FULL BLEED 2007

Full_Bleed.indd 1 11/26/07 4:44:04 PM


Letter from

the dean

fullb

lee

dWelcome to Full Bleed!

It’s been a busy year for the Institute of Art & Design and our students. We’ve opened our third gallery (located at the Orland Park campus); Students went to Florence launching the first Study Abroad opportunity specifically designed for Art and Design students; we’ve held our first annual Design Symposium as well as the annual Institutional Senior Exhibit. Now its time to sit back and enjoy volume II of FULL BLEED magazine.

You’ll find articles on some of the events we’ve held at RMC as well as stories covering community events and issues. As always, the stories are written by the students, the designs are created by the students and the magazine is published bythe students and faculty of the Institute of Art and Design at Robert Morris College.

I could not be prouder of the group of students who worked on the issue this year. They had a tough act to follow, and they met the challenge exceedingly well. Again, collaboration was the key. This year we had more representation from other RMC campuses and the varied interests and backgrounds of the students is evident in the diversity of the subject and strength of the content and designs found in this publication.

Special thanks to Cherrie Jolliff, who again has gracefully led the charge as advisor to the students, and Mick McMahon and Susan Stuart who served as faculty consultants. I hope you enjoy our magazine…

We are proud to share this accomplishment with you.

Janice KaushalDean, Institute of Art & Design


1 Mac Attack, Jenn Gawle

CONTENTSfu

llble

ed 3 The Decay of America’s Health,

Lauren Wolski

5 Orland Park’s Optic Gallery, Leslie Bartosz

9 Little Good News, Mew Poomisrikeo

13 In The Kitchen, Leslie Bartosz

15 Angie’s Restaurant and Pizzeria, Leslie Bartosz

17 There Must Be A Full Moon Tonight, Lauren Wolski

19 UFO Truth, Michael Wonaitis

21 Snakes Alive, Ashley Lessmann

25 Insects, Michael Wonaitis

27 Choose or Lose, Nicholas Sarich

31 My Secret Side, Jennifer Gawle

33 Fashion, Ferrous Salem

35 Women’s Fashion Tips, Ferrous Salem

37 Let’s Knit, Jennifer Gawle41 8 Fashion Mistakes Men Make, Ferrous Salem

43 Fashion on Society, Ferrous Salem


Editor in ChiefFerrous Salem

Assistant EditorsJennifer GawleMichael Wonitis

Copy EditorsAshley LessmannLauren Wolski

Cover DesignAshley LessmannNicholas Sarich

DesignersLeslie BartoszJennifer GawleAshley LessmannMew PoomisrikeoFerrous SalemNicholas SarichLauren WolskiMichael Wonaitis

Faculty AdvisorsCherrie JolliffMick McMahon Susan Stuart

Leslie Bartosz Jennifer Gawle

Ashley Lessmann Mew Poomisrikeo

Ferrous Salem Nicholas Sarich

Michael WonaitisLauren Wolski

Staff


Mac


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Apple is one of the fastest growing electronics companies in the world today. Thousands

of people already own iPod music players and Apple computers. Apple has also had a huge impact on the design world. The Graphic Design department has, at Robert Morris College, entire classrooms filled with these powerful computers. In fact, this very magazine was created with the help of an Apple computer.

People love the versatility and stellar modern design of Apple electronics. It seems that no matter what is out on the market today, Apple is always one step ahead, and this cutting edge company is always wowing us with some of the coolest gadgets around. It’s no wonder that a company so full of brilliance and innovation is at the top of its league.

Recently, there has been some confusion over exactly how environmentally friendly Apple’s products truly are. There are multiple organizations currently testing the “green-ness” of Apple’s electronics. On the internet, multiple websites claim that Apple is not living up to the expectations of its customers. However, Apple has recently released new information to set the record straight.

Here are some of the great things Apple is doing.

One of the most harmful substances found inside of electronic devices is called polyvinyl chloride. Apple has already started removing this and other harmful materials from their electronics, and these toxic materials will hopefully be phased out by the year 2010. Apple is also investigating alternative materials that can replace polyvinyl chloride as well as any other toxins in their products. They are definitely complying with consumer demands to have safer, less hazardous computers and iPods. Over three million polyvinyl chloride free iPods have been distributed worldwide.

Currently, Apple is on top of recycling their older model electronics. They began recycling their electronics in the mid 1990s, and today they are handling recycling for over 80% of the products they sell. All of the materials they collect are processed and recycled here in the United States. Apple also follows a rigorous check list of health and safety laws in order to maintain the highest level of recycling. Apple is also constantly trying to design

electronics that use less and less material. The iMac is a great example. Newer models are designed to use high-grade materials and to weigh less than previous models. Because of the high-quality materials used to create these efficient electronics, recycling companies cannot wait to get their hands on earlier models. When recycled, Apple electronics fetch a higher price in materials for recyclers because of their great parts.

Apple iPods are also extremely recyclable. In fact, Apple offers free disposal for all iPods in the U.S. Even though Apple releases new models frequently, older models can still be recycled in an environmentally friendly fashion.

Overall, Apple is constantly trying to give consumers newer and better things. Their relentless dedication to innovation and environmentalism has made them one of the top electronics companies in the world today. Apple is truly ahead of its time. We can only look forward to whatever new creations they have up their sleeve.

AttackThe Truth Behind The Greener Apple.

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3B y : L a u r e n W o l s k i


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On March 10, 2007, the Orland Park campus of Robert Morris College was proud to host “Unmasked,” the grand opening of their brand new student designed OPTIC GALLERY. The OPTIC GALLERY was the result of a new class added to the Graphic Design Program at RMC. The class, taught by Cherrie Jolliff is the final class that the Graphic Design students take before they graduate. The purpose of the Design Studio Class is to give students real world experience to help prepare them for their careers in Graphic Design. Real world experience is something that is spoken about often and taught regularly throughout the Graphic Design program at RMC. Working in a classroom with a teacher and other students nearby to help push their creativity can get to be too comfortable. When these students venture out into the design world, the competition, time, money, and design restrictions brought on by clients can be very stressful. In time, the students will appreciate the pressure put on them by their teachers at RMC, and they will realize how helpful these “real world” experiences are.

