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Today’s gains
All the stock at my local art store is on sale, so today I bought a bunch of Arches paper, a couple rolls of ASA 100 B&W film, and a 8×10″ copper plate. The paper’s for my edition to be printed this week, and I should use the film for some self-portraits, but really, I was just splurging (on a starving art student’s budget, mind you). I love shiny new copper, and $3 for a roll of a film was more than I could pass over. I love shopping for supplies. Btw, I spent like $22… it was 50% off. 
Also, my friend finally gave me my cupular coins! Here they are, all shiny and ketchupy (like I said, I like the shiny copper). I’m making tokens, love tokens to be exact. I’m going to use a penny from a particular year, make it cup-shaped, and etch/engrave some romantic text. However, I’m not sure about the procedure yet… If I etch the coin first, it seems I should sand/burnish the surface first so the elevations will not conflict, but I may lose the relief anyway in the shaping. But, if I etch afterwards, the shaping may make it messy, hard for the ground to stay put. Hmmm. I think I may have to go with the latter. Fingers crossed, of course. Pity that I need to use a post-1997 Canadian penny: pre-1997s were 98% copper and now only 4.5% copper. 
However, my dear friend did smash up a pre-1982 American penny for me, which is 95% copper and 5% zinc, perfect for test-etching.
In knitting news, I’m making Dana Victoria fingerless mitts. I love vintage, lace, and cables. And the cute thumb gusset? Love it. I’m using this funny orange fingering weight yarn from France that I found in my mom’s stash. I may have to re-start the mitts though; the wrists are loose, exactly what I didn’t want. I think I’m using 3mms, but I’d like to go down half a size. So frustrating, because I can’t access more needles than I have on hand right now.
I’ve also been daydreaming about making Laura Rintala’s lacy thong from Interweave Knits Spring ‘07. So cute; after Mon Petit Chou (despite everything.), I’ve found knitting frivolous lingerie irresistible. I think I’ll find some rich scarlet yarn soon.
All for now, unless I want to fall asleep on the nitric acid tomorrow…
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Reading: The Master of Ballantrae, by Robert Louis Stevenson (not my Bruegel books)
Listening to: Lifehouse and Keith Urban
Drinking: Homemade iced tea
Today (last night), I went to the opening reception of “Three Books of Effort”, an undergrad solo show. I had a great time at the art show: the book of art, a huge compilation of screen prints spiraling almost psychedelically, was quite lovely as art and printmaking at its most basic form… Also lovely were Nicole, the artist, and the wine punch and food. (What? I was starving and knew I wouldn’t have dinner ’til late. Plus, it was pretty funny being buzzed in the darkroom. “Hey, do you still have my grain focuser? Have you seen my blower bulb? Where could it be?!“)
Recently a new friend asked me what I liked to do when I went out, and I had to hesitate. I wanted to say, I love going to the theatre, I love going to exhibitions at galleries and museums, I love seeing films, and I love going to concerts. I even like sitting in the nosebleed seats at Skydome Rogers Centre watching our Blue Jays lose. But I hesitated, firstly because I wondered if he thought I was kind of dull, but mostly because while I love these pastimes, I hardly do them. I only going to museums and galleries a few times a year, but performances, rarely, and I miss it. His question came back to me when I came across something about life coaching, the big question being, “What are you missing in life?”
An exhibition I’m going to miss is Barbara Balfour’s to the nth degree, at Open Studio. Barbara’s my professor for litho and I really admired her work when she gave a guest lecture on it in one of my first year classes. I’ve never seen her prints up close, and the show’s ending this Saturday… I think I’ll be stuck in studio printing for one of her assignments, lol. Well, I’m sure there will be another time.
What I’m not going to miss… Tomorrow (today) The Boy and I are going to the symphony, Knussen’s Choice. The Boy’s enthusiasm is so infectious, I’m so happy I suggested it.
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This summer
Now that winter is here, I’m looking forward to summer.
What I want to do this summer:
- - Get a tan. I miss soaking up the sun – I want to lose all traces of SAD.
- - Make more money, cover more tuition fees, and get off my yarn/art supplies diet.
- - Go to the beach, often.
- - Go on a trip or two. We’re thinking about Chicago; I’d also like to dream about a weekend getaway with someone.
- - A big knitting project (for me). Like a sweater again. Something I’ll design with details I’ll obsess over, that I’ll frog over and over ’til I’m satisfied.
- - Volunteer more. Maybe on top of my VBS stuff, work at my high school. Give me an excuse to paint and draw and hopefully do raku.
