Blue Lace Socks

I belong to a group of knitters who like to take on challenging projects in order to learn and expand our boundaries. Our previous project was a lace shawl which was written and charted in German. I don't have mine done and won't go back to it until I have some other projects completed. I don't want to get too far behind, so I'm going to work on the current group project.

This time the project isn't so massive. The idea is to take one of the Piano Princess patterns and make it our own. Some will make the shawl/shrug as given in the pattern. Others will make smoke rings, table runners, etc. using the charts as inspiration. Since I can only fit a smaller project into the queue at the moment, I've decided to make a pair of lace socks using the chart from pattern 5, "V".

Since the group is meeting tonight, I thought I'd better get started. I cast on about 20 minutes ago and I'm working on the cuff. I thought that a solid color was needed to show off the lacey design, so I went into my sock yarn stash (and feeling very righteous for doing so!) and chose Lang Yarns Jawoll Superwash in a pretty color of baby blue, color #120. This is the nice yarn from Italy with a little spool of reinforcing yarn inside.

In other knitting news, yes, I'm still knitting little Christmas stockings. I'll post pictures soon.
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UK Knit Camp in Yarn Forward

Oh my gosh. I must get out a saw and widen the doorways so that my swelled head will fit through!! I have a subscription to the British magazine, Yarn Forward, and yesterday issue #20 arrived in my mailbox.

It's always fun to see what's inside, but I can't begin to tell you how exciting it was to open it up to the first page on the inside cover and see this:

It's a full page advertisement for UK Knit Camp in Scotland next year in August. Right there, in the midst of all the incredible teachers is MY name (third row). Sometimes I just have to pinch myself. I can hardly believe it. I'm so looking forward to going to camp, meeting all the other teachers, or tutors as we're called, the knitters, seeing Scotland, EVERYTHING!

I'm savoring every moment. If I'm dreaming, I don't want to wake up!...

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Another ... and Qiviut

These mini stockings are definitley addictive. Here's #2 all finished and #3 is on the needles.

QIVIUT:

I will be placing an order for qiviut on Tuesday, November 24th.

I’ll be selling it at a special price. Normally the cost is $90 per 1 ounce ball (218 yards, lace weight). I know, it’s very expensive, but totally worth it. Added to the regular cost is shipping.

I’m offering it for a flat rate of $78 per ball and that includes shipping, and if you’re in Colorado, tax. This is for the U.S. and Canada only (sorry).

For color choices, go here. For more information about qiviut click here:

I cannot guarantee that it will get to you in time for Christmas, but I do expect that it will. It all depends on how fast it gets to me. I’ll ship it out as soon as I get it, or I can give it to you in person if you’re near me.

Payment can be made by check (email me for my address) or by PayPal to joanne@jconklin.com . Just be sure that you let me know, clearly, what colors your want and the quantity.

Remember the deadline. Aren’t you worth it?
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Mini Christmas Stocking

I think I may have found a new addiction: miniature Christmas stockings. I just made this first one and while I was knitting it I was thinking of other possibilities. This is a free pattern from Little Cotton Rabbits. It's very well-written, quick and easy.

I dug into my stash of Dale of Norway Baby Ull. The sock, minus the hanger, is just under 4 inches. I used US #2/2.75 mm double-pointed needles.

These are like potato chips. I can't stop at just one. I won't list them as a finished object until I get a group of six. Off to start another!
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Socks and Hat for Tyler

No matter whether it's Veterans' Day, Remembrance Day or Armistice Day to you today, it's a day to celebrate the soldiers who went to war.

Today I think of my paternal grandfather who I never met. He died in a prisoner of war camp before I was born. I think of my parents and aunt and uncles who served during World War II in places like Italy, the Netherlands, England, Canada, and more.

I also think of good friends Rosa and Martin, who are German, and were always so kind to me when I lived in their beautiful country.

Today, I'm thinking of a young man from Bakersfield, California. His name is Tyler. He is just 18 years old and heading to Afghanistan today. He's a member of a good friend's extended family. It doesn't matter that I've never met him. He's a soldier heading to war far from home.

It wasn't much, but I made Tyler a pair of socks and a helmet liner. With every stitch I thought of him and knitted in a wish and a prayer for his safety and quick return. I also thought of his parents who must be very proud of him and fearful all at the same time.

