socktopus

Come Find Me on The Fiber Beat

2009-09-18T12:34:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!!!

I'm about to embark on a new adventure: Fiber Beat.

There will be a new podcast which can found in iTunes and online. There will also be an accompanying Fiber Beat blog (but I can't quite figure out how to combine the two).

For now, I'm going to stop posting to Socktopus and focus full-time on Fiber Beat.

Hope to see you there!

Sincerely,
Michael aka WonderMike

Men's Fall Knitting Retreat 2009 - TELL YOUR FRIENDS!!!

2009-05-19T11:21:00.001-07:00

Men's Fall Knitting Retreat 2009 - TELL YOUR FRIENDS!!!
Originally uploaded by >>>WonderMike<<<

Please tell your guy friends, your LYS, your favorite vendors about this event.

We are accepting registrations until July 3, 2009, but we advise sooner rather than later, if you're interested in joining us.

And, if you'd like to make a donation or sponsor, please give me a shout!

Thx,
Michael aka WonderMike (Ravelry)

Jenkins Turkish Delights

2009-04-20T11:58:00.001-07:00

Jenkins Turkish Bottom Whorl Spindles
Originally uploaded by >>>WonderMike<<<

One should never say never.

I said I'd never knit lace.
I said I'd never spin.
I said I'd never spin on a wheel.
I said I'd never weave.

Clearly, I am not to be trusted when it comes to sweeping proclamations of activities I'll never do. Imagine my surprise when I "broke down" and got not one, but two Jenkins Bottom Whorl Turkish Spindles. I had been admiring several folks pictures on Ravelry (Marihana, Criminy Jickets and Eydeet. all evil, evil people.... which is why we get along so well) until I finally had to head over to Ed and Wanda's site to see what was still available.

They are so popular right now, that you have to "stalk" the list and make a request the moment the pix go live. They have updates about once every two weeks, but it helps if you send an email and tell them woods that you like.

The two spindles I got were a full sized Turkish in Cocobolo wood and Turkish Delight in Yucatan Rosewood (pictured here). Both are a joy to look at and have perfect balance. I was able to start spinning immediately upon opening the package because they ship with a little pouf of fiber. The TD had a silk hankie and the full Turk had some lovely dark blue/turquoise pencil roving.

I might be getting some additional Turks (and potentially niddy noddies/top whorls/wpi tools....) from the Spanish Peacock, but I have to wait until he's back from the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival. My bank account and budget can breathe a sigh of relief... for the time time being.

Yknit 19 "Fistful of Fibers" is LIVE!

2009-04-12T13:54:00.001-07:00

Yknit 019 "Fistful of Fibers"
Originally uploaded by >>>WonderMike<<<

Yknit Episode 19 was a very fun episode to record. I hope you like it. There's lots of big announcements and a contest!

Thanks for listening.

Rigid Heddle Loom Class @ Verb

2009-04-07T13:14:00.001-07:00

Rigid Heddle Loom Class @ Verb
Originally uploaded by >>>WonderMike<<<

The very first of the month of April was my first Rigid Heddle patterns class at A Verb for Keeping Warm (no foolin'). I had looked forward to this class for several weeks because it was being led by the woman who taught me how to USE my Schacht Cricket RH loom, Kathleen Donohue. Kathleen is an omni-crafty-arty person and she has an ease and style that I really enjoyed during my loom tutorial. I knew she wouldn't disappoint.

All of the students had Crickets, but Kathleen (always the cool kid/early adopter) brought in her majectic Kromksi Harp. WARNING: tool envy... and I got it hard, my friends. As much as I love my cute little Cricket, the Kromski Harp is light years ahead in terms of functionality, versatility and pure style. I'm trying to figure out how to sell my Cricket to fund a portion of the Harp. I'll keep you posted.

But, the point of the class, besides stoking the fires of loom lust, was to show us simple patterns using warp and weft floats.Weft floats are created when a certain number of the down shed warps are lifted up (from the neutral heddle position), which produces a gap in the left-right threads (weft). Warp floats are created when a certain number of down shed yarns are lifted up (when the heddle is in the up position) which produces a gap in the top-bottom threads (warp). A multitude of patterns can be generated from combining and repeating these simple pattern "algorithms". You get even crazier beautiful textures by adding new colors, and, my favorite, handspun.

I had a little trouble following Kathleen's presentation because I have left-right dyslexia and up-down dyslexia. It's not a clinical assessment, but rather my explanation for why I always do/say the opposite of what I mean. I really have to concentrate when I'm working with students because I'll just say the first thing that pops into my head even though I know as I'm saying it, that I've reversed them. Crazy.

I only did about 4 inches of fabric in the class itself, but once I got home and reviewed a couple of texts, I started experimenting. I managed to churn out about 5 feet of a sampler and I learned quite a bit about how to manage the pick-up sticks and how to create patterns/shapes on the fly. I posted FIVE pix of my crazy weaving experiments.

A wonderful book with lots of exercises and patterns is Textures and Patterns for the Rigid Heddle Loom [Spiral-bound]by Betty Linn Davenport. I think Verb is sold out of it at the moment but you can order it directly from Bettty via Amazon. When I ordered my copy a while back, she had written a personal note in it. So cool. Betty has also authored an excellent RH loom introductory text called "Hands On Rigid Heddle Loom Weaving" as well as numerous articles for Handwoven and some other publications whose name is escaping me.

Breakthrough!!!

2009-04-03T12:41:00.001-07:00

Burnt Ember BFL (Verb) - Handspun
Originally uploaded by >>>WonderMike<<<

In case you haven't noticed, I have a problem. That problem can be summed up in the phrase, "lack of willpower". It's been the same my whole life through.

I grew up lower middle class although, when I was younger, I would have said poor. I've since seen truly poor and I definitely was NOT. Foolishly, I thought that since we were living in the projects (brand new apartments that were subsidized), we were poor, but really, it was just a single parent household with 2 (later 3...) kids. My mother raised all 3 of us on her salary as an accountant for Federal job assistance program called CETA (late 70s). This didn't leave much for my obsessive compulsive need for toys, comics and candy, so I applied for and got a job delivering newspapers after school in the 4th grade.

It was the first time that I had money to spend any way I wanted. My mother would have preferred I open a savings account and put aside a percentage of my earnings (she was a book-keeper, after all), but in all things fiduciary, I was my mother's son. Shopping was therapy and more things meant more love and more happiness. So, all my subscription receipts from the paper route furnished me with an unlimited supply of Now & Laters, DC Comics (with a sprinkling of Marvel) and Micronauts. There was no greater pleasure to be had than riding that sugar high and reading about the exploits of the hunky Green Arrow or sultry Spider Woman.

And, it's been the same with each new level of "maturity". Comics gave way to books. Toys gave way to music (albums, cassettes and finally cds). And I never stopped eating candy. Just ask my dentist or orthodontist.

My current shopaholic tendencies revolve around all things fiber: yarn, books, tools, patterns, bags and now, god help me, fiber, spindles, rigid heddle looms and wheels. Fortunately, wheels are a much bigger hurdle to clear, but that doesn't prevent me from constantly looking at Carolina Homespun to see what new wheels I should test drive. It doesn't matter that I have more than 40 spindles (at last count) or that I have a lovely portable wheel and a nice RH loom. I'm always seeing other people's tools and thinking how efficient or proficient I would be with their equipment. Oh, the sins of envy and covetousness.

That was a lot of confession to get to the essence of today's post and that is about simplicity and the joy of living (and spinning) in the moment. I truly love spinning. I love doing it on a drop spindle. I like teaching it. I love doing it on a wheel. Perhaps in the future, I'll teach that too, but for now, I am smitten with spinning. There's something about it that never ceases to amaze me. The moment that the twist travels up the fiber is always magic, no matter who is doing it. And then there's the plying and the combination of color and texture that arise. Finally, there's the knitting or weaving that creates even more glorious patterns.

This latest entry into the halls of my spinning FOs is the December 2009 "Wooly Wonders" fiber club shipment from A Verb for Keeping Warm. It's 4 ounces of Blue Faced Leicester (BFL) that is postively glowing with reds and peaches with a splash of purple/gray. This skein marks the very first fiber club installment that I have spun up and I'm quite proud of breaking the inertia and of the finished product. I'm going to add it to my handspun stash and figure out what it needs to be, but for now, I'm enjoying admiring it and petting it.

Judith MacKenzie McCuin - Genius

2009-04-01T17:08:00.001-07:00

Spindles & Flyers - Guild Mtg (4/29/09)
Originally uploaded by >>>WonderMike<<<

I could listen to Judith MacKenzie McCuin talk ALL DAY LONG. In fact, I could have done just that AND treated myself to her workshop on Selecting a Quality Fleece, but I was a spaz and didn't sign up in time. Fortunately, I had a second chance as she was a guest lecturer at the Spindles & Flyers Guild meeting this past Sunday and I was able to meet her and chat. I also brought both of my books in for Judith to sign (Teach Yourself Visually Handpinning & The Intentional Spinner).

Judith's lecture was on the evolutionary history of sheep and how it has co-evolved with man. It was an inspired talk and I took copious notes. If you ever have the opportunity to hear her speak or take a class or just have a coffee with her, do it! You will walk away so much smarter and inspired by her passion for wool. Plus, she's got that adorable Canadian accent which just melts my heart every time I hear it.

I'll add some groovy fun facts after I review my notes, which I don't have in front of me at the moment.

Before Judith's presentation, we were able to check out a vintage fiber journal that Julia (HistoricFibers) brought in to share. It had been willed to her by a friend and before she fully documented it, we had a chance to check it out. I was quite taken with the penmanship and the wonderful swatches that were included. Even more amazing was the fact that they were still attached. Not sure how the author achieved that, but it was impressive.

Like Coals to Newcastle

2009-03-27T17:07:00.001-07:00

HelloYarn Fiber/Tracy Eichem Spindle
Originally uploaded by >>>WonderMike<<<

Or so the saying goes. But, I really can't help myself when I'm presented with such a work of art as this. Actually both of these items are news-worthy because (1) the fiber is MY FIRST HelloYarn fiber club in colorway THRIVE courtesy of Adrian Bizilia and (2) Kokopeli Drop Spindle from Tracy Eichem. I've been stalking, er admiring Adrian's color style for quite some time and I have been able to purchase dyed yarn and patterns from her fairly easily. But man, the Fiber Club was near impossible to get into, but not entirely. ;-)

On the same exact day, I received two new spindles from master craftsman, Tracy Eichem. I ordered the Kokopeli (shown here) as well as a production spindle with a Comet design. Both spindles are such a treat to spin with. Precision cut and balanced with an artist's flair for wood choices and graphic treatments. Both spindles are signed by Tracy and join the legion of many art spindles that I use for all my OCD spinning projects.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Woolen vs. Worsted Spinning Class @ Verb

2009-03-26T10:53:00.001-07:00

Woolen vs. Worsted Spinning Class @ Verb
Originally uploaded by >>>WonderMike<<<

This past St. Patrick's Day, I attended an Advanced Spinning Class at a Verb for Keeping Warm. Kristine Vejar (entrepreneur, spinner, dyer) led the class and presented the different types of fiber preparations (top, roving, batts, rolags, etc.) and how they are more suited for worsted or woolen spinning.

We started off with a little show & tell. Most folks had wonderful fiber to share, but I only had my latest spindle. I know, I know, but in my defense, I ordered this spindle back in October of 2008. Tracy Eichem is a respected artist in the world of spinning art and his work has been featured in Spin-Off magazine as well as spinning books like Twisted Sisters Sock Workbook and even at the Men's Fall Knitting Retreat (thanks, Ted!).

Kristine gave us handouts that had a graph which depicted the preparations and their corresponding recommended spinning. For example, combed preparations (such as top) contain only the longest hairs and have their individual fibers lined up. They are perfect for worsted spinning (such as the short forward draw) because they create a smooth, sturdy and lustrous yarn. Carded preparations (such as roving and batts), on the other hand, have short and long hairs mixed together and the fibers go in many different different directions. This is perfectly suited for woolen spinning which creates a lofty, squishy and matte yarn.

Kristine is quite serious about her instruction. Earlier that day, she consulted with Shari McKelvy, the owner of Morro Fleece Works to get terminology and processes down so that she could explain the most contemporary methods and machinery to us. it's so charming to see someone as passionate and as concerned about accuracy as the Verb crew. I feel quite honored to work and study here.

After the brief lecture, we dove into the spinning fun. In order to get a feel for each spinning technique AND how it translates to knitting/weaving/crocheting, we tried each one and created a mini-skein to work up later. Kristine demonstrated the "short forward draw" (aka Inch Worm method) which creates a worsted yarn (not to be confused with worsted weight... different beast altogether). We used a combed fiber, then a carded fiber to get a sense of how the spinning changes the nature of the preparation.

Next up, we reviewed the long draw which is the production speed technique but one I can't quite seem to master. I do love using it for my woolen spun yarns, but I haven't figured out how to create a consistent yarn (slubs and thin spots do not a fabulous fiber make!). I'm going to experiment more to see how different methods of handling and turning the fiber will improve my execution.

Finally, we did my favorite, from the fold. It's the technique that always get the "Oooooo" or the gasp, "It's magic!"

As always, class flew by far too quickly and that beautiful dusk blue sky turned dark as 9pm approached. I never really want to leave the Verb studio and I even stayed until midnight chatting with Kristine, Adrienne and Marlowe. There are never enough hours in the day to play with fiber or with your fiber friends...

Second Mitten Finished

2009-03-24T17:00:00.001-07:00

Second Mitten Finished (New Avatars)
Originally uploaded by >>>WonderMike<<<

You see here, the second mitten in my first color work adventure. Oh, sure, I've done super simple, improvised things like tea cozies and prep for Stitches classes, but this is the real deal (stranding, two colors/two hands, picking up in pattern, etc.). This design is called the Halland Mitten and is a charted pattern from the awesome book, "Folk Mittens" by Marcia Lewandowski.

The yarn used is A Verb for Keeping Warm's Yakkety Yak which is 80/20 Yak/Merino. The subtle variations with the natural dyes really make the colors vibrate... in a good way. And, man, how warm and soft they are after finishing. I was sad to let them go, since they were knitted as a shop sample, but it was great to get such positive feedback from Kristine and everyone else that saw them at Stitches.

In terms of construction, I did find three things confusing about the pattern:

1. The final decreases at the very top are inaccurate because they have two decreases in a row which is not possible given the final stitches you need to work them.

2. The placement of the left hand thumb does not make sense if you start the mitten in the middle of the chart (as it states). I knit the second mitten EXACTLY like the first but I inserted the waste yarn on the left side of the chart (as pictured in the book).

3. Picking up the 6 sts (3 top and 3 bottom) for the peasant thumb was a bit awkward, especially since you are picking up stitches going in the opposite direction of the knitting for the “top” half of the thumb.

Perhaps someone more experienced will know what to do but I just winged it.

The only thing I’m seriously not happy about is the way the mitten distorts near the right hand thumb (you can see this in my pic with my hand inside). I believe it has a lot to do with how I’m stranding the yarns. But, this is my first true colorwork. :-)

Baby Shower for Della Garcia

2009-03-23T16:13:00.001-07:00

Baby Shower for Della Garcia
Originally uploaded by >>>WonderMike<<<

My dear friends Holly and Rene just welcomed their second baby into the world and her name is Della Atari Garcia. She was born on February 7, 2009 and I got to see her very soon after her delivery at Kaiser in San Francisco. Della was sporting a full head of beautiful black hair and seemed a bit more chill than her older brother Renecito . Holly seemed much more at ease, this time, too. I suppose you're ready for whatever the delivery process is going to throw at you the second go 'round.

Before Della left her mother's watery citadel, she wasn't quite with the program. The medical term I believe is presenting breech, but with several weeks before her scheduled arrival, everyone was hopeful that she'd come around to the proper exit strategy. Holly endured several weeks of natal "massage" that was supposed to coax the baby into proper alignment, and, in the end, it worked. No C-section was required and it was a relatively complication free procedure.

