Hey There!
I'm finally getting the chance to take some time out, to bring you some needlework highlights from the week.
Last Sunday, the largest black parade in the country, namely the African-American Day Parade brought out the usual stellar steppin' bands from esteemed historically black colleges such as Morgan State, along with the usual assortment of dignitaries, politicos, rappers, beauties, and community organizations from around the nation. My girl, the crochetin' sistah' paradise herself–Zenobia Bailey took these photos of a wonderful high-steppin' group called the Go Getters, of Baltimore, Maryland, who were sporting hand-crocheted uniforms!
If any of y'all out there know this group, I'd appreciate any info about the maker(s) of these cute get ups for the Go Getters, so I can give credit where credit is due.
The Early Bird Gets the Light
Such was the case at the Snow Beverage's nightclub knitting event, which occurred on Wednesday at Rock Candy. I arrived around 7:30 p.m., at the zenith of the event. If you could call it that. About 40 people were there.
Recalling my last post, the hosts had wanted to retain a nightclub-like atmosphere. Well, they achieved their goal by having the soiree in a club, but that's where it ended. I will offer some insight into what may have gone wrong.
Women Only: My male friends who knit, sniffed at this, and so did I. I understand what the organizers were trying to accomplish (no straight guys bothering the women), but it only caused confusion. Some gay sisters showed up and commented upon the lack of activity. Women weren't mingling, dancing or even drinking for that matter. These sisters felt as I did, that their male knitting companions would have made the event more fun (maybe; or they might have left before the happening ended, like I did). Maybe the fantasy of hip, exciting, urban knitters, working on cashmere scarves while sipping on drinks made with Snow beverages–or anything else–is just that. The crowd looked "fairly hip," but they were way too busy knitting, to be exciting.
The Space: It was too big for the number of women who showed up; it didn't encourage mingling. And, it was only partially lit. Most knitters (here anyway) don't seem to mingle; they're cliquey. I think advance reservations would be in order next time, and changing the venue to a bar/restaurant wouldn't be a bad idea either.
The Light: The knitters have spoken. It's about the light, S****D!
The product giveaway was a copy of Bust Magazine, (last time you received a flashlight key chain, not bright enough to help you here, though). The raffle prize was a copy of one of the Stitch and Bitch Nation Books by the Editor-In-Chief of Bust Magazine. Yeah, O.K. And was I too late to see the free lessons given by West Village yarn shop the Point? Or did they show up? What happened?
Positively speaking (finally), I did meet two very lovely knitters: Mpenzi Campbell (left) and Yara Erosa, who has RetroStitch. Hello ladies!
The colorful wrap that Yara is flossing, is "Dazzle," from Knitting Fever.
You rock, Yara!
We Can Make It, If We Try
Thursday's child ran along 38th and 39th streets, in the Garment District, procuring supplies to finish a soon-to-be fabulous baseball jacket, I am determined to rock at the Knit Out & Crochet. Yes folks, it's upon us, so if you ain't got your look together yet–'git crackin'!
The sportswear district, between 7th and 8th Avenues–a sub-district in the larger district–is my favorite area. Some of the G.D. has been lost due to business movement; but within these streets, I still get the sense that I can obtain anything I need, to make anything I want. What creative power.
This is where Fashion Week really begins and ends–on them.
I wasn't trying to score anything major; I picked up some quilted lining fabric from AK Fabrics, 257 west 39th street. At Leather Impact, 256 west 38th street, I purchased two beautiful leather skins–for the appliqued, sports-team type lettering on the back of my jacket (I don't know what the lettering will spell out yet, but it won't be my name). I bought more than enough, so the remainder may become trim on a knitted jacket or coat.
Here's a great place to get some trim–S & S Trimming inc., 24 west 38th st.
All you hardware freaks out there–lust! And you purse fetishizers, gaze upon the handles...
That's it for now, kids. I'm fading. Tomorrow, I
will have the pics of my jacket so far, and a surprise.
Here's a hint...the sweetest of the sweet... is in the home stretch, baby.
It looks great! I can't wait to see it done (will you be modeling it for us?).
Posted by: Nick | Monday, September 26, 2005 at 09:42
Love those uniforms!! I wish I coulda been there coz I love stepping. We have a few schools here that perform in the Okra Strur parade,and they always blow me away!
Posted by: Knit Boy | Monday, September 26, 2005 at 16:51
Very cute top there! Can't wait to see the jacket! The Go Getters had on cute get ups. Love the hardware too!
Posted by: Michelle | Monday, September 26, 2005 at 22:52
Ms. S, I look forward to seeing the completion of both Sweet Pea and the baseball jacket.
The crocheted outfits of the Go Getters were pretty cute.
Too bad the venue/event wasn't a smashing success, but the upside is that you met some new kniters and that's always a positive.
Posted by: Wanda | Tuesday, September 27, 2005 at 10:52