Here is my humble little contribution to someone who deserves much more:

PROJECT DETAILS - SOCKS
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Pattern: Generic, 72 sts.
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Size: Men's, for 10-11 shoes
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Needles: US #1 / 2.25 mm
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Yarn: Opal Sock Yarn, solid black

PROJECT DETAILS - HELMET LINER
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Pattern: Available here
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Size: One size given in pattern
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Needles: US #7 / 4.5 mm
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Yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash
Black for hat, brown for letters

Note: I added Tyler's unit, AIRBORNE, to the hat. It's high up on the crown so that it can't be seen below the helmet. It would be considered to be "non-regulation", and that's a no-no!

If you enjoy your freedom, thank a serviceman or woman, either active or a veteran.
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Playing For Change Concert

On Sunday night I went to the Paramount in Denver and saw one of the very best concerts ever....EVER. It's right up there, tied with the Santana concert I saw from the third row a while back. First of all, my seat was in the front row, right in the center. The band was Playing For Change. The band members come from all over the world, brought together by Mark Johnson. They are incredibly talented. Their enthusiasm for their performance, the audience and each other is undeniable. It was difficult to tell who was having the most fun, the band or the audience.

Rather than go into an explanation of how Playing For Change came to be, I urge you to go to their website and read the amazing story.

I wish that photography had have been allowed as I would have been able to take some good pictures, without doubt. I was close enough to know that Grandpa Elliott wears Liberty brand overalls, and that singer Clarence Bekker doesn't appear to have any fillings in his teeth! (You can click on the photos to make them a giant size and use your Back button to come back here.)

Just before the performance started a man came to the front and spoke to people in center sections, first three rows, and invited us to stay after the show for a meet-and-greet. I was so pleased at this bonus. I was going to be able to say hello and take some pictures. Nice!

Here is me (yes, I cut myself out of the picture...*L*) with Clarence Bekker, from Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Oh my gawd, can he ever sing. He really belts out a song, and doesn't necessarily need a microphone! He can sing anything, with so much heart and soul...by himself, with the band, or with Grandpa Elliott.

I spent the most time talking with Mermans Kenkosenki from Matadi, Congo. Here's the picture of me and Mermans! He plays many instruments, can sing anything, dances, (my favorites were his African dances) and is sooooo funny. Talking to him after the concert, he was very engaging and he talked about his life, travels and his mother, who is proud of him.

He had a bit of fun and saying if I should go the Congo, that I would like it very much. He said that the airport is full of lions and tigers and gentle giraffes, and hyenas, but he would tie them up when I arrived. Of course I believed every word (not)!! Here is his impression of the lion at the airport. He said that he's a Leo, so it's natural that he would be the lion.

Drummer Mohammed Alidu, from Tamale, Ghana kept the beat going strong. At times he played the talking drum, which I had never heard of before Sunday. Amazing. And, doesn't he wear pink well?

This is talented guitarist and singer, Jason Tamba Matondo, and like Mermens he is from Matadi, Congo. That wonderful smile was present often throughout the concert.

These were the only band members that were at the meet-and-greet, but there were many more. It's a large group - 10, I think, playing soul, R&B, African, Afro Cuban and Latin tunes. The show was being recorded for an etown radio show, so there were a couple of breaks for commercials, which seems odd, but was okay. We were told that it will be on the radio in a couple of months, but that it would only be 1 hour in length. The show on Sunday was 2-1/2 hours. Still, I'll be listening when it's broadcast.

My car was parked across the road from the Playing For Change buses. On the way to the car I saw Granpa Elliott on his way to the bus and got this fuzzy picture. Grandpa Elliot, from New Orleans, is the heart of the blues. He puts everything into his songs and you don't just hear them, you feel them. He closed the show, alone on the stage, with an acapella version of Amazing Grace that still plays in my head. Very moving.

At the bus, was the bass player, and I'm afraid that I didn't catch his name. He's from Puerto Rico. Once again, another amazing musician.

So, that was my Sunday evening. I hope that Playing For Change comes back to Denver. If they do, I'll be there, listening to some of the best music I've ever heard.

Next time, knitting content. PEACE!

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November 9, 1989

If you're over the age of 20, do you remember where you were on November 9th, 1989? I do. I was living in Lahr, Baden-Württemberg. The day before it was in "West Germany", but on this day it was in "Germany". This is the day that the Berlin Wall came down and East and West Germany were reunited.

