knitting needles needed NOW.

Please help Sadie of StreetKnit outfit these kids with some sticks:

I've had a request from a social worker at Parkdale Community Information Centre who is getting a bunch of Parkdale youth together to learn to knit and then create items for Streetknit. They have yarnbut no needles. I'm wondering if you could put out a call on your blog for anyone who has extra needles lying around they'd be willing to donate. It's a bit short notice as they need them for March Break (and in fact for this Thursday if possible). Anyone who has any needles could contact me at streetknit@gmail.com.

thx,
Sadie

can-craft fever!

Though my intention was to report back on both the Interior Design Show & alternative design event Come Up to My Room, the death of my camera batteries upon first click prevented me from covering the IDS. Good thing I was juiced up for the evening affair, because there was tons of fun stuff on display. Having emerged from the IDS feeling slightly overexposed to kitchen hardware & indoor waterfalls, CUTMR2007 was a welcome hit of playful independent Canadian design.

A clear trend running through many of the Gladstone Hotel installations was big love for our home and native land. Motherbrand & OCAD students partnered up in Souvenir Shop to produce Canadiana-o-rama like Pierre Trudeau softies, and a homage to a true Canadian institution, Timmy Hos (see timbit-revering Tim Pins below).

In another Motherbrand collaboration called Lint Picking, Angela Noonan’s graphic posters depict popular Canadian iconography – like the beaver, canoe, Canada geese, and beloved CBC logo in classic red and white. Cynthia Hathaway’s comment on identity & global warming in the Arctic was playfully expressed through melty northern figurines.

Covello-Reesor’s “Common Chair” pays homage to Ontario settler furniture with a modern eco twist – they are constructed from Canadian hardwood scraps gathered in the Toronto area. Due to the nature of the materials each chair is one of a kind.

Major swoons were inspired by coe&waito’s ceramic jellyfish installation (coe&waito + jellyfish - could there be a more magic combo?) & the grandma-inspired crafts in Magic Pony’s Ilavska room (dig those cashmere mushrooms by Tania Sanhueza!!!).

I do regret not having images to share of some of the stellar student design pieces at the IDS, as well as some new work from the makers mentioned in my previous IDS post I saw lots of IDS goers snapping away, so if anyone happens to have pictures handy, please email me. Thanks!

sew be it does street knit

Sew Be It Studio is opening its doors to knitters who want to help make a difference in the community.

This night will be about knitting hats, scarves and mittens for the homeless in Toronto.
We welcome all levels of experienced knitters.

We will also be offering very basic beginner knitting lessons to those who need them.
All items made will be donated to Streetknit and then distributed to organizations that help keep the homeless warm

Admission is by donation. Experienced knitters should bring/make items for the homeless.
Those who are coming to learn to knit should bring non perishable donations for the food bank.

This event will be a great chance to hang out with other knitters and chat, work on projects and to help those less fortunate during these cold months.

We are also now a donation drop off point for Streetknit. So bring hand knit scarves, hats and mittens by anytime to drop off.

Date: Saturday March 3
Time: 6:30pm - 10pm
Bring your own yarn and knitting needles.

Admission by donation of knit items or non-perishable food items.

Sew Be It Studio
2156 Yonge Street
Toronto ON M4S 2A8
416-481-7784
www.sewbeitstudio.com

elsewhere but awesome: CRAM & seamrippers

I know there are people reading from as far as Kelowna, B.C. so when neat-o stuff pops up outside of the t.dot I figure why not post it on occasion.

This from the very adorable Seamrippers Craft Collective in Vancouver:

Lino Block Printing - Introduction to Relief Printing with Tania Willard
will be on Sat Feb. 24th, from 3pm-6pm at the Purple Thistle (#260-975 Vernon Dr) .

Lino block printing is a very DIY printing method - with very little materials you can mass produce rich and arresting images. Lino prints have all the dynamism of woodcuts without the cut fingers and special equipment. The workshop will entail learning the basics of lino cuts, conceptualizing an image, carving and printing a 4x6 lino block.