- - Repaint a room. I’m thinking brown and purple… I’ve never had a purple room, and I love purple. Maybe a brown ceiling and walls in shades of simultaneously contrasting violets… Um, maybe not?
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I’ve been finishing a lot of things lately, something I didn’t notice ’til I tabulated it mentally a moment ago. I was feeling doomed by procrastination and fatigue, but now I feel somewhat accomplished. 
I’ve had a number of assignments due, a lab I worked hard at all by myself, plus a few project.
This is my first lithograph. Well, to be accurate, the drawing on my stone, two days before I finished it. Unfortunately, I wrecked my drawing before my second etch, and I really wish I’d photographed it first. I lost a lot of detail, especially around the most important parts, but the weird -looking bits (the background, the soft, drapey stuff and the horizontal block – you can guess what they’re supposed to represent for now) turned out. I’ll explain the theme when I photograph the prints. The printing, thank goodness, went well, though I think I underetched my image. I also wish I reworked the lost areas some more, but now I know for next time.
I worked on some film photography… I haven’t scanned my other photos/negatives, so I only have these colour images. Just a boring technical assignment that I took advantage of to portray my favourite man. The Boy on a bridge, freezing to death but managing not to grimace or shiver too much. I’m going to have to re-name him Mr. Model. More reasoning to support this when I scan a recently completed graphite drawing later…
So on top of the more intensive studio work, I’ve been continuing the usual crafty endeavours, such as a new kit for my lithography crayons:
What can I say? I like to recycle and I hate crappy, unattractive plastic packaging (the original case was a little stronger than a pastry container, with annoying snap-on opening and closing). I say, it’s extremely nice to see wrapping paper put to long use! I put polyester laminate over the starry liner, which makes the case look even more like a brand new gift. Waterproof, and easy to clean. I only wish I reinforced it some more.
I have, by the way, long finished that braided cable headband. It turned out nicely; I’m really happy with my choice to use moss and linen stitch instead of stockinette stitch for edging. I wish, however (have you realized by now that I’m a perfectionist?) that I’d figured out a small detail on adding and ending the braid. I can’t explain it well in words, though I suppose I could with pictures, if I post a pattern later. Also, if I were making this again, I’d use a different yarn, maybe a wool blend, so that it wouldn’t lose its shape after prolonged wear, and maybe with a bit of elastic in it. I prefer natural fibres, but perhaps a little stretchiness in such an article would be useful.
I also made a couple of small gifts: a cute little heart-on-a-string (like a balloon) out of some fine, fuzzy red stuff, for the Boy on Valentine’s Day, to go with his lecture pillow from last year, and that blue and white fair isle pincushion for Dad. Both turned out nice and comfortably overstuffed. They make me wish I had more money (or more magnanimous people in my life!) so that I could buy a ton of fibrey goodies, like lots of yummy yarn and stuffing to make totally useless but very cuddly cushions. …For now I’ll settle on lecture cushions (mini pillows you bring to sleep in class in comfortable discretion) and pincushions.
And finally, the last object I will be displaying for today… Mon Petit Chou hipster. Pictures of the front; I finished the damn thing a couple of days ago, but couldn’t stand an ugly error on the back anymore. I had a love-hate relationship with the pattern – I loved the lace pattern and aspects of the design (like the cute short rowing), but the actual pattern–! The front was a nightmare that lasted several days ’til I found the chart hidden away on the Internet, and then it was
smooth and speedy sailing. Now, the back… as with the front, the numbers just don’t seem to add up. Maybe it’s my poor reading comprehension and math skills… or not. I’m now re-knitting the back for the 12235764898 time, and every time it’s been different. I just want it to turn out! And maybe I should rethink fiddling with the pattern to create a slightly smaller looking hipster (I was petrified that I was making some serious granny panties for awhile) with a sexy little chemise/minidress 
top that could double as a layering piece, as well as lingerie. I’m thinking a subtle brown cotton… and also that I should put some distance between Mon Petit Chou and me before I embark on that particular journey.
There you have, the front, a success, both in function and process… I personally think it’s better blocked; it drapes better and the vertical lines of the lace pattern are enhanced – makes it more flattering on the body.
All for now. Next time I’ll likely have more completed stuff to display, and less to say.
Filed under: Knitting, My art | 3 Comments
Recent reads
In December, 2006, I read the following:
- Fox, Gemma. “Caught in the Act“. London: Harper Collins, 2005.
- Pullinger, Kate. “A Little Stranger“. Toronto: McArthur & Co., 2004.
- Weiner, Jennifer. “Goodnight Nobody“. New York: Washington Square Press, 2005.
