SistahCraft

A String of Happenings!

 

(Check out the view from the top! Brothers Doug and Mike Starn's "Big Bambu´, on the roof of the Met; all pics enlarge)

¡HOLA! Beep, beep, beep…

I've interrupted work on my next post to shout out a string of events. If you're traveling to NYC on these dates check them out. And if you're here already––well, what are you waiting for?

Ship of Cool

House knitters, come aboard! The WBAI Liquid Sound Lounge Summer Boat Party, lead by the doyenne of the decks, global DJ Jeanie Hopper and crew, sails on Friday, June 30th! This radio program is dedicated to the support of indie labels, performers, DJ's, artists and people of all everything world-wide––united by the music of what?––soulful house and dance. This fabulously friendly foot stomper sells out every year; put a stitch marker in your work now, get to the lounge, then buy tickets––and let's do a step!

And If You Haven't Reached The Summit…!

Yes, I know. It caught me off guard too, finding out that I was dancing to the last song (thank you Meghan!) of the last Soul Summit Music Festival of the season. Brooklyn's free and inclusive, family-friendly dance––yes, whole families dance together––and picnic, was issued only 2 permits this summer. Feh.

Nonetheless, despite the tug-o'-war over the contested space that is Fort Greene Park, you can show your  support for this sensational group by shimmying over to the new Sugarland Outdoor Cafe´ at 609 Dekalb Avenue (corner of Nostrand Avenue). They're open weekends, from Friday; 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., sportin' a full dance floor, reasonable beverages and BBQ! 

Bypass the Blockbusters For a Moment

Because you have only 4 more days to go to Premiere Brazil!, 2010. This amazing collaboration between MOMA and the Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival, showcases an evocative and beautiful array of works that'll open your mind to a culture of Brazil beyond soccer, samba, sex, and carnival.

And Check The Image Consultants

Whooeee! The lineup of movies from Imagenation (big shouts to Moikgantsi Kgama and Gregory Gates) is straight up, indefatigably potent. Shown outdoors, free to the public and often combined with a performance, it's an all around sucess; Shimoda, bring your embroidery and let's hook up! Here's a delight for the family––Kirikou And The Soceress Thursday, July 29th. Me? It's  The Other Side of the Water, with DJ Rara, Wednesday, July 28th. And that's just this week.

Later––It's Dinner Time

Shucks, that's it for now, I have to go fill the interior so the exterior can keep it moving. I don't want y'all to think however, that all I've been doing is rippin' and runnin'. Here's a glimpse of a current work in progress.

  (From fiber to almost fabulous; the colorway is Geisha, from Outback Fibers)

I just luuuvvv spinning mulberry silk––the result looks like molten metal. The end result of the knit sample will be a tank top to floss for Harlem Week (a whole other post) and beyond. FYI––the silk is singles, 24 w.p.i. spun on my Majacraft Suzie Pro. The swatch was machine knit on a Brother 930, tension 9. No Trina, it's not cheating. Some part of the process has to be speeded up, or when would I get to wear anything?

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!

Skipping Across the Pond––News Before I Break Out Again!

When I Wasn't Knitting…

Before––In late April to early May––major neglect               In June––after pruning and fertilizing

I became "The Guerrilla Gardener of Bronx Park East" (Mr. K's expression), devoted to caring for the horticulture of mine and my neighbors' buildings. If there are any rosarians out there, please help me identify this Old Garden Rose; it smells terrific! (all pics enlarge).

All You Need Is Love (And Knitting)

Happy World Wide Knit In Public Day! I hope everyone felt the collective Morse code of love, coming from the clicking needles of knitters all over the world!  Sit N' Knit, NYC  gathered at Sheep Meadow, in Central Park, doing their bit to encourage more love to emanate from our hearts to our hands and outwards. Hola, ladies! I'm happy nature was on your side today; but in case she changed her mind dearest Anne-Marie, there was always the number six train, tee hee.

As for me––busy as usual, but I can no longer work on this computer without feeling guilty about posting. Therefore, I'm going to take a minute to get away from this project, and engage in some productive procrastination. And boy, has there been some news…

Feet Don't Fail Me Now!

Despite the wet and cold weather that confronted the Dance Parade, where we left off back in May, folks came on through with the energy of purpose; check out The Melting Pot's link for photos and info on what's to come…

Or Go…Coney Island's Last Season!

The Melting Pot's Sandcastle's Summer Series Dance Party has fabulously started with a bang! The next party will take place again on Saturday, June 23 from 2 pm to 10 pm; as the name implies, they embrace everyone (even kids––remember, dancing improves coordination). So, grab your needles, snacks and even your non-knitting friends (they can sit on the blanket and mind your work while you get your step on. On the serious tip, though––if you are either traveling to NYC or live here, and haven't been to this landmark amusement park––this is your last chance. A Real estate developer is gonna erase part of our city's history, so please take the time to read The Village Voice's article about this fight. It's getting ugly.

We've Gone Native!

(Excuse the  artsy-looking photo; we're eeking out the last of the light. Clockwise form left; Shameka; Njoya (Harlem Knitting Circle), Saunielle (Saunshine), Sherry (Chronicles of She), Hope (Hopie Knits); not included in photo––myself and Zenobia Bailey).
 

Last week, I was graced with the presence of the abundantly talented Saunielle (of Saunshine fame), for a four day visit (do y'all really walk a lot here? I never even think about it). In her honor, a cadre of us got together for a Knit n' Sip, at my fave, fave, fave, eatery––Brian Washington Palmer's Native Restaurant. This Harlem melting pot just gets better and better! A big shout out and thanks to the dashing Delano, who hooked us up with the best seats and service; he's become inspired to learn to knit and crochet, so brothers, I'ma add one more to the ranks. You know, he's so creative, I can't wait to see what he starts making. And, a shout out to the mixer of the moment, Jose´, for providing us with drinks that dropped our attitudes, but not our stitches! And Brian––you're simply the best.

