Stop the Kraken: ACTA

Last week Stitch Mana went dark in protest of SOPA/PIPA. Although I am not American these bills clearly had global ramifications. Obviously things went well and the bills were delayed/suspended. But it is not over yet. Get a load of this monster: ACTA: the Anti-Counterfeiting-Trade-Agreement. This time it is clearly a global issue (just look at the countries behind it), and it entirely disregards the way the internet works.

Take a look at these videos and keep yourself informed on how it will affect you before it is game over.

Meeting the Idiosyncratic Fashionistas

Life Dressing: The Idiosyncratic Fashionistas by Joana Avillez
While I was in New York recently, the lovely Idiosyncratic Fashionistas (Jean and Valerie) invited me to go with them to the inspiring LOOT jewellery exhibition and sale at the Museum of Art and Design.

Jean and Valerie run a successful and interesting blog about growing older with verve, and then some. They have an iconic style in their own right, so much so that they inspired a book: ‘Life Dressing: The Idiosyncratic Fashionistas’ by Joana Avillez (I’ve got my copy!). They were both really great to meet, and are genuinely nice women and excellent company. I came away from them thrilled to see other people embracing and creating their own style. Their confidence is very inspiring.

The LOOT jewellery exhibition was a huge treat to see. There were some really amazing pieces, and meeting their creators was inspiring. I loved Suzanne Golden’s beaded jewellery and Margherita Marchioni’s wonderful pieces using pencils and plastic bottles. Sara Basch’s use of rubber bands was really cool. As it is, going to an exhibition like this leaves you feeling extremely creative, and I was introduced to a lot of great women also with their own style. Jean and Valerie have done a couple or write ups about LOOT here and here, complete with more pictures. I did plan to take some, honestly.

We rounded off the evening with cocktails upstairs at ROBERT, and I will repeat that it was really lovely to meet and spend a little time with them.

Stitch Bone Studio

Stitch Bone Studio, the not-so-secret collaborative project I’ve been working on with my daughter, is here. Well, it isn’t completely finished, but we decided to ship it early since I am going to be away. The basic premise is for an ongoing series of design collections. So the collections will continue to grow and evolve over time. The photos below are just a preview, but you can see more on the site itself.

Stitch Bone Studio
Stitch Bone Studio

I won’t stop blogging or making patterns available here, this is just diversifying a little. Hopefully those of you who have enjoyed this site might find something to like over there as well. :)

September Update

Over the last year I have been very frustrated with not being able to knit for long periods. Arrgh so many things I want to knit! I have been battling a completely frozen right shoulder and part frozen left and, for the last couple of months, knitters (tennis) elbow in my left arm as well. Of course I am left-handed. Le sigh.

I have been enjoying working on some smaller projects in collaboration with my daughter. Stitch Bone Studio is coming soon.

My wardrobe has undergone a major revamp and now, for the most part, my clothes are made by me or have been found second-hand.