Della is named in honor of her uncle Daniel Anthony Garcia who sadly passed away last year before he was able to meet her. Della and Daniel have the same initials and I think that Daniela was Della's first name, originally. In fact, it might be her name on the birth certificate but everyone is calling her Della now. Oh, and, in case you're wondering, Atari was not chosen for the video game, but rather, it's an exclamation in Japanese that is used when you've won something big, like the Lotto. Holly & Rene won the Baby Big Scratcher.

I've been working on the knitted love for Della for quite some time now. I've made a punk rawk pony , a Baby Surpise Jacket w/matching booties , several Sproutets , hats w/booties and, my latest obsession, leg warmers . These leg warmers originally were made for Holly because I mistakenly thought she wanted them for herself. When I finished the first one and showed it to her (the day before Della was born)v, she shouted, "Jeez, Baby Della is going to disappear in that legwarmer". Oh, it's for Della.... I thought it was for Holls. Nevermind, they was destined to be matchy-matchy Mother Daughter legwarmers .

I was so jazzed by these ultra-simple 1x1 ribbed tubes, that I proceeded to go a little cuckoo and get all the materials for two more sets with matching hats (hats shown above). When I asked Holl what colors she wanted, she said pink with green. Here you see Pink Heather Cascade 220 with Lime Green Kidsilk Haze (on left) and Green Heather Cascade 220 with Pink Kidsilk Haze (on right). I love the knitted up fabric created by holding these two yarns together. It creates such a rich and super soft texture.

The adult legwarmer pattern is from "Last Minute Knitted Gifts" by Joelle Hoverson and it's one of my very first "expensive" design and pattern books. The only other books I had purchased before were "Stitch N Bitch" by Debbie Stoller and "Knitting Without Tears" by Elizabeth Zimmerman. Both of these books together were about $20. It was a big leap for me to spend $30 on a single book. How things change when you find yourself chuffed that you got that Alice Starmore out-of-print "Fair Isle Knitting" book for just a little over $100 (retail price in 1986, $30), but that's another post for another day.

Welcome to the World, Baby Della. I can't WAIT to shower you with knitted dresses and tiaras. You're going to be such a girly girl, I can feel it.

Sunday Is My FUN Day @ Stitches West 2009 (4 of 4 posts)

2009-03-18T12:33:00.001-07:00

Stitches 2009 Haul
Originally uploaded by >>>WonderMike<<<

Sunday morning was my final day at Stitches West and also at the Hilton. I got up early and packed up my things because I didn't want to have to return and do the check-out thing at 11am. It was a lot easier to pack everything in the car and just camp out in the Market Place.

The vibe of Sunday @ Stitches is very different from the madness and chaos that is Saturday. By this point, most people are fried from all the classes and the vendors are exhausted from the (hopefully) frenzied shopping. Everything has been kicked down a couple of energy notches and seems a lot more manageable.

I started off the morning with my first purchase of a Carpel Tunnel DVD by Joshua Tucker. I had seen it advertised on Ravelry several times and hadn't yet taken the plunge. Purchasing a therapeutic how-to video seemed very sensible, so it was the perfect slippery slope act of the day. Joshua was very nice (and cute to boot) so I had him sign the DVD "To My Favorite Ravelry Stalker...". He wasn't too freaked out; I hope his wife isn't either. I had also thought of getting a massage from the same booth, but when I discovered that Joshua was not administering said treatment, I opted for Purlescence's Magic Fingers man, Ray. [Is this why Kristine kept calling me "Slutty McMutty" all throughout SW?? Hmmmph!]

My next stop was Ray aka Mr. Magic Fingers, the physical therapy genius at the Purlescence booth. I did the full-on 30 minute session and, shazam, was it worth it. I almost fell asleep and it was a bit awkward to get only a chair massage, but my lower back sooooo thanked me for it on the ride back to Berkeley that evening. It reinforced the wise fact that massage is indeed necessary for maintaining one's good health.

All weekend long, a new-to-me colorway from Kristine (Chocolate Cherries) had been serenading me in the Verb Booth. It was 100% dreamy-purrfectly-squishy-and-even Targhee and now it was to be mine. It had miraculously stayed in prominent position but had not been acquired, so I assumed the universe wanted it to come with me. A work of fiber art such as this needs the right companion and I think I found it in this Asciano rosewood Clover spindle (seen above).

The owner/artist behind Asciano is Deborah Doyle and her sales pitch is so disarming. Every lovely item that I picked up to admire was quickly described in terms of its limitations. It's like Picasso telling you that he didn't really like the way his lines came out in "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon " or that Van Gogh thought his "Sunflowers" were too yellow. When I selected the clover spindle, I was given a clever device that turned out to be a fishing tackle spinner so that I test the balance of this wooden gem. Well, I could see her point (barely) but I just couldn't get beyond how stunning the craftsmanship was. Nope, she couldn't talk me out of it. It's new home was with me... and with Chocolate Cherries Targhee from Verb.

I was VERY STRONG by not stepping one FOOT into the BMFA booth, but I did admire many, many Rare Gems from afar. I still have 5 skeins of RG from last year that have yet to be knit/woven up. See, I can practice restraint! Oh, wait, I still haven't told you about Fiber Fiend.

Fiber Fiend is the brainchild of Margit and I love her color sense. I also love her fiendishly cute logo. I simply could not pass up a tote and matching pin. Especially since my pin from last year fell off my bike messenger bag (arrgh!). I also picked up several lovely superwash corriedale rovings in my favorite autumnal colors of green/orange/red. Delicious.

Oh, I forgot to say that the night before, I fell down in Bobbin's Nest and purchased several things in addition to the exclusive BN colorway from HazelKnits. I also got "Weekend Warrior" (be still my green with envy heart) and "Cami Chic" (which is just a WW with a little red thrown in for good measure). Wendee has such glorious colors and you can't resist when she's RIGHT THERE IN FRONT OF YOU and being such a generous indie dyer.

The final thing I did was pop by the Wild Fibers / Keep the Fleece booth and picked up a back issue of Wild Fibers that was "out of print" but had mysteriously turned up in a box in storage. Yay for me!!

I finished up the day by getting some more video footage and chatting with friends (both old and new) in the Hyatt Lounge over cocktails and dinner. It was about 7pm when I finally mustered the courage to get on the road in spite of the hurricane force winds and rain that is so FREAKING WEIRD for the Bay Area. I seriously thought that I had been transported to New Orleans for a Katrina re-run. Sheesh.

I made it home safe and sound by 8:30pm (I drive like a pawpaw) and was greeted with many hugs and kisses from my boy, Anto.

Saturday's All Right for a FLIGHT (3 of 4 posts)

2009-03-17T13:20:00.001-07:00

Stitches West 2009 - The Love
Originally uploaded by >>>WonderMike<<<

Day 3 of the Stitches West Saga....

This was supposed to be my final day of working @ Stitches and it was exciting to know that I had been a busy and productive bee (i.e. not just a greedy raccoon shopper) but it was also a wee bit depressing because I was heading home at the end of the day. But, before I could wallow in my own manic depression, it was SHOW TIME!

And, my friends, Saturday was a busy, busy day. We had scads of people drop by to say hello. I saw co-workers, friends, bloggers, podcasters, designers/LYS owners, authors, and, the thing that makes me weak in the knees, a UTILIKILT! It doesn't help matters that I think Kevin is a babe and his wife, Nathania an even bigger babe, but that's how the fiber love fest happens. You can't help your crushes, no?

The day was a whirlwind of meeting new listeners, showing people how to drop spindle, demonstrating the Schacht Ladybug, and showing off our new sock designs by homegirl, Marlowe. She even made a personal appearance and modeled said new footwear but, sadly I didn't have my camera handy for the runway work. I'm certain Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn would have approved.

One of the highlights of my day was a visit with the inspirational, Linda Cortright from Wild Fibers Magazine. She was in town with her wonderfully wry brother, Hugh, promoting the publication but also a new project called Keep the Fleece. KTF coincides with the U.N. proclamation of 2009 as the International Year of Natural Fibers. There is a series of spinning and design contest categories that focus on various natural fibers as well as THE organizing project which hopes to create the world's largest scarf made of pure natural fibers. As a result of interviewing Linda for Yknit 016, she asked Anthony (our producer) if he would like to edit a promotional piece for KTF. A great opportunity for sound-work that will benefit a worthy cause.

During my lunch break I headed over to the Shelridge Farm's booth to check out CookieA's new sock book (!!!!) and knitted samples of said designs by Kristi. So beautiful and elegant Cookies designs are. While I was there admiring the footy goodness, I saw the Queen of Color herself, Lucy Neatby, sporting her glorious Fishtail Shawl coordinated with her bi-hued Doc Martins. She informed me that the only US storefront that sells Docs (in all their groovy colors) is in Portland. ++Perhaps you can stop and get a pair when you go to Sock Summit.++ Lucy was kind enough to show me her latest creation, the Venus Cardigan which you can learn to knit by ordering her soon-to-be-released DVDs showing the various techniques used in the VC construction. She will also be releasing an Intro to Knitting DVD which, if it's anything like her Sock Essentials or Knitting Essentials dvds, it's going to be a monumental hit with the YouTube set. I bow to Lady Lucy's awesomeness.

After the market work was over, we ran back to the Hilton for a quick rest before heading over to Santa Clara LYS, Bobbin's Nest owned by the hostess with the mostess, Erin McGee. Erin was hosting a yarn release party for Wendee Shulsen (aka HazelKnits) and featuring designs by Melissa Goodale and sock/hat/cowl designs by Jeni Chase. The exclusive release colorway was a lovely baby blue/brown/cream combination that is surely going to turn into a scarf or socks for Anthony. He fell in love with it the moment he saw it.

It was great to spend some quality time with Wendee (finally, after missing her premier party last year due to a prior Ira Glass/This American Life commitment) and to really check out Erin's store. It's such a warm and inviting space and I'm so jealous that we don't have something comparable in the East Bay. Okay, maybe the white wine and cheese is clouding my judgment but I did have the most lovely time hanging with the BobaKnits gals and the Santa Clara crew. I'll be back for sure.

Afterwards we had dinner at Jasmine, a local Thai restaurant. I very much enjoyed the fare, but several in our party thought it was a tad too spicy. I'm a total spice wimp so I always ask for mild. I can't run with the big spice dogs, so I'm happy to chill with the chihuahuas.

At this point, I was supposed to head back to Berzerkeley, but there were still people I wanted to check in with and places I wanted to check out at the Marketplace. When I called Anthony to ask for one more night, he immediately replied, "But of course! Have fun!". Gotta love that man. He knows the way straight to my wooly heart. So, it was one more night at the comfy Hilton and one day at the market.

Next up, Sunday is my Fun Day....

Good Omens and Good Fridays (2 of 4 posts)

2009-03-16T14:34:00.001-07:00

Stitches West 2009 - The Love
Originally uploaded by >>>WonderMike<<<

The Stitches West 2009 Saga continues...

Thursday night the Verb crew (Kristine, Adrienne, Michelle & I) stayed at the lovely Hilton located just across the street from the Santa Clara convention center. This meant that our carbon footprint was significantly reduced and my sleep and sanity was greatly increased. Good for everyone. I'm told that my snoring is perceptible but not obnoxious for which I'm very grateful. I shared a bed with Adrienne and she didn't punch me in the middle of the night. A clear victory, methinks.

The next morning, we walked over to the CC and did a fluff up of the fiber and prepared for what could be the busiest (from a financial perspective) day of Stitches. I would have thought that Saturday would take the prize, but not so with respect to last year's receipts.

Once we got the booth all set up, I walked around, took some notes and I even got some video with the Mini-DV camera I borrowed from my friend, Rene. I started at the entrance to the market place and who should I run into but, the wonderful Jenny & Nicole from the Stash & Burn podcast. I took this as a good omen and snapped a pic for proof of my good fortune.

We ran into each other at the Wall of Socks for the XRX Think Outside the Sox competition and, although it wasn't as many as I was expecting, it was a stunning array of knitted and crocheted footwear. There was intarsia, fair isle, hand-dyed, felted and even knit-with-wire creations. I was never so happy as to discover that one's name was not associated with one's entry, because my two pairs of socks were sooooooooo mickey mouse compared to some of these works of art.

While I was chatting with Jenny & Nicole, two women approached me and asked if I worked at a software company with a gentleman named Dennis. When I confirmed that I did, I was introduced to Dennis' god-daughter, Elizabeth and her mother DeeDee. They were so sweet and charming and I got a pic of them for Dennis. After voting for my "People's Choice" award for the socks... yes, I voted for myself (I had to at least get one nod), I walked around and got a fair amount of video b-roll. I'm not exactly sure what I'm going to do with this, but I thought it best to use my Press Pass to full advantage. I'm sure it's a use it or lose it situation with events like these.

Once I was back at the Verb booth, it was full tilt boogie with respect to the shoppers. There were many times that I only had room to stand up straight, write out a receipt and direct the customer to check-out in the back of the booth. Thank goodness everything was labeled properly with colorway name and price because it was hopeless for me to try and memorize all that. I especially suck at remembering the percentages of fiber in the different blends.

Quite a few people stopped by to say hello and share how much they love Yknit. I was so touched and bowled over with the generosity. We really do have the most wonderful listeners. It's also nice to have people tell you that they appreciate the quality of the production and the hard work that goes into each episode. Hurrah!!

Our convention "neighborhood" was purrfect because we were close to friends (Fiber Fiend, Purlescence and Cocoknits) as well as the archangel Ray (massage therapist) but not too close to the fiber crack (BMFA, Toots LeBlanc and Brooks Farm). A perfect balance of personalities, color and texture.

Friday was also the day that K.C. and his roving film crew were making the rounds and capturing footage for his documentary. There was quite a long segment that featured my demonstration of drop spindling and I was shaking like a leaf. I'm positive that the glare from my shiny forehead was causing issues for the cameraman, but I'm hoping they can correct that in post-production.

In addition to the lovely celebrities that stopped by such as Cat Bordhi, Lucy Neatby, Rosemary Hill, and Kristi Geraci, I was chuffed to see Men's Fall Knitting Retreat attendees, Jonathan and Joe. Jonathan was sporting his Alice Starmore vest that he had been working on at the retreat. While he was visiting the Verb booth, the Stash & Burn ladies interviewed Jonathan and he is on their latest podcast.

Once our workday was done, we headed back to the hotel for HOT-TUBBING and cocktails. On our way to get drinks, we ran into Leslie, Debbie and Susan from Blue Moon Fiber Arts and were treated to delicious Fat Tires. Those ladies know how to relax, let me tell you. We visited for a spell but then made our way to the hot-tub. It was Kristine, Adrienne and I and had it not been for the encouragement and slight-guilting, I would not have ventured to the pool area. Thankfully, it was deserted and quite a lovely night for it, so we had the whole tub to ourselves. My friends Michael and Jodi showed up after we had been "steaming" for about an hour, but they (shrewdly) declined to join us.

We finished up the day by ordering pizza and falling into bed quite exhausted but relaxed.

Next up: S.A.T.U.R.D.A.Y. Fright!

Multi-tasking Master - Stitches Stylee (1 of 4 posts)

2009-03-11T16:01:00.001-07:00

Multi-tasking Master - Stitches Stylee
Originally uploaded by >>>WonderMike<<<

I have personally vowed that 2009 is the year of fiber exploration and wooly discovery for me. I'm taking as many classes as I can, teaching as many people as will have me and attending as many guild meetings/meetups/knit nights as I can squeeze in. Since I'm not the best time management person, I love it when I can do double duty with a commitment and, boy, did I score with Stitches West 2009.

Some of you already know that I've been shopping, err, working at A Verb for Keeping Warm's brick and mortar in Berkeley. Yes, it's not really like working when you love every single second of being at a place or when you look forward to seeing all the staffers and customers who pop by. Yes, I consider myself one incredibly lucky duck.

Little did I know that my luck would increase exponentially when Kristine (dyer, spinner, proprietor of Verb) asked if I'd like to work the booth at Stitches West. Would I??? It was all I could do not to take off the whole week of Stitches from my other job, so I could finish up some projects and get my act together for podcast recording. But, I was sensible and only took off Thursday and Friday so that I could help with set-up.

This event marks only the second time I've spent the night away from home and from Anto (my partner). The first time was for the Men's Fall Knitting Retreat 2008 and it was a big step because my partner is paraplegic and I'm his primary caregiver. There are many things that can happen to a person who is disabled and in a wheelchair, so it was with great trepidation that I attended the MFKR last November. Fortunately, there were no accidents or dramas and I felt much confident being away from home for SW09.

