My former school, Capilano University, has threatened to discontinue a number of programs due to lack of funding, since the government scaled back funding for many post secondary institutions (wtf?!).  One of those programs is the Textile Arts Program I attended.  I am angry, sad and appalled to say the least.  The Textile Arts program changed my life course for the better in so many ways, and I know that is true for many other alumna.  It is such a valuable program. There is no other program in North America (and perhaps the world) that offers such a rigorous and meaningful education in this field. 

It wasn't until my time in the Textile Arts program at Capilano University that I knew what my vocation was; to work in the field of textiles as an artist and educator. The program instilled in me an appreciation for handwork, shared knowledge and community, as well as a new appreciation for all aspects of history in the context of textiles.  The faculty are some of the most interesting and inspiring people I've met, and all put forth a curriculum that is both extremely challenging and fulfilling. Future students would be hard-pressed to find a better education in this field.

In the past weeks, since the university announced the cuts on April 24th, there has been an uproar by students, faculty and the wider community.  Letters are being written and all the artwork on campus was shrouded in black or damaged.  That was apparently not enough.  We bought some time when the board granted the university a few more weeks to fundraise, but we need to convince the liberals to fund these programs again, and the president of the university to create a more creative budget strategy (or to resign).  

To get up to date on the issue here are some links, and there is an online petition HERE.

A facebook page has been started:
https://www.facebook.com/CapUArtEviction

and a web site gives additional information
http://savecapstudioarts.webs.com/

NorthShore News
Board delays Capilano University cuts
Union plans CapU cuts injunction Move aims to delay May 14 board decision
Programs fall under the axe at Capilano U 

CBC News
Programs cut as Capilano University faces $1.3M shortfall

Vancouver Sun
Capilano University puts course cuts on hold
Court injunction sought to delay cuts at Capilano University
Students need to fight for university funding
Capilano University plans program cuts to balance budget 

Writing letters helps, so here is a list of contacts and their emails.  Write away!

Capilano University President, Kris Bulcroft:
kbulcroft@capilanou.ca

North Vancouver Seymour Mla- Jane Thornthwaite – BC Liberal Party
jane.thornthwaite.mla@leg.bc.ca

North Vancouver Lonsdale Mla - Naomi Yamamoto – BC Liberal Party
naomi.yamamoto.mla@leg.bc.ca

West Vancouver Capilano Mla - Ralph Sultan – BC Liberal Party
ralph.sultan.mla@leg.bc.ca

West Vancouver Garibaldi Mla - Joan Mcintyre – BC Liberal Party
joan.mcintyre.mla@leg.bc.ca

Minister of Education: Honourable Don Mcrae
educ.minister@gov.bc.ca

ALSO...

Here is a copy of a letter sent from the Emily Carr University of Art and Design Faculty Association President to Dr. Kris Bulcroft:

The results are in! Below are the details of some of the leading Interchangeable Knitting Needle brands and what they offer and above is a snapshot of the Vancouver Yarn poll results for the question, "which interchangeable knitting needles do you prefer?"  Now, this isn't exactly scientific since there weren't many votes (75 in total).  Also, I think it shows which brands people bought and were happy with, as opposed to assuming that they have tried multiple brands and 'prefer' the one they voted for.  I guess that's my bad for asking the question that way.  Non-the-less people shared.  I received all sorts of comments on Twitter and Facebook and then did a little research to sum up what the IKN options are.  

​Many of these brands have several options (like nickel plated vs bamboo tips) as well as offer them in different sizes, so I tried to sum up the info to reflect the full-meal-deal option for all brands, so we can compare prices more accurately.  

I hope you find this helpful :)

PS.  I recently received the best early b-day gift from my mom:  the Knitters Pride deluxe Dreamz set of interchangeables!!!  So far I have no complaints.  Now that I have these I can't wait to de-stash my bags of knitting needles!

PPS.  If you're a strait needle knitter and are thinking of going circular you might want to check out Melissa's comparison post over at Misocrafty Knits

I just got back from the most relaxing time with family in BC.  We had decided that this was the best time for me to go and introduce Sam to the Fam since it was a good opportunity to give Danny some alone time in Montreal to complete his thesis.  As I write he is applying the finishing touches before he sends it off tonight.  Go Danny!

The past three weeks in BC were magical.  I spent a lot of quality time with my mom, great-aunt Franca and uncle John who all helped tremendously with all things Sam.  I mostly appreciated the fact that they made sure that he had a well fed and rested mama.  I even ventured to continue our cloth diaper regimen, which wouldn't have been possible without Franca's help in the laundry department.  Franca is my 'artist aunt' who is super talented in the fibre arts.  She creates art dolls, amazing vintage jewelry re-makes and has an impressive collection of hand-made quilts in her repertoire.  One of her santos art dolls (a bride) is currently being featured in Art Doll Quarterly in the Summer 2013 issue.  Yay Franca!  It was so nice staying with her and John in beautiful Davis Bay, where I discovered the best coffee shop on the Sunshine Coast, Straight Coffee.  I couldn't believe my ears when they offered my latte in cow, coconut, soy or almond milk.  Amazing!  And the food is so delicious.

I finished my lovely Strathcona scarf while I was on the coast and finally gave it to Franca (a few months later than planned).  It's knit with a double strand of Brassard lace yarn; one grey wool, one white cotton.

One place that I must always go when I visit BC is Maiwa, my fave store of all time.  They recently received a shipment of vintage kantha quilts and I just had to see them in person.  Each one is original and hand-stitched, and they're only $150.00!  If only didn't live on a student budget.  I was lucky to leave with a lovely natural-dyed, hand-printed linen tunic, thanks to my generous mom-in-law :)

As awesome as it was I'm glad to be back in Montreal with the hubby, where it is breezy and 28 degrees :)