Orland Park’s OPTIC GALLERY

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W hen Cherrie Jolliff presented the challenge to her

Design Studio Class she never expected them to take it as far as they did. It wasn’t that she

thought that they were incapable of such work;

it was just that they took the challenge above and beyond the

expectations of the class syllabus. Cherrie presented this class with an idea and some guidelines, and then she left the rest of the

decisions up to them. She was the initial “Client” until the project took form, and then RMC became the client. Initially the students clashed — maybe they were overwhelmed by their own expectations of being able to make this project

live up to the quality that they had all become known for, but they all felt it was too hard.

However, with a little bit of organization they were able to pull

together and work as a team, and that is how they conceived their

idea for the OPTIC GALLERY. Developing an idea for this project was part of the class syllabus. The students had to be creative and come up with a unique concept. Right from the start, they had several ideas: a game room, a rest area with couches, a real food court where the culinary department could get some practice, and the gallery. The gallery proposal developed from an idea

to host a Senior Art-Show type event. To help get the class thinking, Cherrie supplied the students with crayons, markers, and giant pads of paper, and then left them alone to brainstorm. What finally started to emerge was a sense of disappointment over losing the “Senior Art Show Prep” class, which is where the seniors finalized their work for the art show that is held at the downtown campus. They wanted something more local; something that would show off their work and their campus pride as well. Once the concept was finalized, the real work began.

The class developed a schedule and flow-chart, they drew up a proposal and presented it to Dean Kaushal, Lisa Wirth (Campus Director), and Director of Marketing and Advertising, Christine Fisher, for approval. They won Christine over big time. She then took the plan and presented it to President Viollt for final approval. The students had come up with an idea, planned it all out within guidelines, and sold the idea to their client. Because the school was so impressed with these students and their concept, they decided to let them execute the entire proposal. The excitement generated by these students and their creative idea turned the class project into an on-campus true “real world experience,” from this point on RMC became “ the client”.

The whole project was student driven. The concept, design, layout, and even the displays were all a result of this senior classes’ decisions. Every member of the class had a part in the design and construction of the gallery. Every step they took was voted on by the whole class. As the class designed their OPTIC GALLERY, they kept in mind the importance of following the school’s overall architecture and policies. They planned and researched all the materials that they felt would work great with the school. Everything then had to be approved by their “client,” RMC. Even the “OPTIC” logo which was created by Aaron Reyes, stylizes the eagle eye in the school’s logo design and mirrors the unusual curve of the school’s roof.

Although the class worked as a team, it was headed up by Jason Dvorak. Jason was assigned by Cherrie as Creative Director because of his skills, experience, and ability to work well with others. Jason said when he first accepted the position he was extremely nervous because he always thought about being a creative director, and this was his first real chance to prove if he could do it or not. He had many responsibilities; he was a cheerleader, liaison, punching bag, gopher, leader, archivist, shoulder to cry on, and sometimes a big annoyance to the class secretary and his assistant, Rebecca Lanning. Jason actually held the class together and kept the project on

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The excitement generated by these students and their creative idea turned

the class project into an on-campus true “real world experience”. . .


track. Jason reported to Cherrie, the “Art Director” weekly. He was the messenger to the class from the higher ups. After every class, Jason would email the team the week’s deadlines and up-coming deadlines. Jason said, although the position of Creative Director sort of put the focus on him, the spotlight was actually on the whole class and campus; the Gallery would not have been such a success without the collaboration of all.

Individually, the students all had to submit weekly reports to Cherrie about what they were doing themselves and as a group. Within 9 weeks this class had designed and created something that would normally have taken 3 to 6 months to complete in the real world. And, the project could not have been more poorly timed. As the class was brainstorming, designing, researching and creating, they were also getting their individual works prepared for their Senior Exhibit that was going to open at the downtown campus. They spent long days working hard on these projects. Besides planning and building the gallery they also had to prepare their work to put on display for the “Unmasking” or opening of the OPTIC GALLERY.

The amount of artwork displayed per student varied because the pieces displayed were chosen via a juried selection process. Prior to the opening, Peter Donepanya designed a “Super Hero” poster to announce the big day.

Each student had to create a postcard based on the layout created by Melissa Pfiel announcing their work. They also had to create a mask to go along with the theme and title of “Unmasked.”

At the opening, a video created by Konrad Kusmeider, Janice Rushing, and Melissa Fox ran continuously showing artists as they revealed their identities from behind their masks. Their artwork was shown at the same time so that a face could be placed with the work. Alongside each student’s display rested a stack of “leave-behind” resume cards so visitors interested in the work could contact the artist.

The “unmasking” of the OPTIC GALLERY was a huge success. Although the students and faculty were exhausted from the hard work that went into the design, development, and final production, they were all extremely proud of the final accomplishment.

According to Jason Dvorak, “The final moment when you have a completed goal standing before you, far greater than you had ever originally intended, and have the adoration of the entire campus behind you—that’s when you realize anything is possible.”

“The final moment when you have a completed goal standing before

you, far greater than you had ever originally intended, and have the

adoration of the entire campus behind you—that’s when you realize anything

is possible.”—Jason Dvorak

7

Although the Chicago and Springfield campuses both house galleries, the Orland Park campus is proud to know that their gallery was designed by its own students.

Because the gallery was designed to showcase a lot of artwork, the school plans on using it to display private collections of RMC students, faculty members, high school students, and even members of the Orland Park community.

As these seniors have graduated and left the building, they can be proud knowing that they left a legacy to the school that gave so much to them.

From now on, during every winter semester, the graduating senior class will have to live up to the standard set by this first Design Studio class.

Cherrie is already excited for the next graduates, and she also knows that they will have great ideas of their own.

The challenge has been set, and the current juniors (the next Design Studio students), have already been quietly collaborating on what they can do to leave their mark on RMC.

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Welcome to the “Little good news” section. This section is intented to motivate positive acts by reading posi-tive news. We have been hearing so much tragic news that we seem to lose the good motivational news; the kind of news that lift us up and gives us hope.

At the heart of good news is happiness. There are so many viewpoints as to where happiness comes from.

A person receives good news! He or she then shares his or her good news in hopes that this news will inspire other people. Those people who heard the good news will have the courage to change and improve themselves.

