Knit Purl Revolt

Tumblr Won

noreply@blogger.com (Cassidy) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 15:40:00 +0000

Sooo my current obsession with tumblr has swept me away from Blogspot for the time being.
Perhaps I'll start writing here again the future. We shall see.
But for now, tumblr has won.

Knit Purl Revolt! T-Shirts

noreply@blogger.com (Cassidy) — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 02:23:00 +0000

So I've begun making t-shirts!
In my world, this involves creating stencils and getting daring with spray paint, mostly.

First, use an exacto knife to cut out wicked stencils

Then; spray paint!!!

I just love to create!
I'm going to be selling them on my etsy store (knitpurlrevolt.etsy.com)
Or, if you want to buy one, just email me at knitpurlrevolt@gmail.com
I'm selling them on a sliding price scale of $6 to $8 (Plus S&H), depending on what you feel you can afford.
I'm not looking to make tons of money from my etsy store, I just want to be part of what I think is an amazing crafting community.
I've purchased many an item from etsy, and it's just a great feeling to know that what you purchase supports a fellow crafter in their work.
We need to support each other!

Knit. Purl. Revolt!

Knit Purl Revolt Goes Tumblr

noreply@blogger.com (Cassidy) — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 13:43:00 +0000

KnitPurlRevolt can now be found on Tumblr!

knitpurlrevolt.tumblr.com

I plan to have the tumblr version of the blog be more photo/visual based, as tumblr often is, while keeping the blogspot written/detailed.
But, it will be a process to figure out how to maintain both blogs without becoming repetitive.
Hopefully, having both blogs will help me reach a broader audience and to grow and improve as a blogger.

Knit. Purl. Revolt.

Round Scarf, Almost Complete!

noreply@blogger.com (Cassidy) — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 19:22:00 +0000

I'm thinking of starting up a tumblr as a supplement to my blog.
The tumblr would just be photos, as tumblr often is.
Then the blog would remain the same, photos and more in-depth writing.
Thinking about it...
I'd like to start an etsy shop for my knitting.
Only issue is, etsy is so over saturated with knitting shops as it is.
I'll have to think about it.

Knit. Purl. Revolt.

The Self

noreply@blogger.com (Cassidy) — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 03:41:00 +0000

Traits that I want to foster in myself, in a sense, the person I want to be

Generous
Honest
Have a strong sense of self
Constructive and creative
Loving and open
Emotionally available
Cooperative in conversation
Accept imperfection
Assertive
Authentic, honest
Genuine
Secure, satisfied with self
Balance between sensitive and rational

Growing up isn't easy. We are constantly becoming. I'm trying every day. Some days I fail, and some days I succeed. But I have to keep trying.

Knit. Purl. Revolt.

This Society is Having an Existential Crisis

noreply@blogger.com (Cassidy) — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 13:54:00 +0000

I want to share a passage that I encountered in the book I am reading "Gaining: The Truth About Life After Eating Disorders by Aimee Liu.
I really relate to this passage, and I'm sure many others do as well. It functions as a constant reminder, to be, rather than to have.

As psychoanalyst Erich Fromm wrote in "To Have or To Be?: "We internalize the authoritarian structure of our society," and most of us, depending on our class and social position, learn early that we are expected to get a particular kind of education, get married at a particular time of life, get a particular kind of job, and ultimately get as rich and as famous as our circumstances will allow. If we are female, we are also trained to hunger for a better face and body. But all this getting rarely gains us a sense of our own identity. "Most people," according to Fromm, "believe theyy are following their own will and are unaware that their will itself is conditioned and manipulated." In other words, they operate under an illusion of decisiveness without actually being self-directed. For those who do sense and recoil from this manipulation, the need to feel real may demand physical as well as emotional relocation, to a different kind of community or culture.

The true existential choice, Fromm wrote, is not between wanting this or that-miniskirts or boyfriends, money or love-but between wanting to claim possession of things, roles, and even relationships (Let me have) and wanting to freely exist, express oneself, give and experience (Let me be).

Knit. Purl. Revolt.

