SistahCraft

The Last Twister

Slow and Steady, Made The Cardi

(Colored pearl and semi-precious stone necklace, Shimoda Accessories; suede and mock croccodile satchel by Marie Elanne; boots, Dumond; photo by Mr. K; all pics enlarge).

Bonne Marie's Twist, is the first sweater, not of my own design, I've made for myself.

During the 23 years I've been knitting, I generally supported the work of sweater designers by purchasing their garments. Knitting patterns involved labor, and at the time, I had enough of my own work to do. But, once I changed careers, I found I could relax my mind to faithfully and uncritically knit another designer's pattern––and the timing couldn't have been better. The blogosphere has given rise to some very good knit designers, the major benefit being,  I haven't worked for any of them! Now surrounded with a plethora of interesting knits, I looked for precise instructions with no errata (pattern mistakes make me crazy), and a good schematic and/or pattern chart. Twist, gave me exactly what I was looking for.

Twist is a well balanced design in terms of knitting interest, the fringed cable collar giving it a youthful sass. And, it was classic enough not to date by the time I finished. Given the numerous daily deadlines I face at work, why impose any on an art I enjoy? 

I did resist a strong urge to run the cable pattern along the sleeve, and stayed true to the pattern; the discipline was not to re-design or embellish. If you are already knitting someone else's idea, why create more work for yourself?

Anyway, I started knitting this almost a year ago, and finished this past fall. I've worn it on a number of occasions, and it is indeed a chic-knit, receiving many compliments. Now, to elaborate on a few details.

Penny Wise and Button Foolish

I wanted to prove to some of my thriftier knitting friends, that you can make a beautiful and inexpensive garment out of 100% wool, if you're not too lazy to take care of it; knitting is too much of a labor of love, to use a cheap acrylic. Panda Woolbale 8 ply, an Aussie import from the famous Smiley's Yarns, was my choice, and this baby clocked in at $36.00US. So I splurged on the buttons!             

They are copper, with a green patina finish, from an Italian boy's military academy, circa 1940's (no, they are not fascist); from Tender Buttons, 143 E 62nd St NYC, 1-212-758-7004, my favorite source in New York (in Chicago, 946 N. Rush, Chicago, IL, 1-312.337.7033).

Here is a close up of the collar, and my friend's necklace.

The knitting pattern contained no errata, and Bonne's instructions were very easy to follow, accompanied by a nice cable chart and a good schematic drawing, especially important when you are ready to block your finished pieces. I gotta say, it was a good knitting experience, for a pattern virgin––although of course, the key––was to knit a large (8" x 8") swatch in the cable pattern first! Remember, if you don't ignore this step, your sweater won't ignore you!

For a blocking tutorial and a novel way to attach the collar, my tutorial page will be in the sidebar shortly.

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.

Comments Are Back

Speak Now, Or Forever Hold Your Peace

("The Scream" by Edvard Munch)

My comment section is back up, so we can now opine with alacrity! Holla back,

and Happy Mother's day! Love to you all.

No Comment

(Portrait-artist.org, has excellent tutorials)

Despite my blog configurations allowing comments, y'all have been telling me that comments were not being allowed on my previous entry. I have alerted Typepad to this. In the meantime, you can communicate to me by email. Thanks for your patience; I got paranoid, thinking y'all don't love me anymore. I hope the error clears up soon.

Sydney, Australia–The Yarn Report Continues

A Momentary Diversion

(The Three Sisters, 'Meehni', 'Wimlah' and Gunnedoo'. I was told, that in Aboriginal dreamtime, three sisters who were Katoomba, fell in love with three men who were Nepean, but marriage was forbidden by their laws. Battle ensued, and the sisters were turned to stone by a spirtual healer to protect them, but he was killed in the fighting and no one else could turn them back to women again. All pics enlarge).

My first trip to Australia didn't entail a trip to the Blue Mountains, horrifying Mr. K's family and friends, who chided him about it for years. This time, considering the alternative––my yarn habit––I secretly suspected he thought the trip would be a happy diversion, allowing us time to spend as a couple, away from the amiably badgering masses, wanting to make sure I got there. Good on 'ya, mates.

Yo! I was not prepared at all for what I beheld. I forever apologize to my fellow Aussies, for making the grimacing (American) comment––"it's like the Grand Canyon with greenery"––upon first glance. Please don't stop reading my blog.