Suggested Donation/Workshop Fee $30 Material Fee $5

All proceeds from workshops go towards helping Seamrippers open our Craft Resource Centre (other than what we use to pay our facilitators a fair wage). However, our aim is to pass on crafty skills, so don't let the cost be a deterrent - no one will be turned away.

To register, e-mail us at seamrippers@gmail.com or call (604) 689-SEAM.

To be nice to Tania, please register by Friday at latest.

Image: Detail VAN custom narrative wallpaper (shown in VANgrain) 2007 digital print 8'x8'

And much closer to home, weensy CRAM gallery in St. Catherine's is hosting the following exhibit:

VANGUARD Room
Kyle Bishop
March 2 - 27, 2007

Opening Reception: Friday, March 2nd, 8 - 10:00 pm

Van Atelier North (VAN) brings a series of home décor prototypes to CRAM gallery. Staged as an Ikea-style walk-in environment, VANGUARD Room is a mutant hybrid of hunting-lodge-futurism, William Morris Co, and 70s-den-chic. Pieces include a emote-controlled ottoman, custom digital wallpapers, kitchen items and lighting. Photo-dioramas depicting high-end interiors as car crash sites punctuate the space.

VAN was formed as a partly fictional and nomadic collective of designers and artists. This show features the work of Iain, Andrea, Kyle, and Joep.

For more information: www.cramart.ca

Contact: Tobey C. Anderson
cel: 905.380.3910

Hours: when the sandwich board is out and by appointment

CRAM
24 James Street - 2nd Floor
between Christopher's Magazine's & Smoke Shop and The Office
downtown St. Catharines, Ontario

CRAM (8 ft x 10 ft) is Niagara's smallest and hottest gallery, and a growing concern. CRAM promotes and encourages local investment and support of contemporary art produced by the regional artists who live in Niagara or have strong ties to St. Catharines and the CRAM collective.

crafty/fashion workshops @ nathalie-roze & co.

There is a ton of great (& always affordable) learning opps going down @ nathalie-roze & co. In fact so much stuff that I’m going to post a few teasers, and then urge you to check out the whole roster on the website.

Tuesday Feb. 27th, 6-9pm
Beginner Boiled Wool "Felting":
Knitters & non-knitters will learn how to create "felt" via temperature-shocking fragments of store bought wool sweaters (knitters are welcome to bring their own projects to experiment on). The heat, agitation & soapy water morph the knitted pieces into matted, dense new fibre that doesn't fray (aka "felt"). Once made, participants will create a "felted" brooch, iPod cozy or coin purse. Inspiration sheets will be distributed and more complex project samples discussed - plus some top tips.

$45+GST, including all materials as well as tea & a snack.
Instructor: Julie Sinden, designer behind the popular hat & bag label Salt & Pepper Textiles.

Sunday March 4th, 12noon to 4pm
Natural Hand-Dyeing 1 (warm tones/reds & yellows):
Participants will be introduced to the magical world of dyeing with natural dyestuffs (plants, bugs, minerals). In this hands-on workshop, students will learn everything they need to know to continue an exploration of natural dyes at home, including mordanting, preparing the dyebath, and dyeing with a variety of fibres. This workshop will also explore the differences between tropical dyes and more local/household dyes. Everyone will leave with their own dye sample set and references.

$60+GST, including tea & baked treats. - 10%, if you sign up for both sessions
Instructor: Julie Sinden, textile designer behind the Salt & Pepper label.

Saturday Mar. 10th - 1:30pm - 4pm
OR Saturday Mar. 31st @ 9:30am - 12:30pm
(Organic) Soap-Making
Learn how to make a batch of your own organic soap, choose your own scents and find out how to do it all on your own again later. All ingredients are 100% natural and fair-trade.
Participants will leave with several bars to enjoy at home or give as gifts.
$45+GST, including all tools & materials - plus tea & a snack
Instructor: Amanda Montgomery (aka the 'soap chef') of simply. by amanda www.simplybyamanda.com

All workshops - unless otherwise indicated - are $45 each and include materials as well as tea & baked goodies during the break.

Register by phone with a credit card at: 416-792-1699 OR in-person using debit, cash or credit (M/C or Visa only).

NOTE: workshops are intentionally delivered to small groups (just 3 to 6 participants each) & fill up fast, so don't snooze on it!

