Stitch it Good - Books!

 Well hello!

I've had such a hard time reading books over the last 12 months.  There are many possible reasons including moving, my spouse's cancer surgery, social-media, the election, etc.  But really I think the mental exhaustion from the Pandemic is the main culprit, at least for me.  My attention span has been distilled down to a few articles in The New Yorker, the "Home" section of the NYTimes and indie magazines including Taproot, Making, and In Her Studio.

But I'm not giving up on Books.  I just need to identify material that matches my current reading habits.  I'm delighted to shar my first find, Patch Work: A Life Amongst Clothes by Claire Wilcox.  I first learned about this book after reading a briefly-noted review in The New Yorker and truly believe it was the universe speaking to me.  Ms. Wilcox is the lead fashion curator at The Victoria and Albert Museum in London.  Her professional career has produced beautiful exhibits of the work by x, x, and x.  But this book focuses on her life before and leading up to her current work.  Each chapter is a vignette connecting the threads in her own life.  I now once again look forward to reading and am having to pace myself so that I don't finish it too quickly.

Zines and self-published books are alive and well.  I recently purchased How to Cut up Shirts by Zac Foster, a $3 little publication you can print at home.  It's adorable and perfect for our age of upcycling.  Take those patches and turn them into quilts, draft-stoppers, and masks.  

If instead of cutting apart shirts, you want to make shirts by hand, check out Hand Sewing Clothing: A Guide by Louisa Owen Sonstroem. I'm currently on the waitlist for a copy and can hardly wait for it to arrive! You do need to have some basic sewing skills but don't let that deter you from learning. Sewing by hand is all about the process, not about the product.

Looking for those quilt patterns? The Personal Library Quilt by Heather Givans can be found here. To download the Little Library set of 6 foundation paper pieced blocks, visit this link and to download the Tall Tales Quilt Block go here. Another favorite book pattern is Book Nerd by Angel Pingel. And don't forget to to check out Patchwork Please by Ayumi Takahashi for a number of lovely projects including a book block.

And last but certainly not least, do track down a copy of Gwen Marston's delightful book on how to sew fabric picture books. Gwen passed away in April of 2016 but we are so lucky that she wrote many books, gave many lectures and created many beautiful quilts from which we can continue to learn. I count myself lucky to have discovered her early in my sewing journey as her pure love of creating inspired me to be fearless in cutting up fabric!

I wish you a safe week. If you can, please take a few moments to read something that inspires your creativity.

Happy Stitching!

xoxo

Stitch it Good Wednesday Topics - Late!

Well hello!

I have already broken my New Year's Resolution of posting once a week following my radio show.  But I vow to get back to it!

This past week was a fairly quiet show due to the fact that I had recently received the second dose of the Covid Vaccine.  I'm feeling very well now and am so grateful for science and the possibility that we can once again start meeting with friends in person!

During last Wednesday's show I shared the concept of Wabi Sabi which is part of the Zen philosophy of impermanence.  Wabi Sabi has found a new life in our current culture as a way to recognize the value of "thing" contrary to our throw-away culture.  In my life I've incorporated this concept by repairing my clothes including sweaters, sweatshirts, jeans and accessories.  Sometimes an item is beyond repair and so it can be upcycled into something else entirely.  Jeans become a quilt, sweaters become mittens.  To learn more about the Wabi Sabi philosophy in Japanese culture, check out "wabi sabi: The Japanese Art of Impermanence" by Andrew Juniper.

With regard to upcycling, I recently became aware of two organizations that are taking fashion fabrics off the cutting room floor and turning them into something else.  FABSCRAP is a NYC-based non-profit that is taking textile waste and offering it to students, artists and others for reuse.  They also have a brick and mortar shop where one can shop for fabrics.  A local, Mercer based organization has been taking the knit fabrics (jersey, spandex, etc) from FABSCRAP and turning it into beautiful, one-of-a-kind blankets and accessories.  Inspired-Threads employs vulnerable community members to create each item and is days away from opening a workroom for their artists.  Be sure to visit their website to learn more and support their mission. 

As always, to view Stitch it Good playlists, visit this link for my recent shows.  Be sure to listen this week when I share some of my recent favorite books.

Happy Stitching.

xoxo

Wednesdays we wear pink

 Well hello!

Last week was the first show on my new day, Wednesdays.  Same time 10am - noon ET.  Grateful for all those who tuned in.

The week got away from me before I could write about everything from the show.  When the show was pre-recorded I would write this post while the show was broadcasting live.  Now I need to figure out a new plan to make sure that I do this in a timely manner so I don't forget everything!

