So Much To Tell III ... Chich'en Itza

It is no secret that I love learning about different cultures. If I wasn't designing, I would probably be doing something in anthropology or history. That's why when we decided to go to Chich'en Itza, I was happier than a kid on Christmas morning. I LOVED the fact that our tour guide was very informative about the history of the Mayan people and the plight they are facing today. Some on the tour thought he was a little heavy on the details surrounding the Maya but I honestly feel when visiting another country, getting to know the history of the people and the culture is the ultimate form of respect. Here is his lesson in a nutshell:

1) The Maya are a very distinct people that you will easily identify once you see them. Most are no taller than five feet, have high cheek bones and an aquiline nose. Mayan women are master embroiderers and weavers whose work is very distinct and sought after...especially their hammocks. Why would he describe them? Because people have to understand that they ( the Mayan) are the indigenous people of the Yucatan region. Mostly everyone else is a descendant of the Spanish explorers or the intermingling of those Spanish explorers and the Mayan women.

2)The Mayan ruins, whether at Chich'en Itza, Tulum or Cobå really don't have any meaning for modern day Mayans. This is because the temples were used mostly buy the aristocracy and high priests, who kept knowledge (writing, astronomy, etc.) amongst the privileged few. So when a civil war broke out, the everyday farmer, fisherman and weaver had no use for the temples since they did not have any clue to the knowledge it held.

3) The most significant finding among the ruins was the discovery of Mayan Hieroglyphics. The only other evidence of such an advanced form or writing and communication was the Rosetta Stone and thus, Egyptian Hieroglyphics. However, this sophisticated form of communication could only be read by a select few. To make souvenirs for tourists that are very similar to Egyptian cartouches, the Mayan people have to go through rigorous training to be taught the alphabet of their ancestors. ( We bought a calendar print with our anniversary date in Mayan hieroglyphics and the meanings of each symbol. I can't wait to frame it)

4) When the Spanish came to the shores of the Yucatan Peninsula, they found it was easy to colonize the Mayans. Hence, in the middle of small rustic Mayan villages, elaborate Catholic churches were built along with missions to convert these indigenous people. Their gods were lost to them simply because they had no knowledge of any of their own religious rituals and such.

I have to tell you, I really found it hard to believe that the Mayans did not fight for the survival of their culture. There had to be someone who remembered the gods, the rituals, everyday state of being. But I can also understand how a culture could fall unto itself and easily accept (being brainwashed ) what others present to them as truth. It is all too evident in our own varied histories throughout the African diaspora.

So Much To Tell Part II

For our five year anniversary, the husband and I decided to go to Mexcio. Woo Hoo ... any chance to get out the concrete jungle I embrace with absolute JOY! We were looking forward to some sun and much needed relaxation, so we didn't want to stay in Cancun, and there were three criteria we wanted ... 1) Adults Only ( sorry kiddies but the adults need some play time too) 2) Ultimate Relaxation ... partying is okay but for some reason I can't stay up past 12am anymore, and 3) Over the Top Romance. Being married 5 years is a rare occurance and a milestone these days. While doing our research we came upon the El Dorado Royale in the Mayan Riviera. Adults (Couples) only, all inclusive AND affordable. What really reeled us in was the suite with the swim up pool right outside your door. OMG!

We hopped on Jet Blue (#1 in my book ... especially for us long legged peoples) and it was smooth sailing to the Yucatan Penninsula. After a short ride from the airport, we arrived at the resort. Once through security, we entered into a jungle filled with lush foilage and the melodies of birds. At the lobby entrance we were greeted with cool minted cloths, champagne and the most amazing smell being piped through the air conditioning system. The ride to our room on one of the many golf carts that whiz around the property afforded us a mini tour. We were spellbound at the vividness of it all.

