SistahCraft

URGENT! Help Repair The Thread...

(... that binds US ALL! Photo courtesy of AP/ BBC World Service; all pics enlarge)

Ancestors! If this child has transited... Yesterday, on 1010WINS, the news radio for  information in NYC, I heard about the earthquake in Yushu County, in Quinghai Province, Western China. At that point, 400 had been killed and thousands more made homeless. Bad, bad, news. Today, it's much, much, worse.

From Their Farms To Your Fingers

OK, so what does this have to do with the fabulous yak fiber you bought to spin some fingerless gloves? If it's coming from Jade Tree Yarns, then your purchase has assisted the families inhabiting this tibetan plateau feed their families––the majority, are sheep and yak farmers. But, now that's gone. There is a huge rip in the fabric of their lives.

So, Lets Repair It. Now!

To get further news on the continuing aftershocks, and other rescue efforts––go to BBC World News. As of right now, however––here is a way you can help mend the intense fissure that has decimated the lives and livelihoods of our brothers and sisters.Linda Cortright, Editor of Wild Fibers Magazine, the only fiber mag to bring awareness of the importance of fiber, land and people to the economic global conversation, has listed a link where you can send donations for earthquake relief: The Jade Tree Project.

Who And Why?

These folks work with their sister non-profit, First Asia Development to improve the lives of poor communities in the Tibetan Plateau of China. They connect their artisan made products to the global market––such as the yarn you're knitting or crocheting right now. Your monies, have built a school and gave families yaks; a little luxe for you, but a major source of clothing and food for them. 

Love Saves The Day

I've sent off my donation, and a prayer to the ancestors who link these folks to me. I beseech everyone reading this blog post to do the same. We all needed help at one time to get back on our feet; please contribute to help the families of this province get back up on their earth!

Greetings From The Neighborhood

(April showers bring––Sakura! All pics enlarge)

Gosh! Not much news has crossed my path. I'm working on a large commission, the details of which I'll divulge when it's completed. At this point, I'll only say––its more machine knitting than I have ever done in my life. And with the deadline looming, I'm trying not to be totally unnerved. Thank the ancestors I have a plan and a wonderful assistant.

The Park Bench Spinner Returns For Another Season

(This fabulous spinning wheel from Majacraft, truly gives my wrists a rest from the knitting machine).

My homage to Spring's arrival, is to bring out the wheel and––occasionally––wine, to enjoy some hand-spinning on the bench. Additionally luxuriating in some precious quality time, Mr. K snapped this shot of me with both. Ah, the benefits of spinning long-draw on the fold. See? It does get better with practice. The fiber is a sexy, tussah silk/chocolate alpaca blend from Paradise Fibers.

A sample of this effort, is the yarn and ribbed swatch shown below. My pride and joy will be a machine knit, turtleneck pullover for Mr. K. 

(The technical information for the formation of this yarn and swatch will be up in a new section in the sidebar, shortly).

The Neighborhood, There Goes

You know?  The joy of spinning in this ethnically diverse community, is that just about everyone who walks by is familiar with it. There's no cool factor, it's not awesome, and I don't have to give a craft demo, or fend off ridiculous questions about myself. Hispanic teenage goths revived my interest in Rumplestiltskin. Ladies from India and Pakistan inquire about the purchase of my wheel. And in Eastern Europe, damn near everybody's grandmother spins. This is pretty impressive for a medium that's only recently attaining coolness in New York City, as an extension of the needlecraft boom and all things green, among the nouveau-creatives.

OK, I have to call it quits, but as sure as this wheel turns, I'll be back. Until then, enjoy!