Lahr is a long way from Berlin, and unfortunately I never visited the city. No matter, it was a day of celebration which was felt all across the country. I remember that it was about the only topic of conversation as everyone, regardless of their nationality, discussed the good, the bad and the ugly.

After 8 years in Germany I think of it my home-away-from-home. I miss it greatly and plan to go back as soon as I can. Of all things that I brought home, one has special meaning, especially today:

This is a piece of the Berlin Wall, along with a postcard of what the wall looked like and a certificate of authenticity stating that the piece was chipped from the wall after November 9th.

Peace....
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Poffertjes Handout

I'll post a picture of Tyler's helmet liner hat and big black socks in the next day or two. I need to take a photo before I send them off to him. He leaves for Afghanistan very soon.

Tonight, however, I was preparing for classes that I'll be teaching at A Knitted Peace. One of the classes, Poffertjes (Dutch Pancakes) by Megan Rogers is planned to start in March next year. You can purchase the pattern here or here.

I made a handout for the knitters so that they can get out their colored pencils and plan their colors. Part of the handout is below:

Clicking on the picture will take you to a larger version. Use your Back button to come back here.
I've been working on a version of this blanket for a while, and will make another one as a sample for the store. I need to pick out the yarn and colors for the blanket for the shop. I've got some of my "pancakes" finished. I'm looking forward to getting back to this project.
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Cruise Websites Are Up

There are now two websites that have information about the knitting cruise. For details and booking, go to:
http://www.mycruiseplanner.us/cs/73547

and for the blog, go to:
http://knitwithcolor.blogspot.com/

Explorer of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean's mega ships
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Knit With Color Cruise - A Few Details

Plans for the Knit With Color knitting cruise are coming along nicely. Soon the cruise will have its own website, but I thought I'd post some details now.

We will be aboard Royal Caribbean's Explorer of Seas, an amazing and very large ship. The cruise will be 9 days in length, October 14 to October 23, 2010, in time to see the beautiful fall colors on the east coast. We will be leaving from, and returning to, the Cape Liberty Cruise Port, NJ. The ports of call will be: Portland, ME; Bar Harbor, ME; Saint John, NB; Halifax, NS and Boston, MA.

If you go to the Royal Caribbean's website (click here), you will see the day-by-day itinerary.

The prices listed on the website are the ones for non-knitting companions. Yes, you can bring your friend, spouse, significant other, whoever! (whomever?). For knitters, there will $100 added in order to cover classes, teachers, swag bags and their contents, final night party, etc. etc. If you work out the price/day, I think you'll agree that it's very reasonable.

First time cruisers may not realize that the cruise price includes your meals, too.... and if you talk to anyone who has cruised before you know that the food is wonderful and very plentiful. There are also many things you can do on the cruise at no extra cost.

Yes, you can book now. A deposit of $300 is required at booking for knitters, and $250 for non-knitters. Call our expert cruise planner, Patricia Babischkin, to reserve your spot: 1-888-286-9827. Patricia is in the Eastern time zone. By the way, she's a knitter, too, and coming on the cruise with us! Final payment isn't due until July 31, 2010. As with any trip, travel insurance is always encouraged as "life happens" sometimes and unexpectantly.

We are in the process of planning some exciting shore trips and if there are any costs involved, that will be extra, and minimal. One of the stops that's been confirmed is visiting Lucy Neatby's studio when we stop in Halifax. Unfortunately, Lucy will be travelling then, but we will be well taken care of by her staff. I'm working on another stop in Halifax, too, which will excite knitters. I just have to be sure that the logistics work out before I announce it. I'll confirm as soon as I know definitely! How's that for a teaser?

During our trip we will have three at-sea days in which you can take classes if you wish. We are very lucky to have Cindy Fite and Ana Petrova joining us. I have to tell you, I was very excited when they agreed to come along and teach. They are currently working on their classes and I'll list them on the cruise blog when I have more information. You can sign up for these later.


Both are excellent instructors and you will come away with exciting new ideas and skills. Don't worry if you're a beginner or very experienced, there will be something for everyone.

Of course, there will be LOTS of knitting time. The ship has many lounge areas, so all you have to do is sit and relax and knit with others, or have some quiet time to yourself.