Queer Love Party Party!

noreply@blogger.com (Cassidy) — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 14:25:00 +0000

NYC Pride Parade Today!!!
And just a couple of days ago, New York State legalized gay marriage!
I don't need the state to legalize me. NO HUMAN IS ILLEGAL!
But civil rights are always a good thing, so I consider gay marriage a win!
Today I shall wear my sparkly pink dress with pride and march in that parade like the queer-as-hell punk that I am. It's about the community. Getting together in a place where we aren't marginalized. Where we can celebrate who we are and what we love. And we do it in style.
And I will love every minute of it.

Knit. Purl. Revolt.

Grades Destroy Imagination and Creativity

noreply@blogger.com (Cassidy) — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 14:33:00 +0000

"Grades are a problem. On the most general level, they're an explicit acknowledgment that what you're doing is insufficiently interesting or rewarding for you to do it on your own. Nobody ever gave you a grade for learning how to play, how to ride a bicycle, or how to kiss. One of the best ways to destroy love for any of these activities would be through the use of grades, and the coercion and judgment they represent. Grades are a cudgel to bludgeon the unwilling into doing what they don't want to do, an important instrument in inculcating children into a lifelong subservience to whatever authority happens to be thrust over them."

-Derrick Jensen

Knit. Purl. Revolt.

For The Love Of A Sweater: My 50th Post!

noreply@blogger.com (Cassidy) — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 20:44:00 +0000

Working on a patch-work sweater of my own design.
Currently working with a cotton blend orange/cream colored yarn on a size 9 needle.
I've never made a sweater before, or even looked at a sweater pattern, so this is completely from scratch and from my chaotic brain.
From chaos comes cozy warm order I suppose.

Also this is my blogs 50TH POST!
*Hooray*

Knit. Purl. Revolt.

If you're sad, write it

noreply@blogger.com (Cassidy) — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 03:19:00 +0000

On the morning when I woke up without you for the first time
I felt free and I felt lonely and I felt scared
And I began to talk to myself almost immediately
Not being used to being the only person there

And the first time I made coffee for just myself
I made to much of it
But I drank it all just because you hate it
When I let things go to waste

And I wandered through the house like a little boy lost at the mall
And an astronaut could have seen the hunger in my eyes from space
And I sang
Oh, what do I do? What do I do? What do I do?
What do I do without you?

On the morning when I woke up without you for the first time
I was cold so I put on a sweater and I turned on the heat
And the walls began to close in and I felt so sad and frightened
That I practically ran from the living room out onto the street

And the wind began to blow and the trees began to pant
And the world in its cold way started coming alive
And I stood there like a business man waiting for a train
And I got ready for the future to arrive

And I sang
Oh what do I do? What do I do?
What to I do without you?

~Woke Up New by The Mountain Goats

Holding Advertisers Accountable!

noreply@blogger.com (Cassidy) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 14:29:00 +0000

(Source: commuknits.tumblr.com)

Knit.Purl.Revolt.

Protest at the Trenton State House!

noreply@blogger.com (Cassidy) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 14:06:00 +0000

I'm reposting the information about this rally from the Facebook group.
Governor Christie of New Jersey thinks he can take away NJ workers right o collective bargaining? Who does he think he is, the governor of Wisconsin?? Well, workers put up one hell of a fight in Wisconsin, and we're not going down without a fight in New Jersey! Be there and show your support for workers across NJ and the country! Solidarity forever!

THIS IS ROUND 3! ON THIS DATE, THE ASSEMBLY WILL HOLD A HEARING AND WILL CALL A VOTE! Legislators will spend some time caucusing with their caucus in private; state-wide media will be present. YOU MUST BE HERE TO STOP THIS FAST-TRACKED LEGISLATION!

STAND UP FOR WHAT'S RIGHT! COME OUT WITH YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY MEMBERS, AND CO-WORKERS IN ORDER TO CONVINCE THE LEGISLATURE THAT WE MATTER!

...Parking details are being finalized. Shuttle busses will depart from the Rear Lot (Outfield) of the Trenton Thunder Stadium (1 Thunder Road; Trenton, NJ 08611).

Beginning at 10:00 AM, join the demonstrations, picketing, speeches, and street activity outside of State House.