Sorry - spaces cannot be reserved without payment.

WHERE: at the studio (in the back of the shop) at nathalie-roze & co.
1015 Queen St. East (at Pape) in Leslieville
Closest subway stop: Pape, and also easily accessible via any Eastbound Queen St. 501 streetcar

ask crafty: custom made digital watches & canadian fabric source

These ones are toughies! Can you help crack the case? Comment on this post with your leads.

x I was wondering if you know of any Canadian online fabric stores?

I'm specifically looking for stores that carry, more modern type of prints;

Amy Butler
Denyse Schmidt
Heather Bailey
Michael Miller
South Seas Imports
Free Spirit
Heather Ross

I have found several from the U.S.

Hancock's of Paducah
Fat Quarter Shop
Sew Mama Sew
SewZannes
Repot Depot Fabrics

But none that reside in Canada, with the exception of ;
Designer Fabric online
Kidsfabric.com

And these don't carry the type of prints I'm looking for. As well, I'd prefer to do my business in the homeland, and not have to worry about Duty. - Susan

-Tonic Living is based here in Toronto (don't be fooled by USD prices). They may not have those exact designers, but their retro inspired fabrics are of similar ilk. (They are listed in the "supply your habit" links, for future ref.)
-MacFab at Queen and Bathurst carry Amy Butler, as does The Quilter's Palette in Etobicoke.


x do you know if there is anywhere in toronto, or canada that will custom make digital watches with your own design? I really need some custom parts, and I don't feel quite right shipping them in from china. - Amanda

come up to my room 2007

Posted recently about the IDS & would be remiss not to mention it's punk rock younger sister, Come Up To My Room (where, tie-ins galore!, is the kick off point for Magic Pony's Ilavska).

Behold:

Celebrating its fourth anniversary, Come Up To My Room is an annual alternative design exhibition housed in the historic 118-year-old Gladstone Hotel. Innovative, cutting-edge designers/artists are invited to transform all 12 of the Gladstone's second floor rooms into imaginative — and sometimes strictly aesthetic — site-specific installations. The exhibition showcases the work of practitioners and emerging designers who approach design with radical personal vision and has become a home base for designers/artists whose work falls outside of traditional practice.

Taking place at the same time as Toronto’s Interior Design Show, (National Trade Center Exhibition Place), Come Up To My Room is a full floor of hotel room galleries, where designers and artists showcase their avant-garde ideas and concepts.

Come Up to My Room is unique in its manufacture. Selected designers are trusted to create a site-specific installation for their projects. Due to the nature of how the show is curated, it is transient and never presents itself the same way twice. The success of Come Up to My Room is manifested in the magic of a small group of designers coming together for one weekend to step outside the boundaries and engage in dialogue with each other and with those who visit the show. Come Up To My Room is unique in its ability to connect designers, artists and the public through its alternative take on the trade show. Come Up to My Room showcases work that falls outside of the traditional design world. Come Up to My Room has become a true advocate for creatives who dedicate their practice to: experimental, inter-disciplinary, self-taught, hand- made/craft- based, installation, and environmental art & design projects. The installations incorporate furniture design, sculpture, lighting, ceramics, and more. Many of the installations are collaborative creations.

The Gladstone hosts an evening reception followed by the full-blown LoveDESIGN Party in the Gladstone Ballroom on the Saturday night of the three day show. This year’s party will feature music by felix and gani – milkaudio

Come Up To My Room
February 23 to February 25, 2007
Gladstone Hotel
2ND FLOOR
1214 Queen Street West, Toronto

EXHIBITION
Friday, February 23: 12 - 8 p.m.
Saturday, February 24: 12 -10 p.m.
Sunday, February 25: 12 - 5 p.m.

RECEPTION
Saturday February 24, From 7 – 10 pm 2ND Floor

SYMPOSIA
Saturday February 24 1-3pm
Sunday February 25 1-3pm Ballroom

LoveDESIGN PARTY Saturday, February 24, 9pm Ballroom

EXHIBITION: granny crafts at magic pony

This looks awesome....



