Posts in month: September, 2009

With much anticipation, I was one of those eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Twist Collective Fashion Trunk Show during the 30th of September. For everybunny who does not know, on every last Wednesday of the month, the Slater Mill Knitting Guild hosts a meeting at its Community Building in Pawtucket, RI. This restored conference area combines the elegance of clean modern lines with the tasteful simplicity of yesterday. If the ghosts of Slater Mill were able to communicate, they would undoubtedly share approval of their new digs.

The mistress of ceremonies was none other than Twist Collective’s Julia Farwell-Clay, who came down from northern Massachusetts. Julia (her blog is Moth Heaven) is one of the most charismatic individuals I have ever met. I admire her work ethics and those staunch dietary habits with exercise. When asked once about her secret of losing weight, she spilled that giving up sugar was a key. We do however share a love for Jeni’s Ice Creams, and when I told her about Joppa Foods carrying the full gamut of flavors, I think I made her day!

All of the garments were modeled by volunteers in the guild. Hoppily I participated and was able to wear my Wisteria with Kat Coyle’s Petal skirt. Surprisingly I fell in love with the skirt material’s drape and softness. I was able to wear other sweaters, and I admit that my favorite was Mari Muinonen‘s Luminen which has knitted snowflakes covering the back of the coat. However I really should be knitting up the patterns that I already purchased like Sylvi, Grant Park (if I can find a male somebunny who would want that sweater!), Licorice Sticks, the Aran Waistcoat, and Jaali.

Because there were so many photos taken of the show, I am sharing the link to them on my flickr account. I do hope that you enjoy them! =:8

My last weekend of September appropriately ended in the wonderful area of Western Massachusetts. I had been spending the last of the week in Springfield and Northampton, and was now at the Franklin County Fiber Twist to see various friends and the latest offerings in the woolen world for the autumn season. Some of the key items to check out were the Twist Collective Fashion Trunk Show hosted by Julia Farwell-Clay of the “Moth Heaven” blog, Kristin Nicholas‘ “Color by Kristin” which is her latest book, Barbara Parry’s lovely “Foxfire Fiber” yarns, Debbie’s incredible works of art at her “Glastonbury Glassworks” booth, Leslie Wind’s beautifully made tools (she had gifted me one of her fabulous needles!), and Gayle’s hand-painted yarns. But here is where the day was most fun…

A few months ago I broke down and purchased a project bag from my friend JessaLu‘s Etsy shop. I had fallen in love with the fabric because the colors had a positive vibration. While Tweeting about coming to the Franklin County Fair, I discovered that she was going to be there too. We met up when the Twist Collection Fashion show began, and checked (in her case, re-checked) out the various booths. While at Kangaroo Dyer’s, we chatted with the ever-so-hoppy Melissa Morgan-Oakes about knitting two socks at a time, and how it would be cool to have a bag that was at the perfect size for them.

When we finished browsing, we decided to drive up to Northampton and visit WEBS. I mean, how could one NOT be in Western Massachusetts and NOT go to WEBS? We both made a couple of purchases (souvenir yarn does not count as stash) for particular projects, and had a great time. If only every weekend could be this fun and wonderful!! =:8

It has been some time since I wrote from the heart. My thoughts and feelings have been hidden for a reason, but now is the time to share some of them with everybunny. Many big changes have been occurring, and finally a decision has been made.

Though it has been almost two months, I deeply feel that Podcamp Boston helped this decision. That weekend taught me how to communicate my views more succinctly to those who were not in the same business. It taught me that consumers prefer to buy from a person of trust, rather than one with cheaply discounted goods. The various sessions and presentations which brought out different personalities had one goal: to share information freely and without judgment of other folks’ opinions. I realized that most of what I learned at Podcamp I had already done in the knitting world, and I wanted to transition that knowledge into the world of ITIL.

During the whole process of being let go in January, I promised myself that if I did not find a job by my 40th birthday in November, I would move to Blacksburg and go back to school. After a good kick in the pants from a former friend’s harsh words, my sense of being was awakened by embarrassment. His words brought out a realization: There may also be a hidden reason why I have not been able to find work in New England and the Midwest. My inner vibrations were not allowing me to sway from the true desire in my heart.

After a heart-to-heart talk with my friend Jan Anderson on September 24th, I realized that as passionate I was about knitting (particularly of knitted fabric as a structural material), those emotions began when I worked at The Corporation with their products of 3-phase electrical power. It was only when I was denied the ability to release that passion into my job that I directed those feelings into my hobby.

As a result of listening my inner vibrations, I shall be back in Virginia Tech for school. On the morning of November 1st, I am coming home to Blacksburg with 2 of the bunnies, Caesar and Julius. I shall be doing what I can to find work and also to establish residency in my home state.