The Grand Canyon is a youth, whereas The Blue Mountains date back to the Jurassic Age. When Charles Darwin set eyes upon it he could not believe the world was so old that creeks could cause the erosion, that over 3 million visitors a year to this World Heritage Site, see today.They are not mountains in the European sense either, so please take time to read the links for a better understanding.

Our time there––two days––was way too brief, but fulfilling nonetheless (and I was definitely not thinking about knitting at the fabulous Peppers Resort and Spa––formally the Fairmont). We took the world's steepest railway down into the Jamison Valley, and walked around, studying  the most
magnificent old growth vegetation.

The visual and spiritual uplift was stupefying. I was heart-sick having to return to the surface––via cable-car––but we had a late tea date in Blackheath, at the wunderkammer home of my friend, the artist Joan Ross. Currently working towards a show, her investigations of the relationship between the indigenous people and the first un-settlers, are truly guided by the ancestors of the region; the sisters are telling her so much, I wish I was a fly on the side of her ear.

Our get together wasn't as long as Mr. K and I'd have liked, having to get back to the resort for massages; it's ironic that one has to rush to relax. Thanks and kisses to you Ana, for setting the tone for our relaxation.

Nourishment, and a good night's sleep prepared us for our leaving the next day, to make the pilgrimage that all lovers of wool should make at some point in their lives––to see the Big Merino.

Post Script notes––First, to Kris and the ladies of Tapestry Craft, Paula and Maria of rubi + lana, and Helen––I am rapidly writing, covering a lot ground and your posts are up next––stay tuned, I will email you. Naomi, I will be in New York at the end of this weekend, but I'll be underground, as I have a lot to do before I return to work. Nik, I have patterns for that Heirloom yarn––and you will only get them after you knit something for yourself; I am not contributing to delinquency. To Rose Red (that's a fab sweater) and Celia, (kisses to your little man), thanks for the yarn shop info. I only had three weeks, and had to literally pack all of Sydney in, including the family and friends of Mr. K, folks I am not neutral about (and it's a good thing. I was only allowed one suitcase for yarn and souvenirs. Feh). Ancestors willing, I will return very soon!

And to everyone else…here's lookin' at ya'!

From The Bronx To Bondi–What Happened? Row 1

Hey There!

(A view of the Harbor Bridge, Sydney Australia. All pics enlarge)

No, I haven't dropped off the face of the planet––I am under it! This post is being written from the home of Mr. K's brother, the roguishly handsome, international art dealer, Barry K., where we are waiting for the arrival of one of his artists––the roguishly effervescent Jonathan Jones. This evening, we are gearing up to attend the New Years Eve soiree of one of Australia's and the U.K's most fabulous television personalities, my roguishly longtime handsome friend Mark Trevorrow. (I heard you're here too, Paris, but your life's not wonderful enough. Don't show up).
 

The only event more fabulous than the party we are attending, will be the fireworks display from the Sydney Harbor Bridge, the largest fireworks display in the world. this year promises to be a real hum-dinger, as the pre-holiday celebration also commemorates the bridge's diamond anniversary. After that, I will be lost in the mix of crowds––over a million people will be in attendance––mixed drinks, dance parties and ancestors knows what else! But don't worry folks, I'm a big girl.

Yikes, I gotta go! I have been here since the 27th of December, and much has happened. Now that I have worked out some tech difficulties, I'll be bringing you the 411 of my trip, so far, with more pics––Franklin darling, I wish I had your skills, this is such a beautiful place!

Until then––Happy New Year to all of y'all, my blog friends worldwide! Daphney, kisses to you, and I got you some needles made here! Don't hate my friends, I'm getting more gifts!

See Ya!

Finally! A Balm For Your Blunders

"There are no mistakes, no coincidences. All events are blessings given to us to learn from."
Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, July 8, 1926 - August 24, 2004

Count Your Blessings

When I started hand knitting 20 years ago, there were no instructional books that I can think of, devoted solely to the correction of mistakes.The ones I came across assumed––at least to me––that you were only going to make maybe two or three: to drop a stitch, knit or purl it the wrong way, or to increase/decrease surreptitiously; so that's all they included. And the solution to these problems, were to learn to either pick up the dropped stitch, or rip back to the offending stitch or row. Other books were more stringent in their discipline; if you did what they said, you wouldn't make these mistakes in the first place. It mirrored the sound of my mother.

Stumbling through the dark, my path to 'near perfection' was an arduous one. Yes, I have become extremely good at correcting my mistakes; but, the amount of energy I spent not to make any in the first place––was painful. I encourage all you novice knitters, the fearful, folks who are picking up the needles on the redux, perfectionists, knitters with self-esteem issues, those not blessed with anyone to help them, and especially my students and friends who I have forbidden to call me late at night––to buy this book. It will make your own path easier.

