14850zine

Category: Living

  • Knitting Etc.

    Knitting Etc.

    Though I admit that I do love to peruse the aisles of big box craft stores now and then for good deals, it is especially exciting to highlight some of Ithaca’s smaller and more unique artsy/crafty shops. There are a number in town that specialize in sewing, art supplies, stationary, and yarns and knitting. For all Ithaca’s knitters (and would-be knitters) out there, today’s post is about a cool shop that I recently discovered: Knitting Etc.

    Knitting Etc. is tucked within the shops at Triphammer Marketplace (which surprisingly houses some other interesting gems…a Russian grocer, Terra Rosa – an eye-candy gift boutique,  Finger Lakes Reuse Center, a Chinese grocer, Instant Replay Sports, and Ithaca Coffee Company – a food store for the gourmand. But more on these other shops later…). Knitting Etc. is filled with a colorful array of yarns in all textures and colors, knitting books, patterns, supplies, tools, and a friendly and knowledgeable staff who want to share their love of knitting with you. Beyond a storefront, Knitting Etc. has created a small community of knitters replete with classes, open knitting sessions, and knitting-related events.

    Ever wondered about rigid heddle weaving? No problem, they’ve got you covered. Oh wait, never heard of rigid heddle weaving? (Ok, me neither), then you can start with some basic classes in knitting socks. Started a project but got tangled up? Knitting Etc. invites you to their regular Thursday night Open Knit Night where you can get help on that half-knitted sweater you’ve been trying to finish for the past year. Or just come for some social knitting. This place has a full events calendar with classes, workshops, invited teachers, and open knitting sessions most days of the week. You’ll never be bored again! Though admittedly I am no knitter myself (I crocheted some potholders for mom in grade school), I love finding places like this in Ithaca with a rich and in-depth devotion to a single craft or field of study. And the staff, led by owner Hickory O’Brien Lee, is clearly passionate about their craft and can answer any knitting-related question you put to them.

    So with the polar vortex tormenting upstate New York, what better a time get out your knitting needles, cozy up to a movie, and knit that winter scarf. Have fun stocking up in some exotic yarns from Knitting Etc. for the project.

    Knitting Etc. is located in the Triphammer Marketplace at 2255 N. Triphammer Rd. Phone: 607-277-1164.

  • Learn to Cook with Kuzu*

    Learn to Cook with Kuzu*

    For today’s post I am excited to talk about the many wonderful classes offered by GreenStar Coop. For several years I’ve attended many of GreenStar’s evening classes and workshops and have always found them informative, inspiring, and personal. With class topics ranging from “Backyard Medicinals and Wild Edibles,” to “Gut and Psychology Syndrome,” to “Raw Food Desserts” the emphasis is on health, wellness, natural care, cooking, and alternative and homeopathic healing modalities.

    Earlier this week I attended the “Fall Harvest Desserts” class led by Theresa Joseph and assisted by Anita Devine,two familiar faces who lead several of the popular macrobiotic cooking classes throughout the year. (The pair is featured above in the photo). This class was noteworthy, (not only because I got to sample loads of delicious – and relatively healthy – desserts made by Theresa), but because this was the inaugural class to be held in GreenStar’s newly opened classroom space. Simply christened “The Classrooms at GreenStar,” this space sits just across the street from the Buffalo St. GreenStar store and holds three classrooms dedicated to continuing and expanding their educational endeavors. Additional plans are in the works to further renovations of this new space to include a functional teaching kitchen, (you know, one with those nifty ceiling mirrors above the countertop workspace for the audience).