This is where “Little good news” comes in as a media source. I want this section to be the good, positive media for this society. I want “Little good news” to be the source of hope and happiness when people need it most.

Happiness is what everyone is seeking. To find happiness is very easy. It starts with our own actions. Good acts will re-sult in happiness, and happiness is where the heart of “Little good news” is.

LiTTLEgood news

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People have many ways of keeping their hopes up; people of different ages live their lives differently. For a retired 70-year-old single mother, Dendoung Poomisrikeo (AKA my mom), found a way to keep living a happy and a full life despite a liver transplant she had in February last year (2005), a liver that she never wanted to begin with.

Question:Why were you in the hospital?Answer:I was doing my regular check up at the clinic. The result from the blood test came out stating that I had Hepatitis C. Hepatitis C virus is carried in the blood of people infected with the virus. Hepa-titis is an inflammation of the liver. It is primarily spread through contact with infected blood.

I was a nurse and during one of my working days, I had to give a shot to a patient. After I was through with the procedure I accidentally touched the needle; this happened many years ago. Question:So when that happened, did you sani-tize yourself right away?Answer:I don’t remember because it was many years ago. More likely, I used alcohol to clean it up with. Question:So after you found out that you had Hepatitis C, what happened?Answer:The very first thing they did was transfer me to Rush Hospital to get better treatment. Question:How did you feel after you found out that you had Hepatitis C?Answer:Honestly, I was very scared because ever since I was young, I was never sick at all. And you would think that being a nurse would help. Not really. Because I know how things work and I’ve seen it all, it made me afraid even more.

Question:How about your family? How did they take the news?Answer:There’s only my daughter, I told her but in the matter of “I’m having a cold.” I didn’t tell any relatives because I didn’t want anyone to know. Question:Was liver transplanting your first option?Answer:Actually, a liver transplant wasn’t even on the list. I was given chemotherapy first. I was diagnosed with Hepatitis C 2 years ago. After I found out I was giv-en chemotherapy first. After only the first chemotherapy session, I told my-self that the procedure was too painful. I came home and I prayed for them to give me a better solution. Before my second session of chemotherapy I received a phone call from my doctor. He told me that they had a liver for me, that this liver matched me perfectly. Now, I was not on the waiting list nor did I ask for a liver. Question:So what made you decide to accept this liver?Answer:It was actually my daughter’s decision. The doctor asked to speak with my daughter. They spoke for about 15 to 20 minutes. After that my daughter turned and told me “just think of it as a gift.” So, from those words I accepted the liver. Question:How are you managing to live a happy and a full life?Answer:I was able to live a happy and full life because I see life as it is. Question:What do mean?Answer:I not only know but I also understand my situation...financially and physically...to shape the way I think. Once I see my situation clearly, I focus on what I have to live with. Since I’m retired, I don’t have to worry about working. All I do is meditate at home and try to stay healthy.

Question:You also meditate? When did you start?Answer:Yes, I also meditate. I have been mediating for 30 to 40 years. Question:So would you say that meditation helps you? How so?Answer:Yes, meditating helps a lot. Being a Buddhist, meditating was something that we should’ve been practicing at a young age. But I actually started medi-tating around my early 30s, still not too late. Mediation shapes my thoughts into the right way. Question:What is the right way?Answer:The right way of thinking is the kind of thinking that at the end of it all it won’t hurt me or others. Question:So the important question of it all is, how do you keep your hopes up?Answer:I see it this way...since I’m still alive, I want to spend the rest of my times shaping my mind. My hopes are to be able to meditate to the clearest, and to see my daughter achieve her dreams.

Mew’s mom

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LiTTLEgood news

“That was my mom’s

inspirational story for me.

She has always been an

inspiration in my life.

Even though I didn’t give her

credit, today was my chance.

My hope is to make her hopes come

true…being the good person that she

always sees in me.

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Hope is what keeps us

alive and going on, so remember

not to lose your hope...just

like my mother. She has been

through a lot to get up to

70 years old, and she still

keeps going every day.”

-Mew-

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One year ago, Dale Andrews wasn’t worried about what was on the menu for the day. Lunch was either what he brown bagged from home or whatever the fast food restaurant down the street from his trucking parts store was

serving. Today, lunch has new meaning for Dale because it is up to him to plan what is on the menu. After 22 years of owning and operating his own business, Dale sold it and signed up for culinary school at Robert Morris College in Orland Park. Dale did not hesitate with this decision. He said he always had a passion for cooking and the timing seemed right. He credits his Aunt Josie for teaching him to cook and for helping him develop this passion. His family supported his decision, saying his stress level has gone down 100% since he sold his business.

Along with classes on French, Italian and Mexican cuisine, Robert Morris College offered Dale classes on restaurant management, menu planning and beverage and bar services. Dale said he learned a lot and loved working with the other students, but he is enjoying his internship at Dell Rhea’s in Willowbrook even more. As the guest chef, Dale’s job is to plan the specials for the day. He says he likes the freedom they give him to work with the menu and the experience he is gaining by managing the 12 chefs beneath him.

Throughout his studies at Robert Morris, Dale had an opportunity to study culinary arts in Europe. Robert Morris offered a 6 week study abroad program in Florence Italy. It was a once in a lifetime experience and Dale was planning on going, but he headed off to Costa Rica for a one week class on Cajun cooking instead. While in Costa Rica, Dale learned Creole and Cajun style cooking, and had plenty of free time to tour the country.

As Dale’s final weeks of culinary school come to an end, he is busy mapping out his future. Next on his list of things to do is owning his own restaurant/bar in the Orland Park area. He would also like to spend some time being a personal chef. He said it would be fun to travel on someone’s yacht and prepare their meals for them. Dale has had 33 years of experience cooking and “he is good— real good.” He does not worry about the stress that might come from owning his own restaurant, and he is not at all bothered by working nights and weekends. Dale says that cooking is not like work to him because he is having fun. He does not think that the stress of cooking can be anywhere as intense as the stress of messing up a million dollar order of trucking parts. Because of the experience he has acquired from owning his own business, the knowledge he has gained from Robert Morris College, and the determination and confidence that he already has, Dale is sure to be a success in the restaurant business.

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Tucked away on the south side of Chicago is a well known Italian restaurant called Angie’s Restaurant and Pizzeria.

