Help me reach my goal of donating 100 scarves, hats or neckwarmers to our troops through Operation Gratitude!  Download the flyer below and share it with your fiber friends.  Have a blog?  Please repost!  Twitter account? Tweet away.  Facebook to your heart's delight... and THANK YOU for your contributions!

If you do happen to repost or decide to donate, please post a comment letting us all know - I know there's power in numbers - and I have a feeling we'll be able to make a big impact this holiday season with our efforts.

Wait... what am I doing SEWING?! - you'll see... - just keep in mind I was doing this for a number of weekends.. secretly working on this project and not telling many folks...

It's all in the past now... but wow - STILL reveling in the fun we had preparing for (and experiencing "Kenny's Wicked Weekend!" - let's get one thing out of the way... no, I didn't spell the title wrong ... bear with me - you'll see why it's important in good time! haha

First, I'll tell you - I had traveled from Los Angeles to San Francisco each weekend for a month preparing with my best friend John for this weekend.  Kenny Chua had mentioned that he wanted to see Wicked - he wanted the gang to join him in Houston to see the show for the 4th of July.  No offense to those who live in TX, but have you ever BEEN to TX in the summer?  eek.  HOT.  so... we started planning... some of that planning took lots of sewing (and surging and embroidering!) - we made magic happen.  (John and I are also running - we're going to do a marathon; my 2nd, John's 1st! at some point this year!)...  so we worked on our secret project, and ran at least once each weekend (except for one!)

then...

Kenny, Gregg, Chuck and I flew to San Francisco for the 4th of July weekend - and among all the other fun things we got to do, we spent some time visiting yarn shops...

Here we are at A Verb for Keeping Warm - it was a true treat to meet the owner Kristine and see her shop - I never thought I would have the pleasure of seeing this space... it's worth visiting, and if you have ever pondered the idea of buying from her, I can't give you a higher recommendation.  She was kind, informative and honest about all my questions relating to owning a fiber business (my dream!) - we were also lucky enough to be hosted to our tour of Berkeley by none other than wondermike of Fiber Beat ... he took photos of us, toured us around the town and shared lunch with him.. it was a real adventure!

We also visited the "T Cozy" - some knit taggers did this bit of public yarn bombing... on a public art installation of "HERE" and "THERE" referencing a famous poem.. "there is no 'there' there..."

We went to Lacis Museum of Lace and Textiles - my favorite part of this place was it's overwhelming selection of gorgeous vintage (style) scissors!

OK OK... so now it's time for WICKED! - we dressed up in our black pants, white shirts, green argyle socks, official "Wicked" green glasses, top hats and CUSTOM MADE Opera Capes!

Here they are... hand made by John and me... black crepe, lined in black satin... the interior of each cape has the San Francisco skyline in green sequin fabric embroidered along the base - and on one side of the cape there's the Golden Gate Bridge with "Kenny's Wicked Weekend" and the details of the weekend memorialized under the roadway.

It was an incredible weekend - and the show is amazing - we were 5th row CENTER - we went around back and met some of the cast, got Kenny's grimmerie (souvenier book) signed by some of the actors... and in the end, everyone appreciated the capes - other patrons took our photos, the crew laughed and pointed us out as "crazy fans" and we all learned a valuable lesson - if you really LOVE something and dive in with all your heart, most people will be supportive...

We love Kenny - and now I'm pretty sure he's OK with the idea of parading downtown San Francisco in capes.. as long as he's with his friends.

For the actual 4th of July - we had a picnic in Dolores park... and unveiled the cake we had made for Kenny... the Asian bakery that made it for us (who also make the amazingly yummy pork buns I have to eat every morning when visiting) spelled "Wicked" wrong... but what were we going to do but laugh and take the cake... in the end, it was perfect... even if it wasn't.

Memories... these crazy life changing wacky weekends are some of the best type... and if there's a typo in them, then so be it - the cake was YUMMY.. the weekend perfect.... in every way - weather, friends, atmosphere... we are lucky boys to know each other... and it's all because of knitting.

Happy Birthday, Kenny (a few months late!)