I've started an email distribution list so that I can notify everyone when there is something new to learn about the cruise.

If you'd like to be added, email me at: joanne @ jconklin . com

I almost forgot to tell you. If you'd like to arrive a day or two before the cruise starts, we will be arranging a group rate at a nearby hotel. More on that later when the details have been worked out.

I hope that you will come along and join in the fun. I'm very excited about this trip. I plan to do everything I can to make it fun for you! Anyone want to go ice skating with me on the ship?!!
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Bob Martin, Fashion Designer

Welcome back. Let me introduce you to Fashion Designer, educator, Bob Martin.


I asked Bob a number of questions, but first, a bit of background:

Bob Martin breaks the mold of the “typical” Fashion Designer ' His unique “country boy” roots and experience in woodworking, leatherworking, and ice sculpting have him an abundance of skills. These ideas and skills are evident in his work which have been on display in London England and can be seen in blockbuster movies such as “Sweeney Todd”.

His passion for design and innovation has led him in a successful career in fashion, and in particularly the area of fashion education. His most recent design work is a capsule collection of shoe accessories called the “Heel Jacket.”

Bob is the creator of How to Fashion Design with Bob Martin can be purchased at major retailers like Best Buy.com, Target.com and Barnes and Noble.com. He is also a featured designer for Bernina of America Inc. I've got this DVD set and it's excellent. I was drawing a fashion figure with the very first lesson. Bob's instructions are very clear and I had success on my first try.

“My vision is to see an upcoming generation of Fashion Talent develop as a result of this program and flourish beyond what has ever been, in ALL Facets of Design."

Here are my questions and Bob's answers:

1. Would you ever consider being a contestant on Project Runway?

I had considered applying for Project Runway earlier on, but now I don’t really feel it is the path leading to where I am going now in my career . This is mainly because my aspirations have changed, now being involved with the How to Fashion Design DVD program, and with the other areas where I want to work. I don’t see Project Runway being a benefit to those goals. I am a competitive person so that aspect of the show excites me, however the project challenges Project Runway presents with a time constraint and the way the challenge are presented to be completed, don’t allow for the design aspect that I like. So the show does not inspire me in the way I like to design, not that this method is wrong but it just isn’t me as a Designer.

2. Do you have any hints for drawing knitwear, that is, pullovers, cardigans, etc.?

Drawing knit wear texture is tough. One of the best tips I can give you for replicating knit wear in your drawings, is one I use. Find an item with a textured surface, like a piece of sand paper . Place the sand paper under your drawing and rub your pencil overtop to create the look. Try using different types of items under your paper depending on the knit you want to simulate. All types of items can have a surface texture to do a rubbing with. Also don’t fill the whole drawing with the texture, just simply add it to the shoulder and select places to communicate it.

What a wonderful idea. I'm going to give it a try.

3. If you had to pick just one, what aspect of the fashion industry would you choose? Designing, teaching, something else?

Teaching design is what I would choose. When you teach design and people are learning then you do not have the pressures of designing to turn a profit, or please a buyer, all that is gone and it is just the discovery process of design happening. I love being inspired and watching others experience it. Watching students learn and discover, as well as, see their interpretation of the project. Everyone, be it a teacher, or student, thinks and sees things differently.


4. Where do you see fashion headed in the next 5 years?

I see fashion in the next 5 years turning to more “green” thinking. It is becoming more important to people, really in the last 10 years, and I think you will continue to see that grow in interest. Typically people who don’t normally consider it will.

The bad economy will also force people to rethink their wardrobe and to be more versatile. I think you will see styling play a big role in what we wear. Simply adding accessories to your wardrobe for example, my brand “Heel Jacket”, where women can dress up an ordinary outfit with a cleverly designed accessory.
Ecommerce also will, and has, had an effected on the way we can buy designer clothing. Some people never had access to buy certain top brand names. Internet has opened the door for people to buy brands and styles they would not have before.

5. Do you have a favorite area of fashion? Theater, vintage, haute couture, ready to wear, for example?

Haute couture is what I really enjoy seeing on the Runway.