    The class series is organized and run by Education Coordinator, Pam Wooster. Pam has been with GreenStar for 21 years and started these classes back in 1995. With the task of setting up the class calendar, selecting topics, and soliciting guest practitioners specializing in a range of topics, I think she has one of the most interesting jobs in town and I told her that if she is ever in need of an assistant that yours truly would no doubt make an awesome assistant.  🙂

    In any case, with or without an assistant, Pam does a great job of running this program, balancing topics, and selecting engaging practitioners. As a general rule, practitioners in the realm of health and wellness who have a degree, certification, or training in their area of specialty are invited to teach a class or workshop. (Though I hear plans are in the works for a possible more informal ‘home-based’ series where the teachers do not necessarily need to be professionally trained, but could be self-taught and have years of experience).

    Classes range from lecture-style seminars, to more informal discussion sessions, to hands-on workshops and can address both physiological and psychological needs. One of my favorite hands-on workshops that I’ve attended (besides ones in which I get to sample tasty treats), has been an aromatherapy workshop led by Kash Iraggi of Balance Aromatherapy. Students had the chance to mix their own blends of essential oil spritzers from dozens of heavenly pure oils. I made a enlivening concoction from citrus, clove, and eucalyptus oils. Many of the cooking classes that I’ve attended have been invigorating and refreshing, challenging me to be more creative in my cooking methods and introducing me to new ingredients I had never tried.

    Pam draws upon local resources, listings in local media, and a network of practitioners to find instructors for the classes and develop new class subjects. Attendees to every class add suggestions for new class topics that would interest them, and practitioners themselves are welcome to contact Pam at pam [at] greenstar.coop if they feel they have something unique in the realm of health and wellness to share with the community. Over the years some of the more popular classes have been Pricilla Timberlake’s annual Thanksgiving cooking class and Anita Devine’s macrobiotic cooking classes. This past summer “Beer 101” drew a large attendance with the Ithaca Beer Co. leading a class on beer history and brewing.

    All classes and workshops are one-time events, and you simply sign up per class ahead of time by calling the GreenStar at 607-273-9392. Classes are held at their main store at 701 W. Buffalo Street. Many of the classes are free, but the more materials-intensive classes (such as the cooking classes), usually cost $8 for GreenStar members and $10 for non-members. Visit GreenStar’s Event’s page to see the calendar listing each month’s class offerings.

  • Cheap Reads

    Cheap Reads

    I would of course be remiss, dear readers, if I failed to mention the annual highlight of Ithaca…the autumn Friends of the Library book sale. I know several locals who consider this their not-to-be-missed, super important, highlight of the year. (Yes, we are a literary bunch here in little ole’ Ithaca). Indeed, I myself admit to lining up once or twice on the opening day with my empty Greenstar bags, dreaming of the books that will soon be mine for a mere $4.50 a pop. Once inside I try, usually unsuccessfully, to ration my purchases…I mean, why pay a whopping $4.50 when I could pay only $.25 in a few weeks! Never mind, I stuff my green bag and press onward.

    Today books will cost you $1.50, (paperbacks and children’s are cheaper). It is the second week of the sale, and next weekend – being the final – books will be sold from $.50 down to $.10. Yes, a dime. Reminds me of that CAKE song, “I’m a Dime.” Apparently that dime never made it to the Friends of the Library Booksale. (Any CAKE fans out there? Ok, never mind).

    Anyhow, go find some change underneath the sofa or behind the washer, and head downtown to the book sale. With over 250,000 books, audio books, and CDs on sale there must be something there for you!

    The book sale is located in a warehouse at 509 Esty St. Today they are open from 10am – 8:00pm. Next weekend they are open Saturday through Tuesday. Click here for the details about the hours.

  • Don't Throw that in the Trash!

    Don't Throw that in the Trash!

    Rather than ‘spring cleaning,’ it is always the onset of fall that gets me in the mood to clean out, to start anew, to get organized. Likely this urge stems from past years of preparing for the start of the school year. In any case, with September upon us it is time to clear the clutter and sweep the carefree days of summer away. But what to do with an old ski helmet that is no longer used? Or that bulky old computer monitor that is taking up too much space in the attic? Or that bag of hotel toiletries that you probably won’t use? I hate to throw good things away, but I also hate to think of them decaying in the corners of my house. And beyond the Salvation Army, it’s hard to figure out where your good old things might be of use.

