wendyhoo's pre-posterous

My space for random thoughts

Cold day in ... May? Greg knits!

Okay, so it isn't actually a cold day in July. Regardless, a rather momentous and highly remarkable event has recently occurred.  

This actually happened: Greg says to Wendy, "I should learn how to knit." 

The background? We were sitting at Melville Cafe, gazing over the Grand River and the Main Street bridge, whilst sipping coffee.  The Knit CamBRIDGE basket was nearby so I picked up the ongoing knitting. Nothing unusual here. But then, Greg reminded me about the Guinness Record Attempt on June 19.  "I should learn how to knit." I nearly fell off my chair. 

So, I showed him what to do. He was, I might add, a rather adroit student or I'm a really good teacher. Another, more likely possibility is that knitting really isn't that difficult. Anyone can knit ... if they want to.  

I'm attaching proof of Greg's first foray into the fibre arts. There's also a lovely photo of yours truly with the Main Street Bridge in the background. It's looking all cold and bland: definitely needs a warm bridge cozy. The final photo is completely random: Greg took it today when we were walking along the Grand River below the flood walls. I love the textures and subtle colours.

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Hespeler is where it's at:

Small towns are where it's at: Hespeler (Cambridge) Ontario is a lovely place to live.  Great shops, friendly people, a beautiful library, a growing history museum (also known as the Company of Neighbours), a river with walking trails, and all within walking distance of home.  What more could a girl want? 

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Knit CamBridge: the ultimate graffiti knitting project?

I'm sitting at the Melville Cafe in the U of W School of Architecture building.  It over-looks the Grand River and historic downtown Galt: Galt being one of the three towns that make up modern day Cambridge, Ontario.  

This is a small town. Traditionally, the economies in Galt and Hespeler were based on textile mills. Preston was more based on their large grain mill which still operates to this day.  Unfortunately, most of the textile industry is gone.  What industry still exists is mostly assembly work (sewing together) of fabric made over-seas.

Sue Sturdy, artist in residence at the Cambridge Centre for the Arts, wants to bring fibre back into the minds and hearts of modern residents.  

Her plan is audacious!  

(photo credit: The Record)

The four concrete arches of Galt's historic bridge will be covered in the ultimate graffiti knitting project (albeit sanctioned by the City of Cambridge).  Scattered around town, you can find baskets of yarn and knitting on the needle.  If you see one, pick up the needles and knit.  It doesn't need to be pretty!

By the time Sue sews all the pieces together and covers the bridge with said knitting, it will be a piece of art!  

This morning, Sue and I sat down over coffee, to discuss the project.  I'm happy to say that my involvement will be to help her reach more people through social media. Not to mention the fact that some of my knitting will be on the bridge this September!  

Take a look at the Knit CamBridge website: www.knitcambridge.com. It will be growing throughout the months to come so check back frequently. Share this link with your friends and help spread the word!             

Images below include one hi-jacked basket of knitting for photo-op, and my view of the Grand River from Melville Cafe. Sweet.

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My visit to the Galt Farmers' Market:

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I always enjoy visiting the Cambridge - or, as I think of it - the Galt Farmer's Market.  It's located square in the middle of downtown Galt.  Nearby, is the Main Street bridge which will be covered in knitting later this year.  I love it! :)

At the market, I purchased the following goodies: 
  • bees wax candles (a "must have" after reading Secret Life of Bees) 
  • real marrow bones (one of which my dog is currently enjoying in the back porch, while the others will be used to make beef stock)
  • fresh cheese curds (mmm...)
  • garlic bulb (grown in California these days...)
  • cup of coffee (what can I say, it's a necessity!)
  • and cookies from my friend Krista at the Grand Bakery (she also makes sweet, sweet cupcakes for any occasion ;p)