Magic Pony is pleased to present Ilavska, a celebration of the lost Arts and Crafts of Grandmother. Featuring installation, textile design, painting, collage and soft-sculpture, this exhibition showcases a diverse group of contemporary multi-disciplinary artists and designers who will take viewers on a captivating visit to Grandma’s.

Ilavksa was inspired by a pilgrimage into Eastern Europe to visit Grandma. In times of subsistence living under communist rule, women created beautiful objects and environments out of limited resources. Crochet, knitting, embroidery and textiles were executed with painstaking and time-consuming care, and became treasured objects in the home. As both feminine and feminist practice, these subversive gestures represented women’s skills, pleasures and desires; as each stitch became a record of richly-lived experiences and histories.

Ilavska explores a new generation of artists who integrate a deep appreciation for the craft tradition and aesthetic into modern techniques and styles; an approach which reveals scepticism toward today’s instantly-gratifying, disposable culture. As a re-valuing and re-imagining of historically feminine pursuits, the artwork of Ilavksa evokes a weighty sense of time, memory and nostalgia. Seamlessly juxtaposing artwork with found antique furniture, objects and decoration, the exhibit blurs past and present tense, and collapses the distinctions between art, craft and design.

Including Sonja Ahlers, Lydia Klenck, Stephen Appleby-Barr, Kozue Kitchens, Tania Sanhueza, Melinda Josie, Noel Middleton and Trudie Cheng. Ilavska will premiere at the Come Up To My Room designer showcase held at the Gladstone Hotel from February 23-25. The exhibition will then continue in expanded form at Magic Pony from February 26-March 18, 2007.

MAGIC PONY
694 Queen St W
416.861.1684
contact@magic-pony.com

Magic Pony is a gallery, studio and retail space dedicated to expanding the traditional notions of fine art and design by presenting work that blurs the boundaries between art, commerce and creative living.

glass fusing and jewelry making intensive at nanopod

Glass Fusing and Jewelry Making Intensive

Saturday, March 24th noon to 5pm & Sunday, March 25th, 10am to 6pm{hr lunch} 5 student max. $275 includes all materials (deposit of half down required to hold space)

This is a 2-day intensive workshop that teaches not only how to make beautiful fused glass cabochons or “stones”, but also how to mount and display them to their best advantage. It is a fun, hands-on class that begins with glass cutting and ends with the completion of 6 to 10 fused pieces; cabochons for earrings, pendants and rings.

The next day using sterling silver students will choose from their fusings made on Saturday and learn how to ‘set’ them creating beautiful one-of-a-kind earrings, pendants and rings.If you are interested in making unique jewelry for sale or gifts, then this is the class for you.

Learn how to cut glass, emboss-it, embed things in it, and fuse-it then learn how to bezel set your glass pieces, make a ring band for your bezel settings, pendants, cuff links, etc. Resource list of where you can purchase materials, tools, equipment and how to set-up your own studio is included.

Class fee includes all materials: glass, sterling & fine silver, supplies, and firings. Tools are provided. Lunch is included at the Linux Caffe! No Experience Necessary!

nanopod: Hybrid Studio
322 Harbord Street
Toronto, ON M6G1H1
647 219 0585
www.nanopod.tv

IDS hot spots

bookhou design sent along this invitation to visit their IDS (Interior Design Show) booth, reminding me that it's time to post about the event that has kept my hubby at work late nights and weekends for the past little while (the company he works for, Bauhaus, is exhibiting there).



Another booth well worth visiting is Om Home, to check out the lovely embroidery stylings of Oorbee Roy (booth SN-1). If you do go by, welcome her to Toronto as she is in the process of relocating here from Montreal.

If anyone has other recs (be it your own stuff or someone else's), please comment on this post with the maker & booth number (if you know it).

Interior Design Show
February 24-25 (Public days)
Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place
100 Princes’ Boulevard
Saturday 24 - 10am-7pm
Sunday 25 - 10am-6pm
http://www.interiordesignshow.com/site/

find sell handmade: a resource for indie craft wholesalers

The folks at My Favorite Mirror are getting together what may prove to be an invaluable resource for indie makers – a “comprehensive guide to help those independent business owners specializing in handmade and/or small-scale goods grow their wholesale business in leaps and bounds”.