Thursday morning, I headed over to the Verb Studios and provided moral support (with mochas and treats from Cafe Cacao) while Kristine and Adrienne packed up Michelle's van. Once they had that all sorted, I packed my Corolla with the remaining items, including a 4 foot tall pussywillow branch which was used to display the Spindlewood and Lars Larsson drop spindles in the booth.

We got on the road and made our way to Santa Clara and all was smooth sailing... until I noticed a bit of dirt (I thought) fly up from the back left wheel of the van. I quickly realized that they had experienced a blowout and was trying to call Adrienne to let her know. Funnily enough, they were calling me at the same time. We were only 10 minutes from the Santa Clara/Great America Parkway exit, but we pulled over and called AAA for flat assistance.

Since the van was borrowed, we weren't exactly sure how to get the spare out, but Adrienne pretty much had it out and ready to go when the dude from AAA arrived. He changed the tire lickety split, but advised us to get off the interstate immediately and take surface roads to the Convention Center because our spare was only a emergency tire, not a full replacement.

We finally made it to the CC about an hour behind schedule and began the set-up in preparation for the 6-8pm Market Pre-shop. Since this was the first time that Verb had their own booth, Adrienne had built custom display units for the spinning fiber and yarn. She was a whirlwind of activity with her power drill and lighting fixtures. Kristine directed all of us and I just took orders (what I do best).

We took a quick junk food break and stretched our legs by heading over to the Hyatt. Unfortunately, there wasn't anything remotely healthy on offer, so I grabbed a Snickers bars. Cheese-Its and a Full Throttle. Okay, let's talk about the Full Throttle.

Apparently it's the Coca-Cola co's answer to Red Bull or Rock Star and it is POTENT. I'm an old hand with the contents of RB, but Full Throttle gave me heart palpitations. Seriously. I was alternating between panic attacks and wanting to hear house music. Very, very strange. Reminded me of when I first moved to San Francisco... the glory days.

Michelle arrived around 4pm with the most amazing homemade sandwiches. These saved my sanity as I was surviving purely on sugar and caffeine at that point. I think mine was sundried tomato spread with turkey on sourdough baguette (or something like that). It was divine and just what I needed for the final stretch before the masses started streaming into the CC.

Kristine and Adrienne had reserved rooms at the Hilton (across the street from the convention center) so we were able to relax and not worry about driving back and forth every day. It was like a little holiday for me and I loved the luxury of being away from home and playing with fiber all day long.

Next Up: Thank God, It's Friday @ Stitches West!

Knitting: Men In America

2009-03-03T17:05:00.000-08:00

Hello Fiber Friends,

My friend, Kyle Kunnecke, is working on project about men who knit. Part of said project is a survey that will take you around 10-15 minutes maximum to complete.

If you're a knitter, please consider taking the survey. Women and men are wanted!

All other questions about the rest of the project can be found on the FAQ.

Thx!
~Michael

Yknit 18 "Natural ReVerberations"

2009-02-19T13:57:00.001-08:00

Yknit 18 "Natural ReVerberations"
Originally uploaded by mikewade

Well, after publishing no less than 3 times, deleting spam about p**nis en*****ment and asking listeners to repost their contest entries, all is well.

Enjoy!

Reilly is a Good DOGUE!!

2009-02-13T16:12:00.001-08:00

Reilly is a Good DOGUE!!
Originally uploaded by mikewade

It took every ounce of willpower not to dognap, Reilly. He's such a sweetie pie.

Flip Mino Camcorder

2009-01-22T14:01:00.001-08:00

Flip Mino Camcorder with Personalized Design - Available only at www.theflip.com. Check out this unique Flip Mino design. The Flip Mino camcorder combines remarkable video quality in a pocket-sized package. Now personalizable - create your

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Five more days...

2009-01-15T13:28:00.001-08:00

Five more days...
Originally uploaded by eric-m

If I were a religious man (and I'm not), I'd say, "thank you, GOD!". For now, I'll thank myself because I voted for sanity.

Yknit Episode 17, "Go West, Young Man"

2009-01-13T13:03:00.001-08:00

Yknit Episode 17, "Go West, Young Man"
Originally uploaded by mikewade

It's up. It's got a contest. Enjoy.

You can listen at Yknit.com and on iTunes.

Turn A Square Hat Class (Knit One One)

2009-01-08T11:50:00.001-08:00

Mittens and Hat Set
Originally uploaded by mikewade

Happy New Year Everybody!!!

Well, my NY resolution to blog more regularly has been sideswiped by catching up at work, but, I will be sticking to one goal, making time to TEACH!!!

Sile of KnitOneOne fame has entrusted me with the minds of her students in leading a class on BrooklynTweed's "Turn-A-Square" hat. It's an elegant and efficient way to create a colorful hat out of leftover bits of commercial yarns and handspun (gather up your drop spindle skeins!). Techniques taught will be jogless stripes and raglan decreases without neutral stitches. I'll even show you a super quick way to do a pompom.

The class will be two 2-hr sessions on January 13th and 20th. More information can be found on the KnitOneOne site.

Hope to see you there!

Men's Fall Knitting Retreat 2008 (Conclusion)

2008-11-26T10:56:00.001-08:00

Men's Fall Knitting Retreat 2008
Originally uploaded by mikewade

You know what they say about all good things.... The Men's Fall Knitting Retreat was no different.

The last day was a fairly sad one for lots of folks. It really did seem much, much too short and, yet, so exhausting (for me... perhaps not for others).

Our final day was filled with two more classes. Harry taught the Mosaic Knitting class. I was in the class and I must say that it's a pretty nifty technique for dipping your toe in the color work pool. Its a method the requires manipulating only one color at a time, but creates lovely "tiled" or "tessellating" patterns that are so kewl. Harry had an cool pillow (which sadly, I didn't photograph) that showed the technique off to perfection.

The final class was Magic Loop taught by David. I think lots of folks came away from the weekend with this technique in their arsenal of fiber skills.

I did some final administrative work on the feedback forms and on paperwork for the Y. Stephen and I recorded audio for the next episode of Yknit. We took our requisite group shots. I even took a hike over to see the Point Bonita lighthouse.

Then came the daunting task of packing up my car. I thought that I'd come home much lighter but somehow, I still had a full car of stuff. The magic of fiber mitosis and the out of control generosity of my new buddies.

From the feedback, I'd say the event was a RESOUNDING success. The only real issue was with the sleeping arrangements and I believe that we can ameliorate that for future retreats. At the moment, I can't even THINK about another retreat might look like, but I'll be riding the high from this one for quite some time.

I made LOTS of new wonderful guy fiber friends. I'm excited about the possibilities of publishing, of spinning and of knitting. But, most of all, I'm just so happy to see the seeds of these crafts planted so firmly in the souls of my brother men.

Men's Fall Knitting Retreat 2008 (Instruction)

2008-11-21T10:48:00.001-08:00

Men's Fall Knitting Retreat 2008
Originally uploaded by mikewade

Friday night, I finally got to sleep around 2am, but bolted awake at 6am due to the need to visit the loo. You see, when you become an old man, you make many trips to the bathroom throughout the night. But, when you sleep on the top level of a bunkbed, making the trek up and down the ladder, in the dark, in a perfectly quiet room, is a huge drag. So, once I got up, I was staying up.

It was just as well, because I was a little anxious about the day as it was the first real fiber class I had ever taught. I had 7 people signed up for my Intro to Drop Spindle class and I was a wreck. Only a few weeks before I had offered to give some advice/tutorials to a co-worker's husband who had taken a class, but I think I confused him more than helping. So, it was with great trepidation that I prepared for my students.

We had a series of classes on Saturday, two at a time in the early morning and then again early afternoon. The first two were Freeform Knitting/Crochet taught by Kyle and Drop Spindling by yours truly. Kyle had some stunning examples of his technique and I think his students walked away sufficiently inspired. My group was so eager and enthusiastic. A great class. I feel like I gave them a good foundation on which to build up their skills. We had some wonderful breakthroughs and I saw some pretty fab yarn being created. An added bonus was being able to share fellow Raveler Fuzzed's super cool and unique Tilt-A-Whorl spindles, especially created for the retreat.

The afternoon set of classes were Entrelac/Knitting Back Backwards taught by our resident industry professional, Brian (from Skacel) and Sock Design (pictured above right) taught by Stephen. I took the Entrelac class, but wanted to be able to split myself in two and sit in on Stephen's group. Fortunately, Stephen made an excellent handout that is tucked away in my retreat binder.

Brian was an excellent instructor and I picked up some great entrelac techniques working on a groovy scarf pattern design by Brian himself. It uses a gorgeous "vintage" yarn made by Skacel called Unikat or a newer version called Loft Color. They are both felted yarns that have long color changes which knit up beautifully as entrelac. Those guys that took the class, got the pattern and enough yarn to make a full scarf. Thanks, Skacel!!!

Stephen's class was more of a design and brainstorming class with examples of how to work with existing patterns and make them your own. One of his impressive accomplishments was sharing some ideas that will hopefully be published in the near future. Another milestone: one of his students started his first sock (Go Rob!).

After dinner, we all gathered around (we kept calling this the group therapy set-up) for the much anticipated, Twined Knitting demo. Ivar (who came all the way from Sweden) led our group in this fascinating old-world technique that uses two strands of z-plied yarn and twists it every time you make a new stitch. Just learning the cast on was enough to send some boys over the edge. But, it was a super cool presentation and Ivar really took his classroom prep very seriously. He had a sweater, a hat and some amazing mittens.

Next on the agenda was a brainstorm led by Darrel about an E-zine about men's fiber culture, men's design and men's themes. Darrel is the mastermind behind Men Who Knit and has been talking for a while about getting a online publication off the ground. It was a spirited and lively discussion about the relevance and importance of having a masculine voice in the sea of feminine design. If the amount of time spent discussing is any indication, I think Darrel's work is cut out for him.

Our last activity was show & tell. Since we had spent quite a bit of time on the E-zine, we didn't start our show & tell until almost 10pm. But, I knew this was going to the coolest part of the retreat. Such friggin' fabulous pieces were shared. David's unbelievable lace. Ted's handspun lace scarf. Brian's sampler shawl/sarong. Doug's ginormous afghan. Michael C.'s unbelievable jacquard sweater. Ivar's twined knitting masterstrokes. Harry's sweet sweater for his son. Andy's convertible gloves. Stephen's cycling aran. On and one it went into the wee hours of the morning.

After everyone went to bed, Stephen and I stayed up and refined our questions for the Yknit interview the following day. Man, did I tumble into slumberland like a boulder.

Men's Fall Knitting Retreat 2008 (Reception)

2008-11-19T13:06:00.001-08:00

Men's Fall Knitting Retreat 2008
Originally uploaded by mikewade

On Friday, November 7, I got up early after a restless night of "sleep". I was nervous because it was the first day of the Men's Fall Knitting Retreat 2008. Adding to the stress was the fact that I had never done anything like this before (retreat, knitting or otherwise) and the fact that most of the attendees did not each other beyond Ravelry or Men Who Knit online communities.

Ted (seen here checking out the amazing swag table) came all the way from Owen Sound, Ontario, CANADA to be with us. He and Stephen (seen here replicating the groovy artwork created by Franklin Habit) were my first arrivals on that sunny and warm day. There was very little haze and the temperature was perfect. It seemed to bode well for the weekend.

I was "greeted" by a gathering of quail just in front of the Kiwanis room and I quickly snapped some pics in case our presence was going to spook them (and it did). I made contact with Rochelle (our YMCA rep) and set to unpacking the MOUNTAIN of raffle prizes and goodie bags. While I was doing my merchandising of the goodies, I heard what I thought was Y staffer behind our classroom/meeting room, but it just turned out to be one of the locals.

One by one, the gentlemen arrived and I finally started to feel like the retreat was real. Andy arrived sporting a cute Xmas hat, in spite of the heat... that's a dedicated fiber fiend for you!. The next to show up were Brian (from Seattle and Skacel), Ivar (all the way from Sweden) and Doug (all the way from WeHoSoCal). Then came Michael, Harry, John, and Kenny (MSKR 2008 almnus and token Southern Boy) Chuck and David. After that it was a bit of a blur... literally.

The sun set early and the fog rolled in BIG TIME. I started to get worried because several folks hadn't arrived. But a call from Steve let us know that he was at a "No on Prop 8" protest in downtown SF. Kyle, Darrel and Jonathan showed up a bit later and we were all in.

Our first dinner (cafeteria style) reassured me that we were going to be taken care of. The preparations are simple yet hearty. The Y tries to shop local and organic when possible. We also had coffee and tea service ALL DAY LONG. Believe me, I drank my weight in coffee that first day. It's a miracle I made it to sleep that night. Oh wait, that was due to temazapam. :-)

Our first get to know each other activity was supposed to be a bingo game that used cards containing surprising facts about each attendee. But, since we got off to a late start and since we had a LOT of swag, we did a "lightning round" of group Q&A wherein everyone had a chance to win and then select one of the prizes from our booty table.

Everyone had a chance to check out the Swag from our generous donors:
Article Pract, A Verb for Keeping Warm, Briar Rose Fibers, BrooklynTweed, Danny Oulette Designs, Hansigurumi, HelloYarn, KnitSonya, Knotty Naomi, Oceanwind Knits, Perchance to Knit, Schoolhouse Press, Shelridge Farms, Spinning Loft, Tactile Fiber Arts, Unique Sheep, Wild Geese Fibers, and Yarn Nerd. We're so not worthy!!!

I busted out the two cakes that I brought from Sweet Adeline's, a chocolate ganache devil's food cake, and a lemon curd cheesecake (which Kenny heard me say as "lemon curry cheesecake"... he was in desperate need of an antihistamine). I think they were both a big hit. Jennifer at Sweet A's is a confectionary goddess.

We rounded out the first day by doing a bit of knitting, a bit of spinning and a whole lot of laughing.

Yknit episode 016 is LIVE...

2008-11-17T12:07:00.001-08:00

Yknit016
Originally uploaded by mikewade

... and wild, apparently. Our guest is Linda Cortright, publisher and editor of Wild Fibers magazine.

We have a contest for a FREE YEAR SUBSCRIPTION to Wild Fibers. Entry details in the show notes and in the podcast.

And, a special bonus for Yknit listeners, Linda is offering a 10% on all subscriptions and back issues ordered before December 1, 2008. Special promo code revealed in the podcast and on show notes!

Go Wild!!

Men's Fall Knitting Retreat 2008 (Anticipation)

2008-11-12T10:55:00.001-08:00

Men's Fall Knitting Retreat 2008
Originally uploaded by mikewade

The Men's Knitting Retreat is an umbrella organization dedicated to the promotion fiber crafts within the male community. Ted Myatt (KnitterGuy) and Joe Wilcox (QueerJoe) created the first event this past Spring at Easton Mountains, NY and it was a resounding success. The Men's Spring Knitting Retreat had over 30 attendees who practically declared the event to be life-changing.

Building on that success, hizKNITS and I were inspired to bring some of that manly magic to the West Coast and thus, the Men's Fall Knitting Retreat 2008 was born. With only a short time to research possible venues and get the word out, we, as a group, ended up choosing the picturesque and budget-friendly YMCA Point Bonita Conference Center. It is located just minutes over the Golden Gate Bridge in the Marin Headlands overlooking San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

There were 19 folks who attended the retreat and we had a wonderfully varied crew. One of our group hailed from Sweden, one from Canada, one from the Mid-West with the remaining guys from the West Coast states.

These past few weeks have been filled with last minute photocopying, organizing donations, and making sure that the classes, handouts and binders were in working order.

This is what the goodie bag table looked like before our guests arrived. You see here Article Pract tape measures, Spinning Loft writing pens, Crystal Palace yarns, Tactile Fiber Arts sampler bags and..... *drum roll please* Skacel project bags containing (1) a sock pattern, (2) Fortissima yarn for said pattern, and (3) one of a kind Addi Turbo Needles with 40" join for magic looping those socks.

And that's not counting the Raffle/Contest Prizing!!! More on that later.