  On the left; Chante´, Njoya, and Saunielle. On the right, fiber artist Zenobia Bailey, featured in the first anniversary issue of Black Purl Magazine.

Now, About That Pond

I am being whisked off by Mr. K to London for a week, leaving tomorrow night! To be honest, I wasn't quite as excited about it, as I was about sewing Swarovski crystals and bugle beads on a silk tape dress I'm working on for a boutique, jaded designer that I am. But then my uterus hi-jacked my body, for a few days, taking my focus with it. Oh well.

I'm now very excited, as this will be an inspirational trip for me, despite being in a nation of people, I was told, who all behave like John Cleese. My itinerary is lined up, and no, I'm not buying any yarn; I'm looking for oddities (like John Cleese).

Okay, time to take another Panadeine, and then pack. I'll wave at y'all tomorrow, before my flight. Any suggestions––holla!

Finish Up, The Distraction, Is Starting!

I Love New York In Spring! How 'Bout You?

(the window of the Sanrio store, in Times Square; for my girl, Jen, Da Purse Ho. All pics enlarge).

New York is in bloom, and it ain't just flowers! So, if you are between projects, or bored with your current one, put it down––and move your feet instead! The first annual New York Dance Parade, will take place on Saturday, May 19th! Join over six thousand other dancers, floats and Dj's representing every step from Ballet to Zydeco. This parade is a true celebration of my city's diversity, and a response to the ever-more stringent cabaret laws. Given the obscene number of bars here, maybe if people danced more, they would drink less; alcohol interferes with your rythmn. The event is for all ages, groups, gender preferences, races––everybody, dammit, who likes to dance, or go to dance performances, or just move. So register, grab your stilts, tap shoes, flats or sneakers, and join me, Mr. K, and the rest of us (we'll be part of the House Collective).

My knitting brothers––are you in a stitch, too? Well…

Billie's Black, a sexy little restaurant, is presenting Black Friday: The Adonis Party, a sexy little cocktail party on Friday, May 18th, at 9pm. I'll probably pop my head in with Paul Eaddy for a minute, to catch up with some friends––the copiously creative painter Gregory Grey, Tom Martin (who was excellent, in the TWAS production of Hamlet), Tony D. (please, put that mohair sweater down. You can finish it in September, honey; come out and have a glass), Murphy Heyliger (co-owner of Harlemade. I'll make sure you get your sweater), the gifted Kenneth Lee Roberson, and many more…last night was the men's night at Pier 2110. I heard that three weeks ago, it was packed. Now, there's about 30 or so fellas. Hmmph. Come on now, support!

You Won't Get These From NetFlix

This Saturday, May 12th, The National Museum of African-American Cinema, is having a rare video and DVD fair, taking place at the museum gift shop. There will be over 5,000 different titles for sale, including some rare all-Black cast movies from 1928 -1950, documentaries and recent releases. Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office Building, 163 West 125th Street @ 7th Avenue; museum gift shop - 9th floor; from 10am to 7pm (but you better get there early, as it's gonna be crowded). Proceeds will go to the museum's building fund. For more info, contact Gregory Javan Mills, 212-749-5298.

It's Tea Time!

(This wonderful image, is by Florence Ward, ca. 1950-1970; children's catalog, Library of Congress;      LC-USZ62-122105 (45)).

The Harlem Knitting Circle is having it's 2nd annual afternoon tea party to celebrate Mother's Day, on Saturday, May 12th, from 11am to 3pm. Come out to knit and crochet, while enjoying some delightful food and music (and trust me, these sisters can turn out some fabu fare). Admission is a dish to share (purchased food is welcome, so don't be intimidated). Dress up please, no slacks allowed. The George Bruce Branch Library, 518 West 125th St.(btw Amsterdam Ave & Broadway);  (212) 662-9727 or e-mail, at [email protected]. I'll be checking in.

One Last Thing

That's it for now folks, I'm beat––but I'll leave y'all with a lil' sumptin' sumptin,' just to show that I haven't spent all my time, running the streets.
My Conflicting Cables cardigan looks better on me, than Lola here, but my hair isn't done; tomorrow is another day. Made from Berella "Whistler," a too soft merino wool, (thank the ancestors for pumice stones), it took me only two months––seriously––to knit. I needed a replacement for my leather jacket. The yarn came from Smiley's, purchased at the store. The cost, including buttons––$36.00USD. See, knitting does save you money; that's the frugal fabulousness of it.

A Minute To Shoot The Breeze

Forget That Tome…

(This, is couture crochet. It is not only the technique, but how well its adaptation was thought out, that makes this shoe arresting. In the end (and it is all about the end result, isn't it), it is more important to understand the power of the medium, than just how to make the stitches. Yes, there have been crocheted shoes out there, but not like this. John Galliano for Christian Dior, spring '07. Runway photo, Marcio Madeira. And a big shout out to the artisan who crocheted the shoe fabric).

And Speaking of little Knots

My catch up designing and knitting has had me tied down to the fast track of life. Which was okay, but now the end of my two week vacation is speeding toward me, express-train style. But with a bit of this news in, I'll be able to––rest my fingers and move my feet instead!

New York's premier jungle and drum n' bass party has returned! Thursday night, a legendary triumvirate will spin at The Sullivan Room, NYC. DJ SS is one of the three, and the man of the hour for me. Go to Direct Drive for details, and wear something crocheted–-it's an appreciative crowd!