They have posted an online survey at http://sellhandmade.com where crafty biz peeps (aka you) can help them get a better sense of what kinds of information/resources might be of use in furthering business goals.

They are also accepting applications for a focus group/panel:

“Members will be asked more in-depth questions regarding their wholesale experience, so please have a few wholesale accounts under your belt before you apply. We are looking for panelists in every category at this time, but no more than 3 per category. As a bonus, panelists will be thanked in our book and will have the opportunity to be profiled in the book as well.”

Panelist applications can be found here.

was I hiding under a rock?

Was I the only one who didn't know that 2007 was declared the year of craft by the Canadian Crafts Federation? Their website says that "Craft Year 2007 is a chance to explore, appreciate and flaunt your craft (decorative arts, visual arts, material history, ethnology, archaeology) collections… and to make new connections and statements about the past, present and future of craft… the art and culture of Canadian craft. "

if you are hosting a crafty event, you can register it on their website and it will be listed alongside hundreds of other crafty events across the nation (and it's free!).

the website hosts a small library of craft-related articles, which i'm hoping will expand ;)


so... stay tuned for more year of craft 2007 events! (like that lecture at the new gallery).

PF Flyer Diorama Contest

The kooky kids/savvy marketers at PF Flyers are holding a diorama contest and want TCA readers to get involved. Perks for contestants are pretty sweet: a free subscription to ReadyMade magazine for the first 50 entries, and the best dioramas will be posted on the PF Flyers site. Those who make the cut will receive their very own pair of Flyers, and the "best of the best" will be featured in a print ad. (These Journas are cute enough to make me want to reproduce my grade five interpretation of the House of Commons involving plasticine wigs and tiny creepy baby dolls).

Interested? See flyer below for deets & grab a PF Flyer box and get cracking (contestants can e-mail diorama@pfflyers.com to receive a free box).

*new* gallery craft lecture series

Talk craft

To celebrate 2007 as the Year of Craft, *new* gallery is sponsoring a series of Sunday afternoon talks.

Gordon Thompson - 'Craft theory and criticism'
Doctoral Candidate in Communications and Culture at York University; Ceramics Instructor at the Ontario College of Art & Design
Book launch: Craft+Idea = newvIews
Sunday, February 18, 2007, 2 pm

Other talks in the series:
Sunday, May 13, 2 pm: Michael Prokopow - 'From Hand to Mouth; or Talking about Craft and its Meanings –a personal reflection'
Professor at Ryerson University, Curator at the Design Exchange, specialty in material cultures of North America

Sunday, September 30, 2 pm: Melanie Egan - 'Curating Craft' Head of Craft at Harbourfront Centre, Toronto

Sunday, November 11, 2 pm: Paul McClure - 'Teaching Craft' Professor at George Brown College Jewellery School, Jewellery artist

Refreshments will be served. Advance tickets for the series: $30. This includes published copies of the four lectures in print ($20 value). $5 at the door for individual lectures.

*new* gallery
906 Queen Street West, Toronto
Info: 416-588-1200; http://www.new-gallery.ca

count 'em, 3 calls for vendors.

1. Toronto Outdoor Art Show

APPLICATION DEADLINE MARCH 1, 2007 at 5PM

Applications available online: www.torontooutdoorart.org

TOAE will take place July 6, 7 & 8, 2007 on Nathan Phillips Square.

TOAE is a charitable non-profit organization and takes no percentage of artists' sales. We gratefully acknowledge the support of our exhibition sponsors and award donors.

Image: Braden Labonte, Anislie 65 Friends, 2007 ink, gouache on mylar and acetate 40" x 30

2. CRAVE

The CRAVE Party series of girls night out events that mix cocktail sipping, with boutique and craft shopping, music, spa services and much more is coming back to Toronto in May 2007. See www.cravetoronto.com for all the juicy details.

Our re-launch will consist of a kick-off event for 250-300 women at The Bata Shoe Museum - the ultimate girly venue on Sunday, May 27, 2007 from 6pm-10pm.

We are now accepting applications from Toronto's design & craft communities to exhibit at the event.