Men's Fall Knitting Retreat 2008

2008-10-10T15:34:00.001-07:00

Men's Fall Knitting Retreat 2008
Originally uploaded by mikewade

Are you a knitter or a spinner who happens to be a guy? Would you like to meet other guys who share your passion for the fiber arts? Would you like to learn more about knitting and spinning techniques from other guy crafters? Well, read on brothers-in-yarns:

In keeping with the tradition and high standards set this year by the folks that produced the Men's Spring Knitting Retreat 2008, we are excited to present this opportunity for an all male retreat located at the continent's edge at the mouth of the San Francisco Bay. it provides the setting for an unforgettable retreat in a natural, functional setting and is only ten minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge in the Marin Headlands. Retreat website can be accessed at http://www.pointbonitaymca.org/conference.html.

The price for the weekend is $180 per person. This includes bed (dormitory style, like summer camp!), 3 meals a day (including special dietary needs if required) and a private conference room for mixers, classes and bull sessions. And if that wasn't enough to recommend the facility, the Golding Fiber Institute hosts their spinning retreat at this retreat space!!!

Read a recap HERE!

The total amount is for this event per person is $180. This breaks down as follows:

* $148 per person - Point Bonita Retreat fee
* $8.50 per person - Environmental Education fee (based on $75 total)
* $10 per person - MFKR Administrative Fees (helps us with printing, gas, time spent online, etc.)
* $10 per person - Men's Knitting Retreat fee (this will help us setup MKR website and other costs)
* $3.50 per person - PayPal fees
* $180.00 - Total Weekend Cost Per Person (does not include the cost of airfare if you're flying into the Bay Area)

Check-in is Friday, November 7 starting @ 3pm
Check-out is Sunday, November 9 @ 11am (but we can remain on-site until 5pm)

We will require your payment in full at the time of your registration. Please contact Michael Wade (WonderMike on Ravelry, or [mikealanwade at gmail.com] if you would like to join us. And if you'd like to get your groovy MFKR2008 swag, check out the Cafe Press store.

Yknit 014 featuring Tactile Fiber Arts

2008-09-24T15:41:00.001-07:00

Yknit 014 featuring Tactile Fiber Arts
Originally uploaded by mikewade

This episode is live!!!

We've got TWO contests.

Leave us a comment... or better yet, write a review in iTunes for us.

Love you all!
~Michael

Yknit 13, Yknitalong featuring Larissa Brown

2008-09-03T10:24:00.001-07:00

Yknit 13, Yknitalong featuring Larissa Brown
Originally uploaded by mikewade

The new podcast is LIVE at Yknit.com and on iTunes.

This interview was so fantastic, primarily because Larissa is a dream subject... smart, thoughtful, funny and very zen. I could have chatted with her for hours, but I knew we would need to edit it down to ~30 minutes so I spared her the fanboy marathon.

If you haven't see her book Knitalong go to your nearest independent bookseller and give it a whirl. It's got great stories, luscious photographs and some simple but elegant patterns to experience.

I know I've gone a bit silent recently, but it's all for wonderful reasons:

1. Anthony has started school (Whooo Hooo!) - He's studying English and poor thing is so nervous. I keep telling him he's going to knock their socks off, but he's not sure if that's good, since I'm an avid sock knitter.

2. Men's Fall Knitting Retreat planning is in full swing - The date has been set for November 7-9 at Point Bonita YMCA in the Marin Headlands. It's going to be tons of fun with lots of fiber goodness for the Y-Chromosome set. If you are a guy or you know a guy who'd be interested in joining us, please put them in touch with me.

3. I'm about 3/4 of the way done with MY FIRST SWEATER (EZ EPS) - Yes, this UFO has been on my needles for well over a year (if not longer). The lure of quick knit objects (like toys) or obligation/deadline knitting (like booties), always jumps ahead in the queue, but, with the approach of the MFKR (see #2 above), I'd like to have a practical but personal FO for show and tell.

4. I'm about 1/5 of the way through the Uncle Argyle scarf from Son of Stitch N Bitch. It's such a striking pattern, but GOTT IM HIMMELL, it's a slow knit. Granted, I'm a slow knitter, but the chart is serious daytime, full-attention work. The results are ENTIRELY worth it.

Hope everyone is doing well!

Yknit Episode 12, "Y Would Dye 4 U"

2008-08-07T10:11:00.001-07:00

Yknit Episode 12, "Y Would Dye 4 U"
Originally uploaded by mikewade

For some reason I thought I had posted about this. I guess I forget about the blog with so much work going into Yknit.

We have a contest, we have an announcement for Scout and we have lots of conversation about color. Come over to Yknit (or iTunes) and give it a listen.

Cheers,
Michael

Yknit #11, "Man Camp"

2008-07-22T10:49:00.001-07:00

Yknit #11, "Man Camp"
Originally uploaded by mikewade

Go teach a guy to knit, you could win fabulous sock yarn!!!

The Genius of Chihuly

2008-07-16T12:22:00.001-07:00

Chihuly Sculpture (Transparent Ceiling)
Originally uploaded by mikewade

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?

Yknit Episode 10, "Public Displays of Creation"

2008-07-07T13:10:00.001-07:00

Yknit Episode 10, Public Displays of Creation
Originally uploaded by mikewade

Yep, I do it public. Wadddya gonna do about it?

WWKIP Day 2008 - Berkeley

2008-06-16T15:17:00.001-07:00

WWKIP Day 2008 - Berkeley
Originally uploaded by mikewade

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!

YKnit Episode 9, "Hot for Harlot"

2008-06-09T12:18:00.001-07:00

YKnit Episode 9, "Hot for Harlot"
Originally uploaded by mikewade

For your listening pleasure! Oh, and we have a contest too. Very easy to sign up.

Kissez................

Open Your Mind, Please

2008-06-03T16:04:00.001-07:00

Orthodontic Cephalic X-Ray
Originally uploaded by mikewade

I'll show you mine if you show me yours.

Maker Faire 2008

2008-05-22T12:36:00.001-07:00

A Man in the Hand is Worth Two in the Bush
Originally uploaded by mikewade

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 with Natalie 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!

Yarn Harlot Meets Yknit

2008-05-06T15:20:00.001-07:00

Yarn Harlot Meets Yknit
Originally uploaded by mikewade

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.

Bootie-Licious

2008-04-30T15:28:00.001-07:00

Handspun Corriedale Booties
Originally uploaded by mikewade

What has been occupying my world these days?

SPINNING!!!!

I have gone off the deep end and it's so not pretty. I've acquired spindles. I've acquired fiber. I've attended classes. I've attended festivals. The virus is strong and tenacious and I fear for my wallet.

But wait, there is good that comes of my latest and greatest addiction:
Baby Clothes. Specifically, the quintessential bootie, which I so love. What you see here is Judy's Novelty Wool (purchased at Stitches West 2008) and spun on my Cascade Top Whorl spindle. I made a two ply using my groovie Katie-A-Go-Go, that I discovered at Nancy's Knit Knacks. It's pretty freaking awesome.

This past weekend was the lovely Color: A Fiber Festival in Berkeley, California. The event was held at the dreamy Pacific School of Religion and featured a fiber bonanza market hosted by A Verb for Keeping Warm, Tactile Fiber Arts Studio, Pigeonroof Studios and Girl on the Rocks. There were also classes in weaving, knitting, drop spindling and rare/luxury fiber introductions. I had such a great time making new fiber friends, learning new tricks and, of course, hanging out with the coolest green and earth friendly entrepeneurs in the Bay Area.

Stephen finally got back from Sock Camp (I missed him greatly) and had a lot of great audio to share. You can look forward to some amazing future Yknit episodes and contests!

And this weekend? MAKER FAIRE... with special guest THE YARN HARLOT! Someone get me drink!

If I'm Eating Baby, I Don't Count Calories

2008-04-04T17:24:00.001-07:00

If I'm Eating Baby, I Don't Count Calories
Originally uploaded by mikewade

Do you?

I took this photo walking around the Mission after interviewing two sweet knitter guys for our latest podcast, "Lace In Your Face". Doug and Troy were two new friends that we met on Ravelry and they happened to be in the Bay Area for some yarn shopping and vacationing. We didn't pass up the chance to talk with some Y-Chrome fiber peeps and get their thoughts on Ravelry, knitting and, specifically, lace.

We also got some lovely audio from Mel (cabezalana) visiting from Maine. We took him to Queer Knit Night at the 3 Dollar Bill cafe in San Francisco. We coudn't let him visit the bay area without dragging him to Ritual for coffee.

The piece de la resistance for this podcast episode is the wonderful interview that we got from Eugen and Lew of the Lacy Knitter's Guild in Mountain View, CA. They are both octogenarian knitters and have been working their craft for longer than I've been living. Incroyable, no?!

Stephen was so inspired by their work, that he started a new lace project called the Hanami Stole. It's his first lace project and it even has beading at the edge. Totally crazy.

We finish the episode off by performing an homage to lace knitting boyz by re-working a brilliant Public Enemy number, "Bring the Noize". Our song is called "Lace for Boyz". Tell us what you think!

Knitting In the Tub... Again.

2008-03-17T15:04:00.001-07:00

Knitting In the Tub... Again.
Originally uploaded by mikewade

All your friends are knitting in the tub. Don't you wanna be like your friends?

PEER PRESSURE, PEER PRESSURE, PEER PRESSURE!

Happy Knitting!

I'm a Little Hazy on that...

2008-03-10T16:27:00.001-07:00

Mikokeh
Originally uploaded by mikewade

This past Friday, I beat a path to downtown San Francisco for the Great Outdoor Egg Hunt. I've fallen deep, way down deep the MOO hole. I found almost all of them but I'm not going to go back for the complete set. I think I scared quite a few of the tourists.

After my egghunt photo captures, I headed over to Holly's for a quick visit before Ferd's Birthday dinner. Holly and Renecito were on their own because Papa Rene is in Austin for SXSWi. He's working on a Netflix Film preview party by creating a giant logo made of Rice Crispies and Elmer's Glue. I believe it's film about medical marijuana. So, I had a nice visit with Holl and 'Cito. Saw Holly's new iPhone (green with envy) and showed her my MOO cards and new holder. I'm certain she'll be ordering some soon.

Since I was running late, I caught a cab on Divisadero and made my way to the Mission location of Cha Cha Cha (CCC). The frickin' cab ride was $10. I can't believe that a cab costs that much. If hadn't been soooo late, I would have walked the whole way, but I was already past the fashionably late marker. CCC is a tapas-style restaurant and it's *always* overcrowded. This Friday was no exception. And to add insult to injury, our party was on the tiny, airless second floor landing.

I'm not sure why, but Ferd had invited about 30 guests, which to my mind, is too many. You can't really visit with more than 3-4 people anyway and the check always ends up being a drag. The space was so small that we were split into two separate tables. I didn't even talk to the folks at the second table.

Dinner was all right, but I always leave that place still hungry and having paid way too much money. I know it's a birthday celebration and not reallly about me, but I still think It's madness! It was, however, nice to see Scott and Deni and Bo. I also got to meet some of Ferd's new co-workers who were very funny.

My arm was twisted and I joined the crowd for a trip back to Ferd's for music and more drinks and dancing. I kept trying to make my exit because BART stops running at midnight, but Bo and her beau (whose name I'm forgetting) gave me a ride back to West Oakland BART, so I stayed until about 1am.

When I finally arrived home around 2am, my sweet Anthony was still editing the Yknit/Rick Mondragon episode number 3. Rick was a natural and fun subject, and I love the original musical bits Anthony has made and pre-recorded sound bites he selected. We got into bed around 3am.

I should have known better, but unfortunately, I didn't drink enough water and had a splitting headache from all Sangria and Pear Cider from the night before. Ick. One of Saturday's saving graces, was a carefree visit to Alameda for some knit loving with my fiber posse. We ate home-made PunkRawk pizza, bean salad and red velvet cake. I learned how to knit I-cord onto chenille craft wire (aka pipe cleaners) and got some puppy lovin' from Sammie the Schnoodle. Oh, and I showed my fiber haul to Elaine and Sonya who had not seen it yet.

I ended the Saturday by watching the next episode of the American Experience of New York. I think it's number 4 and it was called "Cosmopolis". It was about the roaring twenties and the lead up to Black Tuesday and the subsequent Great Depression following the crash of Wall Street. It's the perfect thing to knit to. You've got great narration and can look up from time to time to catch the pan and zoom across sepia toned photos and herky jerky vintage video. I have no memory for dates or names, so I'll be enjoying this series over and over again.

And then we had the time change. I HATE DAYLIGHT SAVINGS time. It's so retarded. We're not farmers. Why do we need it. I feel tired for like a month. Actually, I feel tired until Fall Back. Seriously. I hate DST.

To be continued.....

Do you MOO?

2008-03-07T13:05:00.001-08:00

New MOO Cards and case!!!
Originally uploaded by mikewade

I first saw MOO cards when Victor (of Knitter's Uncensored fame) included one in a yarn swap. I never thought I'd have need of them for the following reasons:

1. I'm in a relationship (no speed dating for me, thank you)
2. I don't have a band
3. I'm not an artist
4. I blog very infrequently
5. My photography is very amateur

So, imagine my shock when I got bit by the MOO bug. I blame Stephen because I love his MOO card of Janie Sparkles eating yarn AND his cool Altoids-Retooled-Case made by his mother. Yes, that's seems right. It's hizKNIT's fault. Phew! I can sleep easier now.

So, Stephen and I ordered MOO cards for Stitches West and we split the pack of 100. I gave away all of mine so, naturally, I had to place a second order. This time, I selected only things that I had knit for the images. Plus, I included my new gmail address, the podcast and my blog.

Now, I wanna swap with folks. Do you MOO? Wanna trade with me? Bring it on. Oh, and check out this project. I'm doing it. So should you.

p.s. There's a fun contest happening at MOO, too. It's an Easter Egg Hunt. It's a total time suck and lots of fun. You have been WARNED!

She Dyed A Raspberry Sorbet...

2008-03-04T16:00:00.001-08:00

Scout's Swag March 2008
Originally uploaded by mikewade

My final Scout's Swag shipment. :-( Makes me sad to know that it's over. Scout was very sweet and asked Stephen (hizKnits) and I if we wanted black in our colorway and she made it special for us boys.

Keeping my yarn-economizing promise to my partner Anthony, I am sacrificing my spot so that folks who couldn't get in last time will be able to experience some Scout Lovin'! It's crazy popular and for good reason. Scout makes beautiful yarn and was so creative with the swag this past year, go knit pouches, knitting-themed rubber stamps, exclusive patterns and, of course, the YARN!

Scout is changing the name of the club to reflect a new focus on the yarn. For the third season, it will be called simply "Scout's Swag Sock Club". Since she's not doing the indie swag portion, she can focus on keeping the prices down and allowing more folks to participate. Scout will also be doing cool things like choosing winners to help her select colorways.

If you want to try and get a spot in the next subscription cycle, you can get details here.
Good luck and Happy Scouting!

Over the Fold and Through The Wool

2008-03-03T14:40:00.001-08:00

A Verb For Keeping Warm - Magic Bean
Originally uploaded by mikewade

I've been really enjoying my drop spindles, now that I don't totally suck at drafting and suspending. I took a great class at KnitOneOne with Brooke from Tactile Fiber Arts Studio and I really do love the "over the fold" technique that I learned. It's so much easier to concentrate on the drafting and not worry about the spindle going out of control and falling. It's a much smoother, controlled process and I'm getting some seriously fine singles.

This lovely fiber here is from Kristine at A Verb For Keeping Warm. It's a wonderful Blue Faced Leicester that is called Magic Bean. It's a green I go weak in the knees for. So weak, that I had to buy more of a related colorway, Magic Blue-Green Bean and another lovely hue, Vermillion.

If you want to get some of this amazing stuff, you can visit her online store or Article Pract in Oakland. I have it on a good authority that AP will also be carrying Tactile Fiber Arts studio fiber (deliciousness!!) and the glorious fiber of Krista of Pigeonroof Studios.

Lookie Ma, Press Passes

2008-02-29T13:20:00.001-08:00

We Felt Very Important
Originally uploaded by mikewade

How lucky are Stephen (hizknits) and I?