"Mistakes are the portals of discovery."
James Joyce, Author 1882 - 1941

Lisa speaks to you. Her philosophy is one of forgiveness and empowerment, through her you-can-do-this introduction. And a sense of calm is purveyed throughout the rest of the text.

You'll need to remain calm, when faced with page after page of enlarged color photos of knitting mistakes, ranging from the subtle, to the ones you imagine could be seen halfway across a room. But these pictures bear witness without inducing shame. And the solutions or fixes, are comfortingly spelled out step by step, enhanced by color coded illustrations.

As a given, there are chapters on the basics of knitting, fiber information, etc––but check the gems.
Troubleshooting: you learn to slow down your eyes and look––in order to diagnose what is wrong. In a nod towards prevention, Solving Problems Before They Grow, addresses those bugaboos that sprout immediately, for the sole purpose of discouraging your efforts. Test Driving, is devoted to all of you who like to completely ignore directions, plunging headlong into disaster. Her advice on proper planning, should encourage you to look into the pool, to see if there is water first.

As part of the blog tour for Knit Fix, Lisa Kartus and I are having a conversation about the parallels between fixing knitting mistakes and finding solutions in life, which I will post this Sunday, September 10th. You can check out the details of, and follow her tour by going to her site, Knitmaven.

"It's always helpful to learn from your mistakes, because then your mistakes seem worthwhile."
Gary Marshall, 'Wake Me When It's Funny' 

Do Your Children Still Drink Kool-Aid?

What Color Is Your Stomach Lining?

While having dinner recently at my favorite restaurant, the very young daughter of a friend asked me to knit her a hat like mine. She was in love with the color, but became quite concerned when I told her I achieved it by dyeing the hat using Kool-Aid®. Her mother's eyes widened when I told her, that the hat had been machine washed in cold water about three times, and had resisted fading–remember those grape stains?

Well, the little girl whispered to me–while her mom suddenly had to go to the bar–that she drank Kool-Aid® "a lot" during the summer. Really?

Then, she wanted to know, what color her stomach was.

I suppressed a grin, as the devil took hold of me. I had a strong urge to tell her what my dad would have called a "funny"–something you tell small children that's not really true for a laugh, at their expense. The ancestors know–I was a victim of this man's "funnies" when I was small (hey Hara, I want you to go out and find me a one-ended stick. Or, here–take this bucket, and go fill it with steam).

Too late. I told her, that your stomach is normally pink, and if she only drank the red and pink flavors (not the grape or the lime), that it would match, and no harm would be done. She seemed relieved, but I think her mom, upon hearing this, started re-assessing the role I'd be playing in her daughter's future.

I will knit the hat for the miniature princess, and her mom is gonna start making home-aid lemonade, from now on.

This hat was my first experiment with Kool-Aid and dip-dyeing. It is composed of: Cotton Chenille (which didn't take the dye well, helping to produce a nice tweed), Brown Sheep Worsted and two ends of Halcyon boucle, knitted on 16" circulars, size 11 (8mm). Sorry the photo isn't color corrected well, but the colors are Cherry and Black Cherry mixed, one packet each. Vinegar was the mordant.

So, go to Amanda Gill's site, have fun, and try not to drink this stuff. Especially with vinegar.

A Thanks…An Apology…A Mag Pick…Coming Right Up

Thank you Latoya, for tagging me, as I forgot to mention in my previous post–I was a bit flipped out. Just a bit. But I enjoyed parting with a bit of me. I can't think of anyone to tag, cause it seems like everyone I know has been tagged already. Don't t let me find out you haven't been though, 'aight?

I am posting an apology, to my friend James L., Aidan, and the folks at Sew Fast Sew Easy, for some mis-information supplied to me from a (I thought) trusted friend, that I should have been more skeptical about. This was not funny. James is still employed as an instructor, and is not involved in, what I hope is the end of this dispute.

The opinion of I and my aunt Catherine (age 85), has not changed. But from now on, I will no longer post comments regarding specifics on the politics of craft on others sites. I will express my opinion on political craft issues right here, and you can come directly for me! Now, let's move on.