Ok.  Back to the task at hand.  Last week's show.  So many topics!  Virtual craft workshops!  Superbowl parties! Valentine's Day Treats!  Curated gift box subscriptions!

My favorite local places for Valentine's Day treats and eats: Lillipies, The Gingered Peach, The Factory Girl and Terra Momo.

Looking for unique, crafty and vintage gift ideas?  Consider Antique Sugar ephemera and trinkets box or Hello Bargello needlepoint kits.  HiTops, a local organization whose purpose is to offer youth sexual education and support is sending Winter Cheer Boxes to kids in their support groups.  You can make a donation here.

Upcoming crafty virtual weekends: Vogue Knitting Virtual Live, QuiltCon, and Quiltfest.  Also be sure to register for Melanie Falick's next virtual Zoom presentation and interview.

I'll be watching the Super Bowl tonight and munching on: french onion dip, with Ruffles potato chips, 7 layer-dip, and Buffalo wings.  No fancy cocktails happening here - just regular old beer, probably this one.

I'm excited for this week's Valentine show.  I've been putting together the playlist and coming up with a bunch of activities for you including crafting, stitching and baking.  Until then.  Stay safe and be well.

And go build yourself a little snow person.  

Happy Stitching.

xoxo

Stitch it Good - Mittens Edition

Well hello!

My apologies for the delay in this post.  I'm in the midst of a migraine flair and have spent the last 24 hours bouncing between boundless energy and lying supine on the couch.  

But enough about my head, let's talk MITTENS!

January 20th was an awesome day made even more awesome by Bernie's mittens.  As far as memes go, this one is absolutely delightful. 

Want to learn more about the history of the Bernie mittens?  This article from the Boston Globe will provide all the background details.

Want to make your own using an old sweater and some fleece?  Check out this NY Times article, and this pattern or this pattern.

Knitters are a crafty bunch and a number of designers have "reverse engineered" the Bernie's mittens.  And they didn't stop with mittens.  There's a crocheted Bernie, Bernie hats, Bernie sweaters, and even Bernie socks.  Ravelry is the place to find all the latest updates, just search "Bernie" and over a hundred patterns will appear.  My person favorite is the actual Bernie knit into a pair of Norwegian-style mitts.

Want to support a maker?  Hop on over to Etsy to purchase a pair of mittens.  Shop small!

Mittens are probably some of my favorite things to make.  I love "The Handy Book of Patterns" by Ann Budd.  Be sure to check out the free downloads from Interweave Knits.  And of course, Ravelry.  I like The World's Simplest Mittens by Tin Can Knits.   

I prefer to knit my mittens out of wool.  Cascade 220 is going to have the greatest range of colors.  Also be sure to check out Malabrigo Worsted, Knit Picks Wool of the Andes, and Manos Wool Classica.

You can't knit mittens without a good set of Double Pointed needles.  I use Addis.  But for beginners I suggest bamboo or birch needles.  Other favorites are Lykke and Knit Picks.  Be sure to choose the needle size that works for your yarn and allows you to get gauge.  

Enjoyed Tuesday's playlist? You can find the whole set over here.  Missed the show?  Listen again Sunday morning from 4-6am EST.

Be well.  Stay safe.  And as always, Happy Stitching!

xoxo

Stitch it Good LIVE Tuesday Topics

 Well hello there!

Tuesday's show was a super exciting day for Stitch it Good as it was my first LIVE broadcast since the shut down last March.  A little history is helpful to celebrate just what an accomplishment this is.  Back in March, WPRB stopped broadcasting from our studio and moved to a rotating playlist.  Within days, the board, staff and students committed to developing a pathway for DJs to once again offer programming.   Shortly thereafter, in April and May many of us began pre-recording our shows which were then broadcast througout the week.  During the summer, the staff and students added a new Playlist system which enabled us to interact with WPRB listeners in real time, enriching the listener experience.

In December, the opportunity to broadcast live was offered to DJs who were interested.  I was hesitant at first - broadcasting live is exciting but also presents challenges as I would be doing this from home.  After the insurrection on our nation's Capitol, it was reinforced to us how important LIVE broadcasting is.  And with that, I decided to embark on another WPRB broadcasting adventure.

For yesterday's show I decided to take it easy with some of my favorite topics and musical genres including Pyrex, knitting, cocktail music, jazz and big band.  You can see the complete playlist over here.  

It's also National Hobby Month so let's start with one of my favorite hobbies: collecting vintage kitchenware.

