On Strike! It's Sam's Strike!

July 26th 2007 - First day of strike for CUPE Local 391
Approximately 400 people from the membership were present.

In the pursuit of job security, pay equity, benefits and improvements for part-time/auxiliary workers! The workers of the Vancouver Public Library have been on strike since Thursday, July 26th in the hopes that the Library Management Team (LMT) and the GVRD will return to the bargaining table. Currently, CUPE Local 15 and Local 1004 are also on strike. This city-wide strike has been dubbed "Sam's Strike" because of the actions (or rather, inaction's) of our Mayor Sam Sullivan.

Below are some of my fellow library workers on the picket line.

(From Left: Lani and Alexei)

(From Left: Sherry, Jaspal, Ian, Al, Lara, Stephen and Ron-o-tron.)

Our Bargaining Committee has been hard at work, constantly encouraging our management team to return to the bargaining table to discuss our issues.

This post is not completely without knitting content though! There are many avid knitters that work at the library and they were out in full force as well!

Knitting in Solidarity!

Mini Summer Vacation

Fresh cherry!

The past few days my Fella and I have been visiting his parents in Powell River, BC. We picked fresh cherries and blueberries in the backyard and visited the local farmer's market. We also went with my Fella's sister and her fiance to a cabin on Powell Lake for some swimming, spaghetti and mosquitoes.

Sock knitting on the ride through the peninsula

Don't worry though, I did have time to fit in some knitting. Socks, nice and simple. I usually prefer socks for travel/bus knitting because the project doesn't grow too big.

Silver Selkie Studio fleece

This is some fleece I picked up at the local farmer's market. Merino / Rambolete / Targee / Kid Mohair is what the label says.

Fleece close-up

I always love to visit there as it is a huge change of pace from busy Vancouver. I believe a move to a smaller city is in the cards for us... Who knows?

Bird-colored yarn and a hit of lace

Testudo from C*EYE*BER Fiber's Project Spectrum Sock Yarn Club

I love this yarn! I am totally in love with the colors. It very much reminds me of the Pink Galah birds I saw while I was in Australia. I know it's sock yarn but I am tempted to use it to make something other than socks.... What to do, what to do...

Swallowtail Shawl - Budding Lace Pattern Close-up

Lately I have been having a hankering for some lace knitting. After sifting through patterns I found this one in the Fall 2006 Interweave Knits. I am knitting it on needles that are 1.5mm smaller than called for in the pattern. I could end up with more of a neck scarf than a shawl, which will be fine with me. I am using Alchemy Yarns Haiku (40% silk/ 60% mohair). *Drool*

Bee and Allium

I am afraid of bees. Mostly when then fly into the apartment. But with gentle coaxing from my Fella and sheer determination to get this shot, I got up close enough to get a decent shot. It helped that the little guy was so busy he didn't seem to notice.

More silk!

Tussah Silk - Handspun on my poplar drop spindle

One of the wonderful ladies I work with brought me a bagful of tussah silk roving. (She had no use for it and wanted it to go to some use.) I am a happy girl, let me tell you! This is the first time I've spun silk and it's easy, I really like it. And the color! Such a pretty color. *Sigh*

Tide Pool from C*EYE*BER Fiber's Cake of the Month Club

Here is some yarn I forgot I bought! That happens sometimes when I order things online. I forget about the order and then.... Surprise in the mail! I love getting mail. Especially in the form of yarn.

Hope everyone is having a good Canada Day weekend! I stayed at home to avoid the crowds... Aren't I exciting? Woo!