New Music - James Blake / Got Craft? This Weekend

We saw James Blake last night at The Commodore. If you have a chance, you should go. Let's not talk too much about it here, but rather just be reminded of his proclivity for covering Canadian singer-songwriters by listening to this Joni Mitchell song. This is a classic here in Canada, because it talks about US, BY NAME. Enjoy and have a great weekend.

If you're in the Vancouver area, I'll be at Got Craft? all weekend long with plenty of new stuff to share with you. There was an emergency last minute venue change, so be sure to double check the location before you head out. We're now going to be at Templeton Secondary School in the gymnasium. I'm excited about this venue and love the spring show! It's a great chance to buy something for yourself guilt-free. It's spring, after all!

(PS - This post is acting crazy and I'm going to let it! Please disregard it's interesting justification, if you are inclined to make note of just things! See you this weekend!)

New Music - Kurt Vile

There is so much new music coming out right now and with things being insanely busy at work I've been looking for those new and motivational albums to listen to. Maybe this is a bit drowsy to be truly motivational, but it's good regardless. The new Kurt Vile album is out April 9th, but you can stream it on NPR HERE for now. Perfect music to start a weekend...now if it was just 5PM.

Kurt Vile is also playing here in Vancouver May 11th at the Biltmore. I've seen him twice before (once at an amazing show in Portland, and another time opening for a less amazing and actually kind of super boring Thurston Moore). We might have to go again this time around because I'm loving this new album.

I'll be spending the weekend shopping at the Japanese mall in Richmond, going to a make your own soup restaurant, gardening all over the place and watching Pump Up the Volume. Hope you have a good one, too!

New Music - The Knife

I got on The Knife bandwagon way late, like years after the fact, so I'm attempting to get out on front on this one. Pitchfork Advance is currently streaming Shaking the Habitual, the new album by The Knife that will be released April 8th. I highly recommend that you give it a listen HERE!

Also, while I'm stopping by this much neglected space I should also mention that I'll be at the spring edition of Got Craft? April 27th and 28th. Stop by and say hi if you're in Vancouver that weekend. The event runs both days from 10AM - 5PM at the Maritime Labour Centre (new venue!) at 1880 Triumph Street. I'll be there with my friend Laura and lots of new stuff for this beautiful spring we're enjoying on the West Coast. See you there!

addicted

I have been doing a lot of knitting lately. It's the grey weather and general blah-ness of this time of year that has me feeling like sitting on the couch all day, every day. That, and experimenting with things like seaming, lace knitting, and cables that has allowed me to take on harder patterns than ever before. Still waiting to be inspired to start that first sweater...in the meantime, toques, cowls, and braided headbands have been rolling off my needles lately. 

Here are a few shots of some of my favourite projects (these all happen to be Brooklyn Tweed patterns, knit in either Brooklyn Tweed Shelter or Loft yarn). Above and bottom, the Romney Kerchief (no relation), below left, the Fjord, and the Pei lace infinity scarf. You can find me on Ravelry here. What have you been making lately?

home from the holidays

I could offer a lot of explanations for my internet absence these days: I've been at home visiting friends and family in the Rockies, both of our laptops have zero battery life and can only be used tethered to their little cords and are so unbelievably annoying and slow that I almost wish (not really) that I was starting another degree and could justify a new computer, it's winter, it's dark by five, work is crazy, I'm addicted to knitting...these are all real reasons that I haven't been around much. And my husband and personal chef is also working a lot more since he graduated last spring and I have more wife duties as a result. 

Really, I think a break is good for everyone. Look at the fun your can have unplugging for a while and not worrying about staying on top of a blog! Look at the personalized Christmas gifts you can make when not worrying about stocking an Etsy shop! 

I hope you all had fantastic holiday seasons and I do hope you'll check out the new things that I have in the works this spring. Surely as the bulbs I planted last fall start coming up in my yard I'll find the motivation I need to pick up the blowtorch again.

Happy belated New Year to you all!