Ten years ago, I would have never found the moxie to pick up and move. I was always terrified of being abandoned and alone. The past few years have proven differently. Because of the friends and ties that I made from knitting (maybe I should have used “joins” or “knots” instead of ties?) and the internet, I will never be alone again. Not only am I grateful for everybunny I have met, but I always will appreciate each message, each RAK, and each hug I receive.

I take this time now to thank everybunny for all of the support given to me. Even if I may be late on my posts, I will be here to share my crazy life’s adventures. Here is the quote that I have been following since my awakening in January 2009: “Live one day at a time and make it a masterpiece.” Why? Because in my humble opinion, nothing beats having passion for our short lives. =:8

For weeks I have been anticipating Amy Singer’s lecture on September 24th and her lace class on September 25th to WEBS, which is proudly touted as the world’s largest yarn shop. To those folks who are curious, Amy Singer is the founder and publisher of the online magazine (“e-zine” in many circles) Knitty. In its seven years of publication, Knitty has been a vital name in many a knitting-oriented household. The various articles offer concise instructions of techniques, free access to talented designers, and informative notes on types of notions, tools, yarns, and fibers. When she is not knitting, spinning, and working, Amy plays the ukulele and takes care of her two mini-Rex houserabbits, Boeing and Squeezle.

Her lecture on Thursday evening encompassed non-wool yarns and how to substitute them in place of wool-based ones. Amy’s light and friendly presentation described what to expect with non-wool yarns in ways of texture, composition, and weight. She provided various swatches knitted up in the non-wool yarns and proudly showed the Ishbel she knitted. After her lecture, Amy chatted with Debbie of Glastonbury Glassworks and her daughter for a bit about ukuleles. Amy even graced us with her talent by playing on the one they recently purchased.

My friend Jan Anderson of the “Yarn Yarns and Store Stories” blog and I ended the evening with a light supper. I forgot the name of the restaurant, but she had met up with me for Amy’s lecture. Later I was able to visit my friend Aaron at his home. Both he and I knitted for a bit and talked about various items in the yarn world. Saying our good nights, I went to bed anticipating Amy’s lace class in the morning.

The next morning, the class was packed and filled with lively students. I spied my friend Kate “bigevilgrape” on Ravelry, and all of us sat down to listen to Amy’s instructions. Amy had split us up into two groups: rectangular stoles and triangular shawls. Kate was on the triangular side, while I was on the rectangular one. The object of the class was to learn the mathematics of combining different lace pattern repeats and turn them into a custom design. Below is what I chose: the Squeezle pattern which is named for one of Amy’s rabbits.

After class was over, all of us students shopped around WEBS. I managed to take a photo of Vivian before leaving. I am so close to finishing this cardigan (aka, my labor of wearable love)! =:8

Recently the LinkedIn and Facebook pages of the “Providence Geek Dinner for Wednesday, September 23rd” caught my eye. After attending social media events in Boston, it was high time for me to check out what was in Rhode Island. Curious, I reviewed the attendees and recognized some friendly names. Hmmm… I thought, “What the heck, why not go? Maybe I could find a connection to a job.” Not sure what to expect, I dressed comfortably in “office” attire. Knowing that first impressions last forever, I wanted to look polished, but not stiff. Taking deep breaths, I drove downtown to Trinity Brewhouse to see what awaited.

After popping into Trinity, I quickly spotted my friend Sara Streeter. This social media savvy guru and I met during Podcamp Boston last August. Of course I was pleased to discover that she is also a fellow knitter. If I failed to recognize anybunny else, I apologize. The downstairs area of Trinity Brewhouse is quite dark, and if folks did not approach me, I obviously was not able to converse if I could not see them.

The company featured in that night’s presentation was Simulia. This software company specializes in third dimensional graphics, and I was smitten with their work. All I kept asking in my head was what did I need to do to work for them. Their ties into industrial engineering kept me mesmerized, that is, until my stomach reminded me to get food into my body.

Note, I love bacon cheeseburgers, particularly those with only lettuce, tomato, mustard and ketchup. For the cheese, cheddar is my preference, but I love smoked Gouda too. From seeing the photo above, Trinity Brewhouse has a nicely sized option. Seated at the bar, I was gobbling down that and one of their heavier beers, the Russian Imperial Stout, when I recognized the man standing on my immediate right. “Hello, Mr. Cicilline,” I greeted the Mayor of Providence, “How are you? I had no idea you were into the Providence Geek Dinners. Are you into technology?” We ended up chatting for a bit, and I shared how I was in IT and QA. I had figured that attending the evening’s event was a good way to find a job. We later closed our conversation, and I felt it was a comfortable one. Minutes later, I saw him again, but this time with another gentleman. “Kimberly, I would like to introduce to you James. James, this is Kimberly. Kimberly is looking for a job.” Thanks to the mayor, I met the recruitment team of Bridge Technical Solutions. Now, I still do not have a job, but at least that is a start.