3. Caught in the Act is an amusing, rather whimsical book about a high school reunion. There were aspects of the plot that I found quite contradictory and therefore unbelievable. What I enjoyed most about the novel was how it made me reminisce about high school – old friends, old flames, old interests, old teachers. The Boy didn’t react much when I said I’d been reminiscing about old flames, though I suppose I shouldn’t be complaining. However, I think the book would’ve been much, much better had Fox put more focus on developing the characters: ironically the reader learns way more about the secondary characters than the main one. Instead our protagonist has absolutely no personality! ★ ★ ½
2. A Little Stranger is excellent, compelling and thought-provoking. The controversial subject of a runaway mother is sensitively explored, the characters individuals the reader begins to know and understand intimately, and the story carefully, smoothly constructed. A Little Stranger made me want to make more of every moment, somehow, to think about what I’m doing with my life and whether I’m coming in the direction I want to go. I recommend this book. ★ ★ ★ ★
1. Goodnight Nobody is probably my favourite of these three. As I read it, completely
absorbed by the tale, I could tell that Weiner had put a lot of thought and effort into her story of a woman dealing with how she’d become a suburban mom while investigating the murder of another suburban mom. Kate Klein, our heroine, is the slightly screwed up character who is easy to relate to and care for (and want to take care of sometimes). Extremely humourous, with wonderful details and a surprising story. I loved every bit of it, including how the book didn’t end ’til the very last page. It also
made me fall in love with Uglydoll… I’m totally smitten; maybe I’ll myself one. ★ ★ ★ ★
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What I like about Fair Isle…
The thing I like about Fair Isle, and colourwork in general, is that I can simply draw a graph and come up with something graphic, striking, and seemingly complex. I love it can still look intricate using only a couple of colours, and quite complicated when the colour palate is expanded. I also like the technique ’cause it’s a good way to use up scrap yarn.
Some drafts of Fair Isle charts I’ve been doodling tonight. Note that some are just roughts left on the drawing board.
I rather like the one at the very top right, but as I’m using worsted weight yarn at 2.5-2.75? mm needles,
the single stitches of colour look a little spotty. I’ve decided on the one right below it. This rather background-like pattern is what I’m using as the back of the coaster pincushion? sack? mouse wrist rest? miniature, completely useless cushion? (mouse wrist rest that doubles as a pincushion [but not simultaneously!] with a pocket?) and therefore is not completely useless? thing I’m making as a small gift for my father’s birthday.
This is my brief reprieve from that cursed Shetland lace scarf I’m making for my mother; cursed because I’m using mohair, something I don’t like knitting, and something that doesn’t show off the subtle intricacy of lace… and cursed because after ten, twenty rows I realized I didn’t love the Shetland lace pattern I chose. Also cursed because that late night I cast on, I thought I’d make a shawl, only I made a bit narrow, and forgot that I didn’t have all that much yarn… so now I’m making a boring scarf that’s got waste yarn holding it together, and I’m probably not going to quit ’cause I might as well cut off the used mohair instead of frogging it. But then again, perhaps I could cast off early, cut the yarn, and see how it’d look felted. Hmm, waste of yarn again.
I’ve finished the braided coronet hairband; I’ll post when I get around to taking pictures.
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Antistatic knitting
Knitting I’ve been working on:
- I lost my old generic hairband and was too grumpy disinclined to buy a replacement. I figured knitting myself a newer and better one would cheer me up after this spell of losing lots of stuff.
I started this braided one last night. I really liked the braided cable and how it just seems “right” (braid for hair, etc.). It’s set in garter stitch for simplicity, and the border and straps are linen stitch, for density (so it shouldn’t stretch disgustingly) and strength. I originally considered including lace, like rows of eyelets, but I didn’t want to have my hair managing to stick out of the little holes, or to get stuff caught onto it as easily (Murphy’s Law; it’s already bound to happen lots). It’s black to match my hair, and worsted weight at 2.75 mm?, so taut and unbulky. I’m a bit of a yarn purist, but I am poor, so I will shamefully admit that I’m using a yucky acrylic. Anyway… it doesn’t photograph well, I know, but off-screen the texture is quite clearly defined, though still subtle.
I started late last night; it’s about half done at this point. When I finish it, I’d like to make a wider, headband version for my mom, who doesn’t like hats but needs to keep her head warm. Might make a similar one later for a friend who I think would wear it.
I realize it’s not actually antistatic, but it should at least keep the staticky hair out of my face.