If you have a taste for Chicago Style pizza, Angie’s is the place to go. Angie’s is a great example of why pizza all around the world is referred to as “Chicago Style Pizza.” Walking into Angie’s, you can feel the comfortable and friendly atmosphere that comes from a family owned neighborhood restaurant.

Angie’s began as a dream in a young man’s heart. That man was Angelo “Angie” Corso. Together with his wife Eleanor, he began the process of building this dream. Angie’s originated as a shot and a beer joint located at 8352 S. Pulaski. It was while tending bar here that Angelo began his dream. On his days off, he would drive around looking at restaurants while planning the design of his own. It was also at this time that Angelo began to suffer from heart disease.

As the restaurant began to grow and take shape, Anglo’s health began to deteriorate. Days spent in the hospital turned into weeks. Eventually, it was only on special occasions that Angelo left the hospital. One of

those occasions was to walk through an almost complete Angie’s Restaurant.

Unfortunately, before the restaurant was opened or

even finished, Angelo passed away, leaving his

dream in the hands of his wife and

children. Angelo was 46 years old.

Angie’s Restaurantand Pizzeria

“Angie” Angelo Corso

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Feeling like she had no choice, Eleanor continued with her late husband’s plans. She finished the construction, and when the doors were opened she stood strong and firm behind the bar serving her customers; a sight that would become very familiar for many years to come.

Friends and neighbors helped run the restaurant, but it was Eleanor and her children who worked to make the dream a reality. Because the oldest two girls were over 21, they helped bartend at night after school to give their mother a break. Jamie, the oldest son, attended culinary school for a while and learned enough to get the kitchen at the restaurant started.

He experimented with different ingredients using his family as taste testers until he found the right combination, which became the recipe for Angie’s famous pizza.

The kitchen was originally opened just as a sandwich kitchen serving beef sandwiches, sausage sandwiches, and the house specialty, the “Angie’s Special.” Pizza and Italian dinners were added later when the kitchen was expanded to handle the growing business.

From there, Angie’s Pizza expanded to three locations throughout the city of Chicago. There was a fast food take out Angie’s Restaurant in downtown Chicago, a large family restaurant in Burbank, and of course the original restaurant and bar at 83rd and Pulaski. Today, the original Angie’s at 83rd and Pulaski is the only restaurant run by the Corso family.

The clientele has changed over the years as the neighborhood has continued to change. Many of the regulars have been replaced by their children and grandchildren, who continue to come to Angie’s and tell stories of family dinners spent there when they were young.

Many families who moved out of the neighborhood still make it a point to come back and visit, and of course grab a taste of Angie’s pizza, which defines Chicago Style at its best.

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The Full Moon – a beautiful sight in the sky, or a glow-ing object that wreaks havoc on the towns below? From werewolves to lunatics and everything in between, many people have believed that a full moon can really do some damage. The words “lunatic,” “lunacy,” and “loony” ac-tually stem from the word “luna,” which is Latin for “moon.” According to www.wikipedia.com, “This prob-ably refers to the symptoms of cyclic mood disorders such as bipolar disorder or cyclothymia…as yet there is little evidence for any causal link between phases of the moon and the progression of mood disorder symp-toms.” So is there really any evidence that the moon is responsible for more car accidents, murders, crime, and emergency room traumas? It is a great debate in which many will both agree and disagree. It seems that those

who never had any significant experience with a full moon are quick to be skeptical, but those in the medi-cal field or law enforcement swear by the powers of the gravitational pull that control the minds of others. Since there is so much debate over the subject, there may nev-er be an exact conclusion drawn. Both the skeptics and believers have good reasons to support their thoughts and ideas. For those who are unfamiliar with the ac-tual thought process behind the theory, it is based on the moon creating a high and low ocean tide which causes tidal streams to change the depth of the sea. Even though the changing of the tide happens every day, it is said that the gravitational pull is strongest when the moon is full. Since our bodies are about 80% water and our brains nearly 90%, it is thought that the same gravi-tational pull on the oceans can cause a gravitational pull on the water in our bodies, creating an imbalance that causes strange things to happen. It is also thought that there are more positive ions in the air at that moment, which can have an effect on a person’s hormones. The other viewpoint is that the gravitational pull only affects large bodies of water like oceans and big lakes. Small-er lakes and ponds show no effect of the tide, leading people to assume that because the human body hardly has any water compared to the amount in a pond, there is no way that the gravitational pull can have an effect on us. Is it all a coincidence, or could there just be no proof of the theory? I decided to take matters into my

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own hands and conducted an informal survey based on how many people truly believe the full moon has an ef-fect on us. Out of 30 people surveyed, 21 believe that the moon does in fact cause some strange occurrences, 7 say no they do not believe, and 2 were unsure. Loretta, my Aunt and an employee at a level-one trauma hospi-tal in Illinois, definitely believes in the full moon theory. “I hear stories that all the nurses and M.D.’s hate when they are assigned a shift in the E.R. during a full moon, and our admissions do spike.” Not only are there stories of emergency rooms going wild during a full moon, but the labor and delivery rooms become unusually active as well. My Aunt Diane recalls the night she went into labor with my cousin Kim.

“I can tell you that I believe that ‘strange’ things happen when there is a full moon because it happened to me.” After a trip to the hospital to tour the birthing rooms (and seeing only one woman in labor and delivery), she went home feeling fine. That same night, she ended up going back to the hospital because her water broke. “Upon arriving, the birthing center was jammed with women in labor, all from broken water bags. It was so crowded in the birthing center that I was put on a gur-ney and was placed in a hallway next to the supplies and told hopefully a birthing room would be available before Kim arrived.” The nurse told her that “every time there is a full moon and the barometric pressure drops, we have a ‘load’ of moms in labor with water bag breaks.”

Other people I polled had stories about young school children whose behaviors changed, or crabby custom-ers who come into the stores they worked for. On the other hand, some of the people I surveyed had rea-son to believe that the full moon theory is all non-sense. Whether it is because it sounds too far fetched to be real, or they simply have no evidence or sto-ries to make them believe, their opinions are strong. “As far as the full moon making people crazy, I think all you have to do is open up the paper any day of the week and see for yourself that people are crazy everyday...full moon or not,” said my Uncle Dan. He brings up a good ar-gument. Some non-believers feel strongly about the fact that people may go into the day of the full moon under the belief that something strange will happen to them. Since they know there will be a full moon, the idea of strange behavior will be in the back of their minds and it will hap-pen to them subconsciously, like a power of suggestion. While the great debate is still going, we may never know if the full moon is really responsible for some strange occurrences while it sheds its light on the earth. Until then, it will have to remain an unsolved mystery.

