It turns out I can make one of these in half a day. Hooray! It’s the Umbilical Cord Hat from the first Stitch ‘n Bitch book, with 8 extra stitches and as such, an extra lot of decreases to make up for the thinner yarn and smaller needles. Rav details here. I hope it’s still cold enough in China for a tiny new babby to wear a lovely wool hat.

It is getting colder here. And when I was choosing a yarn to knit the hat with, I found two bags of ‘Summer’ wool/silk roving from the Melbourne Handweavers and Spinners Guild in my stash. What better time to start spinning it than just after summer’s end, on the weekend of constant storming when we get hailstones the size of golfballs?

I also received some other lovely presents and many well-wishes from here, there and everywhere. Many, many thanks to everyone. I also had a very lovely party; thank goodness it was last weekend…

The war, it rages on in our house.

(I love the stuff so much that I had to pause this mid song and go make myself a delicious, delicious salty snack. It’s an addiction. Seriously.)

A warping board.
I need one of these. I wish I was a) better at woodworking or b) these were more prolific and less ridiculously expensive in Australia.

A skein holder
So I don’t have to use two chairs to wind a ball of yarn. A ball winder would be great too, but is less essential.

A drum carder
I’m dreaming, I know.

Black Monday
This is an etching by my friend Kyoko Imazu. I adore it. One day it will be mine. Also, any of her drawings or paintings from the Rachel’s Cabinet shop.

This tape dispenser
I saw it at the NGV shop and it is MADE OF AWESOME.

An old school, hand crank pencil sharpener
I fell in love with one of these at the library. The one I linked above is more adorable.

A bone folder
I have one of these, but I’d like a second one to keep at uni. A bone folder is the most essential tool for anyone working with paper. I’d also like a second awl, which is used to punch small holes in paper for sewn bindings, etc. in bookmaking.

Safety glasses, dust masks or a respiration mask
An odd request, I know. Clear safety glasses are most essential. As non-dorky and comfortable as possible is even more important. These are all part of our OH&S requirements for uni. The dust masks are for doing things like filing copper, using talc, etc.. The respirator mask is for using chemicals like turps or acid. I’ve managed to not need one so far and just worked near the exhausts, but it might be useful at some stage.

A Microplane zester grater
Please. Pretty please.

Kosta Boda ‘Mine’ tumblers
In any colour. I have two in orange and love them. I’d like to build the collection.

A floor-standing knock box
Because bench space is a precious commodity!

A double spout
For my Vibiemme handle. Part number 511672. It’s that easy.

An adjustable dress form
I’ve asked my parents for a Lincraft gift card to put towards one of these.

Finally, things from my various Wishlists.
Amazon, Fishpond, Etsy.

I’m a big believer in the idea that your business cards should reflect what it is you do. And being a printmaker, I always felt a bit odd sending off a file and some money to have someone else print my cards up for me. So a year or two back I had the idea to upcycle my old printmaking remnants into business cards. I tried a few times running prints through our printer, but the thickness of the paper made it a bit difficult, and I also couldn’t use up a bunch of the small scraps I had. I contemplated making a photo-etched copper plate with my details, but that always seemed just too difficult and messy. Then a year ago, I was in an exhibition with Wanda Gillespie, and she showed me this awesome stamp she’d bought and used to make notes on post-its as part of her work. It’s essentially a blank case that comes with tiny rubber type, and you can set 3-4 lines in the stamp. Aside from the business cards, I’m also currently using it to create an edition of tiny art/poetry zines (or “art books” if you’re Paul, who I imagine breaks out in a rash at the mere mention of the word “zine”). So stay tuned!

Edited to add: the prints on the non-type sides of these cards are combinations of monoprinting, linocut printing and lithography.

Dear Internet,

A year ago, I started a contract job at the State Library of Victoria doing basic but Very Important collection work — retrieving items, reshelving, collection maintenance and front-of-house service. At the same time, I was accepted into the Master of Fine Art (Printmaking) course at RMIT University. My job was full time, so I took a Leave of Absence from the course for a year.

A month ago my contract at the library finished, and while I would have loved to stay there, my contract wasn’t extendable and no other jobs with the library were available. Next week I start my new degree on a part time basis, and I am very excited about this. What I am less excited about is the fact that I still have no job.

Obviously I’m looking for something part time or casual. My contact hours at university are minimal and self driven, but I will still have a lot of work to do. I would prefer art gallery, museum or library work. I love art. I love putting things in order. I love managing collections. If you have or know of a position in this realm, please let me know. I also have a degree in advertising and worked as a copywriter for several years before taking the art path. I graduated at the top of my class, I enjoy writing and people seem to think I do it well. Any job leads in this area would also be welcome.

So, email me at getajob AT crumpart DOT net if you think my awesomeness would be appreciated somewhere. Thanks Internet!

I made this in 2008. And didn’t put it on the internet until today…

Related: I have started a tumblr. It’s called Once Upon A Spacetime, and it is to be the electronic box for my MFA bits and pieces.