6. Do you have a favorite designer, and why?

Aitor Throup is one of my favorites. Garrith Pugh is as well because his designs are off the wall and bizarre, yet exquisitely executed. His garments are far out, but believable at the same time. Most people think, I would never wear that, but this is the type of design that inspires other ready wear designers. I really like those designers that are inspiring other designers.
Some designers look at past designs for inspiration, and there are even designers that look back to their own designs and find new inspirations. You hear some designers say, don’t copy my designs, but in a way it is a compliment to have someone look at your work and be inspired by it. I love to see a design come down the runway that makes you think….. I have seen that before, but I can’t quite put my finger on where it was I saw it. These types of fashions are truly innovative and you will see them filter down through seasons, to other designer’s collections
.

7. Would you ever consider making a DVD for knitting designers? I’d love to see a DVD that specially taught how to draw heavy sweaters, jackets, pullovers, accessories, etc

Yes, I would love to do a lesson on knitting. I myself would like to become more familiar with it as well. Just be watching out for it, sign up to my newsletter at http://www.howtofashiondesign.com/ and I’ll let you know if it goes into production.

8. Can sewing designs be translated into knitting designs successfully?

Yes, anything is possible. I guess I may need to understand what you mean by successful. Obviously the textiles are totally different. But often mistakes can be successful as well, it really depends on what appeals to you as a designer and what you are trying to achieve. For example: I can take a thick piece of leather and a soft fabric and find a way to make them work together in a garment. Whether or not it is appealing to me or “successful” is really a matter of opinion based on what my desired outcome was.

9. Any words of advice for a knitting designer?

My words of advice for a knitting designer are, try to knit anything. One thing that knit designers have over fabric designers are the ability to actually create your textile. Knitwear is very organic because you grow everything. Every time you add a row you can do whatever you want in the design, you can drop stitches, you don’t have to use any seams, you can add yarn, you can take yarn away, and there is no limit. You can literally grow it into anything so let that be your inspiration, to just try anything. Garrith Pugh knitted garbage bags!

10. I have your DVDs, which I like very much. I followed along step-by-step on drawing the human figure and was pleased with my results right away. The idea that a fashion sketch is 9 heads tall is interesting, but is there a formula for drawing people of regular height, 8 heads tall?

There is a formula for drawing the 8 head figure as well. As a fashion designer you will not want to illustrate your designs on a model of 8 heads, for reasons we discuss in the Fashion Drawing DVD. With that said the figure points are as follows for an 8 head figure.

Line 1 – Head Line 2 - Chest line at nipples Line 3 - Waistline, at bellybutton Line 4 - Groin Area Line 5 - Just above the knee Line 6 - Just below knee Line 7 - Mid calf Line 8 - Bottom of feet.

Thanks, Bob, for being a guest blogger. This has been very informative and I'm a fan. I've signed up for your newsletter and bookmarked your website and will be watching for more DVDs, hints and tips in the future. I don't sew, but I appreciate those who do and I find that your DVDs appeal to a broad audience. You have certainly helped and inspired me.

Thanks again and come back again at any time!
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Bob Martin Will Be Here On Sunday

I'm very pleased to have a guest blogger coming to visit Rhythm of the Needles.

Mark your calendars and come back on Sunday to meet Bob Martin. I think that you'll really enjoy his post.
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Snow Day

When you live in Denver, you never know what kind of weather you're going to have from one day to the next. This is what I woke up to this morning. The news says that this part of town has 22 inches of the heavy white stuff already. The kids shouldn't worry, however, as it'll be in the 60s on Saturday for Hallowe'en. As my mother-in-law used to say, "You know what they say about Colorado, don't you? If you don't like the weather, wait 10 minutes."

Tennis anyone?


So, what'a person to do when they have a snow day from work? Well, if it's me, you make a fire in the fireplace, watch the hockey game that you recorded from last night and knit. I'm hoping to finish up the socks and cap for Tyler who is heading off to Afghanistan in a couple of weeks.

And speaking of finishing, I have finished a couple of squares to be added to a group baby blanket project. The blanket is for the owner of Knitch yarn shop in Atlanta, but don't tell her. It's a surprise. Everyone is using Rowan handknit cotton, and since we know that it's a boy, I chose to make a blue square and an off-white one. Each is 6 x 6 inches. As soon as I can get to the post office, probably tomorrow, they'll be in the mail. I look forward to seeing the finished blanket and seeing what everyone else made.

