for knitters

I used to work at The American Swedish Institute - here's a tidbit from their latest e-news:

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Knit-Out in the Turnblad Mansion
Sunday, March 15, 2009 — 1–5 p.m.
After a fantastic turn out for the Knit-out in January over the Radiant Knits opening weekend, the American Swedish Institute will host a second Knit-out on Sunday, March 15 during regular museum hours, 1–5 p.m. The Minnesota Knitters’ Guild will donate door prizes, too, so be sure to register when you arrive. Bring your knitting project and join fellow knitters all around ASI’s Turnblad mansion for a relaxing and fun Sunday afternoon! The Knit-out is included with museum admission (free for ASI members).
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Radiant Knits: The Bohus Tradition
January 23rd – March 29th, 2009 Now extended through April 5th!
The exhibit Radiant Knits: The Bohus Tradition will be on display at the American Swedish Institute from Friday, January 23rd through Sunday, March 29th, 2009. The exhibit focuses on the history of the Swedish Bohus knitting style and the Bohus Stickning industry (1939–1969), and will feature original garments knitted in the Bohus style. This will be the first time that Bohus couture garments have been on exclusive exhibit in the U.S. since the 1964 World’s Fair in New York. The Bohus Stickning organization came into existence in the province of Bohuslän, Sweden, during the Depression era of the 1930s. During this time of financial hardship, a group of women—most married to unemployed quarry workers—sought out Emma Jacobsson, the wife of the governor of Bohuslän, hoping to find a means of supporting their struggling families.
Bohus Sticking was thus born out of need and produced beautiful hand-knitted garments while helping the women support their families financially. From Sweden, the fine knitwear designs spread internationally, including to the U.S., before the operation ended in 1969. Bohus Stickning had grown from the home-based industry of its origin to become a successful business of international reputation.
During the opening weekend, a variety of opportunities to learn about Bohus knitting and its history will be offered at the ASI, including workshops, lectures, guided tours, and a film premiere. A number of special guests from Sweden and the U.S. will be present to share their expertise.
The Minnesota Knitters’ Guild is a proud sponsor of this exhibit.
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Why there's hope for the future

12-year-old Makes Homeless Shelter from Trash

From the article:
This isn’t his first big win. “When I was six,” Max said, “I won an invention contest that included a trip to Chicago. While there, I saw homeless people living on streets, and beneath highways and underpasses. I felt very sorry for these people, and ever since then, felt that my goal and obligation was to find a way to help them. My invention improves the living conditions for homeless people, refugees, or disaster victims by giving them easy-to-assemble shelter.”


YEAH! Rock on, Max, and keep up the good work.

Feb 3: The Day the Music Died

1959 – Hours after appearing at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, USA, American rock and roll musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson were killed when their plane crashed shortly after taking off from the nearby Mason City Municipal Airport.

r.i.p.

Wil Wheaton

OMG. Wesley used the "f" word.

Just kidding. I know, I know, he's Wil, not Wesley.

But still, it's kinda like finding out that the kid who plays Harry Potter was naked on stage for some play about horses.

dude! the future of sewing

Wow. I'd have to take out a small loan to get one of these... but... wow.

Ain't Got a Job Yet Blues

I went to yet another temp agency today, because I had applied for a job online (that was posted by their company)... and had to endure their computerized testing (and even a paper one!).

Now at home, prepping veggies for stew, I have got some serious "got no job" blues.

So I popped in a CD, "About Damn Time" by Andrew Heinrich (aka Mateo) to pick up my spirits.

Because nothing beats having a song written about you. And in it, you totally KICK ASS.

I'm just sayin'.

Why oh why? Woe is me

Ya know, if there were two things I could change about myself (stuff that I have no control over), it would be:
a) my slopey shoulders*, and
b) that I'm such a freakin' CLUTZ. Oy.

Yep, I did it again. This time is really great. I went into the ladies' room after class. Upon exiting the stall, I placed my purse on the edge of the nearest sink (not the floor, 'cuz there's yucky germs all over bathroom floors!). It was rather precarious there, but I figured it would only take a few seconds to pull on my hoodie and my jacket - it should be fine, right?.

No such luck. My purse teetered forwards, which activated the automatic faucet. Aaaaaacccckkkk - lots and lots of water in my purse! I turned it upside down and the water literally drained out in a stream.

My phone is OK, as are most of the contents (some receipts are a bit soggy) - although my Hello Kitty pen case took a hit, but it's fabric so that's OK.

Why, oh why? Le sigh.


* I got my slopey shoulders from my mom's genes - I can't keep purse or bra straps on my shoulders to save my life.

Sniff sniff

As I left MATC tonight and I got my first sniff of the evening air, I expected ... oh, milorganite, cigarette smoke ... but - anise?

Yeah. Wierd. And it continued all the way to my car in the parking lot.