We went to Stitches West in Santa Clara, CA.
We got Press Credentials.
We interviewed a host of Knitting Gurus and Gentlefolk.
We (okay, just me) purchased a LOT of fiber
We made some amazing new friends.
We were completely overwhelmed.

Something bad had to happen right? It was going along all soooooo smoothly. Well, it was bad indeed.

A bit of backtracking is necessary. Stephen and I thought it would be fun to get a few interviews at Stitches West. We'll try to meet Lucy Neatby, we'll see if XRX will let us speak to men teachers and students and maybe walk around the market. We'll purchase a few things so that we're not completely deprived of swag.

Little did we know how receptive everyone would be to our requests. XRX gave us the royal treatment (no comments from the peanut gallery). Lisa Mannes, marketing manager for XRX arranged for our press passes and essentially coordinated a host of interviews and gave us carte blanche to speak with folks at the market. Our first interview was with Rick Mondragon, fearless leader of Stitches and Editor in Chief of Knitter's Magazine.

The opening night preview, I helped Article Pract set up their booth (very small amount of help, mind you) and then I walked around and got lots of great audio from my guy knitters. I bought some Blue Moon Fiber Arts Mill Ends. I was doing GOOD!

The next day we got loads of interviews, including the fabulous Lucy Neatby, Vickie Howell, Kristine from a Verb for Keeping Warm, Brooke and Maia from Tactile Fiber Arts Studio, Eugene Bourgeois from Philosopher's Wool and two wonderful lace knitters, Eugene and Lew. We even met our podcast idols, Jenny and Nicole from Stash and Burn as well as rockstar Rachel (Yarn a Go Go) and wonderful Wendee from Hazel Knits.

Then, it starts to become a bit blurry. I'm operating on less and less sleep AND the drive to Santa Clara from Berkeley is starting to make me cuckoo. So cuckoo in fact, that I don't realize when I'm recording the AWESOME interview with Jess and Casey from Ravelry, I'm actually recording OVER the interview with Vickie, Eugene and some sweet guy knitters on the market floor.

I didn't realize that we had lost audio until Sunday night when we starting digitizing the raw files and, believe me, when I say that I was overcome with illness. It's so heart-wrenching to know that you had a unique opportunity to speak with someone AND got great audio. But, we're in the process of contacting those folks and we hope to make it up at some point in the future. And, we've got a better system in place for ensuring Audio Integrity. So, good learnings but painful, painful ones.

We're working on organizing the bits and bobs and we've got some great shows coming up. I'll announce when the next show goes up on Yknit and iTunes.

Take care.

Magical Mystery Knitting Tour

2008-02-28T13:33:00.000-08:00

Hosted at the new KnitOneOne studios in South Berkeley, you will be lead on a wonderful journey by knitting guru, Kate Freeman. What are you knitting? That's the mystery. If you're interested, there are still spaces. Sign up here!

We're Here, We're Queer, We're Fiber Freaks

2008-02-28T12:06:00.000-08:00

The first meeting of the East Bay Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Stitch 'N Bitch (hereafter referred to as the EBLGBTSnB) may now come to order. We had a lovely turnout at Cafe Gratitude (the one in Berkeley) after my research on possible locations and coordinating on Ravelry. We had 17 folks in attendance in spite of an icky cold and rainy night. Pretty good for a start.

The space was nice and big, but the lighting was less than ideal and several folks had issues with the food and the cost of said food. Personally, I thought the whole experience was lovely and I would highly recommend you give Cafe Gratitude a try. Now, I'm not saying that you'll love everything on the menu. Who would? But, most of the desserts are lovely and the milkshakes are to die for.

Sadly, we probably won't return to the Cafe, but it was a wonderful kickoff to what I hope are many, many more. Here is a link to the entire Flickr photoset.

Yknit Episode 2 is Up

2008-02-21T11:32:00.001-08:00

Yknit Episode 2 is Up
Originally uploaded by mikewade

We just posted our second episode of the Yknit podcast. Our guest is Sabrina Gschwandtner who came to Berkeley for a book signing with KnitKnit, a new book profiling artists who use knitting in their respective media.

Please visit the blog and leave us a comment. You can also enter a contest to receive a free copy of KnitKnit, Issue 7 (the cool indie 'zine, not the gorgeous hard cover book). Tell us what you think about the art versus craft debate.

Stephen and I are going to be at Stitches West 2008 this weekend (2/21-2/24). We're conducting interviews, working and, of course, shopping. Well, I am. Stephen claims to be on a yarn diet. Wuss. If you see us there, please come up and say hello. I'll be working at the Article Pract booth and buying everything at the Blue Moon Fiber Arts booth.

We Have Ignition... We Have Liftoff

2008-02-11T18:43:00.001-08:00

"Son of Stitch 'N Bitch" by Debbie Stoller
Originally uploaded by mikewade

All the rumors are true. Stephen (hiznknits) and I have been working with an amazing producer and musician (who I share a life with) to launch our knitting podcast, Yknit. It's all about fiber, knitting, design and anything else stitch-related we obsess about.

Our first interview is with legendary, Debbie Stoller, on the occasion of her book signing for "Son of Stitch 'N Bitch". Give us a listen and let us know what you think!

xo,
maw

Watch The Spinning Wheel Turn

2008-02-07T16:57:00.001-08:00

New KnitOneOne Studio (Happy Spinners)
Originally uploaded by mikewade

You might not have heard, but KnitOneOne has moved to a lovely new studio in South Berkeley, near Sweet Adeline's Bakeshop. The new location is very open and bright and ideal for classes. There are hardwood floors and a generous skylight that make the room very warm and inviting. At the moment, it's a bit echo-ey, but I'm sure that will be taking care of once more yarn and furniture are brought in.

I was very excited to be one of the first classes to take place in the new studio. And I had heard wonderful things about Brooke and Maia from Tactile Fibers.

This was my second attempt at drop spindling as I didn't feel like my first instruction was enough to explore all the different techniques, nor was it enough to get decent feedback form experienced spinners. Brooke is an excellent instructor in this respect and I would recommend taking a class with her if you're so inclined.

I'm still somewhat on the fence as to whether I'm going to dive in to spinning but it's nice to understand the principles of yarn formation since it's such a big part of knitting. My only issue is that it's a pretty big investment to get a nice wheel, then I'd have less time for knitting which is already an issue for me. It doesn't help that I have severe startitis and pretty much a racoon's sensibility when it comes to new fiber and books.

I'm sure I'll find the right balance with my spinning and probably keep it in mind for small projects like booties, hats and, if I'm feeling adventurous, socks!

Where's the Hamburglar?

2008-02-05T12:44:00.001-08:00

Grimacey
Originally uploaded by mikewade

Yes, I'm Grimace(Y), but what else is new? Does anyone get that McDonald's reference? Hmmm. Yeah, I bet you all too young to even know what that is. Gawd, I feel old, in spite of having the mouth hardware of a 13 year old.

The first post of 2008. Yes, yes, I know that I've been horrible about blogging. If intention and incompleted posts count, I'd have you all caught up with my life, but every time I start up writing, I get bored and have to trash it. At first, I wanted to do a New Year's Resolution list, but I never do them, so it would be a list of things I haven't accomplished. And will all the competition for my time, I didn't want to make myself feel guilty for yet another unfulfilled personal obligation.

I'm going to reflect a bit on 2007 and why 2008 is going to be so much sweeter.

January of 2007 started off with a trip to the emergency room with Anto. I thought he had had another stroke (albeit much, much milder) and I was worried that if I didn't act quick, we'd be very sorry. The reason we went was due to some pretty severe cognitive processing difficulty. It just wasn't like him to be forgetful and confused all the time.

We eventually discovered that it was a combination of meds he was taking for spasticity and high blood pressure, but man, I really thought that it was the beginning of alzheimer's or dementia. It was pretty friggin' scary and I started to lose my shit. Fortunately, we started up some decent physical therapy in Vallejo with the folks at Kaiser and began the long road to recovery.

I attended Stitches West for the first time last year and it was AWESOME. It was also bank breaking and too much to digest in one weekend. I've since learned that it's best to go to Stitches with a certain amount of cash and once you've spent it, you stop. At least that should work in theory. We shall see as Stitches West 2008 is coming up at the end of this month. In addition, I'm not taking any classes this year. I had thought of taking sock classes from Cat Bordhi and Lucy Neatby, but my hesitation (and worrying about finances) meant that the classes were full up before I had a chance to enroll. Oh well, it was meant to be. Plus, I can feel a bit better about putting my current knowledge, DVDs and books to work.

Last year also saw the reunion of two former acquaintances who didn't previously knit but now do so obsessively. The maniac I'm speaking of is none other than Stephen/Hiznknits and I'm so happy that this boy is in my life. He's funny, he's smart, he's irreverent and he's a kick ass knitter. He also has the cutest dog and a cuter partner. What more could I ask for in a knitting buddy? Well, I was about to find out....

During my SURPRISE 40TH Birthday party, I was given an awesome felting jellyfish project. It was created by Kate, Tammy, Elaine and Stephen and they are now my knitting posse. I'm so lucky to have these wonderful knitting obsessed friends in my universe. They make me laugh, make me think and, most importantly make me knit.

It was the infusion of coolness and originality to my knitting world, that inspired my upcoming foray into the world of podcasting. There, I said it. I can't take it back. Stephen and I have done a couple of interviews with some pretty cool people and we've been working with our Executive Producer, Anto, to get it ready for public consumption. More on that in the near future.

All right, that's me for now, I'll be a bit more regular in 2008. That's a promise to Victor, Karen and Stephen.

Happy Flippin' Turkey Day, Mate!

2007-11-29T16:01:00.001-08:00

Turkey Day Place Holder (close-up)
Originally uploaded by mikewade

Yeah, I'm a little late with this one, but I spent the whole holiday putting up bookshelves and organizing my roomful of yarn and knitting books. Yes, a whole room, my friends. I need to open a shop.

So, Thanksgiving this year was lovely in spite of some sad news. A good friend, who was very close to the end of her pregnancy, suddenly and without warning lost her baby. It's been such a shock for the family who had no reason to expect anything was wrong and so confusing for all of us, her friends and chosen family.

She and her husband always host Thanksgiving (among other holidays in addition), if they are in town and this year they wanted to return to a sense of normalcy and tradition. Needless to say, we were all happy to oblige. Plus, the food is always soooo good (even if a bit late early on in the hosting career) and the company spectacular, so it was a win-win, in spite of the undercurrent of loss and sadness. I think also she and her husband needed to celebrate something positive and life-affirming, so there you have it.

We had ham, turkey with stuffing, two kinds of cranberry sauce, brussel sprouts, green bean casserole, homemade rolls and a mountain of desserts. We really did get a little carried away. Practically a pie for every attendee, but that made for lots of take home plates for those that couldn't come like my better half, Anthony. For those of you that don't know, he's in a wheelchair and the entrance steps are too many and too narrow to try and get him up.

We were also lucky enough to be invited to a second dinner party on the Saturday after T-Day, this time in the East Bay and in an accessible house that belongs to our friend, Justine. Actually, that's a bit of a fib, because there are also entrance steps at this place, but it's a very open floor plan and the steps to get in are fewer and deeper (from front to back). This makes the carrying process known as bumping someone up a lot easier and safer. Carlos (Justine's ex) helped me get Anto up the stairs and it was pretty easy to navigate once inside.

Justine made a rawkin' veggie lasagna and we had LOTS of wine and appetizers before sitting down to the actual meal. It got a little raucous with all the kiddies playing spies, but it was actually pretty fun. There was even a brief avant-garde play performed by the children, directed by Justine's precocious and adorable son, Matteo. Both of his parents work in film, so it's in his blood, this instinct to direct.

In case you haven't put two and two together, I seriously need to return to Weight Watchers. I've gained all the weight back that I lost last year and none of my clothes fit me. I know I sound pathetic but it's the truth. It's making me very grumpy and impossible to be around. Or maybe it's because I've stopped taking my anti-depressants. Hmmmm.

And speaking of grumpiness.... I sometimes LOATHE Ebay. Let me refine that. I hate MYSELF when shopping Ebay to take the edge off of my habit. I always seem to find things on Ebay that are rare or unusual and that have odd closing times for the final bids. Inevitably, I pay way to much for something I later discover could have been had for a 1/3 the cost somewhere else. First lesson: always check Amazon. You'd be surprised how often someone is selling your conquest for a reasonable price.

Most recently I purchased this tiny little book by Sheila McGregor, "Traditional Knitting" that is basically a mini-book of another book by her, "The Complete Book of Traditional Fair Isle Knitting", that I already have. There are no patterns, just brief text and descriptions with the same bloody photos that are in the other book that I own. This was no fault of the seller, it was own stupidity, and my lack of sleep before bidding on the thing at 4am (it was in the UK). On top of that, I had multiple books I was watching and I got it confused with an Alice Starmore book that would have been a steal at the final price I bid.

When I got the book today in the mail I was completely underwhelmed and a bit irked. I saw that the price paid for it (written in pencil) had been erased, but not entirely. The worst part, I paid twice as much as they had paid for it. ACCCCCCCCK! No more Ebay for me.

On a much happier note, I was able to get via Inter-Library Loan (ILL) a copy of Alice Starmore's "Charts for Colour Knitting". I only had to enlist the help of FIVE library professionals, but it finally paid off. I wanna see what all the hoopla is about before I start bidding on Ebay..... Once an addict, always an addict. I have admitted that I am powerless over the Magic of Ms. Starmore. Now, who can be my higher power since I don't believe in a Vengeful Fire God?

Punk Rock Pony

2007-11-26T17:26:00.001-08:00

Punk Rock Pony
Originally uploaded by mikewade

I thought I might update the blog during the Thanksgiving holidaze week that I had off, but I was CONSUMED with organizing my books and working on my Hella Cable Scarves. So, here's a little post-holiday post about my Punk Rock Pony.

This pattern by Freya Jaffke is darned cute that I want to make a million of them. I have only made two so far, but I keep adding to the toy queue so it might be a while before I circle back. This little multicolor/mauve one is going to my niece, Ashlyn, in Louisiana. I'm sure she will love him even though I seamed him all wrong and he's only 2-D instead of 3-D. Well, I guess he's 3-D but he only has 2 legs instead of 4. Sounds a bit like Animal Farm, but I digress.

I used Aracaunia Cotton for the body and Rown Big Wool for the mane, eyes and ear tufts. A tiny bit of KnitPicks Essential for the pupils and that's all she wrote. Oh, I think i used US 9 for the pattern, but it's been a while since I sewed him up, that I honestly can't remember.

Shamefully, I used poly fiber fill for the stuffing but I'm going to try and start using wool or left over yarn in the future. My ultimate life goal is to be as close to natural (or organic) as possible, so I definitely want my toys to be petro-chemical free.

On on the personal edification front, if you're concerned about toxic substances in toys, candy and comsetics, check out Fresh Air on NPR today. Frightening!

Rockin Guy Blogger

2007-11-08T11:32:00.001-08:00

RockinGuyBlogger
Originally uploaded by mikewade

Wow!!! My fabulous fiber friend, Victor, nominated me for the Rockin' Guy Blogger and I feel most honored. It's a very sweet gesture, considering how infrequent I update my site AND how awesome, Victor's site is.

But, I'll be gracious and accept and attempt to spread the love and show you to 5 other sites. Before I forget, please check out Victor and see what he's up to. He's a knitter, he's a spinner and he's a great podcaster.

So, my 5 nominations for Rockin Guy Bloggers (and not duping any that Victor listed, including his own wonderful blog) are:

1. Rene Garcia, Jr. of I Love This World fame (technically it's a group site, but Rene created it and does 90% of the posting with a helping heap of goodness from Jon, Robert, Dennis, JPK, Holly and myself)

2. Jared of BrooklynTweed fame. Jared is a superstar and has been published in Interweave Knits. Awesome.

3. Mel of Cabezalana fame. Mel is a doll and lives on a n alpaca farm. Color me jealous.

4. Michael of Tricky Tricot fame. Author of Knitting with Balls and co-creator of online knit-zine, Men Who Knit.

5. Franklin of the Panopticon fame. Funny, cute and the "creator" of Dolores the sassy sheep.

Please visit these lovely sites and have a great day!