The coolness of the room enveloped us, however, we were eager to see what the resort had to offer. We tried to pace ourselves and take it slow and decided to walk around. Usually it takes us about a day and a half to calm down and get into the flow of the place but for some reason it seemed easier this time. We headed to one of the many cafes on the property and enjoyed our first Mexican Pizza. I was hooked. Dinner was an extraordinary affair. The hotel has instituted a Gourmet Inclusive policy which is amazing to say the least. That night I had a Salmon Ceviche that was the most refreshing thing I have ever tasted.

The next day found us refreshed but eager to explore so, we called a taxi and spent the day in Playa del Carmen. It's Fifth Avenue is full of colorful shops and luxurious boutique hotels. I didn't know where to look first. I immediately fell in love with the colorful Mexican Talavera and black clay pottery. When I came upon the lavishly decorated ceramic sinks, I lost my breath and kept trying to figure out how to get one home on the plane! All that ooohing and aahhhing made us ravenous so we headed for a restaurant to enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine. Stuffed Poblano Peppers, Tamales, Taquitos, Guacamole, Chicken Enchiladas OH MY! Completely satiated, we made our way down the rest of fifth avenue and onto the beach ... but we didn't have our bathing suits with us. So we ignored the call of the white sand and turquoise surf and headed back to our taxi rendezvous point.

Part lll ... The Mayan Ruins at Chichen Itza!

So Much to Tell ... Part I

This past week has been a whirlwind of new experiences and
pure unadulterated bliss.
It all began on June 1st. I had the extreme pleasure of meeting some FABULOUS women. Sahara, Chante, Shameka, Njoya, and I (to name a few) were on hand to celebrate Saunielle's visit to NYC at Native Restaurant in Harlem. Now I have to be honest, I was a bit intimidated. It is always that way for me when venturing out (I used to be extremely shy as a kid). Add that little nagging voice that always sounds like Maya from "Girlfriends" ...(Gurrrrl, what are you doing, you don't really know these people, and besides, when's the last time you were up in Harlem, why you going up there any way, blah, blahh, blahhhh.) Sometimes it's hard to shake the shackles of your childhood...especially when you grow up with negativity all around you. However, armed with the hope of new possibilities I made my way Uptown. It was like meeting up with friends I have known for years. The conversation flowed, the food was great and a beautiful night to boot. When the WIP's came out, we were fascinated by each other's work. I especially fell in love with the Colinette Jitterbug in the Lagoon colorway that Shameka was working with...bought on sale at Seaport Yarn and the piece Saun was working on that included some beading. I have been crocheting for the past couple of months so I brought out the granny squares I have been working on for the Larger Than Life Bag from Interweave Crochet. As it grew later we knew it had to come to an end but we all vowed to meet again. Great food, Great friends and YARN! What more can one ask for?

Stay tuned for Part II ... here's a hint, Mayan temples and over the top romance ...........

My New Toy

I bought a new toy today ... the Nikon D40. I had my eye on this baby for awhile, but held out. I gave in when in the middle of a product shoot my Sony Cybershot died on me. I was so tired of the images coming out dark and blurry ... and forget the batteries (not to mention looking unprofessional... uugghh!). Either it was eating them up an hour at a time or the rechargeable ones did not stay charged for long. So, with "Niko" in my hands, I decided to do a couple of test shots

Sheba was about as thrilled as I was. She is such a ham!

Some crochet thread ...

and, some Lornas Laces Shepherd Sport in Bittersweet.

I am loving the ease of use and the way it captures the true to life colors. I'll let you know more once I get more familiar with. I have to before I go here in about two weeks. Woo Hoo! Oh, and if you want a good reference on cameras, DSLR's or Point and Shoot, check this site out.

Have a good weekend !

The Crochet Hats of Dorze

I have a confession to make ... I am a magazine junkie. The third week of the month you can find me chasing down the mailman for my precious periodicals. One such gem is Selvedge magazine from the UK.
I tore off the postal plastic like a five year old on Christmas morning and took a deep breath...making sure I could capture the remnants or ink and fresh paper in my lungs. I settled into the corner of my couch and began my journey. What I read blew me away.