Every time there is a full moon and the barometric pressure drops, we have a ‘load’ of new moms in labor with water-bag breaks.

“”

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UFOTruth?

c l a s s Have you ever seen something in

the air you couldn’t explain, or

know someone who has? Odds

are that you have, and it’s no surprise in

today’s world. Technology is advancing

rapidly, and in secrecy. There seems to be

a mysterious answer beginning to silently

prevail among researchers who care

enough to become knowledgeable of the

subject regarding many sightings. UFOs, or

Unidentified Flying Objects, have not only

been documented in increasing numbers

over recent times, but also date back to

ancient writings and depictions. Many

conspiracies and theories have evolved over

time, along with many sightings and records.

Some theories surmise that UFOs are

government projects, weather phenomenon,

or even figments of our imagination. The

seriousness of this issue should be a much

larger priority, but unfortunately, it has

been blurred, irrationalized, and has

become a controversial topic of our society.

The supposed evidence of UFOs is staggering,

but the quality of the evidence is the strongest

armument against proving their existence.

Eyewitness reports are scrutinized, even

from highly placed government employees.

This idea alone leaves only a few private

videos of decent quality to be taken seriously.

Fortunately, other world governments have

also recorded videos that have been released,

which only strengthens the evidence. A new

idea surrounding UFOs involves the idea that

they can operate in the ultra violet spectrum,

making them invisible to the naked eye but

still recordable with modified equipment.

Approaching the subject with these kinds of

ideas in mind, it is very easy to see how any

person could argue the case, but also consider

that there is substantial evidence that in no

way can be explained by claims of swamp gas,

ball lightning, flares, satellites, or space debris.

With such unmistakable evidence, the

question arises of why the United States

government has the final word on what each

piece of evidence is, and they usually have

unbelievable answers. Whether it is a cover up

of secret projects or information that would

not benefit society, the answer may never be

revealed even though a clear connection has

obviously surfaced. In today’s world, it is more

than obvious that the United Sates is a super

power among countries, and unfortunately, to

remain a super power, military advancement

is key. Taking note of the radical advancement

of military weaponry such as our jets, it is easy

to infer that everything in the air was created

by the United States or another country

for military use. Projects such as the SR-71

i f i e d

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c l a s s i f i e dBlackbird had been kept secret for a very long

time and is unlike any other jet created. Even

today, inferences of a jet surpassing the SR-71

have already been created called the Aurora,

which is described as a triangular jet that

could reach Mach-5. The basic design behind

the majority of flying military craft involves

a rocket propulsion system. Knowing the

current limits of this type of propulsion and the

appearance it creates, it begs the question of

what is being recorded in the videos that have

been seen, which reveal much greater speeds

with no sign of rocket propulsion systems.

This aspect turns to the many theories that

involve the technology behind these crafts.

The Tesla theory seems to be prevalent.

Nikola Tesla was an inventor at the turn of the

century who dealt with Electromagnetism,

among various other fields. Claims were

made that Tesla wished to create a craft that

would fly using only electromagnetic means.

The crafts were theorized to take a saucer

or cigar shaped form. More recently, there is

a theorized connection regarding the large

number of reported incidents by World War

II pilots. Foo Fighters, the name given to

UFOs seen by fighter pilots during the war,

are linked to Tesla’s design. Interestingly

though, early modern reports in American

newspapers began prior to the time of Tesla’s

theories, which were as early as 1865, and

later in 1878 with the first description of

the term “flying saucer,” being used.

UFO sightings have become common

occurrences in our world, but they are still

just as mysterious as they’ve always been.

Religious theories involving the Nephilim have

been explained, all the way to the theories of

secret government experiments. Nowadays,

a less common, but ever increasing form of

Information obtained from http://en.wikipedia.org

sightings that occur deal with USOs, which are

also called, Unidentified Submerged Objects.

These sightings involve objects that not only fly

in the air, but also have been seen submerging

into and out of areas of water. The mystery

behind UFOs continues to grow, and, even with

evidence, seems to stand still. After taking

a broad look at this subject, it is

ultimately up to each individual

to come to their own

conclusions and decide

why the subject of

UFOs is so important.

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Well, maybe, but there are more of us out there than you think—and we’re just as devoted to them as most people are to their cats and dogs! There are reptile shows, pro-fessional breeders, and selective breeding programs to develop new color strains.

At the first mention of reptiles, some people are repulsed— others are happy to look, so long as they don’t have to touch. Why this bias against reptiles? Well, it’s mostly due to myths! People are raised with the understanding that rep-tiles are monsters. They’re danger-ous, they will bite you, and they can kill you. They’re dirty, they’re slimy, and they’re the scum of the earth. These things couldn’t be further from the truth.

Sure, some reptiles are dangerous, vipers for example, but most are completely harmless to humans. Your pet pooch can do more dam-age to you than a temperamental corn snake or a grumpy skink!

“Reptiles as pets? Are you people crazy?”

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Most domesticated reptiles are harmless, beautiful creatures with a bad reputation that they don’t deserve.

Before we really dive in, let’s get some things cleared up:

MYth: Snakes are wet, slimy creatures!

FALSE. Snakes are in no way slimy— it’s actually quite the opposite! They may have a shiny look to their scales, and they may feel smooth and slick, but snakes are dry and cool to the touch. The weirdest part about holding a snake is feeling their muscles push as they move, and that’s much more fascinating than any-thing else!

MYth: All snakes bite/are poisonous /are dangerous!

FALSE. For one, most of the snakes commonly sold as pets are constrictors. Constrictors kill their prey by coiling tightly around it to crush the air from the creature’s lungs. As a result, they have no venom. A constrictor’s teeth are only used to hold the prey still and grip it as they swal-low. A constrictor may bite in defense, but the worst you’ll come away with is a few tiny pinpricks. Some people don’t even feel it! They’ll only squeeze you enough

to be sure that they’re not go-ing to fall off, and that’s nothing worse than a scaley hug.

