Check This Out--Nick Cave's Sound Suits

Many moons ago, I was privileged to see and "hear" Nick Cave's magic exhibit!  At that time, I didn't have the foggiest idea that Nick would be the artist of the era..................Now, there is a stationery exhibit of his sound suits at the Cranbrook Art Museum.

If you have a chance to see this exciting exhibit--take it!  I'm happy I was able to see the Sound Suits; only wish I could see them up close.

Nick Cave is a prolific artist and dancer, famous for his sculptures called sound suits, which he often stages in public spectacle. The artist conceives some as fragile sculptural totems, and others as wearable performance suits designed for sound, mobility, and dance. Though influenced by a vibrant palette of African art, armor, found objects, fashion, and textile design, the origin of the sound suit is rooted in social critique. Cave first created a suit in the aftermath of the Rodney King beating in 1991, envisioning an emotional shield that protected one’s race or gender while still expressing individuality. As Cave’s artwork began to resonate with vast audiences, the artist saw the sound suits as powerful agents to capture the public imagination on a monumental scale. Cave’s artistic practice now advocates the vital importance of collective dreaming, which he actualizes through large-scale performances.

One + One = Pair!

Several weeks ago--who can remember? Not me for sure...............anyway, I had knit ONE sock from this pattern--Mally, designed by Rich (that bald guy that knits).  Yes, only one sock lingered around the house.  I kept putting back in a box but it always turned up again--it was saying, "where is my mate?"

So--it nudged me to knit the second sock!  It took some energy too!

I haven't the foggiest idea why I knit only one sock in the first place.

Knitting two at a time is the way to go.

so, here is the pair--look happy, don't they?

I will never knit only ONE sock alone again!

Ancient Stitch

Recently, I saw a knitted scarf pattern from Purl Bee that was called Ancient Stitch Scarf.  This was interesting--as supposedly, ancient stitch was called Dora-Europos, named after the Syrian town situated along the banks of Euphrates River.  This textile was the earliest known 'knitted' piece of fiber that had survived from that time period.

I love the fact that the designer took inspiration from this piece to knit a soft, comfy scarf.  Upon my further investigation, scholars think that this isn't knitting but Nålebinding.  Below is the main stitch--using only one needle instead of two.  Is it worth a try?  I don't know--I think I like the knitted version better!

National Spinning and Weaving Week

300 Authors!! Oh My!

A record 300 authors are coming to the 2015 Texas Book Festival, Oct. 17 and 18, the largest number in the 20-year history!

Nationally renowned authors include Margaret Atwood, Taye Diggs, Nick Flynn, Linda Gray, Daniel Handler (Lemony Snicket), Gary Hart, Luis Alberto Urrea, Margo Jefferson, Attica Locke, Marie Lu, Chuck Palahniuk, Tavi Gevinson, and Adrian Tomine.

Other headlining authors include Sandra Cisneros, Steve Inskeep, Azar Nafisi, Leonard Pitts, Jr., Mary Helen Specht, Jonathan Lethem, Lauren Groff, John Sununu, Scott Simon, and Robert Christgau. You can see the full author list here.

One of the nation’s premier literary events and longest-running book festivals in the country, the Festival continues to be free and open to the public thanks to sponsors and volunteers. In addition to the record number of authors, the Festival brings 40,000 attendees, live music, kids’ activities, food trucks, book signings and sales, and 100 exhibitors all in and around the State Capitol over two full days

Let's Be Aware!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease. While most people are aware of breast cancer, many forget to take the steps to have a plan to detect the disease in its early stages and encourage others to do the same. We have made a lot of progress but still have a long way to go and need your help!

Two From Jessica!

Two of my quilts came home from the awesome quilting machine of Jessica!  These are two that I made last year--2014.  Everyone is surprised that I dye my backing.  Yes, I'm a lazy person--rather buy 120" plain muslin (get it on sale at Jo-Ann's Fabric--I use a 50% off coupon).  Then I decide on the color I want for the back and dye with a union dye.

No seam down the middle--just solid!

This is my Row by Row BOM from Quilt Doodle Designs, who has an applique quilt blocks this year.

and my penguin quilt--everyone loves!!  These patterns are available from Fatcat Patterns for a small fee.  If you join at the beginning of her BOMs, you can pick up each month's pattern--free!  But, you must make sure you come back each month to save the pattern.

I love Sindy's patterns!