Here are some of the photos from the weekend-- in no particular order (bear with them - lots of photos from the yarn shops, the Laci's museum, and our fun adventures with WonderMike... hang tight... there are fun photos of the cake... us in our capes...

What can I say that hasn't already been said?  The Men's Knitting Retreats are a MUST for guys who are enthralled with all things fiber.  I am proud to say this was my second trip to Easton, NY to the Spring MKR, and once again, it was overwhelming, inspiring, and empowering!

There were 44 men in attendance this year - about half of the attendees were returning members... and the only thing I might regret out of the entire trip was the inability to get to see and spend enough time with each person.  I think of these retreats a lot like I do of going on vacation - I often pick one spot, and sit down and really REALLY try to get to know it - that way, when I am back in the real world, I am left with a strong understanding of at least one aspect... this makes for good memories, but there's always the tiny corner of the mind that wonders what other things were around that were missed!

I put my photos on flickr as a slideshow - to save space in the post and to be sure to offer a "view" of the retreat to those who want to re-visit as well as those who might want to attend in the future. 

I am lucky to be strongly connected to 3 of the retreat attendees - Chuck, John and Kenny are my wonderful friends - my "fiber pals" - we are constantly in touch, emailing, texting and visiting each other... we are true friends and it's AMAZING to me that we get to share this passion of fiber (which is, admittedly, what brought us together!)  - During the retreat, we spent a lot of time together - and as usual, this time means so much. 

We all flew to Albany, NY the day before the retreat so that we could take a day trip to WEBS - in Northhampton, MA -

it's the MECCA for yarn junkies -- aisle after aisle of gorgeous yarn - we were greeted with smiles (and gift bags!), given a brief outline of the layout of the shop, and then sent off running through the aisles of gorgeous yarn!  We were shown the stock area, and even the (secret) packing and shipping area!  Everyone there was helpful, smart, and sensible with our money and ideas - I felt quite at home, and was thankful that we made the visit!  Now, when I go to www.yarn.com, I will think of my friends at webs and know who's packing my orders! -  I ended up with yarn for a sweater, and a pair of socks.  I wanted to buy a LOT more but had to restrain myself... after all, we were just beginning!!

After lunch, we headed to Norhhampton Wools - owned by Linda Daniels - she was a treat to meet, and was really interested in the Men's Knitting Retreats.  I spoke to her about a box I saw in her shop (there's actually 2 stores side by side!) and after a bit of coaxing, she allowed me to adopt it! - it's beautiful, amazing and HAND CARVED from South Africa! - I asked her if she had the possibility of getting more - if you would like to email her to express interest, do so HERE - and be sure to mention that I sent you!!

I LOVE this box (it's about 18" long x 8" deep x 5" high) - along with the memories and friendships created at the retreat, it's one of my prized posessions.  I don't know if there will ever be another box available, but I did hint to Linda that people will probably be beating her door down to buy them! - feel free to let her know if you want one (or two!) 

I will post later about what I was knitting at the retreat, and other patterns I plan to start... I could write all weekend and not have expressed all the fun and joy that results from these retreats!!

As far as the actual retreat, it was an incredible experience, and I look forward to the next time that I get to see all my fiber brothers - we are VERY lucky that Joe and Ted took the initiative to create such a nurturing and loving space - and through our repeated visits, the family is growing closer and closer; sharing knowledge, stories and love with their creative bretheren.

To those of you who just "wish" you could have attended - make the point to attend next year's retreat NOW - or go to the MFKR on the west coast - they are important to our creative development - and you'll be very glad you did. 

For those of you who want to my photos - here you go - (not in any particular order!) - 

So, in the end... more fun than we can put into words, or photos... it's a tradition (now) to share this time with friends... I know we just had the retreat - but I'm looking forward to next year's gathering again... who knows what we'll come up with for show and tell (my mind is already coming up with a knitalong!) - but one thing I do know - if it's possible, I'll be there!!! 

It's the kind of entry anyone can make - if you have suffered the loss of someone you love - a friend, relative, coworker, mentor or even a pet, click on the  "Dead Letter Project" logo above to be direted to the description page outlining the requirements to participate in this worthwhile project.  

