriteTravel Companion

No Dorothy, It's Not The Atlantic

(Give me a break! Strong waves at a slice of Turimetta Beach in the Narrabeen Head Aquatic Reserve. All pics enlarge)

Hey there!

I'm back from Oz (nicknamed by Sydneysiders, for their "Emerald City"), and still adjusting to the time change, climate change (similar now, thank the ancestors), and the ability to communicate again. Mr. K spent the better part of our 2-1/2 week trip upgrading his dad's internet service to broadband from dial up, as part of his birthday present. When your mind is still sharp at 80, your MacBook––the computer of choice for seniors on the go––and internet service should be too. But, more on that later.

You Can Get There, From Here

When considering a trip to Australia, the first thought on folks minds is the distance. No doubt, it is a long flight––from New York non stop, it's almost 22 hours. But for us, it's all about the stopover. Breaking the trip up helps enormously in terms of time and price, unless you're a knitter or stitcher––then you have a greater concern. 

If you can't use your hands, any distance can be too long. And if either your needles or accessories are confiscated by airport security––you don't want to think about that do you? Here's a suggestion, so you won't be stopped before the stopover.

Check With Your Carrier First––Then Fly Jet Blue!

(No worries, mate; my new traveling companion)

I'm giving a big shout out to my girl Fiona! Jet Blue is the knitter's friend. They allow needlework on their flights, but you'll still have to deal with security clearance; and being herded through, in a crowded, uncaring airport like JFK International, you don't want to have your accessories spilling out of your bag onto the floor. Make it a point to get the Knit Kit from Dreamworks Yarns ($19.99). This little T.S.A. compliant gadget is 'da bomb––whoops, sorry––the shizznit, to travel with. The tape measure pulls out to 58-3/4" (53.7m), and I had enough room in the back to include a blunt point plastic needle, 4 locking plastic stitch markers, and a pretty little stitch marker charm. 

I like Bryspun circular needles when I travel. They're plastic, which security understands and they're easy on my hands. And the bag? Namaste's Laguna. It's fabulous for carry on; large enough to hold a sweater project, yarn, and other essentials––like an iPhone to look up the local yarn shop at your destination––but flexible enough to fit under an economy seat.

Traveling With R-e-s-p-e-c-t

The Knit Kit eliminates what I call knitter's fumble––constantly reaching into your bag to pull out something you forgot. In an era of heightened paranoia and shrinking seat size, you need to limit your movements, so as not to irritate your fellow passengers ("what is she doing? I didn't know they allowed whatever that is, on flights. She needs something to put all that in.) Enough said.

Next Stop––San Francisco! Later, y'all.

The Aliens Have Returned Me!

Where I Was Seen Last During The Summer…

 

(I only got up for a moment; The Silver Spinner, my Ashford Kiwi wheel, custom painted and tricked out to be portable, by the handsome Dave Paul of The Merlin Tree. All pics enlarge.)

Hey there everybody!!!

I want to thank all of you who expressed concern for me. And since I do care about your feelings, I'm not gonna lie––I was not a candidate for the visitors; I was right here on earth.

Honestly? I just didn't have the time to spend online, so I had to take a break. Fall/winter became very busy, between work at the magazine, and my work in knit product development. With the hours I had left, I directed my energies to living, because I am not under the self-help book inspired illusion that one can have or do it all––that's for the deities. And maybe the aliens.

I finished some intense design commitments, then acquired skill in a new medium––hand spinning––in order to refocus my eyes, and find new inspiration. I'm now feeling renewed and refreshed,  just in time for the return of spring! 

But, as the daffodils are moving up, some things have moved on. Here are two announcements, so you won't be unpleasantly surprised when you visit NYC.

Last Stitches

The start of this year has seen the closing of two yarn shops. The first, Yarn Connection (218 Madison Avenue at 36th Street), was a favorite haunt of mine for over 20 years. Arriving at the top of the stairs to Jane Young's jewel box of a shop on the second floor, you were often greeted by boxes of the latest yarns stacked in the hallway; my heart would immediately start to palpitate with cupidity. Her staff was the nicest, both patient and helpful to everyone, and they had the best sale bins for designer yarn in the city. Yes folks, this was where a frugal gal could look good. I admit I didn't go to the final sale. I would've started to cry, embarrassing everyone. For a last look at the shop, go to Heidi Cohen's  Knitted Yarns. Jane, I wish you  the best!

The second to cast off, was Stitches East (55 East 52nd Street, lobby 3). This elusive but spacious boutique, discretely called bitches east by disgruntled patrons, catered to well dressed, advanced knitters and needle pointers who lunched. Indeed, on the rare occasion I stopped in, I was actually treated decently––probably owing to wearing a not-too-vintage designer suit, and running off to meet friends for a sweet lunch at that venerated New York institution, Serendipity.  But, regardless of the mixed reviews, it's still a loss for midtown center––where will the swells stitch now? Perhaps Knitting 321 (321 East 75th Street), will pick up the ball. It's expensive, caters to knitches (from what I've heard), and you can lunch at Swifty's!

Yes y'all, the knitting magpie is back!!

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!

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.

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.