The CRAVE Concept can be viewed here: http://www.cravetoronto.com/craveconcept.htm

The Vendor details can be viewed here: http://www.cravetoronto.com/vendorinvitation.htm

Information regarding exhibitor space should be directed to crave@cravetoronto.com.

3. Spring One of a Kind Show

It's not too late to apply for Spring 2007 One of a Kind Show ...

The One of a Kind Show creates a viable marketplace for quality Canadian art, craft and design, year after year... Here are some quick facts about the Show:

Our spring 2007 Show runs from March 28th to April 1st at the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, Toronto.

Approximately 50,000 of our loyal shoppers attend the Show to purchase from artists from all across Canada.

We put together a creative and targeted advertising campaign that is seen throughout Ontario and focuses on the artists and their work.

We have full-time publicists who are dedicated to securing media coverage for our Show and the artists.

Exhibiting at the One of a Kind Show is amazing exposure; whether you are just starting out, have retail presence or gallery representation, having approximately 50,000 people see your work is a great marketing tool.

The One of a Kind Show is destination shopping at its best; delivering qualified customers who are there to SHOP!

For more information contact Stephanie Rodrigues at 416.960.4516 or click here (www.oneofakinshow.com) to download an application.

thimble's book wishlist

feeling blah about february? take a browse through thimble's crafty book wishlist for some inspiration.
or check out any of our sweet toronto crafters' blogs (list in sidebar on the right) for ideas to get those creative juices unfrozen!

fabric social @ lakeshore arts

Angelune found this craft-guru led stitch & bitch happening at Lake Shore Arts.

Fabric Social

Upcoming dates: February 20/07, March 20/07, April 17/07, May 15/07

Assembly Hall
2733 Lakeshore Blvd. W.
7 pm - 9 pm $5.00

Come join us on the 3rd Tuesday of every month. Fabric Arts Maven, Wendy Smith, is on hand to answer any questions and/or help get you started on any project. A friendly and informal atmosphere, complete with tea and home made goodies!

Bring your beads, yarn, hooking, weaving, sewing, doll-making or any other fabric/craft/textile project that has been collecting dust or start something new.

call for submissions - 23rd annual art & craft show & sale @ burlington art centre

Via Akimbo:

Calling All Artists! Applications now being accepted for the Burlington Art Centre's 23rd Annual Art & Craft Show & Sale
brought to you by Tim Horton's

Saturday June 9th & Sunday June 10th, 2007 join us as one of the 100+ vendors in the 23rd Annual Art & Craft Fair, features juried crafts, one of a kind, by Canadian artists. The annual show attracts over 12,000 people each year and the setting for the event is along the waterfront of Burlington's beautiful downtown. This is a fundraising event for the Burlington Art Centre, who's mission to support artistic development, be a home to our art and fine craft guilds and active and affiliate groups, and support artists with Regional and local Exhibitions and education programs.

Applications and submission details are available on-line at www.BurlingtonArtCentre.on.ca or by calling 905-632-7796 ext. 302

Deadline: May 15

Burlington Art Centre
1333 Lakeshore Road, Burlington Ontario L7S 1A9
905-632-7796 or info@BurlingtonArtCentre.on.ca

happy (belated) birthday to us!

Well well. Crazy to think that just over a year has passed since my first sheepish post on this blog. I am thrilled to be celebrating our bloggyversary (or whatever ya call it) knowing that this is reaching more than a small handful of friends and relatives. Beyond that, though, I am buoyed and inspired to keep this party going by the lovely notes I receive regularly from you guys - sharing your happenings and letting me know how this project has helped you to connect to the Toronto craft, design & DIY community. Thanks so much for that, and keep 'em coming!

As a weensy token of appreciation for your support, I'd like to offer anyone who wants one a 1" TCA pin (or two or three), pictured below (but round, of course). Just email me with your address and how many you'd like, and I'll send it out to you in a bit. The first couple people to write will receive a handmade gift, made by me.



What does the Alert want for its birthday, you ask? In lieu of Japanese craft books, vintage fabric, and locally made ceramics, please just spread the word to friends, neighbours, colleagues, your blog readers, etc. etc. If the TCA button isn't already on your website, I am happy to provide you with the code. Anything you can do to get the Alert to wider audience supports the Toronto creative community. Go TEAM!

