Or, how I spent my summer vacation.
This year instead of stalking Kaffe Fassett in Europe or learning how to dye textiles in India, I took the days off surrounding the Fourth of July and had some quality me time. This means that I switched all of the digital media off (well, all except the DVD player and my iPod) and dove right in to spinning on my new Ashford Joy, knitting on a wonderful double knit pattern from Son of Stitch N Bitch and donating clothes to Goodwill. As if that wasn't enough to keep me busy all the long weekend, I also went to the Dale Chihuly show at the DeYoung Museum in San Francisco AND saw the reunited Yazoo at the Paramount Theatre.
This post will be about the Chihuly experience.
I've never actually been to a solo exhibition of DC's work. The DeYoung had a few lovely pieces in its permanent collection, but I've never been to the Bellagio or to any of his installations in Venice or Seattle. So, this show was overwhelming in the most delightful way.
Anthony and I trekked over to the city at what we thought was a good time, but once we arrived, we saw the crazy long line just to get tickets and I worried that going on a Sunday of a long weekend was not the best of ideas. Fortunately, the line went pretty quickly and the cashier gave Anthony the student discount because they didn't have a disabled one. Honestly, don't get me started on places that don't have discounts for folks in wheelchairs. But, I digress.
Since half of SF decided to go on the day we did, there were limits to the number of people allowed into the exhibit at the same time. We were told that we could enter at 3:30pm but once inside we could stay as long as we liked. This wasn't really a problem since there was a killer Turkish carpet/weaving exhibit I was interested in AND the rest of the museum to explore.
The Turkish exhibit was quite lovely. I don't really understand weaving, but I have a feeling that I would have no patience for it. It seems like a lot of trouble and a lot on investment in tools and materials. Hrrrm. Perhaps that isn't that big of a barrier for me, considering how far down the rabbit hole I've fallen with spinning, but I think a loom would be a huge obstacle to navigate around in our place. But, these pieces were magnificently constructed with beautiful colors and designs. My favorite pieces were the robes! The light was a bit low to preserve the integrity of the fabric and hues, but even under diminished light, it was impressive.
We roamed around the African and Polynesian displays until I realized that I was a bit peckish and needed at least a coffee and cookie from the museum cafe. Yes, the line was from hell, but I made Anthony go ahead and grab a clean table, while I queued up and made my choices. I got a super yummy turkey and poblano spread sandwich (with Peet's coffee!) and I got Anthony an assortment of organic local cherry tomatoes and ranch dressing (with Peet's Coffee). While we were eating our snacks, this scary seagull swooped in (barely missing my head) but then proceeded to peck away at the glass windows/walls of the cafe, because he/she was annoyed with the "other" gull that was mirroring every step s/he made. I captured a quick bit on my camera's movie setting.
Fully sated, we made our way to the Chihuly show.... and I. Was. Blown. Away. Dale Chihuly is such a master of his craft. It was that good. There were crazy Ikebana sculptures, fabulous southwestern motif vessels, glorious organic bowls with glowing edges, a room with a clear ceiling and light shining through hundreds of small glass objects (c.f. the picture with this post), a wall of jellyfish/anemones, boats on black mirrored rivers filled with balls, hanging/writhing pieces that looked like Superman's Secret Lair, and finally a garden of the most unbelievable flora I have ever seen.
We were allowed to take photographs as long as there was no flash, and I took over 200. I was able to edit out the blurry or poorly composed ones, making the final count about 150 but I can imagine taking loads more with a better camera. I only have a Canon Powershot A620 but I dream of a digital SLR in the future.
Anthony and I didn't really fancy coming home just yet, so we went backwards through the exhibit to revisit our favorite pieces. We were finally kicked out at 5:30pm and headed back to the Beast (East Bay is pig latin for Beast). Practically a perfect day with a nice creative shot in the arm.
What have you seen this summer that has filled you with the desire to make art?
There's a million crafters in Fiber City and we've all got a yarn to spin, knit, crochet, weave...