Have a good day, everyone, and if you're in Denver. Stay warm!
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Rob Thomas

Last night I went to the Magness Arena in Denver to see Rob Thomas. This advertising sign was at the top of the section that my seat was in. Obviously, I was going to be with "my people"!!!

The opening acts were Carolina Liar and One Republic. It really wasn't my kind of music. I think I'm too old. I am a cruisin' oldie, afterall, and these bands aren't.

I took lots of pictures of Rob Thomas. Here are just a few (click on each to make it bigger - use your Back button to come back here). The concert was good, not my favorite, but good just the same. I would have liked a few more energetic, fast songs, but there is no denying what a good voice Rob Thomas has. I was glad to hear a couple of songs from when he was the singer for Matchbox 20 (Matchbox 20 fans...they will be regrouping to make a new album new year). I was very happy that he sang "Smooth", one of my favorite songs, that he wrote. (My favorite version is this one that got a lot of radio play, with Santana).

Next week, Playing for Change at the Paramount in Denver. Have I ever mentioned that I love to listen to live music? I'll bet you guessed that already.

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Tonight...

"Ever the Same" - Rob Thomas

Tonight at Magness Arena, Denver

Looking foward to it.
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Color By Kristin

I'm afraid that I haven't been blogging much in the last week or so (obviously) as I've been very busy: new job, planning the knitting cruise (it's going to be so much fun), and knitting plain black socks (boring to photograph and blog about).

I'm now settled into my new job (love it!), the socks are almost finished and the plans for the cruise are coming along very nicely, indeed (details will be forthcoming).

Also....watch, soon, for a post by an exciting guest blogger!

I've just received a new book, Color by Kristin, by Kristin Nicholas:

This is a beautiful book that appeals to my love of color, containing inspirations for color combinations, projects to make and information on designing - pure eye candy for the color lovers among us and a must have in any knitting library.

Rating: 5 out of 5 balls of yarn

Canadian Police Chase

This cracks me up. Enjoy!


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Magazine Overload

I was looking at my bookshelf and realized that I have more than 20 years of knitting magazines that I no longer look at. Rather than continue to dust them, I decided to get rid of them. I know that some knitters would find that to be almost sacrilege, but I'm feeling like a load is lifting from my shoulders. This sizable pile (about 2-feet high) is just some the Knitters and Vogue Knitting. There are more, plus a pile of Interweave Knits and various other titles.

I know that knitters love their stashes, be it yarn or books or magazines. I do, too, but I'm very uncomfortable when it gets too large, as it is now. I kept about a dozen magazines to look at again. I may keep them. I may get rid of those too, later.

For tonight it's been out with the old. Ahhh......

Note to Sue Gordon: Please email me.
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It Feels So Good To Be Bad

I was working at the store tonight and I planned to buy a ball of yarn while I was there. That's it. A single ball of Cascade 220 Superwash to work on a sample for a class I want to teach this fall. But, I was bad. Very, very, very bad. Look what else followed me home. It's the Addi Click set. It's beautiful. I do wish that there were more cables in the set, or at least a 16" cable. There are also no stoppers that you can put at the end of a cable. Otherwise, it's excellent. The joins are smooth and tight. The set comes in a nice leather (I think) case and holds US sizes 4 to 15 (except 10.5, which I don't remember ever needing before). I immediately printed out a label with my name on it. We were bonding! This is coming with me when I travel. Very compact.

I was so good to me and once again I proved that I can resist anything ...... except temptation! Eye Candy Friday? Indeed.
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Dutch Pancakes

It's been very satisfying to finish up projects. Up next will be to complete the Poffertjes (Dutch Pancakes) afghan. It will be a much smaller one than the Lizard Ridge.

[Click on picture to enlarge it. Use Back button to return here.]
I'm changing the pattern, slightly. Instead of making the afghan with 6 rows of 5 circles, I'm going to use 5 rows. This way there will be a center circle. I'm also using a worsted weight yarn instead of sportweight.

The center circle is completed. It's knit in a variegated yarn. Around that center will be ecru-colored circles. Five of the eight are complete. Then, around that will be 16 outer circles, which I plan to do in a sand color.

I'm also going to do a smaller afghan as a class sample as I hope to teach this at the store this winter.

The weather dropped about 30 degrees (Fahrenheit) since yesterday. It's definitely a good day to knit, which I'm now off to do.

More pancakes, please!