In southern Ethiopia, there is a region called Dorze. Here, the women spin and the men weave and in the missionary schools, boys as young as thirteen make colorful hats for sale using a crochet hook or a modified safety pin. The yarns used are cotton, wool or acrylic, often mixed together in dazzling stripes, chevrons and checks. Some of the most unique styles have a "stalk" on top...much like the decorations on top of their homes, which this region is known for. The hats are an outward symbol of the Dorze culture, identifying the wearer as being from the particular region. At the same time each hat is the individual expression of its maker and owner.

Crochet Flower

Mrs.Purls asked me about the crochet flowers I used to embellish the blanket. I found the pattern in Crochet for Dummies (seriously). Here's the pattern:

One Color Flower

Center Ring: Leaving a 6in. length, ch 6 and join intoa ring with 1 sl st in first ch.

Rnd 1: Ch 1, work 15 sc in ring, sl st in first sc to join.

Rnd 2: Ch 1, *sc in each sc, ch 3, skip next 2 sc*, rep from * to* around, sl st in first sc to join (5 ch-3 loops made)

Rnd 3: Sl st in first ch-3 loop, ch 1, (sc hdc, 3dc, hdc, sc) in each ch-3 loop around (5 petals made), sl st in first sc to join

Rnd 4: * Ch 4, skip next 6 stst, sl st in next sc *, rep from * to * around (5 ch-4 loops made).

Rnd 5: Sl st in first ch-4 loop, ch 1, (sc, hdc, 2dc, tr, 2dc, hdc, sc) in each ch-4 loop around (5 petals made), sl st in first sc to join.

Rnd 6: * Ch 5, skip next 8 st, sl st in next sc *, rep from * to * around (5 ch-5 loops made).

Rnd7: Sl st in first ch-5 loop, ch 1, (sc, hdc, 2 dc, 3 tr, 2 dc, hdc, sc) in each ch-5 loop around (5 petals made), sl st in
first sc to join. Fasten off.

To make a two toned flower, work the stitches the same as the one color flower. Work the center ring and round 1 in the first color. Fasten off the first color and joing the second color. WOrk rounds 2-5 in the second color. Fasten off and join the first color ( or another color) to work rounds 6-7.

Enjoy!

Bad Blogger / Good Gifter

I know ... I have been a bad blogger. It's been ages since my last post and so much has happened since then. Where shall I begin. Well, I have been tackling the concrete jungle for the past couple of months toying with corporate America but not getting totally sucked in. It feels good to just go in, do my work and leave all the corporate "BS" and politics behind...and truth be told, I love it that way. I have a friend who has made a career by temping (we met while she was filling in for someone on maternity leave). I used to envy her sense of freedom and abandonment, not being tied to the corporate culture. Freelancing at this major publisher has given me a complete understanding of what she described as her "BS Be Damned" attutude. Now don't get me wrong. I don't want you to think I waltz in there all willy nilly and not care about the integrity of my work. That is a different story. I take pride in my skills and let it speak for itself. You know how some of us were brought up on that "One Better" rule. As a black woman, you always have to be one step ahead ( I can still hear my mother telling me that as she looked over my grades). That notion is so ingrained in me, I don't know how to be anything but the consumate professional when it comes to my work. Which brings me to this ... they offered me a staff position. What do I do now?!

On the creative tip, I have been crocheting to my hearts content. I finally finished my friends baby blanket. She had a little girl on Good Friday and I finished just in time. I was about to be through with her though. see, when she found out she was pregnant, she told me she wanted the nursery to be lilac and pink. Cool, I thought. Finally I can get away from the pinks and use purples and lilacs. A couple of months later, a week before her shower and AFTER I was half way finished, she told me she switched the nursery to a Strawberry Shortcake theme and wanted everything red and pink. I about died. You know how it is after you have made a commitment to make something for someone. You want it to be perfect. So, I did a little research, found out that Strawberry Shortcake had some pinks and purples in her color scheme and put my mind at ease w/o trying to crochet another blanket in less than a week. I love the way the blanket came out. It is basically 4 rows of double crochet alternating pink and purple and 2 rows of double crochet in white. A simple stripe pattern with a dramatic affect. To embellish it, I made three crochet flowers and made a "ribbon" of chain stitch to wrap around the blanket and thread the flowers through. I topped it off with a homemade card. I was nervous ... I am always nervous when making gifts for people. The best thing was she called me about a half hour later after receiving the gift and told me it was the best gift she received for her little one. THAT, really made my day.