Please also share the call for submissions with your friends - and direct them to my website: www.kylewilliam.com.  The more letters that are submitted, the more successful the project will be.

Contact me with any questions! :)

Kyle

I'm happy with this one - started last September (2009) it's a top down raglan based on the pattern (#991) by Diane Soucy - I used Plymouth Mushishi yarn along with a "mystery" yarn I got as a gift at the Men's Spring Knitting Retreat in 2009.  I striped the piece knitting 2 rows of color A, then 2 rows of color B... it's a fun and easy knit - and had hibernated for quite a while as a funny looking vest... I decided it is so close to done I should just finish it, so I did! - Lucky for me, it's supposed to be chilly on Monday so I'll get to wear it!

I have also been busy with ceramics... focusing on the use of the image transfer technique that I was introduced to last fall - I was lucky enough to get one of the copy machines that allows this technique - and I have been going crazy with it! 

I decided to focus this Spring's work on simple forms, and using Elizabeth Zimmerman (Knitting Goddess) as inspiration.  I am only using one type of clay (B mix with sand) and only one main glaze (green celadon) - there are limitations as to the types of glazes that can be used with this technique, and from what I have been told this one should work fine...

Here is one of the pieces I made on Saturday - it's a "Melody" bowl (named after Melody Cooper who taught this technique - a simple slab bowl textured on the outside - with a pedestal base... and the rim of the bowl has attached scraps/pieces of textured clay -

The interior of this bowl has transferred images using the above noted technique - it's cut up directions on how to knit a certain men's sweater pattern.  Don't go trying to knit the pattern using the directions, though - there's not enough here to complete the work! 

I then used a green engobe (colored slip) to paint around the transfers, and did some random "fractured" painting on the pedestal to try to balance the coloring.  This piece is ready to be bisque fired and once it's out of that first firing, it'll get glazed with green celadon and high fired.  The green will be more subtle, and the transfers will change color... (I'll show you as soon as it's done!)

WHAT AN EXPERIENCE!  I have so many things to say... but all of them translate to THANK YOU - to my supporters, both online and off, family, friends, co-workers... each and every one of you who listened, supported and contributed to the joy I am feeling as a result of completing the 25th Los Angeles Marathon!

On Sunday my alarm went off at 3AM (not a mistake!) - I got in my clothes, including some PJ bottoms that kept me warm while waiting for the race to start... I had a garbage bag with a hole cut in the top for my head to keep my upper body warm - it's not a gorgeous look but it works... met up with my running pals and we waited for time to start.

At the starting line, along with over 25,000 other people, I pulled my PJ bottoms off (exposing my running shorts!) and tossed them on the fence by the side of the course, they were collected along with hundreds of other pieces of clothing and donated to charity -

Running is not impossible or painful.  Training for this day was easy with the National AIDS Marathon Training Program.  It took just over 5-1/2 months... weekly runs, maintenance runs... it's all attainable.  Raising money for AIDS Project Los Angeles was an honor, and with your help I currently have raised $4,494.54!!! - I am STILL working towards my goal - I promised $5,000.00 and I intend to reach it.  If you haven't donated or want to give more, visit HERE - as of right now, I am 10th highest fundraiser out of 250 runners who participated in the LA marathon training program this season!

The day of the race, my training pace group got together, set a plan for one or two of us to keep time and pace, and off we went - slowly working our way through the amazing new "stadium to the sea" course... In the beginning it was easy - running around Dodgers Stadium... mile 1... mile 2... mile 3... it felt like any other training run except for the energy being shared by spectators... and the bands and events on the sidelines keeping us entertained...

I think I started getting tired around mile 11 - it was time for a salt packet (you know; the kind you get at fast food places) - eating this packet restores sodium levels... and it is necessary....