I started collecting Pyrex in my late 20's not yet understanding why I was so drawn to this colorful kitchen glassware.  It wasn't until a visit to my grandmother's, when helping to clean her kitchen, that I opened a cabinet and saw the classic primary 4 bowl set.  Those were the exact bowls that she and I used to make Jell-O during my weekend stays with her.  After her passing, I received her set which is the foundation of my collection.  I am now the keeper of many other Pyrex pieces from family.  Friends will often pass along pieces from their family.  Others keep a lookout for my favorite colors. And on occasion I will purchase Pyrex at thrift stores, flea markets and antique malls.  Each piece brings joy and color to the kitchen.  

Want to learn more about Pyrex?  This article from The Smithsonian Magazine is great intro.  Interested in adding some festive Pyrex prints and home decor to your house?  Visit Pocono Modern.  And finally, to add a retro vibe to your new Pyrex or plain white Pyrex, consider purchasing vinyl decals from an Etsy vendor.  I like Alley R Creations and Antlers and Evergreens.

I played the theme song from The Apartment which was composed by Charles Williams and performed by Ferrante and Teicher.  This lead to a brief discussion of one of my other favorite Billy Wilder films, "One, Two, Three."  Billy Wilder's screenplays always delight and his directing brought out the best in his actors including Humphrey Bogart, James Cagney, and Marilyn Monroe.  

During winter I always have a bag of knitting nearby.  I continue to stitch a colorful striped scarf using Rowan Felted Tweed and also plan to knit a hat for the Princeton Public Library Knit for Others Program.  This past weekend I knit along as I attended a number of presentations during the VK Virtual Live event.  One of my favorites was a Zoom presentation from Franklin Habit, a knitwear designer and illustrator of delightful knitting woodland animals.        

The newest fabric collection from Lysa Flower, Rebel Girl, has captured my attention with it's fun retro 80's vibe of cassettes, colorful mini hearts, drum kits and a creative play on pink leopard print.  Visit her website for a variety of fun quilt patterns.    

On a final note, I heard a new way of thinking about being a "glass half full or empty" person.  Basically, just be happy to have a glass with water in it.  That's now how I'm approaching life.  Being present, seeing what's in front of me, and feeling grateful.      

Next week I plan to continue with the retro vibe as I ease my way into LIVE broadcasting.  As always, thanks for listening and your support.

xoxo

Happy Stitching.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Stitch it Good Tuesday Topics

 

Well Hello!

Today we listened to the sounds of the Theremin as played by Dr. Samuel J. Hoffman.  The music has been re-released over the years and is available over on Discogs.  You can learn more about the Theremin here and here

It's a weird time to be living.  How are you doing?  What are you creating?  I made a Kit Supply Tote by Aneela Hoey using the new Heather Ross Malibu linen/canvas fabric.  Channeling my stress into creating is positive coping mechanism for me.

One of my other favorite coping mechanisms is to read lovely magazines.  The magazines highlighted on today's show include Breathe, Simple Things, and Flow.  All are available at Barnes and Noble and also available online as digital downloads though in my opinion, nothing can compete with the feel of real paper.  An article in Breathe discussed the joy of sharing soup with friends.  I whole-heartedly agree!  Though we can't do that in-person these days, how about sharing a recipe and making together over Zoom?  Or creating a text chain to share your favorite recipes?  When the Pandemic is over consider organizing a soup-making party where everyone brings an ingredient for soup: veggies, herbs, legumes, grains. maybe one vegetarian and one for meat-eaters?   It's good to remember that there will be a time when we can again eat together.  

During the show, in the listener lounge, Janet shared her grandmother's recipe for potato soup: 

Asked my grandmother once for her Potato Soup recipe - here is what she put on a 3 x 5 index card: Slice potatoes thin - celery, onions. Barely cover with water and cook till done. Add milk - butter - salt - pepper. Best potato soup ever.

I recently made a delicious carrot/ginger soup using this recipe.  

Vogue Knitting Live is continuing to offer its Virtual weekend workshops.  You can check out the class and lecture offerings here.  I'm planning to attend the marketplace so I can listen to the conversation with Norah Gaughan, the editor of the new Vogue Knitting Magazine.    

The company Katrinkles makes delightful fiber-related notions and tools.  I'm particularly intrigued by the Darning and Mending bundle!  Anyone can do visible mending and now, during the Pandemic, is the perfect time to learn.   

Being at home has provided me the opportunity to spend (a lot of) time with my yarn and fabric.  There's a huge push in our culture to part with "stuff."  But sometimes, in this moment of incredible stress and anxiety, having craft stash can be comforting.  My recent stash addition is Rowan Felted Tweed with colors by Kaffe Fassett.  Not sure what exactly I'm planning to knit with these lovelies but choosing the colors and thinking about a new project is keeping me distracted.  