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Baby it’s cold outside
Going to Alaska this summer has made me better appreciate the beauty of winter. I loved watching the leaves on the trees change colour and fall, and I don’t think I’ve ever been as excited as I have this year, seeing the first snow. It also hasn’t escaped me this is one of the first times in years that I haven’t had the winter blues. But it sure is cold out there, and reading the news, I’ve been saddened to see so many victims of the weather and so early in the season… Today I was especially saddened to learn of James Kim’s death. Such an unexpected and unfortunately, preventable, tragedy. Next time I go on a winter road trip, even if it’s just a few hours’ drive in a rural area, I’ll make sure our car is prepared.
This is from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
Prepare Your Car for Winter
You can avoid many dangerous winter travel problems by planning ahead. Have maintenance service on your vehicle as often as the manufacturer recommends. In addition, every fall:
- - Have the radiator system serviced, or check the antifreeze level yourself with an antifreeze tester. Add antifreeze, as needed.
- - Replace windshield-wiper fluid with a wintertime mixture.
- - Replace any worn tires, and check the air pressure in the tires.
During winter, keep the gas tank near full to help avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
Winter Survival Kit for Your Car
Equip your car with these items:
- - blankets
- - first aid kit
- - a can and waterproof matches (to melt snow for water)
- - windshield scraper
- - booster cables
- - road maps
- - mobile phone
- - compass
- - tool kit
- - paper towels
- - bag of sand or cat litter (to pour on ice or snow for added traction)
- - tow rope
- - tire chains (in areas with heavy snow)
- - collapsible shovel
- - container of water and high-calorie canned or dried foods and a can opener
- - flashlight and extra batteries
- - canned compressed air with sealant (for emergency tire repair)
- - brightly colored cloth
Another point I’d like to make is on dressing warmly throughout winter. My university has a bad rep for having overly fashion-conscious students. By this I mean that all year long – that means all winter long too – you will see girls in mini-skirts. Also, I’m a knitter, so I think people should totally wear sweaters and hats regardless of how bad they think they’ll look.
- Mittens provide more warmth to your hands than gloves.
- Most of your body heat is lost through your head so wear a hat, preferably one that covers your ears.
- Dress in warm layers so you can remove items if you get too warm.
For more on surviving winter chills, the American Red Cross has an excellent and brief article: Red Cross Says Preparing Means Surviving Winter Chills.
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I should explain
Although it’s clichéd, lame, boring, and not to be taken seriously, I originally wanted littlelamb.wordpress.com, but somebody who hasn’t used it took it first. I wanted to use “little lamb” for really, really obvious reasons… plus I recently learnt:
Pinedo… points out the interesting relationship between the lamb and the lion, by inversion of the respective symbolic meanings. Examples of this are common in Christian symbolism, especially during the Romanesque (Norman) period. A good instance is the Tympanum in the church of Armentia, where the Agnus Dei is shown inside a circle (symbolizing the All, or perfection) accompanied by the epigraph: ‘Mors ego sum mortis, Vocor Agnus sum leo fortis’…
- Dictionary of Symbolism by J. Erlot, London, 1962.”1
I hate to be smugly cryptic, or as least seem to be, but I think with a little bit of consideration, you can figure out what the Latin phrase means. I particularly like the “mors ego sum mortis” part.
I wish the phrase connected the lamb with a tiger, because the tiger is the other animal that is biographically significant to me (oh, I think this is obvious too), but I’m happy with what is.
1 Kiewe, Heinz Edgar. The Sacred History of Knitting. 1971. Oxford: Art Needlework Industries. 3.
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A little history
I must admit, all this blogging business makes me nervous. So far, WordPress has thoroughly confused me, but as I’m the kind of person who prefers SLR > point-and-shoot, I chose it over Blogger. I love Google, but I worry about being over-attached to it.
I’ve been blogging on and off since I was thirteen, first with AsianAvenue (all the kids in middle school were using it), LiveJournal, Deadjournal, deviantART, and MSN spaces (that’s right, before Windows Live Spaces). I only recently stopped using MSN spaces, and I do still use dA for what it really is, an online portfolio, but I’ve lost interest in blogging. At times, it’s been embarrassing (like when I looked back at old, moody entries); on top of which, learning about epistemology made me profoundly suspicious of the weight of opinion, even my own, leaving me with perpetual blogger’s block. Plus, the blogger’s question persists: how interesting am I?
So why a new blog on WordPress? Lately I’ve been reading blogs a lot, and I’ve found some of them rather inspiring (like yarnharlot’s – I love her – or a particular post on blogging by yarn boy). … but I do like having a variety of means for self-expression. Hopefully, this time ’round I’ll find blogging beneficial, hopefully for others too, and a lot of fun.
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