SistahCraft

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.

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.

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.

London Calling…But I Gottta Answer The Phone!

…Say Ha-a-a-y!

(The Tower Bridge, London)

This shout out is for Knitty Nora, and all sistahs and knit bloggers who virtually know me! I AM HERE; today's my second day. I will be in town until Friday, then I will be taking a bath in Bath for Saturday. I return to the states on Sunday. I am staying at the Zetter Hotel, St. Johns Square, 88-86 Clerkenwell Road; (0)20 7324 4444. For faster access, my cell number is (0) 78 9151 3331. Holla! Holla! Where can I get good Carribean food? What's the dance music scene doing? Let's hang out!

Fly By Night, Is The Best Time For Me

I am not one for flying; but until my etheric travel skills are more developed (I gotta figure out the luggage part), Eos Airlines is the best––only 48 seats, and fabulous service. At JFK airport, we experienced a minor hiccup at airport security (wrong line), but Eos's personnell quickly corrected the situation.

ZZZZ's At The Zetter

(A 30£––$60US––water bottle cozy, and my lace stole. All pics enlarge).

Gosh, I didn't know how tired I was! At this posting, I've only been up about 3 hours. This bed is one of the better points of the hotel. Further inspiration was encouraged by How To Be Idle, an excellent book by Tom Hodgkinson (Penguin Group), of which I am going to purchase a few copies to give to some friends to save their health and sanity. The first chapter "waking up is hard to do," is worth the book itself.

As for this photo––normally I get annoyed when, discovering the cost of a beautifully knitted object, I hear a non-knitter's comment such as "my (fill in the blank) could make that." But, when Mr. K and I entered our room, saw this, then discovered the price––I want all of you knitters who are reading this post to collectively say "I could make this." Feel better? I'ma look for a pattern while I'm here. My lace stole is being made from Jaggerspun Yarn, a 50/50 merino, chinese tussah silk mix. Knitted on #4 circulars, the border is turned sideways to become an intarsia'd edging; the red pattern is Spanish Window, from A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns.

London Is My Oyster

Well folks, I gotta dash. I've got my oyster tube card, and my A Z mini street guide. I'm going to Covent Gardens to shop (Mr. K's English prejudice-based weather predictions, had me pack heavier clothes than  I needed––feh). And knitter's, don't get your knickers in a knot (he taught me to say this horrible phrase); I am  going to yarn shops, and will report––thanks Chris, for Guernseygal's link to I Knit––and tonight's the late night, no less! Yeah, yeah, yeah! And yo! Check out this blog, on the London Underground––see Necia, you ain't crazy––they're ahead of us! Could the six train be the place of the next Sit n' Knit, NYC meeting? Hey! Ho! Let's Go!

Sydney, The Yarn Report-Tapestry Craft's Yarn Shop

   Tapestry Craft––The Yarn Shop

It took me a minute to get used to the subdued track lighting that gives this shop a slight loung-ey feeling. In the rear, there's a platform resembling a stage. My first impression, was that the store could double as a venue to see a band.

In reality, the economical lighting helped to keep the place cool, and focused on the merchandise (the most important thing you need to see). It is a clean, uncluttered space, and the rear platform holds a table for the weekly knitting group. The shop's manager Kris, did inform me that a cafe was opening soon (see? It’s only a matter of time before the band).

(Myself and Kris, a dynamic knitter and blogger)

The Layout

Yarns are merchandised in the classic manner for Aussie shops––according to weight and plies––with mega brands such as Noro and Heirloom having their own sections. Ball yarns remain in their plastic bags on the shelves (to keep from falling. You can remove them), but are accompanied by large stockinette swatches, with the appropriate written info. I found this a good move, especially in the case of  light colored yarns which can becomed soiled by continually falling.