Elemm Spoils Me... Again

2007-11-01T17:17:00.001-07:00

Australian Merino Rovings
Originally uploaded by elemmaciltur

My birthday month (phew, I didn't think it would ever end!!) was perfectly bookmarked with a most AMAZING shipment of fiber love from Deutschland. Yes, the famous blogger Elemmaciltur aka Victor sent me this dreamy roving above and another equally gorgeous roving as well.

i can't describe how lovely these two specimens are (more than I have), but you'll have to take my word that they are truly spectacular. So spectacular, I see some more swaps with Victor in my future. Mostly, because my German is non-existent, but also because Victor is such a doll.

As sad as it is to have my birthday month, come to an end, I have to say that I have had a most wonderful celebration. Thanks to all the lovely souls who sent me wishes, gave me presents and stuffed me with nibbles and champagne. I love you all!

Shrinky Dink Cufflinks AND a Fratello Kit

2007-10-29T18:30:00.001-07:00

ShrinkyDinkCufflinks 006
Originally uploaded by unkaDee

The birthday love just keeps on coming my little chickadees. I'm verklempt, meine freunde, truly.

So, yesterday, I met up with my knittin' posse (official name still to be voted on) and we felted my Jellyfish Mobile that I received at the surprise party. You would not believe the beautiful jellies that came out of the felting process. They need to finish drying but I had to bring them to work today and show them to my knitter friends at work.

While we were working on attaching the testicles (aka tentacles), Stephen pulls out another birthday gift (he's in trouble for spoiling me) and what do I discover but the new exclusive Wollmeise colorway and matching pattern from Yarnissima called Fratello. Heavenly they are and must be seen in person to be believed. I don't have good pictures yet, but I'll be doing that this week. And I'll probably be bugging Marjan (Yarnissima) or Victor (Elemm) because they are the short row masters. So, yes, I'm feeling the fiber love, my friends.

Then.... this morning I get to work and find this lovely present on my desk (the picture above with the cute green paper and the amazing shrinkydink knitting decoration). At first I'm confused, because I can't figure out what the material is. It looks ceramic but perhaps metal. I then open it up to discover that it's hand made CUFF LINKS by my dear friend, Dennis. You might have heard me talk about Dennis and his art before. He's very talented and far too modest, but I hope one day to convince him to open an Etsy shop.

Here's a link to some more pix that Dennis took of the cufflinks.

Two more days in my birthday month, but I'm still getting gifts. I'm loving this whole 40 thing to pieces....

Knitting Themed Birthday Cake!!!!

2007-10-25T22:31:00.001-07:00

Knitting Themed Birthday Cake!!!!
Originally uploaded by mikewade

Saturday, October 20th, the day before my actual birth date, my sweet friend Robert Allen, came over to the East Bay to treat me to brunch and to spend the day ogling succulents at the Ruth Bancroft Garden. Way back when, (was it only 4 years ago??), I was an avid/rabid dry gardener and did volunteer work at the Ruth Bancroft Garden in Walnut Creek. It's a spectacular place with a dazzling collection of rare and unique cactii and succulents. When my partner suffered an aneurysm, we had to move into accessible housing, so I lost my little garden and trekking to Walnut Creek for volunteer work became a luxury I couldn't afford. So, when Robert confessed that he had never been and needed some inspiration for his own lovely sun-drenched garden, I jumped at the chance to practice my rusty docent skills and give him my tour.

Before heading out, we grabbed a bite at Venus in downtown Berkeley. I had never been for brunch, only dinner (once with Matty before seeing Arcade Fire) but knew it would be good. I had their 2x2x2 special (2 eggs, 2 pancakes, 2 sausage) with a pomegranate mimosa. Robert, who pretty much hates breakfast food, had their panini with salad and a micro-brew beer. I think he enjoyed it. We chatted about work, and tv shows and gardening.

I was a little nervous visiting the garden for a self-guided tour because I'm not a current member and hadn't spoken to any of the coordinators or board members in a long, long time. In my defense, I did leave several messages, but never heard back from anyone, so I had my excuse ready for anyone who thought I was breaking and entering. In the end, we didn't have any problems and it was a glorious day for a garden tour.

Robert was duly impressed with the variety of succulents and the size of the agaves and fruit-bearing opuntia. I think he got some great ideas for creating more height and drama in his home garden. After about 2 hours, we packed up and headed back to Berkeley. Earlier in the day, I had spoken with Moreno and had suggested that we go out to a quiet dinner in celebration of both our birthdays. It was still pretty early and easy to do that.

On the return trip home, Holly called a couple of times from Golden Gate Park and wanted to know when Robert was getting back into SF. He said soon and promised to call her after he dropped me off at home. Once we got to Berkeley, Robert parked, asked if he could come up and wash his hands, and followed me into the building.

I picked up the mail (we got two netflix and anthony got a notice for a package) and headed up to the third floor. I was opening the netflix and chatting with Robert over my shoulder as I opened the door and got the biggest shock. With a raucous "SURPRISE" I was greeted with cheers and glitter by a small crowd of my dear friends.

DUDE, they got me good. Anthony was the master of planning and he was 100% successful in shielding me from the shenanigans. He was ably assisted by Barbara, Holly, Jeff and Emily. Robert was a co-conspirator as well, but did say that he truly wanted to see the RBG so it was a double bonus.

In attendance were Chris and Barbara, Jeff and Randy, Holly and Rene with baby Rene, Emily, Tammy, Kate, Scott O., Colleen and Ade with baby Enzo, Dennis, Scott and David, Justine with Matteo, Lucy, Stephen and Chris, Matty, Ingrid, Kristian and Kristina. Yowzah!!!! Such a lovely gathering of sweet souls who have made my life so magical and maddening and I wouldn't have it any other way.

I got some flippin' awesome prezzies, my friends: amazing cake designed by Jeff; lovely hand knit jellyfish by my knittin' posse: Stephen, Kate, Elaine and Tammy; St. Germain from my baby; gift certs to Article Pract from Chris and Barbara AND my work knitting friends; gift certicate to Rudy's Can't Fail from Karen; gift certificate to Sweet Adeline's from Colleen and Ade; a MASSIVE gift certificate to Kabuki Springs from David, Scott & Matty; a beautiful hand-knit scarf from Master Knitter Ingrid; and the motherlode of them all, a GORGEOUS Rene Garcia, Jr. glitter portrait of me and Anto from Holly, Rene, Emily, Robert, Kevin, and Dennis.

Damnit!! I'm one lucky guy to have such sweet friends and a loving beau. Anthony even confessed that he enjoyed pulling it all together with our wonderfully gifted party posse. i guess I can't complain too much about being 40 since it's started off so fabulously!

My Birthday Month

2007-10-09T17:50:00.001-07:00

The Birthday Dinner Table
Originally uploaded by mikewade

Yes, it's true, I'm turning 40 very, very soon. And in honor of my birthday (and some other lovely Librans: Moreno, Jon, and Brenda), the epicurious JPK hosted a dinner party at his place. It was this past Saturday and it was indeed a wonderful celebration. On the menu was crab and corn salad, steak diane and mango ice cream cookies.

I had lots of pre-dinner lemon drops and played catch up with my dear friends who live in the West Bay (aka San Francisco). We were graced by the presence of JPK's brother, Dan and Dan's partner, Marc (what cute and sweet boys, they are!). Baby Rene was also in fine form and he even posed for many cute pics. It's only days before that boy starts making full sentences, then, LOOK OUT.

One of the high points (out of many) for me was the AMAZING present that Jon gave me, a cosmetology mannequin head. Now, it's not that I'm planning on going to beauty school and dropping out, but rather I need something on which to put knit hats for picture taking. It's always nice not to have to commandeer a real human head, not matter how cute. All I need now is to get someone to give me a male torso/form.

Jon's timing could not have been more fortuitous for me because this Friday is "Bring Your Art to Work" Day. I'll be displaying some handspun, some knitted toys and the lovely Shedir cap that I saw on Knitty Breast Cancer awareness issue.

I'll be posting pics from work display later this week.

All Hail the Fishgan!!!

2007-10-01T17:59:00.001-07:00

My Knitting Posse at Work
Originally uploaded by mikewade

Howdy Everyone, here's a quick post to show you all some of fiberly goodness I (along with some colleagues) have been working on. I present to you the FABULOUS FISH AFGHAN aka Fishgan.

I work for a wonderful technology outfit in Emeryville, CA. We make software for libraries to use their resources more efficiently. And, as luck would have it, we have quite a few folks obsessed with fiber in the company. All the major groups are represented: Spinners, Knitters, Crocheters and Beaders. We even have folks that do book binding, soapmaking and shrinky-dinking (is that a verb?). Pretty crafty group, eh?

When we learned that a colleague was expecting we decided to do a group knitting project that had proven successful in the past. It's a modular pattern that is mostly garter stitch with some shaping and even a bobble. Whoo Hooo! I have to admit at first I wasn't feeling the love for this endeavor, but after we chose the yarn, delicious Blue Sky Alpaca organic cotton, I was sold. I even grew to like the dreaded bobble. What I was most thankful for, though, was not having to piece it all together. That momentous task was left to Kris (2nd from the left in the front).

We proudly presented the lovely Fishgan to mother-to-be Brenda this past Thursday. and I think she was quite pleased.

Project Details:
Pattern: Fabulous Fish Blanket (Knitter's Magazine, Summer 1998)
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpaca cotton (two hanks of 4 different colors)
Needles: US 7 - 9 (different knitters required different sizes for gauge)
Finished size: 44 inches wide by 28 inches high.
Mods: We crocheted a border around each fish and then did another border around the whole thing. Or rather, Kris did. :-)

WTF Is Up with Your Blog, Dude?

2007-09-12T17:25:00.000-07:00

I must extend my profuse apologies to everyone who has asked me "WTF is up with your blog, Dude?" Well, the simple answer is not much, but the longer answer involves "our" wireless router at home. I put the qualifier "our" in quotes because it turns out that I've been stealing bandwidth from our neighbors. That's right. Stuffing wireless in my filthy pockets and running out of the interwebs mall. You see, when we moved from the ghetto (West Oakland) to Candyland (Berkeley), our old modem decided to go kerplooey so we got a new more fabulous one from AT&T. After we did that, we discovered that our wireless router wasn't compatible any more.

Or was it???? I was still able to connect, so we didn't believe the tech support guy at AT&T. What do they know, right?

So, I've been able to get on the interwebs and post (albeit sporadically) to this blog over the last 4 months or so, but I've not been paying that close attention to the name of the network I've been joining. Heck, I even get a signal from Sacred Rose Tattoo from across the street, but those jerks have it password protected, as do the rest of the selfish, anti-social cretins who call themselves my neighbors. The nerve!!! When I finally decided to update my blog a couple of weeks ago with news about my recent attempts at spinning and plying, I discovered that there were no active networks for me to join, so I thought our modem was down. It was then I realized that modem does NOT equal wireless router.

Which brings to the purpose of the included photo. Anthony and I have been going through all of our things and have decided to let those things go that aren't really adding value to our lives. And let's face it, campers. Naked pictures of Madonna cavorting with several dozen of her closest sex worker friends? What was I thinking? Not too clearly. But, my folly can be your windfall. Do YOU want a lovely coffee table book that is fun for the entire family???? Ever wondered what Madge's lulu looked like? All this and a limited edition cd of Justify My Love. I gotta pay for that new wireless router somehow....

Shake Your Booties.. Yeah!!!

2007-08-10T16:11:00.001-07:00

Test Bootie - Maizy (CPY)
Originally uploaded by mikewade

For your viewing pleasure, I present the quintessential baby bootie in Crystal Palace's Maizy which is made of corn fiber and elastic. It's got a wonderful cool softness to it that I think will be perfect for hot weather. These booties are going to my dear friend Heather who lives in Port Allen, Louisiana (across the Mississippi from Baton Rouge). I figure a woolen bootie will be too warm for the little guy's tootsies so I took a chance with CP's newest alt-fiber yarn.

After doing two booties and washing them, I have to say that I really do love the final product. Knitting with it, is a bit challenging because the yarn plies really want to split, but it's not too bad if you use blunt needles. I have Knit Picks Options circular needles which are pretty pointy, but I'd prefer that to blunt any day. So, in true OCD fashion, I also picked up a ball of the light green, white and blue. They were only $6 a ball and I can get about 5 pairs of booties from each one. I might do some stripes and maybe a hat.

Another fertile creature in my life is the lovely Holly. She's expecting a chillun sometime around Christmas, coincidentally, near the time of Heather's delivery. This means that I need to kick it into high gear if I want to knit lots of goodies for the upcoming babes AND get all my personal and holiday knitting queues organized.

And speaking of organizing, I'm LOVING Ravelry. Dude, if you haven't signed up, please run, don't walk. You won't be sorry. Unfortunately, my surfing ends up eating my discretionary knitting time. I have to keep reminding myself that the more time I spend looking at other people's yarn and pattern queues, the less time I have to finish my own projects. Simple, but I'm a simpleton.

The Lazy Bone's Connected to the...

2007-07-27T11:58:00.001-07:00

Tilli Thomas Test Knitting
Originally uploaded by mikewade

Credit Card bone.

Jeeeeeez! I have been so overwhelmed lately with my acquisition madness. I've been stockpiling lots of amazing and sumptuous sock yarns, (Wollmeise, Cider Moon, Jawoll, Knit One to name but a few) in addition to my regular sock club shipments from Blue Moon/Rocking Sock Club and Sundara Petals Collection. I've even begun a flirtation with spinning (more on that at the end of this post). Goddess give me strength.

But I have been a somewhat industrious boy and I have a little FO for this Friday. I recently completed some test knitting for Article Pract. It was a lovely silk and seacell (kelp fiber) blend from Tilli Tomas. The color was a rich ruby red and it was so soft and luxurious. Having said that, the first pattern I chose to illustrate it's loveliness was a disaster. What I didn't count on was how slippery it was. This resulted in areas of centered decreasing that looked lumpy. At least I think that was the problem. You can decide for yourself.

I then frogged the whole thing (unwound it) and used a tried and true pattern, the Feather and Fan (from Barbara Walker's Treasury of Knitted Patterns). As you can see, it was much better suited for the way the silk and kelp want to behave. I'm glad I took the time to start over and give Article Pract something that showcases the fiber and not a knotty mess.

When I brought my finished swatch into AP, I discovered another swatch that was knit up (by Ellery I believe) into this amazing scarf pattern by a local artist named Song. She does the hands-on knitting at AP (every Tues and Fri from 4-6pm), but I've never had the pleasure of meeting her. I hope that I do sometime soon, so that I can tell her how lovely her design work is. There was the one swatch in a Tilli Tomas fingering weight (maybe?) yarn and another in this heavenly Malabrigo lace weight. SCRUMPTIOUS!! Of course, I had to purchase the pattern, and I should be making some scarfey giftiness for friends and family in the near future.

Now, on to the latest and greatest OC behavior. I took a drop spindle class from Deep Color this past Sunday and it was great. I loved the instructor, Claudia, and all the ladies (yes, I was the only guy) were funny and charming. I think they were just shocked that a guy would be interesting in hand spinning. But i explained that I was a knitter and was curious about doing an S to Z thang (as opposed to A to Z, b/c I will NOT be shearing and scouring any time soon).

Sadly, Deep Color will not be offering spinning classes in the future and they will be selling all their fiber and spinning backstock so that Claudia can focus on her art and her classes on felting. I felt honored to have been in the last class and disappointed that I'll need to take my spinning business elsewhere. On a more upbeat note, I discovered that Carolina Homespun is located in San Francisco. Why on earth did I think they were in one of the Carolina's??? Hmmmm. In any case, they have a killer selection of books, videos, fiber and spindles/wheels.

Aus Deutschland Mit Liebe....

2007-07-13T18:12:00.001-07:00

Package From Victor!!!
Originally uploaded by mikewade

Guten Tag, Meine Freunde. Okay, that's about all I can do auf Deutsch. In fact, that's probably not correct, but you get the gist, I hope. This is a pic of a swap I did with Victor, a fellow knitter, photographer and blogger who lives in Munich. Victor is a true knitting master having tackled many cool projects (like Jaywalkers) and he has exquisite taste in yarn. He recently got me hooked on Wollemeise and I ended up ordering 5 lovely hanks from Claudia (THE Wollmeise).... but that's a whole separate blog entry... Lots of o.c. behavior to be modelled there.