As a final note, I really want to recognize TCA teamster Angelune for her all of her awesome contributions to the TCA: content, creative, techinical, and general enthusiasm. Thanks lady!

wee reminder: love & craft events this weekend

A little burst of action in the the post holiday craft fair lull this weekend with a couple of v-day themed fairs.

Buy yourself, your pals, or your main squeeze a little something sweet/naughty at:

Sweethearts Craft Fair
Sat. Feb. 10 12-5pm
Good Catch General Store, 1556 Queen Street West (upstairs)

1st Annual Toronto Erotic Arts and Crafts Fair
Sat. Feb 10, 2007 12-5pm
Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen St. W.

mathgeek art

Though I've never made it out to one (definitely on my to do list), I've heard really great things about the Kodak Lecture Series at Ryerson. Recently they announced through Akimbo that crafty mathster Joanna Berzowska will giving a lecture on February 23rd, speaking about her work in the area of research and design of electronic textiles and responsive garments.

Her background is pretty freaking impressive: she received her Masters of Science from MIT for her work titled Computational Expressionism and subsequently worked with the Tangible Media Group of the MIT Media Lab and co-founded International Fashion Machines in Boston (do check out IFM....really playful & interesting work). She holds a BA in Pure Math and a BFA in Design Arts.

"Berzowska is best known for her creation of memory-rich garments such as the Finger Dress and the Feathery Dress which record and visually display the history of where the person wearing the garment has been touched by others. Berzowska also utilizes kinetic elements in pieces such as Kukkia, a dress that is decorated with flowers that possess autonomous behavior, opening and closing according to their own whims."

Cool huh?

7:30 pm, Friday, February 23, 2007
Centre for Computing and Engineering, Lecture Theatre 103, 245 Church Street (just north of Dundas Street East at Gould Street)
FREE. Arrive early for guaranteed seating.

POM POM dimmer from International Fashion Machines.

winkel fabric sale

First ever fabric sale @ Winkel (1107 Queen Street East)this weekend!

Barkcloth drapes, tablecloths, chenille bedspreads, upholstery, remnants, cushions, bit and bobs--it's all on sale for 2 days only!

Drop in and stock up on pieces for all your winter DIY projects.

Saturday Feb. 10 and Sunday Feb. 11
12 to 6pm


Wallpaper sample quilt by Winkel

help wanted: craft woodworker

Sonya from Stush is seeking a woodworker (and if possible, a woodworker who paints/screenprints) to construct wooden figures, about 4” high x .75” wide. These figures would then be painted/printed (with no visible brush strokes) with characters that Sonya's husband has created for an animated series and then varnished. See image below (from a Brio train set) for an idea of what they have in mind.

They would need about 150 each of 2 different characters.

Would you, or anyone you know, be up for the task? Or perhaps you have resources to recommend to them where they could find someone able to do so.

If so, please email Sonya (sonyaATstushstuff.com) and let her know.

plug n socket art & music fest

TCA reader Emily (of Thumbelina Card Co.) wrote in response to my recent call for 2007 craft show listings (nudge nudge, y'all) to let me know about the Plug 'N Socket Art & Music Festival.

This is a rockshow-slash-craft fair happening at the Tranzac Club (292 Brunswick Ave.) on Saturday March 3 from 6pm (doors) -1am (show ends).

The music for the night will include:
Yuka www.myspace.com/theyuka
Stone Fox Den: http://www.myspace.com/stonefoxden
Carmen Elle: http://www.myspace.com/carmenelle
Madleine Slate: www.myspace.com/madele

There is a $10 cover charge at the door or $8 with non-perishable food donation. Advance tickets are available for $8 through the organizer, Patric McGroarty: cirtapATgmail.com.

2007 craft shows?

I've had a reader request to refresh the motherlode craft fair list for 2007 - especially March & April shows. Does anyone know of any shows coming up that aren't already listed? Or perhaps you can confirm 2007 dates on those already on the list from last year.

If so, please leave a comment on this post, or email the dirt to torontocraftalertATgmail.com.

Thanks, yo.