Congratulations Eunny!

Guess who is the new editor of Interweave Knits magazine ! ... one of my favorite bloggers ... Eunny Jang! Woo Hoo! Check out the press release here, ... and her blog here. You Go Girl!

Happy Hooker

I have been a crocheting fool lately. I guess it stems from the fact that up until a couple of weeks ago, I could not crochet worth a damn. Seriously. My crochet skills did not extend further than doing a chain for an invisible cast on. You see, when I was younger, my family "traumatized" me. I just did not understand the concept of creating a loop and pulling the yarn through said loop. What made it even worse was EVERYONE in my family crochets. "Pure Laziness, de gyal don wan to try nuttin." My aunt from Antigua would yell at me every time she tried to show me. I was subject to the all familiar kissing of the teeth, and disgusted smirks of Caribbean women who have been practising the art-form since birth (or so it seemed). It just got to the point where everyone, including my mother, lost their patience.

They didn't understand that I would pick up the hook in my own time ... and I guess as a way to rebel, I took to knitting like a duck to water. It was just so natural to me. When I would hold up finished projects, the same aunts who used to beat me over the head with their balls of yarn now sang the praises of my knitted creations. Not that they were so spectacular...garter stitch hats and scarves ... little projects you know. But I guess now, in their eyes I wasn't that hopeless.

However, I always felt a twinge guilty at not trying harder in learning to crochet. I mean, it wasn't for lack of trying. But the day I stepped into Barnes and Noble and saw Get Your Crochet On! by Afya Ibomu, a roaring fire had been ignited. One reason being, I saw people that represented me in the book. Oh, happy day! (did I mention Common and Erykah Badu are also in it?) The second reason is, having thick locks down my back, I have problems finding hats. Going to the custom boutiques and buying a hat wasn't an option. Why buy something you can make.....and it would take me forever to knit. So, armed with a new found determination, I brought the book home and I have been a crocheting ever since. I have already made my mother a "Bunny" and then whipped up a "Soldier" for my husband. (I promise to post pictures later - I am blogging at work ... shhh!) You can also see pictures of the styles on Ms. Ibomu's site : http://www.nattral.com.

In the meantime, I am crocheting a baby blanket I promised my cousin who is due this month. It is coming out really pretty and I have to say, I am feeling dang proud that I can crochet now. Until Later ....

Ebony Purls Knitting Circle Project

Do you remember me telling you about me being busy with a lot of mini projects? Well here is one of those projects. Nicole from Ebony Purls Knitting Circle in Los Angeles contacted me and asked me to do a logo for her. I was all too happy.
The first one I did was based on a a knitted swatch with "ebony purls" knitted within. The second logo was based on a sketch of one of the members. It is a play off the string of pearls concept. They were so pleased that they actually purchased both of them ... and I am doing cartwheels. Which one do you like?

You can check out the Ebony Purls Knitting Circle at their myspace page at: http://www.myspace.com/EbonyPurls

Back To Me - Happy 2007

Well, It's back to basics for me. The last couple of weeks have merged into one big "day" ... which has left little time for me to do anything "creative". My free time has been spent veggin' out in front of the big screen. I got a chance to see the blockbusters of the season, The Pursuit of Happyness { What an EMOTIONAL story! Even the Mal-Man teared up at the end, declaring that it deserved top honors as a major tear jerker. Will Smith and his son Jaden are dynamic together on screen. If you haven't seen it ... run. NOW!} and Dreamgirls {Everyone I know has been blown away by Jennifer Hudson. Even Simon Cowl sang her praises...after he declared she was too fat and her voice was to "gospel-like" to be an American Idol. Well, she sure did prove him wrong 'cause America loves her. I saw the movie twice in one day! LOVED, LOVED, LOVED IT! Excuse me while I adjust my feather boa}