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Monday, July 7, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
WWKIP Day 2008 - Berkeley
Man oh man. I keep having these events that I want to post about but there just isn't enough time in the day. Well, I guess there would be enough time if I would stop trolling for drop spindles and taking pictures of said spindles and seeing if there are groovy new spindles that I haven't discovered yet... you get the picture.
This past Saturday, June 14th was World Wide Knit in Public Day (WWKIP) and I wanted to go out, meet some new knitters and get some audio for the Yknit podcast.
Anthony and I took BART down to Sweet Adeline's for a bit of breakies and then joined the KnitOneOne (K11) event already in progress. Sile, the knit-evangelist and guru behind K11 organized the Berkeley meetup along with Elaine (not pictured), aka KimChiCrafts on Ravelry. They expected about 15 but got treble that amount. AWESOME!
There were knitters and crocheters and spinners of all ages, genders and backgrounds at this event. It was wonderful to have a chance to chat and interview most of the non-shy folks but, sadly, I didn't get to stay the whole time or see the final knit-tagged tree. I guess I'll go back for that photo.
After my interviews in Berkeley, I hopped on BART and pulled out my brand spanking new Golding Ringspindle (Tsunami model) and spun the luscious blue merino that Sean gave me from the Men's Spring Knitting Retreat in May. I got lots of perplexed looks and even some positive feedback from women AND men. Whooo hoo.
I got off at Powell station and made my way up to Union Square where there was still a nice group of folks braving the ever increasing temperatures and lack of shade that is US. Everyone there was up for being interviewed and I got some nice pod-fodder and cute pix of the knitters assembled.
Not content to attend just two parties, I headed over to the Western Addition for a party at the famous, Karen Baumer's new place. I didn't know this beforehand, but Karen's work has been featured in Interweave Knits, the Stitch N Bitch pattern books and DIY's Knitty Gritty. I just thought she was cool, but who knew she was a star. ;-)
I had some serious dwelling envy because her place was a remodeled victorian but with 100% new everything: floors, appliances, fixtures, everything. And you couldn't ask for a more perfect hostess. Not only did she SCREAM through her knitting, she kept my champagne and St. Germain cocktails coming non-stop. I really enjoyed seeing Karen and meeting all of her ADORABLE and SASSY co-workers (a few of who are crafty as well).
Then.....
I moseyed over to the Garcia/Rhodes home and had a nice visit with Rene (amazing glitter artist). He plied me with drink and we talked about our upcoming collaboration (mum's the word), iPhones and philanthropy. I had hoped to entice him to dinner at Little Star, but he already had plans for dinner at his friend, Peter's, for make-your-own sushi. On the way, we picked up Robert Allen and arrived only to discover not only were we crashing a dinner party, but there were already place settings for the exact amount of people who were really invited. Arrgggh.
It's amazing that I actually had a good time, because I was quite embarrassed at the beginning. But, our host was dreamy and cute and gracious. There was never a moment where I wasn't being offered more sake, more beer, more food. Ironically, I refused all food offered me because I was still suffering from shame, having crashed the event. So, it was the Nicole Ritchie plan for me. Sake + Beer... combined with the coffee and cocktails that I had earlier, and it was all the mental and physical strength I could muster to make it to BART.
Okay, I skipped an important bit. On the way to BART (almost the last one of the evening), I had to get some sustenance from Deja Vu pizza. This is a little dive on 16th between Guerrero and Dolores and the place was packed with freaks, let me tell you. There was a guy at the register (on the customer side) who was terribly sunburned with bad blue eyeshadow and eyeliner and only two teeth in his head. He shared with me that he had just gotten out of the hospital and his drugs were wearing off. Pity that. And also, pity that I didn't have any either.
Since I didn't want to share my slice or have an audience, I did what any self-respecting starving city dweller does: I ate it in the parking lot of the nearest church. Classy!!! Oh, and the pizza was so bloody hot, that I destroyed the roof of my mouth. It makes my new retainer all kinds of fun.
