I'm a Teacher for Real!!

I finally landed. On Friday August 31, I went in for an interview for a one semester History position and came out with a permanent full time Family Studies position. Four days later I was in the classroom teaching courses I had never taught before and loving it. I have two Grade 9 Individual and Family Living classes and one Grade 11 Living Spaces. They were all thrilled to hear that we would be cooking and sewing (gingerbread architecture, for Living Spaces). No one has taught sewing at this school since before the new millenium. I plan to teach sewing even if I have to do it with only one sewing machine. The eight machines here still need to be serviced. Baby steps for now but I hope to eventually bring back the Fashion classes.

For my happy dance play:
"I'm bringing sewing back!!" [sung to the melody of Justin Timberlake's "Sexy Back"]

Harlem Knitter-que

I have finally got a chance to sit down and post some NYC photos. I had an absolutely fabulous time at the Knitter-que in St. Nicholas Park, Harlem, and I remembered to take photos too. Everyone was working on a project or two that covered a diversity of techniques.


Sherrin was working on a crochet commission in Jamaican flag colours: a giant Jamaican granny square afghan.


Iris knitted, frogged and knitted again Pomotomus magic-loop style. Actually there was a lot of magic-loop happening that day, including my own toe-up sock project.


Chante one of our hosts, was spinning merino sock yarn. When I spotted the spinning wheel in the park I immediatly knew that I had arrived at the right BBQ.


Dr. Donna was knitting away at her own pattern for a cotton head scarf


Yvonne was crocheting a hobo bag. Accessories of all kinds have become popular traveling projects.


Marva was knitting a green bag. Marva was accompanied by her young industriously knitting granddaughter who was proof that the next generation can carry the knitting torch.


The cutest project had to be Tawana's Koigu baby socks. Not only cute but also obviously happy-making.


Kim is my new magic-loop hero knitting simultaneously two socks that rock.


Shameka shared her source for British knitting magazines while knitting a snuggle sweater. Shameka also makes the most soul satisfying rice and peas I have ever had (sorry Mom, but it is true). I definitely took some home with me. Shameka I need the recipe. Please! Please! Please!


Our other host Sahara is knitting her own lace pattern shawl in two colors. She makes it all look so easy but I am sure it is not. She is just amazing.

More later on yarn and books bought in NYC.