I have also been burning up my dvd's at home. Idlewild, Their Eyes Were Watching God, Something New, Akeelah and the Bee, The Devil Wears Prada (for my inner fashionista) and Claudine (Y'all know y'all love Diahann Carol and James Earl Jones!). I have been having a grand time doing absolutely nothing and appreciationg the little things in life. I even went old-school and popped me some popcorn the way we used to back in the day. I pulled a 5 quart pot out and melted some butter. Then I poured a 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels and waited for the popping to begin. About ten minutes later I had a pot full of the fluffiest popcorn I have had in a LOOONG time (I always seem to burn the microwave stuff). I sprinkled some salt, garlic powder and cayenne pepper over it and tossed it good. Needless to say, I was in heaven all afternoon. Just me, my dvd's and a gigantic bowl of popcorn.

Which leads me to the realization that there is no need to make any New Year's Resolutions. I mean, how many times have you made resolutions only to be broken by February? For me, it is more like a New Year's Realizations ... like, it's the simple things that matter because we tend to take them for granted and you have to live everyday to the fullest and always, always take time out for yourself because only YOU can take care of YOU.

Well, I am off to watch another dvd. I think I will watch Practical Magic. I love Sandra Bullock in that movie. Lata!

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays Everyone! I know I have been missing in action ... again, but I haven't been doing much lately in terms of creating in th last couple of weeks. I have been busy playing catch up with work and when I get home, I can't even look at my computer. I am bordering on neglect. I did manage to to slip in some new projects for my store though. Hopefully, I will get the chance to show you in January... once things slow up a bit.

I hope everyone had a blessed Christmas. Was Santa good to you? I am lovin' him right now. Wait until you see my new baby!

4 Wool Drive

Lauren is a final year graduate in the School of Art and Design at Bath Spa University.

For her Graduate Exhibition she presented a full scale knitted version of a Ferrari, a hairy combination of a Testa Rossa and a 355 - complete with windscreen wipers, wing mirrors, low profile tyres and the famous prancing horse logo, all knitted in glorious Ferrari red (wool generously supplied by Sirdar).

Lauren's Ferrari is not just a car that happens to be made of wool. This is a carefully considered object that questions the relationship between male symbols and feminine craft to suggest the relationship is more complex than first thought. The car also cleverly plays on the hard smooth object being transformed into a soft textured one. The result is visually stunning.

Lauren's Ferrari also gives a new meaning to the knitted sweater. How many proud owners of cosy red pullovers - yes some with the legend emblazoned on the front - would love to immerse themselves in this giant item. Are cars themselves forms of clothing?

The School of Art and Design at Bath Spa University is one of the leading schools of art and design in the country.

Lauren's achievement, which took many months to complete was made possible by the School's excellent technical support and Lauren's own imagination - which is precisely what the School tries to nurture.

One word . . . WOW!

The Magazine Aisles II - Martha Stewart Holiday Handmade Gifts

You can't help but LOVE Martha. I think I was the only one spearheading the campaign amongst my friends to free Martha when she went through her court ordeal . . . from free Martha T-shirts to holding night time vigils. Okay, I wasn't that serious (HAH!) but I did feel for her.

Part II of the Magazine Aisles is featuring her Holiday Handmade Gifts Special Edition. Usually I am intrigued by her decorative handmade soaps and cool crafts, but this edition had something more ... CROCHETING & KNITTING!