And that was my Saturday.
Sunday, was a day of rest.... and errands/dinner with my friend Michael. He's the person responsible for my knitting obsession and the person I moved to San Francisco with from Austin, TX. He's my oldest friend in the Bay Area. He's pretty much my younger brother... but Latino.... and crazy.... in a good way.
That's all for now. Next? My new glow in the dark retainer!
This past Saturday, June 14th was World Wide Knit in Public Day (WWKIP) and I wanted to go out, meet some new knitters and get some audio for the Yknit podcast.
Anthony and I took BART down to Sweet Adeline's for a bit of breakies and then joined the KnitOneOne (K11) event already in progress. Sile, the knit-evangelist and guru behind K11 organized the Berkeley meetup along with Elaine (not pictured), aka KimChiCrafts on Ravelry. They expected about 15 but got treble that amount. AWESOME!
There were knitters and crocheters and spinners of all ages, genders and backgrounds at this event. It was wonderful to have a chance to chat and interview most of the non-shy folks but, sadly, I didn't get to stay the whole time or see the final knit-tagged tree. I guess I'll go back for that photo.
After my interviews in Berkeley, I hopped on BART and pulled out my brand spanking new Golding Ringspindle (Tsunami model) and spun the luscious blue merino that Sean gave me from the Men's Spring Knitting Retreat in May. I got lots of perplexed looks and even some positive feedback from women AND men. Whooo hoo.
I got off at Powell station and made my way up to Union Square where there was still a nice group of folks braving the ever increasing temperatures and lack of shade that is US. Everyone there was up for being interviewed and I got some nice pod-fodder and cute pix of the knitters assembled.
Not content to attend just two parties, I headed over to the Western Addition for a party at the famous, Karen Baumer's new place. I didn't know this beforehand, but Karen's work has been featured in Interweave Knits, the Stitch N Bitch pattern books and DIY's Knitty Gritty. I just thought she was cool, but who knew she was a star. ;-)
I had some serious dwelling envy because her place was a remodeled victorian but with 100% new everything: floors, appliances, fixtures, everything. And you couldn't ask for a more perfect hostess. Not only did she SCREAM through her knitting, she kept my champagne and St. Germain cocktails coming non-stop. I really enjoyed seeing Karen and meeting all of her ADORABLE and SASSY co-workers (a few of who are crafty as well).
Then.....
I moseyed over to the Garcia/Rhodes home and had a nice visit with Rene (amazing glitter artist). He plied me with drink and we talked about our upcoming collaboration (mum's the word), iPhones and philanthropy. I had hoped to entice him to dinner at Little Star, but he already had plans for dinner at his friend, Peter's, for make-your-own sushi. On the way, we picked up Robert Allen and arrived only to discover not only were we crashing a dinner party, but there were already place settings for the exact amount of people who were really invited. Arrgggh.
It's amazing that I actually had a good time, because I was quite embarrassed at the beginning. But, our host was dreamy and cute and gracious. There was never a moment where I wasn't being offered more sake, more beer, more food. Ironically, I refused all food offered me because I was still suffering from shame, having crashed the event. So, it was the Nicole Ritchie plan for me. Sake + Beer... combined with the coffee and cocktails that I had earlier, and it was all the mental and physical strength I could muster to make it to BART.
Okay, I skipped an important bit. On the way to BART (almost the last one of the evening), I had to get some sustenance from Deja Vu pizza. This is a little dive on 16th between Guerrero and Dolores and the place was packed with freaks, let me tell you. There was a guy at the register (on the customer side) who was terribly sunburned with bad blue eyeshadow and eyeliner and only two teeth in his head. He shared with me that he had just gotten out of the hospital and his drugs were wearing off. Pity that. And also, pity that I didn't have any either.