MYth: Reptiles are expen-sive pets to have!

FALSE, mostly. The initial setup of your reptile’s tank and the purchase of the reptile itself is the most expensive it gets. For the duration of a reptile’s life, almost all you will need to purchase is food (which usually will last them a while at a time), substrate (like forest bark, aspen chips, or, in some cases, paper towels), and vet care when needed. (Depend-ing on the situation, you may also

need to purchase a bigger tank if you start with a baby in a small enclosure.) Setup cost ranges in value by the reptile’s personal needs, but in most cases this won’t run you higher then a few hundred dollars. The price of the reptile itself can range by spe-cies and color. (Color? Yes, color! Some colorations are highly sought after for special breed-ing programs and by people who show their reptiles. These colors become more expensive due to the high demand.)

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MYth: All reptiles need to eat live food!

FALSE. Very false indeed! Most insect-eating reptiles have optional powders that can be mixed with water, are devoured willingly, and give your reptile all the nutrients he needs. For smaller insect-eating reptiles, it can be a fun treat to get a few live crickets now and then for a bit of variety and sport, but they can be perfectly happy with meal mix as the bulk of their diet. As for snakes, yes, you typically do need mice— but feeding live mice is actually a bad thing! Mice fight back when they realize they’re lunch, and they can do a lot more damage than you’d think. It’s in the best interest of all involved to get humanly pre-killed frozen mice from a local reptile shop to thaw when it’s suppertime for your snake. (If the thought of feeding a snake dead mice still creeps you out, you can actually get your snake snake sausages instead!)

MYth: But retiles are no fun. They aren’t playful or anything!

FALSE. They don’t play fetch, but reptiles each have their own distinct personality. Personalities can differ by the species and by the animal. This is where a bit of research comes in handy— you need to see how the

breed you want tends to behave. Some reptiles are naturally nippy, some aren’t, some are lazy and some are active, and then there are exceptions to every rule in every species! The trick is to make sure you research and handle the reptile you’re considering buying to make sure you like his/her personality before you purchase. Some reptiles can be fairly entertaining to watch by nature, too. For instance, crested geckos (the lizard featured on the opening page of this article) have a tendancy to lick their eyeballs and jump from branch to branch, arm to arm, or even arm to face! The little scamps are very playful and amus-ing to watch!

I sure hope this helped you to shed (mind the pun) a few misconcep-tions about our cold-blooded friends.

There is a large assortment of different reptiles out there, varying from the amount of care needed to all the bright colors and different breeds. So long as proper research is done and a clean home is kept, there could be a reptile out there that’s just right for you!

Reptiles are beautiful creatures, and it is this author’s hope that her article has helped some people to overome their bias and see these animals in a new light.

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InsectsAll Pests?

Have you ever taken the time to

notice the little things around

you? Perhaps taking just a minute

to stop upon the sight of a beautiful

patch of flowers, or to even glance

upon an old oak tree, you would truly

see much more than meets the eye. The

small, living creatures around you are

always hard at work, and without them

the world would not be such a beautiful

place. Insects are an integral part

of our ecosystem and our lives. There

are over a million species of insects,

which is more than every other living

organism group combined. A majority

of these creatures are more than just

pests; they are a substantial part of

the world and of each of our lives.

The word pest is extremely negative,

and with deserving reason. An

interesting aspect of human beings

is that when dealing with insects, we

focus on their negative characteristics.

Mosquitoes, termites, and even locusts

are at the top of our lists and are

usually the first things that come to

mind when thinking of insects. With the

heavy burdens and spread of diseases

some insects contribute to, it is no

mystery why a majority of human beings

do not take interests in insects.

Though these aspects of insects are

not preferable, these living creatures

are truly remarkable and actually

help sustain our lives. Insects are

responsible for producing some of

the common substances we use in our

daily lives, such as honey, wax, and

silk. Some insects are being used

to treat diseases and other health

problems among humans. Insects are

also responsible for enriching soil,

which leads to better crop growth

and increased grazing efficiency in

livestock. Another fascinating aspect

of insects is that they are truly self-

reliant and even control their own

numbers. Grasshoppers have the ability

to bury the earth in a season if their

population remained untouched, but

there are many other insects that keep

their numbers down.

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So, after becoming a bit more

knowledgeable and appreciative of these

creatures, the question that arises is

why do many people feel the way they

do about insects? Is it merely their

appearance, their small size, or their

preceding reputation

that sparks our negative

responses? Or, is it the

idea that they are

simply invading the

space we think we own?

Information obtained from http://en.wikipedia.org

Simply put, insects are an important

part of this world. They are life forms

and should be treated as such, not as

mere annoyances. They provide countless

benefits, and a little education would

surely spark anyone’s interest. Next

time when your shoe steps over a

bug in your path, don’t simply think

it’s worthless or an annoyance, but

understand that it is part of life.

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27

In the last issue of Full Bleed, Jeff Whitten covered a brief history of tattooing and how it is becoming more accepted in society today. Illinois recently took a large step by lowering the legal tattoo age limit from 21 years of age to 18 as of January 1st, 2006. I have worked as a tattoo artist in Chicago for about nine years now and I have seen the industry grow greatly over the years. The availability of better equipment such as machines, inks, and needles allow artists to bring a whole new level of artwork into tattooing that could not have been done ten to fifteen years ago. In this issue, I am going to cover how to choose a clean and reputable shop to get tattoo work done, as well as the basic procedures involved for those who don’t know how a tattoo is applied.

I remember the first time I was thinking about going into a tattoo shop to get some work done. I always imagined this big, non-talkative, scary, biker guy covered in tattoos from

head to toe greeting me with a grunt as I walked into the shop. That old stereotype is a total misconception. Most tattooers are very laid back, very educated in art, extremely clean, and very friendly. They have to be this way due to the nature of the job. A good, reputable tattoo shop should be just as clean, if not cleaner, than your everyday hospital environment. The first thing you should look for when entering a tattoo shop is to make sure they are licensed. Having an APT and APP certification for both tattooers and piercers is a plus. A legitimate tattoo facility should not allow smoking, alcohol, food, drinks, or children in the shop. Some people may not like these rules, but they are made solely for the purpose of providing you with a super clean and safe environment.