So moral of the story? If one is given a chance to network, do so because whoever one meets there can help. If one’s stomach tells you it is time to eat, do it because look what happened to mine! =:8

There is something about the term “knitting rockstar” that can make those who love yarn swoon. The idea that somebunny who is admired for his/her talent and foresight will be in the area, and that meeting him/her is possible? I am pretty much resolved to do so.

When I received an email from the MetroWest Guild that both Kate Jacobs of “The Friday Night Knitting Club” book and Vickie Howell of the “Knitty Gritty” television series were offering a chance to hang out and knit with them, I made the firm decision to do so on Saturday. To my great surprise, not many folks appeared, but at least I did get some awesome photos of both Kate and Vickie.

Hopefully next time, Land’s End will be able contact more of the local community and host their next “Knit with Rockstars for charity” in the city. I look forward to the possibility of doing so again! =:8

On the clear Thursday night of September 17th, I attended what could be described as three hours of brain teasing at Boston’s Stone & Webster Building on the fourteenth floor of 245 Summer Street. This “Ignite Boston” event was sponsored by O’Reilly Publishing and Fidelity Center for Applied Technology (known in many circles as FCAT). The format of presentations applied the rule of so many slides at so many seconds each was a challenge that every presenter took with ease and polish. Here are a few highlights that caught my attention.

• Opening speaker Glenn Ezra (a professor from MIT) discussed Jane Jacobs’ book “The Failure of City Planning.” He described how in larger societies, a small council of folks still control which resources people accessed in the communities, towns, and cities. There was one quote which stuck in my head: “Specialists don’t know; the PEOPLE know.” Methinks the people need to help President Obama pass the health care reform.
• Clay Ward spoke about his Procrasdonate company, which turns the free time spent at work for browsing about on the internet into donated money for charity. This company definitely piqued my interested for Sweet Binks Rabbit Rescue
• Josh Robins had me as soon as he brought up the words “shared data” into the presentation. The fact that Massachusetts Department of Transportation was offering up their information for others to use in their programs shows foresight into the future.
• Dan Keldsen brought up the point that I have always believed: using the correct tools allows innovation, creativity, and workability. In my respect tools are not only something physical to hold in the hands, but giving the knowledge to those in need of it is detrimental in the workplace.
• Jeff Potter presented his upcoming book “Cooking for Geeks” in which he demonstrated how each of us varies from being a super-taster to a non-taster thanks to our genetics.

(sigh) So many presenters, so little time… Besides seeing my friend Guido Stein of “It’s a Purl, Man” fame, I met the interesting Wendy Walsh who is part of the Women Geeks of Boston. We were sitting next to each other during the speed technology dating spree. It turns out that she is a web developer and we definitely enjoyed discussing our love for technology. Here’s hoping we see each other soon! =:8

As I sat in my car to leave KFC’s parking lot, I looked at the oncoming flood of traffic. Needing to make a left-hand turn to go home, it dawned on me. “Why not make a right-hand turn and take an alternate way? It might be a little longer in distance, or even longer in time, but I would not have to sit here and dawdle, which then makes me seethe, and then stresses me out. I mean, just why not?” So I did.

Seeing this approach, I immediately matched the similarity to my own life. I am so dependent and focused on finding a job in order to get my life on track, that I have failed to question why not do something else. Why not go ahead and start turning the wheels elsewhere? Why not piece the puzzle in the central section instead of starting with all the edges? Why should I wait for that left-hand turn when traffic is obviously heavy and will not ebb anytime soon?

With renewed purpose, I am going ahead and doing what I need to do in order to move on with my life by continuing without that left-hand turn. If it turns out that I do land a job which does not allow any kind of commute from my house, I will address the left-hand turn when it happens. Meanwhile I have given myself an initial 10 days to address the following:

• Re-writing my “About Me” page to include my job interests and career passions
• Ramping up my knowledge of the CISA examination questions
• Contacting and networking more with folks with the same career goals
• Revamping my exercise routine to include weight lifting
• Jotting down the recipes which I have created since my Type 2 diagnosis
• Diabetes check up at the Hallett Center
• Getting my personal home projects in order

One close friend stated to me after I told him of my epiphany, “Right now you have time to get so many things done that you will not have when you do find that job. You should do as much as you can as if you are going to start working next week.” By gosh, my friend Jason is right! =:8

Ironically, this entry almost became a podcast. I used my iPhone’s Voice Memos application to create the draft. After hearing myself speak on the recording, I toyed with the idea of uploading whatever audio notes I used for future written posts. Would it be good to include the audio, or would having the final blog entry be enough? Of course that would mean I need to figure out how to export the audio…

Like all hobbies and interests, the knitting world has its rockstars and celebrities. One of our most famous is Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, aka author and writer of “The Yarn Harlot” blog. I have a little journal that I use to jot down notes, ideas, and patterns that roam around in my head. The front page of that journal contains signatures of 3 people who have inspired me to become the knitter that I am today: Stephanie, Franklin Habit (see my “It Itches” piece September 2008), and Kristin Nicholas.