Since I didn't want to share my slice or have an audience, I did what any self-respecting starving city dweller does: I ate it in the parking lot of the nearest church. Classy!!! Oh, and the pizza was so bloody hot, that I destroyed the roof of my mouth. It makes my new retainer all kinds of fun.
And that was my Saturday.
Sunday, was a day of rest.... and errands/dinner with my friend Michael. He's the person responsible for my knitting obsession and the person I moved to San Francisco with from Austin, TX. He's my oldest friend in the Bay Area. He's pretty much my younger brother... but Latino.... and crazy.... in a good way.
That's all for now. Next? My new glow in the dark retainer!
Monday, June 9, 2008
YKnit Episode 9, "Hot for Harlot"
For your listening pleasure! Oh, and we have a contest too. Very easy to sign up.
Kissez................
Kissez................
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Maker Faire 2008
It's weeks after the end of MakerFaire and I still haven't said "boo" about it, so here goes. I'm getting up there in years, so my memory is failing me here and there, but I'll try to give you the lay of the land. If you wanna skip to all the pix, go fer it.
This year, I went to Maker Faire with Stephen (hizKNITS, my podcast partner) and Tammy (PunkRawkPurl) under the working concept that we'd interview for our podcast (Yknit) and do research on the state of CRAFT and possibly get ideas for future event planning. Fortunately, we did get a nice interview withNatalie Zee Drieu (Senior Staff Editor of Craft Magazine) as well as some nice audio from revelers (not to be confused with Ravelers) and vendors.
Stephen drove us down early (10am) so that we could make sure to see the Yarn Harlot speak (11am) and to get our press credentials and scope the festival layout. It was good that we did this as parking had already started to back up and we took one of the final spots in the lot adjacent to the fairgrounds. Folks who arrived later in the day had to park a substantial distance from the festivities and had a big delay from the interstate.
We picked up our badges and lanyards, got our maps and heading in with about 15 minutes to spare before the Harlot. The seating for the main stage was about 500. I'm horrible with respect to these types of estimations but I confirmed that with other folks who were there. At first, it wasn't quite full, but about 10 minutes into her talk, the place was packed. Always a delight, Stephanie entertained the crowd with amusing stories and research about the benefits and educational aspects of knitting.
Afterwards she had a very popular book-signing and then had a crazy packed "knit-in" in a woefully tiny craft lounge. Since we had interviewed Stephanie the night before, we felt good about leaving her and exploring the fairgrounds. We saw pretty much the whole thing including the vendor booths in the Craft area, the work spaces in the Make area and all the outdoor activities including people powered music, transportation and, of course, DINING.
It was so cool to see all ages and all genders participating in the Craft areas. We saw our good friends from "A Verb for Keeping Warm" and got to meet the good folks at TinyMeat, Sweet Meats (is there a theme here....) and all the other Etsy and local independent crafty businesses.
There were robot wars, live demonstrations of science in action and quite a bit of fun music (including my favorite, the theremin). We saw lots of Ravelry friends, bloggers and mulit-crafters.
At the end of the day, we were all in a daze (might have been the non-stop junk food fest) but very happy to have attended. Next year, we plan on going but being more strategic with our interviews and, hopefully, plan something groovy and community-based like the Knit-In, but with more room to spread out.
There's tons more that I could mention but let's just say that:
we came
we saw
we crafted
we collapsed!
This year, I went to Maker Faire with Stephen (hizKNITS, my podcast partner) and Tammy (PunkRawkPurl) under the working concept that we'd interview for our podcast (Yknit) and do research on the state of CRAFT and possibly get ideas for future event planning. Fortunately, we did get a nice interview with
Stephen drove us down early (10am) so that we could make sure to see the Yarn Harlot speak (11am) and to get our press credentials and scope the festival layout. It was good that we did this as parking had already started to back up and we took one of the final spots in the lot adjacent to the fairgrounds. Folks who arrived later in the day had to park a substantial distance from the festivities and had a big delay from the interstate.