You want to go to a shop that has stainless steel, or other non-porous material counters or work stations to prevent cross-contamination of germs and bacteria. Make sure any spray bottles, electrical clip cords supplying power to the tattooer’s machines, actual tattoo machines, and other items being used while tattooing are covered properly with disposable single use plastic covers. Make sure you physically see your artist remove brand new needles and machine tubes from either individual pre-sterilized

blister packs, or autoclave sterilization pouches. In my history of tattooing, I’ve never seen any artist reuse ink caps or needles on anyone, but you should always make sure you are receiving new, sterile tools as if you were in a doctor’s office, just to be safe.

One thing a lot of people do not understand is that tattoo work varies from shop to shop and artist to artist depending on their skill level. The overall appearance and quality of the work you receive greatly depends on the actual artist. You can not just pick up a tattoo machine and draw with it! There is a lot of skill, angles, machine speeds, and proper technique involved in tattooing just like any other trade. So make sure the first thing you do is ask to see a portfolio by the artist you are interested in, to see what kind of work he or she has done in the past. Just because the artist is tattooing in what appears to be a legitimate shop does not mean that he or she knows what they’re doing! If the tattoo quality looks poor, do not think twice; leave immediately and find yourself a different shop and repeat this procedure. Good things to look for are smooth, consistent, straight, clean line work and an overall smooth appearance with vibrant color. By looking closely at a photo of a tattoo you can see if it has been laid in properly or just beaten into the skin by someone who has no clue what they are doing.

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and will be willing to work with you, but you should never bargain hunt for tattoos. There is an old saying in the tattoo industry: “Good tattoos aren’t cheap, and cheap tattoos aren’t good!” When you actually think about it, paying a couple hundred dollars is nothing considering your tattoo will probably outlast anything you will ever purchase in your life!

Before you get tattooed, make sure you have eaten and had some sort of sugar prior to getting work done. To make a long story short, I have had a few fainters in my day, and surprisingly most of the time they are men! The adrenaline and sensation of being tattooed often makes people a little light headed if they come in on an empty stomach with low blood sugar levels.

Tattoos are forever, so choose your design wisely! A lot of people do not know that tattoo artists these days can duplicate almost anything from photorealistic portraits, to just about anything you can bring in on a photograph or magazine clipping. You do not have to rely on the selection of tattoo designs or “flash” that each individual shop has available. If you want to bring in self-drawn artwork, that is

If you are wondering about the cost of a quality tattoo, most tattoo shops charge about $125 an hour these days. You are paying for materials used, a sterile and safe work place, as well as the skill from that the individual artist has worked hard for over many years of training. Nothing will aggravate your tattoo artist more than arguing about the cost he or she quotes you. Most artists are easy-going

“Just because the artist is tattooing in what appears to be a legitimate shop does not mean he or she knows what they are doing!”


29

totally acceptable as well. Do not feel afraid to ask your artist for advice. Most tattooers will be honored that you trust their good judgment and artistic ability enough to ask them for advice related to your tattoo.

When it comes time to start your tattoo, don’t faint just yet! The artist is only going to prep the area to be tattooed by shaving any hair, and thoroughly cleaning the skin. Your artist will then apply a stencil which will be an exact replication of the design you choose that will serve as a guide. The stencil will generally be a purple outline that he or she can follow in order to get your design as close to the original as possible. Before your artist starts tattooing, look over the stencil. Ask to check it out in a mirror or ask a friend how the placement, overall appearance, and size is. Remember, tattoos are for life, so if an adjustment needs to be made this is the time to let your artist know! It can simply be taken off and reapplied with ease.

Tattoo Pointers:• You must be 18 years of age or older to get a tattoo.

Some shops may tattoo you with parental consent.• If you’ve been drinking, don’t waste your time. A

reputable shop will NOT tattoo you drunk. • Look at your potential tattoo artist’s portfolio, and

don’t lower your expectations.• Make sure the tattoo shop is as clean if not cleaner

than a hospital environment.• “Good tattoos aren’t cheap, and cheap tattoos aren’t

good.”• Look for clean, organized work areas.• All materials should be pre-sealed and sterilized

before use.• Your tattoo artist should change gloves multiple

times before, during, and after your tattoo.• Make sure you have some food/sugar in your

system.• Communicate with your tattoo artist.• Listen to your tattoo artist when it comes to

aftercare.

I am not going to lie. Tattoos hurt no matter where you get them, but luckily it is not an unbearable pain. Most people can easily sit through a tattoo, but some areas such as the elbow, rib cage, back of the knee cap, and armpit obviously will hurt more than other areas. So you may want to start off with something a little smaller right off the bat to get acquainted to the feeling of being tattooed. The tattooer may have you sit in a chair, or even lay down depending on the placement of your tattoo. The first step in any tattoo is laying in the outlines and because of the wide variety of needle arrangements available these days your artist can tattoo a line as fine as a hair on your head, as thick as a nickel, or greater. Once all the line work is finished, the rest of the color will be applied starting from the darkest tones that exist in your piece, and ending with the lightest. If your artist started off with all the light tones first, and accidentally wipes a darker tone ink over a light area, there is a possibility that the dark ink may contaminate the light spots and give it a muddy appearance. Once everything is tattooed the artist will give it one last look, and then clean you up. Make sure you look over everything carefully, and let your artist know if you are happy with your finished work. Remember, you can always add to your finished piece at a later date, but you can not take away once its pressed in.

Once everything is finished and you have looked over your new artwork, your artist will bandage you up, and thoroughly go over aftercare instructions. Listen to your artist! What worked for your best friend’s buddy’s Uncle’s former roommate may not be right for you. A few days after your tattoo is applied, it may weep a bit, and develop a slight scab depending on the size and placement. How you heal greatly depends on the

actual tattooers skill level, as well as how you have taken care of it. Once the tattooer does his or her job, it is all up to you to take care of your new tattoo so that is heals properly.

Hopefully these tips will help you find a reputable, clean tattoo shop, with talented artists, and good work ethics. Just remember, you can never just get one; tattoos are extremely addictive!