There rather tranquil atmosphere––probably due to the time of year––allowed Kris, (an ex-pat American and ex-techie who has found her calling, much to the benefit of knitters in Sydney) and myself to have a convivial chat about, what else––the business. She further hipped me to Australian-produced yarns for the Asian market, which I haven't seen in the US. Yippee! I could purchase exclusivity. I still had enough Aussie money which I needed to spend in the country, so guess what I did…

The Yarns

In addition to classic Aussie brands––Cleckheaton, Heirloom, and Panda, there are Italian novelties, and Anny Blatt––my over-the-top favorite (puzzlingly, I didn't see US yarns anywhere during my trip). Yarn prices are reasonable, the cost rising in direct correlation to the distance between manufacturer and retail outlet. For the digitally challenged, finished samples are for sale (though the ones I saw could've use a bit of freshening).

Books and patterns are sold in conjunction with many of the yarns carried. This is a good thing. One shouldn’t have to push their brain beyond their skill level, without the proper support, which may be had, in terms of classes and a knitting group. Accessories are standard, and I finally got to see the Jordana Paige knitting bags in person. Nice. Time for a change, as they will compliment my spring attire.

Don't Let The Distance Stop You

Seriously worth mentioning, is Tapestry Craft's website. Yes fiends, you can enjoy Aussie brands before you go! Their website is extremely well organized, and performs price conversions in US dollars and Pounds sterling (the US prices will blow your mind!). Accurate color representations of the products are shown. Also featured, are great pics of Kris and the knitting group (hey there everybody! Hi and I'm sorry I missed y'all!).

So, if you’re from Oz already and reading this, then what are you waiting for?  If you're visiting, stay at the fabulous Grace Hotel, then make this place your first stop, and tell Kris I said hello. Otherwise, click on Tapestry Craft's link, and start planning your projects. Or, start saving your saving your air-fare. Seriously.

Sydney, The Yarn Report-Tapestry Craft

Australia's In The Building!

(The shop where I found my answer. All pics enlarge)

When spending time in another place, I like to check out where needle-workers draw their inspiration from. What kinds of motifs find their way onto, or become part of––a work?

More so than knitting, tapestry (needlepoint), applique, embroidery––needle arts that readily lend themselves to picture-making––are mediums through which I can see the represented forms of a group's cultural identity.

In Sydney, many town houses are adorned with, iron lace––a form of decorative cast-iron work; some feature a  Waratah as a central motif. I wondered if Australian flora and other scenes were represented in patterns and books for the needle arts as well. Such work tells me, that people have 'pride of place'.

My inquiries about the availability of books and patterns featuring native motifs and designs, rendered an answer which was kinda' shocking––None (or none that anyone knew of). Repeatedly, I was told "maybe you should put one out." Really. Was anyone even interested?

The answer to the latter question––ranged from creative baggage, carried from the idea that English flora and motifs were the glass of fashion––to Australiana being seen as kitsch (the way Americana would be 'kitsch' to us). Hmmm. I get both Herrschner's and the Mary Maxim catalogs, and from what I can see, Americana is doing well. I was also blessed with a needlepoint of Ayers Rock, given to me by my friend Joan––and, despite her claim it was done in the 70's––I still refused to believe the Aussies hadn't developed a needle-art identity of their own.

And then I remembered Tapestry Craft. I figured if they didn't have the answer to my investigation, then that was that.

Sydney, The Yarn Report-rubi + lana

A Store, On The Next Level

(rubi + lana, on the mezzanine; shop 21, Gordon Village Arcade, 767 Pacific Highway, Gordon NSW; (02) 9499 9711; info@rubiandlana.com. All pics enlarge)

To aid in my yarn shop search, I picked up two homegrown Aussie knitting mags––Yarn and Creative Knitting (the latter, has a review of Marsha A. Polk's book––click on front cover. See Sistah Friends? Word travels).

On the third page of Yarn was a most colorful ad for the shop, rubi + lana. My initial visit found them still on holiday. I called the following week, finding them open, and after an inquiry on how to get there from Sydney, I was off. Ya' know, it's only a 30 minute CityRail ride on the north shore and west shore line from Wynyard Station direct to Gordon, where they're around the corner; if you drive, there is parking behind the arcade. So, city dwellers, there's no excuse. Really.