Kristin learned how to knit as a child, and when she entered the yarn manufacturing industry, her experience in the fashion world helped her to create a formidable presence at Classic Elite Yarns in Lowell, MA. Not only did her team’s patterns offer intricate details of cabling and fair isle, but the written instructions became a standard still used today. What drew me to Kristin was not just her talent, but her personal side. (Yes social media folks, I consider her a Trust Agent in the knitting world!) Ten years ago, she and her husband Mark had Julia. Because Julia was born with excess fluid in her brain, multiple surgeries were done for the next couple of years. To spend time with Julia and Mark, Kristin gave up her esteemed Creative Director position at Classic Elite. For my romantic self, anyone who gives up a career for whom they love has my admiration.

Though Kristin stopped working at Classic Elite, she did not give up her passion for color and fabrics. She has written a number of books which incorporate color combinations and embroidery. On Friday night, September 11th, I was privileged to be invited by Common Cod Guild president Guido Stein to have dinner with the officers, Kristin, and her guests – Julia her daughter and Cathy, a former employee at Classic Elite. We laughed over past ideas that went nowhere, gushed over the pizza, and talked about upcoming events. At MIT’s Stata Building, she gave a lecture on how she uses a color wheel and nature for inspiration. She described how adding a touch of embroidery can make a piece of clothing pop with excitement. During the door prize announcements, I won a set of postcards which were photos from Kristin’s farm and collection. Kristin also allowed everyone to fondle the pieces she designed for her upcoming book, “Color by Kristin: How to Design Your Own Beautiful Knits” which were knitted in her Julia yarn.

Afterwards, a dozen of us headed out to The Friendly Toast for a late night snack. My meal of choice was the Caribbean Waffle paired with a pot of tea. Once again our conversations were full of liveliness ranging from our daily observations to Kristin’s lecture. Food, drink, and fun — what more could a knitting social media technology geek like me want? (Please, we know what the answer is, and that unfortunately is not going to happen.) Until I write again, feel free to check out the photos of the evening! =:8

When the doors of the Jeanne’s yarn shop Unwind kicked off its grand opening in August, I attended the cocktail party along with several invited guests. As part of the fun, all of our names were put into a drawing for door prizes. Creatively, each door prize was written on a slip of paper hidden inside a skein of yarn. When my name was chosen, I selected the ShiBui Knits DK Alpaca and won a year’s worth of yarn tastings.

Wait, what is a yarn tasting, and why partake in one?

Like wine, yarn can be cheap and it also can be pricey. I have “colored string” in my stash that ranges from as little as $3 to as much as $100 per unit (ball/hank/skein). Yarn is a knitter’s investment for potential. If a project (using a cardigan as my example) states to use 12 units of a certain yarn, the knitter should purchase a ball of it before deciding to purchase that commitment or find an appropriate substitution. Nothing can be more aggravating than buying 12 units of yarn at $10 each, and then discovering that the yarn is not working out as expected. Thinking of the saved potential costs, a yarn tasting allows a person to try out a yarn before buying it outright. If the knitter does enjoy the feel of it through the fingers, then a purchasing decision can be made. Similarly, when trying to decide on a color for painting a room in the house, one gets a small amount to test on the wall instead of painting the entire room and discovering the purchased shade is not the desired color.

So… I won a year’s worth of yarn tastings at Unwind, and the first was held on Thursday, September 10th. Running a bit late, I walked into a packed house of what seemed over two dozen tasters. I quickly picked up a chocolate brown Asian take-out box and folder, then found a seat with Juanita and Paulette. Noro Kureyon, Noro Silk Garden Sock, Misti Alpaca Baby Grande, and Filaturo di Crosa Zara were just a few of the fibery goodies to taste. Inside the folder were suggested patterns for these yarns. A quick scan and I saw many possible Christmas and holiday presents for friends and family.

Conversation was animated while we tried each of the yarns. Some folks even started the suggested patterns in the folder while others used their own ideas. As for myself, I sat back and knitted away while watching everyone react to these tastings. Jeanne and her employees were busy from giving their undivided attention to those who had questions. Smiling inwardly, I thought how calming it was to be surrounded with others who enjoyed trying out new yarns. I look forward to next month’s flavors! =:8