wednesday observations: what a stitch

I WAS JUST BEING POLITE, REALLY. My friend was inspired by the best-selling book The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs and wanted to get a group of ladies together to learn how to knit. I didn't really see the point, but apparently she isn't the only one. Julia Roberts has secured the rights of the popular novel and has a movie in development about the group of fictional N.Y. Upper West Side women who meet every Friday night in a yarn store to knit 1, talk, perl 2, and bond, despite their many differences.

Yup, that's what knitters do. They meet in yarn stores, living rooms, retreats, even retail shops like Anthropologie to cast on and create. Knitters range from those with indie spirit fashioning wool into creative works of art to grandmoms knitting pale-blue baby sweaters. There's even a new online community where you can organize your projects, show your work and discover yarns, patterns and those of like inspired spirit.

Knitting has seen a dramatic increase in growth, along with other crafting activities, but what is somewhat unique about knitting is that it has mass cross-generational appeal and combines universal, time-tested techniques with au courant personal expression.

And the laughter. Even the most polished professional can't take herself too seriously after she's dropped a stitch or two or three. Even the very best knitters have to rip out rows because of a mistake. You laugh, ask for help ... and begin again. The wonderful thing is the yarn is very forgiving and springs back into action ready to be woven back into your next knitted vision.

I was surprised, I actually liked it. And the group said I showed some talent!

Whatever, I'm hooked. Oh, wait a minute — that's crochet.

wednesday observations: artifacts & inspiration

A RECENT VISIT TO ELLIS ISLAND yielded much more than the discovery of the date of Grandma Pepi Fuchs’ transit to a new world at the age of 23. Accompanying her husband, Chaim, she had taken passage on the Noordam out of Rotterdam, Holland, and according to the ship’s manifest arrived in the States on September 29, 1913 — 86 years ago.

After my successful search of the archives, a tour of the museum was in order. Most fascinating was the room that showcased objects, artifacts and clothing that the new immigrants had deemed worthy of travel to the new land. As those who came through Ellis Island traveled third-class and steerage, they had limited funds to transport their belongings and had to carefully choose what made the journey. For many, though, all they had were the clothes on their back and what they could carry in one suitcase (with no easy handles and rollers).

What couldn’t they live without? Family photos of those left behind, a coveted feather pillow, their best holiday dress, important books (both religious and learned) and the family dishes. Artifacts used to steady to the soul, remind them of their legacy and act as a foundation for building their dreams.

If you look close at the current passion for tribe and origin, you can see patterns and styles that are showing up in today’s fashions, housewares and everyday objects. A seasonal Ralph Lauren design looks like it walked out of the Ellis Island display case onto the runway.

Classics and traditional are having a good run of it right now — a rediscovery of what stands the test of time as well as the economy. But Ellis Island isn’t the only source: Any well-traveled artifact can offer the seeds of inspiration. I think Grandma Fuchs would have been jiggy with that.

wednesday observations: from worry to whimsy

“FORGET YOUR TROUBLES, COME ON GET HAPPY” is what some recent products in the marketplace seem to be saying. While we’re still in the throes of economic recovery, consumers surveying this season’s gift-giving landscape can find plenty to make them smile, and maybe even let out a much-deserved belly laugh.

A stool covered in unblown bright-color balloons has a way of recalling childhood birthday-party joy while also intimating that blowhards are no long welcomed or needed.
Who says being “green” can’t be fun? Notecards, calendar and journals infused with a bit of whimsy are eco-friendly but also a subtle reminder to keep thoughts happy and hopeful.

Even the high-end 2009 holiday wish books are toning down both their pretension and their prices (consider where they used to be) with a literal embrace of cupcake-driven mania. A vehicle inspired by a 2004 cooperative art-car project at Burning Man by Bay Area artist Lisa Pongrace gives a whole new meaning to muffin top. Of course, your choice of icing flavor is included. While this one may be more than an average budget can handle, you can get your choice of flavors by indulging at one of the many cupcake shops that continue to grow in popularity. Cupcakes, whatever their size or origin manage to evoke innocence and embrace individuality.

Balloons, cartoons, cupcakes? Maybe it is time to get happy — or, at the very least, crack a smile.

wednesday observations: take a meeting

"HOW ABOUT A MEETING at 5 p.m. this afternoon," the email said. "Can't. Sorry. Need to pick up the boys at soccer practice. How about next Thursday?" came the response.

"Sorry. We're on family vacation. How about 4pm next Thursday," I sent back. "Nope, can't do it — it's our 10th anniversary."

And, so it went. After a few additional back and forths and a reconfiguration of two of our daily meetings, we were able to skillfully negotiate a time for our one-hour business meeting.

Then I sat back in my office chair and gave a silent chuckle as I came to the realization that only two professional women would have this kind of exchange. Were the obstacles of soccer practice, family vacation and anniversary dinners of greater concern (and permanence) than the effort to move the 10 a.m. meeting or 2 p.m. phone conference? Maybe after all our years in the business world we know that in most cases, meetings can wait, but your kids can't. Especially if it's your turn to supply snack.

But truth be told, the decisions of work vs. family are not easy. That's why I like Suzie Welch's rule of 10-10-10, also the title of her recent book. Welch recommends whenever you find yourself faced with a situation where no solution will please all, ask yourself three questions:

• What are the consequences of my decision in 10 minutes?
• In 10 months?
• And in 10 years?

Your answers, she says, will tell you what you need to know and also help you to explain your choices to the family, friends and coworkers.

"Breakfast meeting Tuesday?" I texted a friend. "Can't," she responsed, "My turn 2 drop kids."

Sigh. Here we go again.

wednesday observations: nyigf

wednesday observations: from the garden

THE GARDENER NURTURES MORE than native plants, container gardens and vegetable patches. Artistic expression finds a fertile proving ground right beyond the backdoor. A discerning eye and a skilled hand can shape landscapes into treasures created from pots or plants, cement, glass, a stump or a simple twig.