We picked up our badges and lanyards, got our maps and heading in with about 15 minutes to spare before the Harlot. The seating for the main stage was about 500. I'm horrible with respect to these types of estimations but I confirmed that with other folks who were there. At first, it wasn't quite full, but about 10 minutes into her talk, the place was packed. Always a delight, Stephanie entertained the crowd with amusing stories and research about the benefits and educational aspects of knitting.
Afterwards she had a very popular book-signing and then had a crazy packed "knit-in" in a woefully tiny craft lounge. Since we had interviewed Stephanie the night before, we felt good about leaving her and exploring the fairgrounds. We saw pretty much the whole thing including the vendor booths in the Craft area, the work spaces in the Make area and all the outdoor activities including people powered music, transportation and, of course, DINING.
It was so cool to see all ages and all genders participating in the Craft areas. We saw our good friends from "A Verb for Keeping Warm" and got to meet the good folks at TinyMeat, Sweet Meats (is there a theme here....) and all the other Etsy and local independent crafty businesses.
There were robot wars, live demonstrations of science in action and quite a bit of fun music (including my favorite, the theremin). We saw lots of Ravelry friends, bloggers and mulit-crafters.
At the end of the day, we were all in a daze (might have been the non-stop junk food fest) but very happy to have attended. Next year, we plan on going but being more strategic with our interviews and, hopefully, plan something groovy and community-based like the Knit-In, but with more room to spread out.
There's tons more that I could mention but let's just say that:
we came
we saw
we crafted
we collapsed!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Yarn Harlot Meets Yknit
What a crazy, crazy weekend this past one turned out to be. Podcast Interviewing, Yarn Harlot, Maker Faire. Too crazy! So crazy, in fact, I was done in and spent pretty much Sunday and Monday recuperating. I blame the corn dog, ice cream, energy drink combination. But, I must confess that it was so incredibly cool. It was one magical moment after another and boy, do I feel blessed.
So, this past Friday, Stephen and I moseyed over to San Francisco to interview the Yarn Harlot at her hotel. We literally were handed off from Jenny & Nicole, of Stash & Burn fame, who met with her before we did. I was hoping to be there for the interview, but we'll just have to settle for being fanboys and gush over the podcast when it's posted to iTunes.
We had a rip-roaring funny interview with Ms. Pearl-McPhee and then escorted her to the new Millennium (or rather, it was a new location for me). The food was spectacular and I had many new vegetables (some I had never heard of, like fiddleheads). Great beer, lovely company and super model waiters. What more could you ask for? Well, the icing on the cake was the prom night pics that we posed for at the hotel. I think the concierge was like, "I know she's famous, but I don't know exactly what for..." Obviously, not a knitter, but no mind.
Giddy with epicurean delights and fibertarian fantasies, we made our way to separate homes and dreamed of a world where the Yarn Harlot reigned. And speaking of reigning, that's exactly what she did at....
THE MAKER FAIRE. More on that with the next post.
So, this past Friday, Stephen and I moseyed over to San Francisco to interview the Yarn Harlot at her hotel. We literally were handed off from Jenny & Nicole, of Stash & Burn fame, who met with her before we did. I was hoping to be there for the interview, but we'll just have to settle for being fanboys and gush over the podcast when it's posted to iTunes.
We had a rip-roaring funny interview with Ms. Pearl-McPhee and then escorted her to the new Millennium (or rather, it was a new location for me). The food was spectacular and I had many new vegetables (some I had never heard of, like fiddleheads). Great beer, lovely company and super model waiters. What more could you ask for? Well, the icing on the cake was the prom night pics that we posed for at the hotel. I think the concierge was like, "I know she's famous, but I don't know exactly what for..." Obviously, not a knitter, but no mind.
Giddy with epicurean delights and fibertarian fantasies, we made our way to separate homes and dreamed of a world where the Yarn Harlot reigned. And speaking of reigning, that's exactly what she did at....
THE MAKER FAIRE. More on that with the next post.
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