* Union leaders from around the country will join the demonstration.

* Bring noisemakers to let the legislators know that you are there.

12:30 - ?: Events of the day will dictate how long we’ll continue our demonstrations outside the State House. NOTE: THIS RALLY IS PREDICTED TO BE LONGER THAN THE 6/17 RALLY! Remember, the proposed pension and health benefit legislation will have a devastating effect on every current, retired, and future public employee in New Jersey. A FEW HOURS OF YOUR TIME IS WELL WORTH GIVING TO SAVE YOUR FUTURE!

* Bring a chair, some water, and prepare to spend the day with your union brothers and sisters.

Knit. Purl. Revolt.

Knitting in the Summer?

noreply@blogger.com (Cassidy) — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 20:59:00 +0000

Summer knitting is an interesting paradox.
It is far too hot to wear anything you knit.
Even holding the yarn in your hands feels a bit insane, like the strands themselves are infused with heat.
Yet, if you want to have knitwear to sell/donate/wear in the fall, summer is the best time to get your knitting done!
So right now I am working on a knitted neckerchief in preparation for the autumn...when I'll be in Ireland!!

Knit. Purl. Revolt.

Hiatus Over!

noreply@blogger.com (Cassidy) — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 15:09:00 +0000

I am officially ending my hiatus from the blogosphere!
*CONFETTI RAINS FROM THE SKY*
My first post will come shortly, but I just wanted to say hi, and hope that some people still read this blog!

Knit. Purl. Revolt.

Portland = Blog Hiatus

noreply@blogger.com (Cassidy) — Wed, 11 May 2011 02:40:00 +0000

Tomorrow I embark on a two week trip to Portland.
I know that most avid bloggers would take this as an opportunity to blog about all the cool stuff they are seeing and doing.
But I am planning on using this trip as a way to disconnect from some technology, which means less computer time, not more.
So, Portland = Blog Hiatus.
I kind of need the hiatus anyways.
I've been feeling inspired lately, but not about blogging.
Probably because I am craving some privacy. There's nothing private about blogging, even for a humble blog like mine :P
So keep following, and in a couple of weeks, I'll be back!
And who knows, I might blog a tiny bit during my trip :)

Bring It On

noreply@blogger.com (Cassidy) — Tue, 03 May 2011 18:02:00 +0000

As I sit here, procrastinating the large pile of impending finals work that lays before me, my mind wanders to all things post-finals. To summer, the magical time when we college students set aside required reading and writing to focus on that which moves us intellectually and emotionally. Or at least, that's what I do!
I always like to set goals of sorts for the summer, to safe-guard against becoming lethargic and lackadaisical. So here they are, writting in the two-dimensional cyber system, my projects for the summer.

1. Study for the GRE - Not thrilling, at all, but I am taking this exam in July, so I should at least attempt to prepare for it.
2. Knit a simple sweater.
3. Translate three Elliott Smith CD's into French - I figured out this is an excellent way to work on a language.
4. Learn by heart five songs on my violin.
5. Read 5 challenging books - the books are to be decided, I'll keep you updated.

So there you have it, summer projects to engage the intellect, the creative, the studious, the linguistic, and the musical.
What can I say, I'm a Renaissance woman.

Knit. Purl. Revolt.

Happy May Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Cassidy) — Mon, 02 May 2011 03:08:00 +0000

May Day: A day to remember the anarchist Haymarket martyrs, and to continue the international fight for workers' rights.
This May Day I celebrated workers' solidarity at a local rally organized by Unidad Latina En Accion. The mission: fight for workers' and immigrants' rights.

Demands included:
Just and Humane Immigration Reform
Labor Rights for All Workers
Jobs For All Regardless of Race, Gender, or Religion
A Local ID Card for Anyone Who Wants One

So let May Day 2011 be remembered as the day that workers and immigrants stood together, as we are one in the same.

Also, in honor of May Day, I knitted a Happy May Day Headband!

Knit. Purl. Revolt.

Pass the Post-Modern, Please

noreply@blogger.com (Cassidy) — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 16:26:00 +0000

The point is not to stay marginal, but to participate in whatever network of marginal zones is spawned from other disciplinary centers and which, together, constitute a multiple displacement of those authorities.