So, I was cruising around Flickr, looking at other folks projects and yarn when I saw this lovely pink and green wool that Victor had made some socks with and I had to find it. It looked like it was sport weight which means a much quicker knit than fingering weight, so I started searching for it online. Unfortunately, it was German AND the only e-commerce site I could find was written in German and I couldn't tell if they shipped to the US. Enter, my enabler.

Victor generously offered to run down to his LYS and get some for me. I asked for 2 balls each of three different colorways and quicker than I could say "fiberholic", Victor had those puppies in the post bound for America. They arrived wrapped in tissue paper with a stunning green raffia bow topped with a cute Muenchen postcard. Victor is classy like that. Inside were 6 of the most lovely balls of superwash wool that are gonna make some amazing socks.

Now, where to hide them in our crammed apartment????

A Game of Catch (Up)

2007-06-30T19:15:00.001-07:00

Some members of my readership (*cough* Jon *cough*) have said that I don't update you enough on the 24-7, hustle-bustle, hedonist lifestyle that I enjoy in the East Bay, hence my new post. Last time, I promised some more detail on the Holly party and here she is.

I'm ashamed to say I'm not sure which birthday this was for Holly, but it's not her 30th and definitely not her 40th. The lovely Mrs. Rhodes-Garcia was feted with a first-class dinner party planned and hosted by Jonathan and Emily. Em lives in the glorious Presidio which is a protected state park in addition to being a new home to Letterman Digital Arts Center (Lucasfilm). Beside the exquisite epicurean delights, we enjoyed a state of the art Holly Video Installation, iPod karaoke and kick-ass champagne cocktails with elegant elderflower liqueur, St. Germain.

Instead of killing myself and trying to knit something last minute as is my regular modus operandi, I did what any self-respecting crafter does: purchased someone else's art. I still kept to a knitting theme, but I'm not quite sure if Elizabeth Zimmerman (Godmother of Modern Knitting) would have approved of the destruction of straight knitting needles for fashion. I hope that EZ would agree that the necklace was a true masterstroke and an ingenious re-use of resources courtesy of the talented Liana Kabel.

We had Holly open presents early on and I was delighted when she oooed and ahhed over the necklace. An added bonus was Renecito's seal of approval. You gotta admit, it looks good on son AND mama.

During the main course, Rene wanted to hear our fondest Holly story. I shared the tale of the time that Holly and I had to drive an RV from SF to Indio/Palm Springs to attend Coachella for our artist outreach at Levi Strauss & Co. I asked Holly to go with me and to do the majority of the driving because she can't think of anything cooler than being a trucker. The day that we picked up the RV, I almost cancelled the trip upon learning about gray and black water.

My fear of driving an RV on the interstate is only exceeded by one thing, dealing with other people's poo. Now, you might say, "mikewade, everyone poos. Just deal". Which, being without fear, is exactly what Holly said to me. But, I reminded her that I, actually, did NOT (poo). And my job description did not include wiping Rock Star asses, even if I had to kiss them all in the name of glamorous PR. Fortunately, we had the option of paying other people to deal with the gray (sink) and black (toilet) water, so I didn't have to cancel the whole trip based on my fear of other people's bodily functions. Good Times....

All in all, a perfect evening made possible by the killer hosting duo of JPK and ER. Kisses to you two, as well as the birthday girl. MWAH.

One Ball of Yarn!

2007-06-21T18:00:00.001-07:00

One Ball of Yarn!
Originally uploaded by mikewade

Gosh, I'm so behind with updating that I'm not quite sure where to begin. I'll do a quickie bullet point list and then expound on them over the next few posts:

1. Test Kniting with Pagewood Farms yarn - Didn't believe it would happen with all the froggin' that was going on, but I perservered and I was pleased to turn in the fruits of my labor to Article Pract.

2. Liana Kabel necklace given to Holly for birthday - Holly (and Renecito) were THRILLED with the necklace. Liana was a bit chuffed as well.

3. Habu Scarf to Emily for Graduation - It was a delight to see co-worker, Karen's daughter shine at her graduation party. I think she looked quite fetching.

4. Test Knitting with Twisted Sisters yarn - This was such a quick knitand very fun to do. I'm sure I will do several proper Chevron scarves because the pattern is effin soooooo easy.

Now all I need to do is start massive amounts of baby booties, hats and toys for all the lovely ladies in my life who are preggers....

I promise real posts and updates very soon.

Until then,
knit on my brothas and sistas

We Interrupt This Blog For.. THE YARN HARLOT!!!

2007-06-11T10:00:00.001-07:00

Sock Mojo Twins Power Activate
Originally uploaded by mikewade

Yes, dear readers, I was fortunate enough to catch the only appearance in our fair state of Stephanie Pearl-McPhee. Readers the world over know her as author and blogger, the Yarn Harlot, and this past Thursday she dazzled us with amusing anecdotes, amazing touch knitting and, of course, a book signing. This last bit was kicked up a notch by being able to procure copies of her new audio books (I couldn't find anywhere online) which are of "At Knit's End..." and the new book, "Casts Off" read by the author herself. She thinks she sounds like a chipmunk on meth, but I think she sounds great. All of my pictures are here.

The whole thing was organized and produced by wonderful independent bookseller, Copperfields, in thriving downtown Petaluma. It was mercifully streamlined and the event went off without a single hitch. Considering there were over 250 audience members and standing room only, there was surprisingly little congestion or drama. My hat and knitting needles salute this noble bookstore.

I made some new knitting friends: Jenn and her charming friend, Johanna. Jenn was working on a fiendishly lacey sock that would have kicked me to the curb. Johanna was knitting without looking (a feat that still makes my jaw drop). The Yarn Harlot can do this too, in front of many people AND tell jokes. I'm not worthy...

So, Linda, my work compatriot and veteran knitter, and I, waited in line, gave our presents and got our goodies signed. We presented Steph with some Scharffenberger chocolate, a cute card, and a vintage knitting needle bangle from Liana Kabel. There were so many people that she didn't get a chance to see the jewelry but I hope she likes it because Liana is a genius.

As you can see, I got to hold the sock and Steph held my simple sock in progress. I left my adventure in baby lace knitting at home since I knew that I would muck it up royally and I want to be able to give it to Article Pract sometime before summer is over. I refuse to rip it back anymore. REFUSE!

I promise some good pictures of it in my next update!

Arcade Fire Rules My World

2007-06-04T16:35:00.001-07:00

arcadefire
Originally uploaded by mikewade

This past Saturday, I took a little break from knitting the interminable wooly cake of Pagewood Farms (don't you love how I manage to keep the knitting references) and joined my good friend, Matty, for a rather exceptional performance from Montreal's Arcade Fire. They were recently written up in the New Yorker and I heard an encore presentation of Fresh Air today with them as the main guests. You can even check them out by going here for a concert presented by NPR.

Matty hadn't seen our new place in Berkeley and, much to my shock, he informed me that he hadn't seen Anthony since Robert Allen's birthday in New Orleans (and well before Anthony's aneurysm in 2004). That was about 4 years ago, if memory serves correctly, so it's been way too long. The main reason for the delay has been Matty's adventures overseas in Japan & Italy and on the other coast, but as of late, there haven't been too many wheelchair accessible events for Anthony to join.

Matty and I had a lovely dinner at Venus in downtown Berkeley and then headed over to the UC Berkeley Greek Theatre for some AF loving. The weather wasn't too terribly cold in spite of the fog and we warmed up after dancing around a bit. I'm so impressed with the wall of sound that Arcade Fire create and the even more amazing ENERGY of their live performance. If you don't have their album "Neon Bible" yet, run don't walk to your local independent music purveyor.

Sunday was almost as lovely, but it's hard to compete with Venus and Arcade Fire. Running a close second for a most fabulous time was brunch with Scott, David and Robert. We took advantage of the GORGEOUS sunny weather (anyone who knows SF in the summer should realize this is an extreme rarity) and walked ourselves over to Luna for nibbles. I enjoyed the french toast with a side of crunchy bacon and I even snuck a couple of Robert's garlic fries. I didn't have a mimosa (cafe creme pour moi)... but that reminds me of my new favorite drink (special thanks to Scottsky for this one): champagne with a St. Germain float.

OH. MY. GOODNESS.

St. Germain is a liqueur made from elderflowers and it imparts the most lovely refreshing goodness to what already is the perfect brunch beverage. I had two before leaving Scott's which is why I opted for coffee at Luna.

After the repast, my arm was twisted and we retreated to Robert's secret garden where I had too much to drink (wine, campari cocktails) and not enough nibbles to balance it all out. The highlight of the day was playing in Robert's thriving succulent garden (many pieces were cuttings I have given to him from our old garden). Even though the brisk winds started flinging the lounge chairs around, we were able to enjoy the last bits of summer weather, before heading into the apartment for show and tell from Mr. Allen.

Next up, my lace-y knitting progress.... don't get your hopes too high.

WIP Fridays, June 1st, 2007

2007-05-31T21:15:00.000-07:00

Well, one sock in Pagewood Farms (colorway: wheatfields) wool is done. Finally. This sock is the simplest of constructions

1. 2x2 ribbing

2. stockinette for the leg and foot

so I thought I'd jazz it up a bit with a different heel flap and toe. Forget that this puppy is 9 stitches to the inch on size 0s, which for me is almost making me go blind. Seven, no problem. Eight and I'm getting a little twitch over my eye, but nine.... something does not compute for me. I can never truly be a lace knitter but I'm gonna have to fake it.

So, I tried this groovy heel flap called Eye of Partridge which I learned in Stephanie Pearl McPhee's "Knitting Rules". It's a variation on the standard slip stitch pattern which creates a honeycomb-like structure that really pops when done correctly. About halfway through, I think that I've done something wrong because it looks too flat (no honeycomb hideout action). This causes me great distress because you can't simply rip back because of the slip stitch action. I suppose someone with a bit more experience than I could have done it, but I'm not Meg Swansen or Brooklyn Tweed, so I totally ripped back and started over. About halfway through the second time, I notice the same thing happening again. This time, I decide it's a combination of my tension and the subtle changes in the color that are obscuring the stitch pattern, so I perservered and ended up with this.

Next up was the digital yogic bliss of simple stockinette for the foot until the toe was reached. To tart it up a bit, I decided on a French Toe which I spotted in Nancy Bush's "Knitting Vintage Socks" and thought it would be parfait (not the poor white trash "dessert" of whipped cream and jello... which is more imparfait or "vachement nulle" as French teenage hipsters might say.... but I digress). This might have been okay, but I was using two circular needles instead of Nancy's recommended 3 needles, which translated to a bit of juggling stitches and markers. A slight handicap was introduced by a lovely Merlot that Scott and David gave us for Christmas and about three rows from finishing, I realize that I've been decreasing at the wrong points.

I almost bent the metal tips of my needles with the sheer force of my anger, but decided NOT to rip back until I was sober the following morning. In order to atone for my hubris, I did a standard wedge toe with a kitchener stitch close. And so I present the lovely one sock for Article Pract. They only wanted one because they get stolen if you do a pair. What a lousy world, eh?

Next up is a groovy swatch featuring a pattern from Barbara Walker's "Treasury of Knitting Patterns" (vol. 2) that is testing my ability to count, follow a lace pattern and not split the fine yarn with my crappy needles. I haven't taken any pix yet, but I can report that I have ripped this back twice because I keep forgetting about the border (which is not part of the pattern repeat) and I constantly lose my place in the pattern repeats.

How on earth do I get to work every day with out driving into the Bay? It's truly a miracle of Madrigorial (sp?) proportions. Take care and keep on knitting....

Birthday Surprises

2007-05-21T17:40:00.001-07:00

VKKnit1LianaKabelcrop
Originally uploaded by mikewade.

A certain someone in my life is getting some delicious art from Liana Kabel. She makes jewelry with vintage plastic knitting needles, tupperware and other recycled poly products. She's a fricking genius.

Work In Progress Fridays

2007-05-18T10:50:00.000-07:00

You knew it was coming, right? If I can't win at the game, I gotta change the rules. Finished Object Fridays was starting to make me drink more coffee in the afternoon which required sleep aids in the evening followed by an extra shot of espresso in the morning lattes... you get the picture. It was only a matter of time before our fabulous new apartment became a shooting gallery. Am I watching too much of HBO's "The Wire"... I don't think so. So, in order to keep my sanity, get the requisite 8 hours of sleep *and* think of my knitting as relaxing, I now present Work in Progress Fridays. [cue fanfare]

This lovely little flatland horsie was supposed to have an x, y and z plane, as well as 4 legs and the ability to stand up (see a properly completed one here), but in a fit of hasty sewing up before Renecito's 2nd Bday party, I did him all wrong and ended up getting the birthday boy Duplo. Now, I need to rip out the seams and try again without the pressure of a looming deadline. I have confidence he'll be done this weekend.

I'm still working on my Pagewood Farms yarn sock. It's really turning out lovely and I have to say that I much prefer 2 circulars to DPNs. I'm using my Knit Picks size 0s and there's a little of snag action at the joins. It's not too irritating, but I have a feeling that Addi Turbos would be better. The pricing difference ($5 versus $15) makes me wanna live with the difficulty but I might just have to break down and get the good stuff. I'm worth it, right?

In non-knitting related news, we just finihised a big cleanout of our old rental garage which was flooded by a backed up sewage main. Mmmmmmm. Delicious. Fortunately it only affected the front part of the garage which was practically empty, but the back portion was chock full of crap (our personal crap... not poo) which really needed throwing away or recycling. So, this past weekend and pretty much the whole week nights has been a constant flow of the stuff we're keeping to our new place. The plan is to try and sell the good stuff and donating all the rest to Goodwill. I much prefer to give our stuff to them, because they take EVERYTHING with no attitude.

I hope everyone has a non-poo filled weekend. I know I will. A bientot.

FOF051107

2007-05-11T10:33:00.000-07:00

Alternatively titled... I am lame, lame, lame. Geez, I have such respect for folks who can blog and have something fascinating... or coherent to blog about every day. It's a discipline like any formal writing, but I thought I'd have so much to say, or at least in the shower I do. I'm not quite sure what my damage is... but I know a big part of it is energy level. When I get home in the evening, the last thing I want to do is sit down and compose a blog entry. What I really want to do is sit down and knit and have a movie or audio book going. Not at all social and somewhat exasperating to my partner. In my defense, I rarely object to a film he selects (unless it has subtitles), so I'm not completely irritating, just a wee bit. Cutelike.

There's the energy level thing.. and then there's the overwhelming choices thing. Many of you know that I have serious stash and reference text issues (i.e. I'm sure I've been put forward for the next episode of "Intervention") but I make myself feel better about it because 95% of what I knit is for others. I have exactly one thing that I made for myself. Two if you count the socks that I made for Anthony that weren't quite big enough for his wooly mammoth footsies. Which is related to today's title, but more on that at the end...

Finally, there's the obsessive compulsive startitis. Once I see a new yarn, I gotta get cracking on swatching it. I haven't the patience for a full sweater so I like quick fix items like toys, hats, and (ahem) socks. Anyone who has ever knit a sock comes to the realization that sock knitting is not really that fast. This is compounded with the second sock syndrome and you've got quite a long haul until the end is reached. Fortunately, I've discovered a way to knit, earn money *and* be timely with my practice. TEST KNITTING. Yes, folks, I have plunged head first in the knitting pool and I think I might have cracked my head in the shallows.

I have agreed to test knit a sock pattern for the lovely and amazing Sundara. More on that in a future post. Plus, I signed up for test knitting Tofutsie yarn from SWTC with Kat. And, on a local tip, I have joined the army of people who do test knitting for Christina, the amazing shop owner of Article Pract. My first project is a sock and a swatch using Pagewood Farms fingering weight superwash merino, colorway "wheat fields". I've already ripped the sock cuff twice because I'm being hypercritical but I'm on a roll now, as you can see here.

And since I'm two weeks behind, I present two completed items for your pleasure. The first is the Gimp Suit with Ball Gag for my friend, Jon.

It was commissioned by the latter with inspiration coming from Pulp Fiction. I haven't sewn the sleeves closed but I'm waiting to see if Jon would prefer they be open. The second piece is the first of a pair of socks for my big-footed partner, Anto.