    So I’ve done the research for you. I’ve scoped out the various stores, charities, consignment shops, and re-use centers in Ithaca that will be the future homes of all your old things. (You weren’t thinking of just throwing it in the trash, were you?) So get cleaning, and rest assured that there is a new future, beyond the garbage, for that old handbag. See below for a long list of where you can sell, donate, trade or recycle all your stuff.

    CLOTHES & ACCESSORIES:

    Trader Ks – They are very picky, but at least you’ll get cash for your threads. They also do store credit. They buy from 10am-5pm every day but Thursday or Sunday. Located on the Commons. They also have a second location at 15 Catherwood Road (behind the McDonalds).

    Mama Goose – Junior grows up quickly, and probably leaves behind a lot of outgrown baby clothes. Mama Goose buys, or gives store credit, for (gently) used children’s clothes, accessories, and toys, as well as handbags and maternity clothes. Or if you are in the market for acquiring, they are also just a great place to shop for baby needs. 430 W. State St.

    Mary Durham Boutique/Women’s Opportunity Center – They accept donations of gently-used women’s clothing, especially professional attire. They also accept personal care items and toiletries, which are given to low-income women to prepare for a job. 315 N. Tioga St.

    Sheldon Hill – A great store in itself to find one-of-a-kind jewelry, this shop also buys, or gives store credit, for a wide variety of jewelry. Located on the Commons.

    Salvation Army – If no one will buy your threads (or anything else), the Salvation Army is always grateful to accept them, as donations. Get tax credit. 381 Elmira Rd.

    HOUSEWARES:

    Mimi’s Attic – This is a good place to sell furniture, kitchen wares, appliances, linens, and home decor…though it is very likely that something on display may catch your eye and you may end up spending more than you make. They will pay cash for small items, or work on consignment for larger items, and of course they also do store credit. The staff is also very nice. 430 W. State St.

    Boris Garage – While hard to categorize – they describe themselves as selling ‘crazy man-cave’ stuff – Boris Garage will buy, trade, or accept donations of a wide variety of vintage, new, or thrifty wares. 210 Elmira Rd.

    ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES:

    Found – They work on a consignment basis and are on the lookout for antique and vintage furniture and housewares. 227 Cherry St.

    Pastimes Antiques – A fun antique store to stop for, they also buy antique furniture, vintage jewelry, turn-of-the century postcards, antique buttons, beads, photography, political buttons, and paper ephemera. Located in DeWitt Mall.

    BUILDING MATERIALS & HARDWARE:

    Finger Lakes Reuse Center – Donate house hardware, appliances, building materials, furniture, and electronics that might otherwise end up in the dump. Seriously, they take even old computers and printers…there’s no excuse for trashing your old Dell. Get tax credit. Located in the Triphammer Marketplace at 2255 North Triphammer Rd.

    Significant Elements – Another place to donate building materials and house parts. Get tax credit. They accept donations Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00am – 5:00pm. 212 Center St.

    TOILETRIES (unused):

    Ithaca Kitchen Cupboard – In addition to accepting non-perishable foods, they gladly accept unused toiletries, that I find are otherwise hard to figure out what to do with. Joan Barber runs the Cupboard, as she is very sweet and appreciative. They are open for donations Monday through Friday, 1:30 – 3:00 pm. 150 Albany Street (at the corner of Seneca Street).

    Mary Durham Boutique/Women’s Opportunity Center – In addition to accepting donations of gently-used women’s clothing, they also accept personal care items and toiletries, which are given to low-income women to prepare for a job. 315 N. Tioga St.

    FOOD:

    Ithaca Kitchen Cupboard – Accepts donations of unused toiletries and non-perishable foods. See above.

    Loaves & Fishes – They are happy to accept donations of non-perishable foods. St. Johns Episcopal CHurch, 210 N. Cayuga St.