This was the first shop I had been to after visiting the local shop in Avalon, and Hornsby Craft & Wool Nook (shop 3a, the Piazza, 25 Florence; Hornsby, NSW (02) 9482 4924), that sold primarily yarn, year round. (my sincere apologies to Greta's Handcraft Centre; 321 Pacific Highway, Lindfield NSW; (02) 4938 5970. I didn't get the chance to visit what I hear, is a very fine store, and part of the impetus for the opening of the one I'm reviewing).

The Skinny

At this shop, yarns are organized by color, and weight (similar gauge), not ply's––the standard I'm told, elsewhere (weight, in my opinion, is more accurate). Paula, the owner, encourages her customers to step out of their pattern-led comfort zones, and think more creatively, through yarn substitution. What difference does it make?

You see, many of y'all Americans are creative rebels, often wanting to use pattern "A" with yarn "B" and needle "C" (and often needing a lot of help to pull it together). Australian knitters by contrast, are faithful to their patterns, following the instructions, and using the dictated yarn. While sheep-like, it makes for very good knitters. I suspect the creative transition should be easy.

The Reason

Rubi + lana opened about two years ago. Says Paula––"It was my response to the dwindling of the craft I learned as a girl––knitting––my love of the new fibers, and the lack of yarn shops."

The layout itself, albeit a bit crowded with merchandise, is a testament to this love, displaying yarn, needlework, and patterns relevant to modern tastes––while not alienating lovers of the classics, whose favorites are here, too. Paula also stated, that upon opening, customers came from as far out as the western suburbs––"it was like travelers in the desert finding water." Wow.

The yarn selection is impressive. Many are exclusive only to the shop––European and, new to my eyes––imports from Asia. An American novelty by Geo Yarns Inc., gave me a very Chanel feeling. But alas, I only bought a ball to swatch for the library. No matter. If you are visiting, purchase yarn, and later want more, simply fax or email a pic of the swatch and the band; either Paula herself or Marie, her associate will accomodate you.

I know y'all wanna ask––no, I did not go crazy. Prices, while not outrageous, do not lend themselves to serendipitous experiment. You need to think about what you want to make. I only purchased a few novelties to swatch for the library, and a couple of balls of the shop's own beautifully colored, and finely spun merino, for two summer wraps. My advice as always, is to buy one ball to swatch, and if you like it––return to purchase the rest. It's not as expensive, because a mistake always costs much more.

Other Mediums, Common Threads

A nod is given to other crafts; nevertheless, I found the rug-hooking a bit odd, it's inclusion possibly because of the age group of the immediate area. Embellishment, showcased an emphasis on beautiful Brazilian Embroidery (ironic, as embroidery in general seemed to be on the decline). My favorite were the shoes, embroidered with delicate florals (not pictured).

(pictured; Marie, Paula's associate; customers, in the background).

Ready-made items of the shop can be purchased. Hallelujah! No disrespect, but there are folks who have no desire to knit or crochet. Many yarn shops, rather than showing contempt, could instead show an increase in sales, by courting these potential customers. After all, there just is no better place for a non-knitter who likes knits, to go. And y'all knitters and crocheters, can stop killing yourselves from altruism during the holidays, finally having time to make the (fill in the blank), that you've always wanted.

The Doings

There are classes, and a knitting group that meets bi-monthly (call for times). Hi everyone!

And Vera, the good news is crochet is on the upswing. Chooks with hooks are on the move! ("chook" is an Australian lexicon for chicken, or chick––as in "chicks with sticks").

A finishing service is available––a relief––and the small staff is extremely patient, friendly and attitude free! (to my Aussie friends, this is a big deal in the states; you'll see when you come here). In attendance with me was Helen K., her daughter Anne G., and Helen's step-daughter Val S. While speaking with me, Paula and Marie helped them, and other customers. Indeed, the atmosphere was casual and pleasant (Helen––remember, you can bring in that cardigan for a crocheted edging––how fabulous).

All in all, Rubi + lana is a store I will reach out across the hemisphere to, when I am ready to knit my Chanel-esque suit in the spring. On the other hand, If you live in Sydney or the surrounding suburbs, you're almost there; rubi + lana will simply help your creativity reach the next level––and it's only a few steps up.