Mile 22 was the breaking point... the "wall" as it is called... but the coaches from my program kept showing up (out of nowhere it seemed) and jogged along with us - asking what we needed.. gave some inspirational thoughts... like less than 1% of all people on the planet ever run a marathon... or that a marathon is around 52, 400 steps... 26.2 miles... or that the good we did raising money has made such a difference in the lives of those who REALLY needed it... that we should complete the marathon with pride because we are heros...

The last mile was a joyous thing - running along the Pacific Ocean towards the finish line, hearing all the hundreds of people lining the street cheering us on, calling out "You can do it!" - holding up signs "Don't Give Up" or "Never Quit" - it brought tears to my eyes - and for those last few hundred steps, I ran in, remembering those who couldn't run the marathon... thinking of all my friends who supported me and helped me believe I could do it... and being thankful that I have completed this goal - I RAN A MARATHON! -

How long did it take?  6 hours, 40 minutes and 5 seconds... a LONG time.  I never said I was fast... I did finish.  My legs were in pain the next day - I literally couldn't walk the next day - the second day I was in pain but could at least get to work... today, I'm back to almost normal (still hurt but smiling) -

So... thank you for your support - for helping me raise a LOT of money for those in need... for helping me to prove to myself that I can do anything I set my mind to... and for believing in me...

The other good things that happened as a result of my decision to do this:

TWO friends decided to change their eating habits... they each have lost near (if not over) 50 pounds... both working towards healthier lifestyles... another friend actually JOINED me on the marathon training quest - she took the steps to realize her own personal goal of running a marathon... so not only have we raised lots of money, we have directly impacted the lives of 3 specific people... (and me... that makes 4!) -

Now that the marathon is behind me, I'll be focusing on lots of other things... ceramics, weaving and of course KNITTING.... more about these things later - for now, I hope you'll indulge me and allow this post to just be one big THANK YOU for everything you have done and the support you shared.

I could not have done it without you!!!

Kyle.

After finishing the 25th Los Angeles Marathon - a sense of pride... exhaustion and accomplishment...

A week from tomorrow (on March 21, 2010) I will be FINALLY running the 25th Los Angeles Marathon - joining 25,000 other runners on the path from Dodger Stadium to the Santa Monica Pier -

I must send a big THANK YOU to all those who have donated!  With your help, I have been able to raise (to date) $3718.92!!  I am just over $1,300.00 short of the goal of $5,000.00 - it'd be AMAZING to reach that goal, but I am proud of getting this far, and currently being one of the TOP TEN FUNDRAISERS in the program!!

Now comes the fun part - running 26.2 miles! -

For those of you who might want to keep track of my time and pace during the marathon, you can go HERE - and sign up... Search for me (Kyle Kunnecke) as the runner you'll track during the event.  Once signed up, as I progress through the race, they will send you updates as to my time!  Cool, huh!! 

Let me know if you are tracking me - I am curious how many people actually want to follow my time! - You can also watch the marathon on KTLA Channel 5 - from 7AM - 10AM (I won't have finished by this time!) haaha

You can choose to receive updates via pager, email or text message.  This is the coolest thing and I'm SUPER excited to be able to share my time with you.  Keep in mind as you discover my pace, I'm not a "real" runner... I'll be slow, but two things I will promise:

1. I WILL finish the marathon!
2. I will NOT be the last person to cross the finish line!

If you are still able to make a donation and want to help me get to the $5,000 goal, please make one more trip to the donation site - give what you can, and share the link with your friends -

I'll be thinking of all of you while approaching the finishin line at the end of this long journey - it really is true: you can do anything you want if you set your mind to it! 

Our wonderful friend Chuck turned 40 in January, 2010 - and to commemorate the event, he arranged for 21 of his friends and family to meet and spend a week in a 17,000 square foot villa in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico!  (I know, I know; we're LUCKY!) - the weather was AMAZING, views spectacular, and the experience will stay with me the rest of my life as one of the best trips EVER! 

Now, in this season of snow and cold across much of the United States, I know some of you will be envious of the 80 degree weather with clear skies... take a gander at some of the photos and just try to remember that winter doesn't last forever; soon it will be spring again and you too will have the sunshine and gorgeous days!