Recently a knitter posted a pic of the sweater she knit for her granddaughter using her granddaughter's drawing as inspiration!  It's beyond adorable.  The project reminds me of the embroidery Karl Hendricks' mother did of his daughters' drawings.  Anyone can do this!  Here's a tutorial I found.  Have fun.

And last but certainly not least, there's a new "All Creatures Great and Small" series following the adventures of veterinarian James Herron based on his delightful real-life stories.  I watched this series as a child and am excited to revisit Yorkshire filled with farm animals, fairisle sweaters and lovely young people making their way in the world before WW II.  Check your local PBS listings.  And I'm quite sure that in the coming weeks we will see knitting patterns from and inspired by the series.

That's all this week.  Be sure to visit this link to check out the music playlist  Be kind to yourselves.

xoxo

Happy Stitching!

Stitch it Good Tuesday Topics

January is a month for both reflection and planning.  Today's show was focused on reflection.  The music played was pulled from playlists over the last few months and includes a selection of my favorite spins.  You can view today's playlist  here as well as look through my previous playlists.

The year started with the casting on of Beth's Shawl from Little Women.  I'm still knitting this lovely accessory using a combination of Hypnotic Yarn, Madeline Tosh and Cascade 220.  My goal is to cast it off the needles by the end of this month.  

Once we moved into the nation-wide lockdown, I began developing, hosting and teaching programs for Pennington Quilt Works, my local quilt shop.   The year's projects included a little hand-applique in the hoop, cross stitch, mask-making and stitching banners to decorate one's door.  The best part of these programs was creating with my friend Liz of Littlecolley Design. 

I had the great honor of interviewing many of my favorite creatives.  Some of the interviews can be viewed over on the PQW website.  Other's happened live during Stitch it Good.  

Lucy Kingwell, designer of the Smitten Quilt

Anna Maria Horner, fabric, quilt designer and owner of Craft South

Heather Ross, illustrator and fabric designer

Melanie Falick, author of Making a Life

Nicole Vogelsinger of Wild Boho

Jessica VanDenburgh, fabric and bag designer of Sew Many Creations

Joanna Somers of Plum Designs and Plum Stitchery Needlepoint

Molly Gaston Johnson, artist.  Find her on Instagram at GoMolly Mae.  As an aside, Molly did the most adorable "sketchy pet" painting of Mabel.  

Unsurprisingly, I managed to start a number of quilts and actually finish a few.  Anna Maria Horner's Wheelhouse Medallion Club was a favorite.  I also enjoyed stitching the Pen and Paper pattern Tiny Town (renamed from Won't You Be My Neighbor, for obvious reasons), and three (!!) Turning Twenty Quilts.   All were also programs through Pennington Quilt Works.

In my handwork club we stitched Judy's Dilly Bag and Tula Pink's Diamond Dust Pillow.  English Paper Piecing has been a love of mine for a number of years but it took a backseat in 2020.  Hoping to spend some time with this form of needlework in 20201.

Throughout the 2020 I continued to explore my love of visible mending with inspiration taken from Joyful Mending by Noriko Misumi.  

At some point during last year I decided it was time to teach myself how to crochet.  I've never been able to master this form of needlework and can safely say that I still haven't mastered it!  I'm almost finished with my granny square blanket and will probably spend the rest of my life crocheting the blanket from Sheepjes 2020 CAL.  Seriously.

On the show we talked about a lot of crafts but by far the most popular topic was crafting with vinyl!  I myself had fun making vinyl bookmarks and I love the pictures sent to me of vinyl placemats and stories of creating bowls from records!

The year ended with an entire show dedicated to gift wrapping.  Personally I had fun slowing down this year and enjoying the process of wrapping gifts for family and friends.  My favorite way to wrap gifts was using the Furoshiki technique of wrapping with fabric.  

I pulled out my double pointed needles and stitched up a few Christmas Balls during the delightful Arne and Carlos Sit and Knit for a Bit Christmas Countdown.  Carlos is continuing to battle the effects of Covid from his original illness in late March.  We are sending him lots of healing vibes.  

There continue to be a number of virtual programs and workshops for stitchers.  Check out Stitches at Home, Virtual Vogue Knitting Live, and Create DIY. 

Chawnee Timber and Bisa Butler inspired the quilting community and beyond with their quilts about social justice and the experience of the African American community.  I look forward to following their artistic journey in 2021.

Wow!  What a year.  2020 was a challenge for sure but crafting and community sustained me.  I look forward to 2021 and the music, crafts and friends it brings my way. 

xoxo

Happy Stitching!