Simple squares and circles are crocheted with basic stitches to make the most adorable, squeezable stuffed toys (I really wish I knew how to crochet). Handmade dolls can be made from scraps of yarn and fabric from your stash. She gives tips on how to add personal touches to each doll; for example, using alpaca yarn for straight hair or boucle yarn for a curly 'fro. Cozy, warm scarves are made with basic knit and purl stitches. The choice of yarns again are stressed to make the scarves luxurious. There's something about a chunky yarn that entices me to seek out my needles and just knit to my hearts content. To me, the most simplest gift to knit for a gift is a knit pouch (I think I have some Lionbrand Suede in my stash). Every woman needs a pouch to carry "stuff" in. Even if I don't have anything to put in it, I will find something to put in it.
But you know she doesn't stop there. She has a section on embellishing store bought knits to give them a homemade feel, like embroidering snowflakes on store bought mittens to adding bells and pom-poms to store bought scarves and hats. She even demonstrates how to embroider an initial on a child's sweater using a duplicate stitch! Gotta Love Her.
Other projects I like that are highlighted in the magazine are 1) Sock Dogs, 2) Felt Slippers 3) Fringe Wool Scarf and 4) Handmade Soaps.

I need to make a list before I get carried away.

The Magazine Aisles...Part I...Craftzine

So, I'm cruising the magazine aisles at Borders when these two knitted robots caught my eye. Woo Hoo, I thought, knitted toys! So, I purchased the "zine" without checking out the contents. I was in a rush...but giddy with anticipation. As I neatly laid my sandwich and chips out on my desk, I pulled Craft out of the bag and set it away from the Snapple so as not to spill anything on its precious pages. As I began turning the pages, a cloud began to form overhead. This is not the craft magazine that we are used to (ie: Interweave Knits or Vogue Knitting). This takes crafting to a whole other level, dimension, heck, lightyear. The project I searched for, the knitted robots, was actually an article about the world of creepy, cute dolls and the people who make them (but I wanna make one!). Cool, I thought, so I ventured deeper. The projects featured stretch the imagination. I thought about how cool it would be if I wore the Electric Tank Top to a club for New Years or how h-o-t-t it would be to screenprint my own personal logo on a bag or two. However, I was a bit disappointed with the knitting project...knit slouch boots. Uuuhhhhmmmm...why? (*sigh*).
Well, anyway, I have to commend the magazine on its overall layout. The projects are clearly outlined along with the materials needed and questions that one may want to ask. Some of the projects are a bit over the top, but then again, the magazine's purpose is to showcase crafts made by real people. I especially liked the marketplace section from etsy.com and the flickr craft groups (I highlighted the knitting group for y'all). Every craftster needs a bit of inspiration.

Sarah and Zipporah and Lilah

I am not a "religious" person. I tend to be more spiritual than anything. Lately, I have had this fascination with the Bible and finding the hidden truths and meanings written between the words. I remember when I was in the eighth grade my religion teacher (yep, I survived Catholic school) exclaimed that she had read one of the most fascinating books ever written. As 13 year old girls who lived and breathed Right On! Magazine and erected locker shrines to the members of New Edition, we thought either she had lost her mind or could finally understand the greatness of Ralph Tresvant's high pitched vocals as he belted out "Is This the End". What was not to love about him. However, our brief euphoria of the teacher finally understanding our obsession was shattered when she held up the Bible as if she had just won an Oscar; declaring its greatness.

Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago when I am perusing the shelves of Coliseum Books. The name "Zipporah" caught my eye. My interest was peaked, especially since Zipporah is my sister's middle name. Zipporah is the story of Moses' wife. She is a Cushite (black) woman who was adopted by Jethro, the High Priest of Midian. She has a dream of an Egyptian Prince coming to save her at the bottom of the sea. One day, while she and her sisters are at the well drawing water, Zipporah is attacked and Moses, who fled Egypt, comes to her rescue. Although Jethro and Zipporah are afraid she will never find a husband because of her dark skin, Moses does not let this inhibit his love for her...and she becomes his rock when he doubts his abilities to free the Jews from Pharoah's clutches. I finished the book in about 4 days and ran to Barnes and Noble to pick up "Sarah". Sarah is the story of Abraham's wife who was the daughter of one of the most powerful Lords of Ur. When she is twelve, she is pledged to marry a man that she has never met. On her wedding day, she flees into the city and bumps into Abram. He takes care of her through the night, however, in the morning she is dragged back to her father's home. Upon hearing that another marriage has been arranged for her, she flees again to find Abram but his family has moved. So she seeks out a woman that gives her herbs to make her barren and later is made a high priestess of Ishtar, Ur's goddess of war. Six years go by when Ur is about to erupt into war. She is reunited with Abram, her childhood love.

