W.I.Ps? What About Them?

I've decided to erase the "Works in Progress" chalkboard because rather than inspiring/reminding me about projects I've started, it just taunts me with the things I have yet to finish.  I know - same difference, but the latter carries guilt with it.  Kind of counterproductive.

In celebration of the blank chalkboard (as well as the end of a rather busy period) I've decided to take on a new knitting project - the Soho Smocked Dress from Kristina McGowan's Modern Top-Down Knitting.

I had this book in mind while I was killing time in The Knit Cafe in Toronto yesterday with the boy.  Unfortunately, my experience there was less than ideal.

T-Shirt Update

Here's some of the suggestions I've received regarding my search for a solid, basic, ethically-made t-shirt.

three dots
These t-shirts come in ten colours and cost $44.00

Bayside

This is a unisex utilitarian shirt that comes in 15 colours.  This is the bargain t!  It starts at around $5.15 per t-shirt ($4.15 for white) and then the price goes down if you're ordering 12, 36, or 72.

Me to We Style
These come in six different colours and 50% of the company's profits go to a charity.  These cost $24.50 each.

Thanks for the suggestions so far.  I have to see what I need (colour-wise as well as quantity) so I haven't made a decision yet. Each t-shirt has its virtues.

Tonight! Shake-n-Make at TH&B2

Shake-n-Make has a piece in the TH&B2 show, which opens tonight.  Come by the opening if you're around! 270 Sherman Street N.

(from the curators/organizers)

Tramps, Hobos & Bums // Tired, Hungry & Broke // To Hell & Back
TH&B appropriates the moniker of the defunct railway that once connected Toronto, Hamilton and Buffalo, and uses it as an emblem of cultural production in this decentralized region. TH&B2 follows in the footsteps of an earlier project in 2008, in which 18 artists were invited to respond to the post-industrial context of the unoccupied third floor of 270 Sherman, a historic textile mill that has been transformed into a creative industries complex deep in the north end of Hamilton.
Focusing on site-responsive installation, sculpture, video and performance, TH&B2 sets out to connect new and established interdisciplinary artists operating in the Toronto, Hamilton and Buffalo corridor.

Vintage Country (Music)

So my dad, one of my regular readers, sent me the following YouTube video in response to my post on Nashville and my interest in vintage country music.  In addition to the singer (Willie Nelson), he suggested that any of the other artists mentioned were worthy of a listen.

Quite honestly, the first thing I thought when I saw this video was - who's the guy in the suit?  That's Willie Nelson?!  Well, it was 1965...

In Search Of: T-Shirt

You may not comment regularly on this blog, but I'm hoping that some of you who stop by here might take a moment and help me in my search if you can.

I'm looking for the 100% cotton go-to t-shirt.  My primary parameters are as follows:
1) Made in the US or Canada in sweatshop-free/ethical working conditions*
2) Good construction & fit
3) Medium to lightweight fabric

Other things I'm interested in are price (it's a staple, not a special occasion luxury item) and whether organic cotton is an option.  I'm sure I'm forgetting something, but that's all I can think of now.  If you know of any manufacturers/designers who fit this bill, please let me know by leaving a comment.

*Yes, American Apparel is the first and obvious choice; however, I find their ads skeevy.  My son calls them Anorexic Apparel, and I have to say - I see his point.

(Insert Object Here) of the Week

One of my favourite albums is Robyn Hitchcock's I Often Dream of Trains.  I discovered it through a friend when I was a DJ at WDOM, the radio station for Providence College, and I still have the copy from the station although it's a little the worse for wear (kind of like my friendship with the aforementioned friend).

Anyway, I recently got the CD version - yay, technology!  And it's been great listening to the skip-free versions of the songs.  I really think that Hitchcock is underrated, and if you ever have the chance to go see him live, go!

In the meantime, you can enjoy this version of Uncorrected Personality Traits - a brilliant song!

I Know It's Only Just Spring...

but I like this look from the Fall/Winter 2012 RTW collection from J.Crew (I know, I know).  Maybe I'll try to make a pair of snazzy brocade pants for myself this fall.

I actually like a number of the looks they presented for fall; there's a great mix of "fancy" and casual.

Oh Yeah - Nashville!

Springtime in Nashville was quite lovely.  Sunday was spent mostly hanging out with friends and making a trek to Ann Patchett's bookstore, Parnassus (stopping for donuts along the way).

Monday was the day where we had to get to some of the must-dos/must-eats of the trip, starting with a trip to Arnold's, a "meat plus three" establishment.  The ladyfriend had the kielbasa and kraut with mac-n-cheese, mashed potatoes (some people love carbs!), and brussel sprouts.  I had wanted the catfish, reckoned to be the best in America (meaning the States) by Bon Appetite, but it wasn't on Monday's menu.  Instead, I made the radical choice of liver and onions.  I know, liver and onions!  I chose mac-n-cheese, turnip greens, and brussel sprouts as my sides.  There was some cornbread involved as well and a shared piece of pecan pie.

Rick, who ordered the tilapia, looks a little less, shall we say "full"?, than I do here:

Note - I'm wearing my Imogene + Willie jeans, which might contribute to the "full" feeling.

After a couple of diversions, we made our way to Hatch Show Print, an amazing letterpress poster maker.  They've made posters for all kinds of acts, not just country.

And then it was time for the Country Music Hall of Fame!

Thanks for the reminder!  Good thing I left my rifle at home.

The Country Music Hall of Fame was great.  I don't really consider myself a country music fan, but I actually do like the earlier stuff.  I was particularly interested in their Bakersfield Sound exhibit, which highlighted the honky-tonk sound out of Bakersfield.  Unfortunately the lighting was not great for photos (no flash, please!), so I'll have to rely on these few photos and my memory (such as it is).

More Hatch Show Print work at the Hall of Fame

In the meantime, I've checked out some country music CDs from the library; I think they'll jog the memory a bit until we make it back down.