Judith Butler

Knit. Purl. Revolt.

Wearing Sunshine

noreply@blogger.com (Cassidy) — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 17:18:00 +0000

In the spirit of welcoming the springtime, I knit a sunshine hued cabled headband :)

Knitting makes me happy, as does the beautiful weather.
Yesterday was the perfect day to be outside.
A friend and I went out to a local park/battlefield and just lay in the wild green grass, and it smelled good. And the trees cast lengthy shadows that you could hide within. And as the shadows lengthened and the wind cooled, I could feel the springtimes of the past stretched out over my memory, and each one was novel and new again.

Knit. Purl. Revolt.

Spontaneous Haircut

noreply@blogger.com (Cassidy) — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 03:18:00 +0000

I felt the need to give myself a spontaneous haircut today.
First time sporting a Chelsea.
Not sure if I like it or not.
We shall see.

Knit. Purl. Revolt.

Earth Day ~ Hell Yea!

noreply@blogger.com (Cassidy) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 14:46:00 +0000

Happy Earth Day comrades!!!

Go Vegan!
No, seriously, go vegan.
This is an act that you can partake in every single day to benefit the earth, the animals, and your health.

Fun links!:
http://www.earthday.org/earth-day-2011
http://www.vegan.org/

Knit. Purl. Revolt.

(Photo Source: sacramentoscoop.com)

Thought Control: Right-Wing Koch Brothers Caught Telling Thousands of Employees How To Vote

noreply@blogger.com (Cassidy) — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 16:11:00 +0000

Thought Control: Right-Wing Koch Brothers Caught Telling Thousands of Employees How To Vote

Follow the above link for an excellent analysis of the Koch brothers involvement in manipulating the politics of their over 50,000 workers.
The power of the bourgousie to influence, through exploitation, the outward politics of their workers, and to repress their true beliefs has been going on for as long as industrial capitalism has existed. But now, as industry becomes more consolidated and monopolized, there is even less room for dissent among workers, who fear losing their jobs if they have dissident opinions. The right-wing, free-market libertarian ideals of the bosses has no place being forced upon the worker. The Koch brothers are guilty of holding forced political meetings among workers in order to manufacture consent. Worse than this, it is completely legal as previous Supreme Court rulings have passed a dangerous precedent granting freedom of speech to corporations, and giving corporations rights akin to those granted to the individual.
Should bosses and CEO's be allowed to manufacture political consent amongst their workers? I say no, of course.
This only further proves that our country is a plutocracy, run by the rich and powerful in the interests of the rich and powerful.
And we must stand by workers, and fight for their right to express their true political opinions!

Knit. Purl. Revolt.

Community Garden in Red Bank??

noreply@blogger.com (Cassidy) — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:27:00 +0000

http://redbank.patch.com/articles/appeals-for-community-garden-in-red-bank-continue

I'm a big fan of community gardens.
Community members growing their own local produce, talking, making friends, and cultivating beautiful gardens...what's not to love?
And Red Bank is a place near to my heart. I've spent a lot of time there and have quite a few friends who live in the area.
What are your thoughts on community gardens?
A good use of space? A place that is sure to be neglected?
Weigh in, I'm curious!

Knit. Purl. Revolt.

Political Doodle

noreply@blogger.com (Cassidy) — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 16:52:00 +0000

I forgot how much I enjoy pen and ink drawing.

Knit. Purl. Revolt.

Soft Spoken

noreply@blogger.com (Cassidy) — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 19:56:00 +0000

I'm really loving this knitted chain scarf.
Even more so, I love this photograph.
The photo is as soft as I imagine the scarf feels.
So I'm giving a shout out and some free advertising space to Soft Spoken: Handmade and Vintage Designs, a knitting shop on Etsy.

It's been a rough week. I'm not up for politics this week.
I'm down for art, escape, the woods, the water...nature is soothing to me when I feel shittiest.
Trying to effect positive change in the world can feel overwhelming when your own small, personal world has been flipped upside down.
I need sunlight and fresh air and water, or I will wilt like a flower in the frost.

Knit. Purl. Revolt.