Although both of these stories are fictional accounts, Marek Halter makes these two women and their experiences leap off the page with every word. Sometimes people forget that the novels ARE Historical Fiction and hold the author accountable for misinterpreting the "truth" and introducing sex and passion into the stories. To them I ask, have you really read the Bible?

Lilah is the last installment in Marek Halter's Canaan Trilogy and is based on the book of Ezra. I have not read this book yet. I was side tracked by The Song of Hannah, the story of the mother of the Prophet Samuel.

Perhaps it's the lesser known stories of the women in the Bible that drives me to seek these novels out. Combined with my love for history, my appetite seems insatiable. I sat down and made a list of other Biblical Historical Novels that I want to read. Here are my top 5:

1. Lilah: A Forbidden Love, a People's Destiny
2. Wisdom's Daughter : A Novel of Solomon and Sheba
3. The Gilded Chamber : A Novel of Queen Esther
4. Rebekah (Card, Orson Scott. Women of Genesis.)
5. Rachel and Leah: Women of Genesis

Anyone care to join me?

Fearless

I was enticed by the smoky colors radiating from my computer screen...tempting me to bid...and I won! Woo Hoo, gotta love eBay. I was looking for some sock yarn for a project for my mother. I can't decide whether to make her socks or a shawl. However, I can't stop touching this yarn. It is a whopping 4 ounces (550 yards) of 100% superwash merino in smoky gray with a touch of brown and a dab of pink. Check out the eBay shop. You will not be disappointed. I have my eye on the Superwash Merino sock yarn in the Marrakesh color way. I can't wait. Oh, Deb from Fearless Fibers also has a blog...check her out.

So you are wondering where I have been huh? (Thanks for asking Kelz!) I've been lurking here and there always keeping up with what's happening around the blog scene, but I have started a new job in the concrete jungle (NYC y'all). It's a funny thing. Seven years ago, I gave up the fashion industry because I was just plain burned out. Everytime I turned around, another corporate merger made one more of my friends unemployed and left in the dust. Job security was a thing of my grandparents era and I knew I had to be prepared for the worst. To be honest, when it did happened, I was thrilled. I no longer needed an excuse to be there for every cough, doctor's appointment or much needed mental health day. I kissed the fashion corporate world goodbye, vowing never again to be victim of the clawing, cat scratching, conniving undercurrent that fuels one of the major fashion capitals of the world. So, when I received the call to help design fashion catalogs, I had to really think long and hard about it. I was getting bored with working from home, but I didn't want to give up my independence. But alas, the almighty dollar makes the world go 'round and the Mal Man is getting bigger every second. I bit my tongue, dusted off the power-suit, tightened the laces on my sneakers and hit the concrete at full speed. Things are a little less hectic on the direct-mail end of the fashion industry and I am not stressing as much as I used to. Well, a ride on the NYC Subway will make anyone lose some hair and turn gray, but all is going well so far. =-) ... AND I am in walking distance of School Products. What a perk!

It's Been a Long Time ...

Recalling the lyrics of Rakim (Hip-Hop Heads bob yo' heads) I hadn't realized how long it has been since my last post. Where do I begin?

In my family, July is the month of birthdays, I kicked it off on the 3rd by turning the big 3-5 while my Mom brought in her birthday with the Macy's fireworks. It was really cool because it was my first time seeing the fireworks in person and not celebrating with the local news broadcast.

While Mali enjoys days of sun and fun provided by the YMCA, I have been chugging away at my Mac trying to perfect this. It was time for a complete overhaul and my programming skills needed some perfecting. However, after the initial shock of throwing myself back into the world of web programming, it became evident why I don't do it anymore . . . it leaves no time for knitting! I am still chugging away making minor tweaks here and there, but it is mostly completed.