While on the trip we also went on a forest canopy tour, using ziplines hundreds of feet above the forest floor to travel from one mountain to the next, we played with tiny cute monkeys, and even went on a day cruise to a remote beach where we were served a gourmet meal... we snorkled, frolicked in waves, shopped and had more fun than we deserved!  It was a memorable birthday celebration and the best vacation EVER.

During the visit the majority of our time was spent lounging at the pool or sitting on the gorgeous patio and visiting with friends.  I, of course, was knitting... along with our friend Kenny from Houston and John from San Francisco.  I brought my fair isle vest to work on and got a lot accomplished during the flight down, but while at the villa, it seemed difficult to concentrate... maybe it was the friends and fun conversation, or perhaps it was a result of the amazing hand made frozen strawberry margueritas that our bar staff (yes, we had STAFF!) made -

The food was incredible - all made fresh from local fare brought to the villa by Vinny (the house manager) and the cook prepared everything to order - we had an incredible birthday cake on Chuck's birthday and I could have probably eaten the entire thing myself...

In knitting news, I am working on the fair isle vest, and a few other goodies... including knitted boxer shorts which were designed by Brian Kohler of Skacel.  I'm quite into the knitting groove as of late; just in time for school to start back up.

Yes, school.

This semester offers only two courses for me: Abnormal Psychology and Ceramics (which I guess would be considered an intermediate course this time; I'll be required to make a plate, a pedestal bowl, and 4 pieces of tableware (cups, bowls, butter dishes, whatever) - all themed around the inspiration of an artist which I must still come up with - any ideas?

I decided not to take a 3rd course this semester and instead will dedicate THAT time to my circular sock knitting machine.  I must make that thing work!  I am hoping to get proficient at it so that I will be able to make socks for others quickly and beautifully... and the only reason I don't do it is because I "don't have time" -- so, I'll make time! - that way, I can spend a few hours a week dedicated to the machine and with any luck that'll get me on my way!

Of course, I'm still running - last week, we ran 20 miles (yes, 20 miles!) - we were up and running at 6AM and I can not begin to tell you how amazing it feels to have accomplished this!  Next week I'll be running the Pasadena Half-Marathon - and then on March 21st I'll be running the Los Angeles Marathon!

I am hosting dinner at Marie Callender's on March 3, 2010 in Toluca Lake, CA - if you are in the area, please print out this flyer and present it to the cashier when paying your bill - 15% of the total will be donated to my efforts and in turn to AIDS Project Los Angeles! 

There will also be a WONDERFUL raffle held the same evening - raffle tickets are $1 each, and there's a coupon for 2 free tickets when you buy 20 on the flier.  Winners need not be present to win, so if you want to buy tickets and place them on an item, feel free to email me and let me know - I will have you donate through my online donation page - once I see the donation there I can mark and place your raffle tickets.  The only stipulation is that if you can not pick up your item, I will ask you to cover the cost of shipping. 

Please cross post and share this event with your Los Angeles family and friends - the more people who bring these flyers on March 3rd, the more money we can raise to help improve the lives of those living with HIV/AIDS in Los Angeles! 

What have I been doing?  I have been running... working on knitting projects... preparing for a vacation... getting ready for the Spring 2010 semester at school - How exciting it is to announce 12 more cast aluminum yarn bowls for sale - they're showcased on my etsy site - more yummy gold colored bowls, more delicious violet colored bowls... and introducing gorgeous blue bowls!  Click on the link or visit my SHOP to take a gander!

In other news - we are about to go on vacation - for a wonderful week in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with just under 20 amazing friends - I can't wait to share stories and photos from our trip - but that'll be in a few weeks.  Now... what do we bring with us on vacations?  KNITTING! - I have started a new project - the Latvian Vest from Knitty - size 4 circular needles - and alternating an oatmeal yarn with some fantastic Kauni Effektgarn which slowly changes colors from maroon to pumpkin to chocolate brown! - yes, 272 stitches, fair isle chart patterns... this is how I relax.  (I promise not to drink and knit) - LOL - it's on its way - started... and the color is starting to change! I'm so excited about this project!

Talk with you in a few weeks!!!