I haven't started the second one, because I'm on a deadline with my Article Pract work, but I'm fine putting that on hold. In fact, I want to put most of my WIPs aside and only do cotton, hemp or silk projects during our recent heatwave.

Have a lovely weekend!!!

J'adore Sushi

2007-04-26T19:38:00.000-07:00

Did you know that it's nearing the end of Administrative Professional Week? Well, neither did I. That is, until I got this lovely card with gift certificate from my managers in celebration thereof. I was dashing out of the office to drive Anthony to Vallejo for physical therapy when I was given the card but I didn't open the card when I got home. I know I scared the bejeezus out of Anthony because of all the commotion. All of it over the PERFECT GIFT for me, credit at my favorite LYS: Article Pract. The sushi card is an original watercolor by my immediate supervisor, the VP of a software company in Emeryville. She's wicked smart, respectful *and* artistic. Hard to believe, eh? I had the impression that she might be, but I had never seen a completed piece. And it's a card that she created with Shutterfly.

So, yeah, I was so blown away. It was very generous and the messages inside were so thoughtful. I'm one lucky boy and they've sure got me pegged. It wasn't even 24 hours before my fiber-junkie punk-ass was at Article Pract. I really love the gals that work and teach there. There's Christina, Kate, Tammy, Sarah Jane, and Logan just to name a few that I know. They always hook a brotha up, which frequently gets me into trouble, but it's good to know where the enablers are, you know? While there today I saw the most amazing hand-spun and hand-painted 100% angora from Malabrigo. I did not purchase it because it was $33 a ball (not sure of the yardage, but it was pretty small). I also saw some beautiful mohair locks (yes, whole locks, it's breathtaking) from Pagewood Farms that must be seen in person to truly experience. It made me think of what a satyr or faun's legs must look like. I'll be getting some of this in the future, but I was a little more sensible this visit (i.e. I didn't spend hardly anything beyond the value of the gift certificate). I'll take pics this weekend and post them on my flickr account.

What else? Well, Anthony got the show he applied for at the UC Berkeley radio station, KALX. He'll have the Thursday, 9am-12noon slot and you can listen to him online. Check him out. We hope to set up a blog and podcast site for him in the near future. Stay tuned.

I better get working on someting if I hope to have anything done for Finished Object Fridays.... Remember, it's OBJECT. Singular. That is all.

Are You Hypermobile?

2007-04-24T20:26:00.000-07:00

Or rather, are your teeth? No? Consider yourself lucky. Two of mine are and they feel like they could fall out at any time. It's so cool... especially when your eating. I keep expecting to discover that I've swallowed them and I have a jack-o-lantern smile left behind. The reason for my dental wanderlust is bruxism. I grind my teeth... like crazy... when I'm sleeping. I used to have a ridiculously expensive nightguard that made my speech sound like Stan's sister on South Park but I didn't mind wearing it. When I began my adventures in orthodontia, I was told that I couldn't wear a night guard because my teeth needed to be able to shift and turn. Makes sense, but I thought my teeth might be doing a bit too much midnight mambo. This past visit to my orthodontist confirmed that I have indeed been creating dentine powder of my molars accelerating the movement of two crucial teeth (an upper molar and a lower canine).

So, today's visit to the orthodontist ended with no connector brackets (which hurt like hell for a day or two) OR rubber bands (which pretty much hurt me all the time). Whoo Hoo!! It's only for 3 weeks, but that's 3 whole weeks pain free (or sans vicodin). Fabulous. It also means that brushing and flossing is a bit easier and quicker. The capper? I got a lovely new soft splint/night guard. I'm not sure if I'll be able to wear it for the entire remainder of my treatment but every little bit contributes to not having little nibs at the end of it all.

On a more creative note, I've been working on a knit piece for my friend Jon. It's not for him personally, but rather a commissioned piece for his artwork. His medium is the action figure or doll and his work is amazing. I'm excited to be working with him and you can see what I've done so far here. If you don't know what a gimpsuit is, don't fret, I didn't either. Jon reminded me that most people's introduction was probably "Pulp Fiction" but I found a bit more info on wikipedia. I really don't get S & M at all, but it's most amusing for a voyeur.

I've admired Jon's work since first I laid eyes on it and I'm excited to see what new surprises he has in store. My partner and I are fortunate to own three of Jon's pieces (Party Girl Barnabee Collins, Poet Leonard Nimoy and Jelly Hunter Zola Pompidoux). You can see my ongoing Flickr photoseries of these dolls all about town starting with a few choice pix here at home with the masterful art of Rene Garcia Jr as a glittery portrait studio backdrop. Enjoy!

FOF042007

2007-04-20T09:59:00.000-07:00

Well, my promise to blog more often is apparently not as good as my attempt to finish something for every Friday (Finished Object Fridays). I sort of cheated this time around in that I completed something that was close to being finished, Spherey. I really love the simplicity of this little guy (or is Spherey a gal?). My first was completed almost a year ago for a friend's son, Renecito, when I first discovered the designs of Jess Hutchison online. It was quite fun to do and I have since made several for various folks and have several requests in the queue.

I plan to make all the things in her booklet (which, sadly, is not available anymore) and next on my list is the Robot. You might recognize it from the premier issue cover of new quarterly publication, Craft sister mag to Make. In a strange twist of fate, the pattern for the robot was not in the issue (but there was a small interview with Jess). After a bit of back and forth via email, I contacted Jess and was allowed to make a copy of a friends publication. But, as a condition of the allowance, I promised Jess that I would not put it up on a server or sell it.

I just got my third issue of Craft in the mail yesterday but haven't had a chance to read it all the way through. On the back cover, I noticed an announcement for the MakerFaire which is going to be be in San Mateo on May 19 and 20th. I know three who should join me (Rene, Jon and Matty) but I'm extending an invitation to anyone who'd like to come with. Sounds like a blast!

Finished Object Fridays

2007-04-13T09:46:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows how fast I can knit knows that this title is a bit absurd, but I thought it best to set a few goals for my knitting pursuits. I don't knit fast at all and I don't want to set any speed knitting records, but several experienced knitters have told me that my form could be improved. I have also learned from several reputable sources that I knit too far down the needle and I tend to "torture" my stitches. I haven't waterboarded them yet, but you never know with the ever devolving state of my Knitatorship. So, in an effort to introduce some consistency in my craft and the joy of a finished object, I proudly introduce FINISHED OBJECT FRIDAYS. We'll see if this a realistic goal, or if that extra shot in my Peet's soy latte has erased all of my ability to reason.

At the moment, I have many, many things on needles (an EZ EPS raglan sweater, a knitty Nautiloid, a Melanie Falick brioche scarf, a Yarn Harlot pattern scarf, a Charlene Schurch turkish hat, 3 different pairs of socks) and I have lots of new yarns that are itching to be swatched, washed and measured. I recognize this virulent hybridized strain of OCD/Startitis but I am willing to entertain the antidote in the possibility of presenting some form of completed project every Friday.

For my first entry, I present the latest pair of socks for my Sweetpea, Anto (who has size 13 feet, thank you very much). The pattern is the basic Ann Budd Handy Book of Patterns sock. It's got 2x2 ribbing at the top with a short-row heel and wedge toe. The main body of the sock is Trekking Pro Natura #1602 (yummy Superwash wool and bamboo) while the heel and toe are Knit Picks Essential(Superwash wool and nylon) in navy. I got the Pro Natura at Stitches West and I only got 2 skeins, since they were $18 each and I had the rent to pay. Amazingly, I found this killer dutch retailer who sells it for $10 a ball.... oh wait, that's another post. In any case, I really loved this yarn and I'll definitely be knitting some socks for myself.

So, a lovely weekend to all of you. I intend to get a leg up on all my unfinished objects by getting something ready for next Friday. Wish me luck!

100 Things About Me

2007-04-02T22:00:00.000-07:00

I was born in Alabama, but spent the formative years in Arkansas and Louisiana. I'm not sure why I don't sound like someone on HeeHaw.
I never met my father. My mother only knew him briefly. I have no idea what his real name is.
I knew I was gay at a very young age.
I don't remember very much about my childhood before the age of 5. Although I have some pretty vivid memories of a beach in Montgomery.
I am deathly afraid of snakes and spiders, but I can watch them on TV (unlike my mother).
I wanted braces all of my life, until I got them.
I never ever think I'm the smartest person in the room.
I wanted to be a drummer when I was a kid. My hero was Roger Taylor from Queen.
I bought a book on breakdancing after seeing some cool video on television. I failed miserably but I never stopped admiring people who could do it.
I lived in the projects until the age of 13.
I attended a predominantly black middle school and was one of 6 white kids.
I never had to study very much in middle and high school. College was a big shock and I thought I would flunk out.
I thought I was going to be a mathematician when I was in grade school. Then I was run over by algebra.
I had a paper route in the 4th grade and delivered them in the afternoon every day after school. When the schedule required that they be delivered in the morning before school, I quit.
I spent all of my paper route earnings on comic books and candy. I never saved a cent.
I was more of a DC than Marvel fan.
I was on the tennis team in High School. I went to state in mixed doubles but lost in the first round. I threw up right before the match. Thus ended my career in athletics.
I secretly hoped my father would show up and take me away from all the poverty and racism of the south.
My mother was raised a pentecostal and I went to church with her exactly one time. There were people crying and speaking in tongues. I never went with her after that.
I went to a baptist church and sunday school with friends from my high school.
I have never thought very much about organized religion. I think it causes more problems than solves. I believe everyone has god in them.
I did, however, pray for the "organizing force" to make me straight.
I had crushes on Grizzly Adams, Charles Ingalls, and Steve Austin. I still do.
I almost learned to play the clarinet. I did choir instead but I can't read music.
I am a very lazy person.
I am a very germ phobic.
Number 25 and 26 are always fighting for dominance.
I LOVE coffee and chocolate. Mochas are my idea of heaven.
I'm much more of an upper person than a downer one.
I thought I was the only person in my town who knew Kraftwerk, Joy Division and Cabaret Voltaire.
I wanted to be a New Romantic.
I'm currently obsessed with knitting. Previous obsessions have been succulents, electronic music and typography.
I used to watch a lot of TV. Now I don't own one.
I watch a LOT of DVDs. We have a pretty big library.
I took a lot of drugs as a undergraduate. Not quite as many in grad school. But then I made up for it when I moved to San Francisco.
I used to work for a Global Apparel Manufacturer that is commonly known as an American Icon. I worked in the Publicity department.
I met Lauryn Hill, Air, Basement Jaxx, Esthero, Black Eyed Peas, Jamiroquai, Phantom Planet, Massive Attack, Sasha. Digweed and a host of other DJs and celebutantes.
I've always had a facility for language, but I'm usually too embarrassed to strike up a conversation in another language.
I have an addictive personality.
I have hazel eyes.
I used to lay on our roof and try to get tan. I'm so shocked that I never developed any skin cancers.
I graduated valedictorian of my high school.
I almost flunked college managerial accounting. My mother was an accountant.
I met my partner in a rock and roll bar. He was the bartender and assistant talent booker.
We've been together for 5 years.
I have a list of all the people I've ever slept with.
My first boyfriend was twice my age.
My grandmother taught me to crochet and knit as a child. I picked up the needles again about 2 years ago when my friend Moreno was working on socks and I made him show me how.
I've never been to the Far East.
I studied abroad my Junior year in college. Actually it was the Spring Semester and a portion of the summer. It was in Angers, France.
I would like to live in another country for a while. Maybe France or Northern England, but I'd be happy with Canada or Mexico.
My partner suffered an aneurysm during our 3rd year together. He is now a paraplegic. We are both hopeful that one day he can walk again.
My mother died at the age of 52.
My older brother, my younger sister and I all have different fathers.
My brother lived with my great-grandparents in Arkansas until he was 16. Then he came to live with us in Louisiana.
My very first musical purchase was the 45 rpm single of "Take A Chance" on Me by Abba.
I think a war on anything solves nothing.
I'm still friends with my best friends in college but I don't speak to any of my friends from high school.
I've had LASIK surgery to correct my vision.
The hair on my neck grows very fast and I have to have touch ups in between proper haircuts.
I hate to drive.
I can fall asleep in the back of a moving car in 5 minutes.
I'd prefer to wash the dishes over cooking.
Fresh breath is a priority in my life.
I prefer thrift and vintage to brand new... except when it comes to shoes.
I am quick to anger.
I'm bad at admitting I'm wrong.
I prefer to pee sitting down.
I cannot poo in public stalls. I'm okay with a private room.
My stress dream is usually about missing a final exam or about realizing at the end of the semester that I forgot to drop a class.
I worry that I'm not enjoying my youth.
I worry that I'm not growing up fast enough.
My sister and her husband have two children and a dog. My brother and his wife have 2 donkeys and a goat.
My brother is 6 years older than me and my sister is 6 years younger than me.
I went back to graduate school at the age of 37 and finished my Master's Degree.
We had a Peekapoo named Tigger when I was a teenager. He had epilepsy.
I kept a diary for a brief period in high school and wrote in it backwards. I thought perhaps I would turn into Leonardo Da Vinci if I did this. I don't think it worked.
I have a serious yarn monkey on my back.
I used to think that wool was hideous but I have since learned that it comes in many fabulous forms.
I prefer the knit stitch to the purl. I prefer stocking stitch to garter stitch. I prefer Fair Isle to Intarsia.
I worship at the altar of Elizabeth Zimmerman.
I love dry gardening.
I prefer non-spiny succulents to cactus but I pretty much love them all.
I prefer dry and hot to cold and wet but the worst is hot and humid.
I am afraid of the dark.
I love maple trees in the fall.
I love the smell of peppermint and sandalwood.
I can't eat fresh tomatoes but I could drink salsa. Bloody Mary's make me gag.
I tried to be vegetarian when I lived in Austin. I couldn't do it. I blame the Salt Lick.
I used to collect Swatch Watches. I still have my collection.
My absolute all-time favorite groups are the Pet Shop Boys, Erasure, The Magnetic Fields, Abba, Kraftwerk, New Order and the Smiths.
I love jellyfish, octopus and squid/cuttlefish. If I had an aquarium, It would be filed with only these animals.
If I could have a super power, I'd love to have chromatophores.
I could eat breakfast food for every meal. I adore pancakes.
I could watch Absolutely Fabulous/French & Saunders, Stranger With Candy and the Sopranos on a loop... and I do.
I love a good horror film or thriller.
I hate most action and war films.
My favorite drinks are a lemon drop, closely followed by a filthy martini (3 olives) and finally a cosmopolitan made with a bit more cranberry and a little less Cointreau.
I can't sleep in pajamas nor can I sleep in the nude.
I prefer stout beer and I like it chilled.

Mike Check, One, Two, One, Two

2007-04-02T09:36:00.000-07:00

Well, the moment of truth has arrived. I have finally started my very own blog (as opposed to contributing to my friends' blogs) and now I've got to come up with something unique and witty to share, right?

Well, the reasons for this auspicious debut are many, none of which are conceit. Honestly. I have lots of friends who have funnier and more entertaining sites. I also visit several lively and informative blogs every day, most of them knitting but not all of them. I'm hoping that the creation of this digital destination will inspire me to be more introspective about my life and process my feelings about the world around me. I also plan to chart my life (knitting and otherwise) so that when I have early onset alzheimer's, I can look back and enjoy it like a vaguely familiar David Sedaris short story. Who was that mad mikewade character? Why did he never seem to enjoy his good fortune and fabulous friends until it was too late? And why on earth did he buy all that sock yarn?

Which brings me to the title of the blog: Socktopus. The inspiration for this silly portmanteau was a contest that Blue Moon Fiber Arts conducted back in January of 2007. They had a new colorway naming contest and I entered with the entry "Siren Song". I came up with a few and discounted them all because I thought they were too silly. One of them was "socktopus" which I didn't send in. And, one of the winners was, you guessed it, "socktopus". This will be a recurring theme in my life. The road less travelled and all that. I have good instincts... which I hardly ever follow. I'm hoping that the instinct to blog will finally prove that I have started to trust that inner voice. You tell me!

In the next installment, I'll share 50 things about me... maybe 100 if I'm feeling energetic.