    BEDDING & TOWELS:

    SPCA – It is hard to sell or donate used bedding and towels but rest assured that a deserving dog or cat will get a soft spot to sleep when you donate these items to the SPCA. (Pillows not accepted). They are also in need of a wide array of pet food and supplies. 1640 Hanshaw Rd.

    BOOKS & MUSIC:

    Friends of the Library Book Sale – Help make this bi-annual book sale one of the biggest in the nation when you donate your used books here. They are open to accept donations and stamp your itemized list for tax purposes on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 9:00am – 12:0pm, or you can drop off books (without getting your list stamped) any time by using the dropbox. 509 Esty St.

    Autumn Leaves Bookstore – They do not take romance paperbacks, computer help books, or encyclopedias, but they do collect a wide variety of book types, so before you donate to the Friends of the Library Book Sale, try Autumn Leaves first. Stop by the Crow’s Nest Cafe upstairs while you are there for some tasty treats. Located on the Commons.

    Angry Mom Records – Try selling your old CDs and records here. They are on the lookout for Rock, Punk, Metal, Blues, Reggae, Soul, World, Jazz, DJ/Dance, Oldies. Located on the Commons, in the basement below Autumn Leaves Bookstore.

    Durland Alternatives Library – They accept donations of books, periodicals, audio, video, CDs, and DVDs. They also have an annual booksale to raise funds for the library. Even if you do not have a donation, check them out when you are on the Cornell campus next time. Located in Anabel Taylor Hall, Cornell University.

    SPORTS & OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT:

    Instant Replay Sports – They will buy, or do store credit, for your old (gently used) sports equipment. Located in the Triphammer Marketplace at 2255 North Triphammer Rd. There is a second location at The Rink at 1767 East Shore Drive.

    Old Goat Gear Exchange – They will buy, exchange for store credit, or do consignment for your outdoor clothing and gear. 320 E. State St.

    FABRIC, YARN, SEWING SUPPLIES:

    Sew Green – Leftover yarn from that scarf you knitted last year? Extra fabric from drapes that you trimmed down? Donate your extra sewing materials and supplies here and feel good about keeping them out of the landfill. 112 N. Cayuga St.

     

    Check out this ‘Get Your GreenBack Tompkins’ post with a helpful list of all second-hand shops in the Ithaca area.

    In the end there is always Craigslist or Freecycle, which is especially good during this time of year when the college students return and are looking to furnish their lives.

  • Welcome to 14850zine

    Welcome to 14850zine

    Welcome to 14850zine! Well, at least welcome to the approximately four people who are reading this initial post (hi mom, dad, husband, and, if lucky, at least one of my sisters!) My hope is that a readership of plus four will soon exist. After much time spent dreaming, planning, designing, and building, I am excited to launch 14850zine. Named after the main Ithaca zip code, 14850zine will cover all things Ithaca and surrounding area – with reviews on restaurants, free events, exploring hidden nooks and crannies in the gorges, classes, and much more. While 14850zine does not claim to be an exhaustive listing of events and things-to-do (see other great blogs, such as IthacaEvents.com or VisitIthaca.com, for up-to-date listings), this blog aims to cover interesting finds – both old and new, and celebrate the small jewels and quirkiness this area has to offer.

    It has been a long time coming, but I am happy that the launch of this blog will catch at least the tail end of summer. Though there are more than enough stories to cover  in every season, summer is especially abundant with exciting events: The ever-popular Farmer’s Market, the Scottish Festival, outdoor movies at the Straight, Shakespeare in the Park, Taughannock Falls concerts, salsa nights at the Big Red Barn, 4th of July festivities and fireworks, the Ithaca Festival, and of course the opportunity to explore the many surrounding trails and gorges.

    Thank you for visiting 14850zine. Please check back regularly for more posts as we go forward and get in touch with us if you have ideas to share.