The theme of the Jan/Feb 2006 issue of my favorite magazine in the whole world–FiberARTS–is wearable art! In it, is my favorite machine knitter, in the whole world, Lisa Ann Auerbach.  Although I am an ex-anarchist (after Abbie Hoffman decided to leave the planet, I decided that the world in general, and the U.S. in particular, is too immature for anarchy), her philosophy and use of the machine-knitting medium to express social commentary, is inspirational.

And I will continue my bid to inspire y'all, with a bunch of new fabrics going into SwatchOut, by the week's end. On Thursday, I will be grafting together some cross-cultural knitting, in the form of an in-depth review of a very exciting new book, from the press of my favorite magazine in the whole world. So be sure to click on!

Later,

The Knitting Magpie

 

 

Memory Yarn

Yarn I Will Never Knit With

While looking for something else, I discovered these. Clockwise, from left: 3/10 Fuschia Alpakka, from the Tivvo Yarn Shop, Oslo, Norway. Novelty paper yarn, hand-dyed by Michelle Renee Burrows, owner of the former Magry Knits, East Village, New York. Authentic (89 cents) Phentex Olefin yarn, a gift from Mother Franklin, age 83, of the Harlem Knitting Circle. Silk ribbon, from New York Yarn Co., circa 1981 (when I purchased it), formerly on 6th Avenue, between 31st and 32nd streets, in Manhattan.

These yarns release triggers in my memory, as powerful as photographs. I know in my heart that I will never make anything with them; I am attached to these balls and spools through time and sentiment.   I saw Mother Franklin crocheting a hat with the Phentex yarn last summer; my childhood memories came spilling out and I asked her if ooooh could I have one pleeease, using the same nine-year-old voice I had when I asked my Great-Aunt Alice for a ball, back in the 60's (Alice said no).

The silk organdy ribbon (99 cents each), takes me back to the days of that humongous, high ceiling-ed discount yarn store on 6th ave.

The owner Al, was a jolly, rotund man, whose highly-coiffed wife–she reminded me of Marie Antoinette–gave knitting lessons in the back. They owned five rotund cats, who had free reign in the store. Often, one would usually be sleeping in a large bin, filled with balls of mohair, and fully camouflaged. An unsuspecting shopper would be startled at receiving a mild scratch, from trying to pick up this super-sized ball, come to life. Considering this was the time before lawsuit culture, such an antic generally brought about laughter, and sometimes a free–genuine–ball of yarn.

Renee's hand-dyed novelty is sooo beautiful; it is a reminder of the many wonderful hours I spent knitting and ki-ki-ing with her, in the shop. The alpaca, purchased when Mr. K, his parents and I, were visiting Oslo a few years ago, was a lesson in pride and prejudice. Pride won out (to tell you the truth, since it is only Alpaca, I may use it...but, not now). See, this is not stash yarn, but "memory yarn."

What yarn do you have that you are attached to, via sentimental value?

What A Difference a Stitch Makes! 

I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT! My fitting went well on Saturday, with the dashing, uptown style icon, Larry Bentley expressing total satisfaction with the fit and pattern. Then what do I see?! If you look closely at the top motif, (click to enlarge) you'll see it is wider than the lower one. I had moved the outside, traveling cables over by one stitch, and the whole thing opened up. Well, after cussing up a breeze for a minute or two–I will lose two hours, frogging and re-knitting–I suddenly came to the revelation that my "mistake" will certainly come in handy as the design in an A-line dress I want to knit for Spring '06; featuring expanding Double X Cables. The moral of the story? Mistakes can be inspirational. Ribit.

In Other News

I have not made News Years resolutions, as I do not celebrate the holiday of the Gregorian Calender. It is only a date change, that means nothing to me in real time. I celebrate (party and all), the Vernal Equinox, occurring on March 20th. Why? Because I can look around, and really see a new beginning; the awakening of the earth and its creatures. I use the dead of winter instead, to prepare for my forthcoming chrysalis...

Mona, the bold and beautiful South-Asian sister who works in the Pakistani restaurant around the corner from my home, has just become the recipient of a huge bag of mini-cones of DMC embroidery floss; this is a continuation of my campaign against hoarding, a decidedly useless human trait. You can't get the new in your life, if you continue to hold onto the old. Yes, I have some balls of yarn I'll keep. But, this was a bag full, and I don't embroider anymore. Why pretend?

My motto? If you can't display it–goodbye!

By the way Rebecca, the pigtail shown on the vest is not a cable. It is a five stitch, four row repeat, consisting of left and right twists; the return rows are purled. You can find this pattern in A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns, by Barbara G. Walker, renowned feminist and scholar.