That's not to say that I haven't been knitting though. I finished the hat for the Sweet Pea baby gift and I started a hat based on the Irish hiking scarf pattern for Mali. The funny thing about that was I was going to a bar-b-que and stopped by Smiley's (again) and picked up some Bernat yarn in charcoal gray. A couple of double pointed needles and family gossip hours later, I was almost completed. I will have pictures to show once I recharge the camera batteries. I was on Auntie duty last week and the camera just seemed to keep taking pictures of my nephew on it's own. (LOL . . . guilty as charged!)

Babies, Babies Everywhere

My friend, Maris, did not make it back to Toronto in time. Little Sydney wanted to make a New York debut and two weeks early at that. Maris was in New York City visiting family and friends before heading back to Canada. I have to commend her. This is her fourth (1-2-3-4!) girl! Simone, Sinclaire and Sierra will be ecstatic to see the gift their Mom and Dad are bringing them. As much as I wanted to knit her a gift, time was not on my side. So, I put on my design hat and created the announcements for her. I will also mail them for her so that it's one less thing she will have to worry about. We also thought it would be a cute idea to create announcement cards for the girls to give their friends introducing their new baby sister. I think that is a perfect way to get them involved since they were not here for the actual birth. Maris is a fanatic about crafting as well, so I know once she is settled the girls will be in matching outfits in no time.

I have also been setting up shop getting ready to knit a ton of baby gifts.

The Sweet Pea Pattern and the Bobbi Bear pattern arrived from Jimmy Beans Wool last week and I ordered the Debbie Bliss Cashmerino from Yarnbow in color 02. However, I think I need to order one or two more skeins. The skeins that I have now I will use for the garment. If you haven't done so, check out Yarnbow on eBay. She has great prices and SUPER fast shipping. I LOVE it.

Knitting for Two by Erika Knight, the book I found on Amazon from ultimate Discount Book Source for $1 arrived yesterday. I lucked up on this one cause it is in perfect condition. No bent pages and no wear and tear. Woo Hoo!

Lastly, the lavender yarn I picked up on a trip to Smiley's is Filati Cervinia Genova. It was on sale for $1.50 (can't pass up a bargain). I was thinking about knitting the baby hat in the book One Skein, for a gift. However, the yarn is acrylic and not as soft as I would like it to be. Although I love the color, I think a nice cotton would be a better or ... I can always order some more cashmerino. =-)

Summertime

summertime and the living is easy ... fish are jumpin' and the cotton is high - George Gershwin - Porgy and Bess

I've been at it again. Trying to make this blog an extension of me. The last couple of days in NYC has been helluva hot and humid ... and being the summer baby that I am, I LOVE IT.

Work has slowed down some and I have been thinking about the purpose of my blog lately. I toyed with the idea of doing away with it because I haven't been devoting much time to my knitting and sewing as I would like to. However, just when I started to press the delete button, my heart started to palpitate. I just couldn't do it because as much as I hate to admit it, other than me being a closet writer (and incessant dreamer), I have grown quite fond of my blogging friends. So, now that I am here to stay, I made another choice to share not only my knitting and sewing endeavors (when they do happen) but some of my other creative endeavors as well.

On the knitting front, I came across a real bargain. I have been looking for some baby patterns for my cousins. One is expecting in August and another in December / January (see previous post). I have had my eye on Knitting for Two by Erika Knight for awhile. While cruising the internet, I found a seller on Amazon that was selling a copy for $1.00 ! The shipping cost more than the book. The description said the book is new. The seller is trying to liquidate its stock. I can't wait for it to come in. Of course my skepticism started to kick in after the initial high wore off. But for a dollar, I just couldn't pass it up. Woo Hoo!

Oh, and before I forget, I want to give everyone a big hug and kiss (**smooches**) for supporting the Knit On! products. Look for more items in the future.
Have a great weekend everyone & stay cool!