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Stereotyping is the pre-conceived opinion or image you give someone just by looking at them. Almost everybody stereotypes on a daily basis whether they mean to or not. It’s amazing how a lot of stereotypes have hardly changed throughout the years, and it’s funny to think that you can sum up someone’s identity just based on looks alone. Perhaps it seems very childish to discuss stereotyping, but oddly enough, it happens, even in the career world. The ideas and opinions we form about people are hardly ever right, and usually these opinions are quite the opposite. We need an example of a rule breaker. Who better to pick on than myself?

For the most part, I’m relatively shy. I always wear jeans and cardigan sweaters because I prefer to be comfortable. I spend my time working in front of a computer screen, so I wear glasses because contacts hurt my eyes. What would somebody think of me if they met me for the first time? Probably that I was boring or a book worm. The funny thing is that when my cardigan sweater comes off and my arms show, people think I’m a completely different person.

In fact, people often act differently around me when my arms are showing. Why? Because I happen to be the

proud owner of a full 3/4 tattoo sleeve. It’s my little secret, and when people see my tattoos on display for the first time, they have a whole new impression of me. I transform from the quiet, shy girl to the hardcore, modified rock star. I suppose nothing is as it seems.

I got into body modification and tattoo art in high school, and I got my first tattoo my junior year: angel wings on my shoulder blades. I always had a fascination with tattoo art because of its mystery. The whole process has some sort of “initiation” vibe to it. But, as always, the tattoo community has its own stereotype: derelict, low life, party animals. Am I any

My Secret Side


31

Will these forms of expression change who I am? Never. I’m just as serious and focused as any other career bound student. Unfortunately, stereotyping is something that will be in my life forever, but there are definitely ways around it. It’s sad to think that people have a pre-conceived notion about who you are and what you are about just by laying eyes on you. Maybe this short article will make you think twice before you think you have someone completely figured out. Anyone has the ability to surprise you...even little ‘ol me.

of these things? Hardly. In fact, all of the modified people I know are some of the nicest, most grounded people I have ever met. As I grew, my collection of tattoo art grew with me: an Irish Claddagh on my lower back to represent the things most important in my life, a swallow on my right inner ankle to remind me of home, and my sea-themed 3/4 sleeve on my right arm. As I applied piece after piece, I had to listen to the criticism of others around me. “How will you find a serious job?” is a question I get asked a lot. The solution is quite obvious: long sleeved shirts. I’m just as qualified for a career job as anyone else.

Why would my body art hinder me? I don’t wear my cardigan sweaters to cover up out of shame; I wear them because my tattoos are for me and no one else. They are my own personal business, and I guess I’m not the flashy type. Sometimes my arm distracts people, and other times it completely catches them off guard. I prefer to be taken seriously, and sometimes, unfortunately, this means covering up, because many people can be narrow-minded and judgmental.

I plan on filling up my remaining arm, getting a chest piece, and perhaps something on my rib cage.

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fash·ion [fash-uhn] conventional usage in dress

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33B y : F E R R O U S S A L E M




Hand knitting has recently made a huge comeback! Numerous knitting groups and clubs have been organized to support this growing trend. Believe it or not, when knitting was first created, it was a male dominated craft. Men were responsible for producing knitted materials for trade and sale. Knitting was definitely viewed as a craft until the invention of the knitting machine. This invention then made hand knitting less desirable because knit goods could be mass-produced in a short amount of time. After this crossover, females became the majority of hand knitters because knitting became more of a hobby than

fingering weight yarns. Remember that thick yarns will knit out very tight and heavy on small needles, and thin yarn will knit out very loose and airy on large needles. The weight of the yarn and the suggested needle size will be printed on the yarn label. There are also different types of knitting needles available to you at your local craft store. Double point needles come in a four-pack, and they have a point on both end. These are used for “knitting-in-the-round” which is how socks are made. There are also circular knitting needles, which are connected with a plastic wire. This is another version of

Let’s Knit!

a task. Knitting is also a great way to relieve stress and relax. So, if you are itching to learn how to knit, look no further! A step-by-step guide is right under your nose.

1Let’s cover needle sizes and yarn thickness. Knitting

needles come in a variety of sizes from really small (size 5) to really large (size 15). You want your needles to match your yarn selection so that your knitting comes out the correct size, thickness, and weight. Larger needles are great for working thick, bulky yarns, and smaller needles work well with very light,

Stockinette stitch: knit one row, purl one row, repeat.

Garter stitch: knit all rows

Learn to create both of these patterns using the instructions below!

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2 a 2 b 2 c

2 d 2 e 2 f

“knitting-in-the-round” and is perfect for creating hats. A good first pair of needles to buy would be anything that is a good length, probably a size 13 or higher. A worsted weight yarn would also be a great first purchase because it will work well with your size 13 needles. After you’ve gathered your materials, it’s time to knit! We’ll begin with casting on.

2 How do we cast on? Casting stitches onto the needle

is relatively simple:(a) Take your yarn in your working hand and make a loop with it. The tail of the yarn should be in the back.

(b) Take the workable yarn in front and pass it around the back. (c) Take this yarn and pull it up through the loop you first created. You should get a movable loop that will adjust to the knitting needle thickness. Good job! You made one loop. Now let’s make more loops on our needle. (d) Place your loop onto your needle in your working hand. (e) Wrap your yarn around your thumb from front going around the back clockwise. (f) Lift this loop off of your thumb with the point of the needle. Great job! Continue doing this until you have 20 loops.

Hint: Prepare yourself to be frustrated. If maneuvering the yarn and needles gets you aggravated, then take a few deep breaths and place your work in your lap. Learning to knit takes patience and time. Nobody starts off a pro, but with a little practice, you’ll be knitting in no time. Don’t worry. It’s okay to make mistakes. Take your time.

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3 Now that we have 20 loops on our knitting needle, we need to

begin knitting. There are two different types of stitches you can make: knit or purl. If you use the knit stitch all the way through your knitting, both front and back, you will be creating what is known as “garter stitch.” If you alternate knit and purl stitches, designating knit stitches to the front and purl stitches to the back of your work, you will be working in “stockinette stitch.” You can choose which you would like to use because you will be learning both stitches in this article.

Knit stitch: Your needle with loops should be in the opposite hand you work in (example: I’m right handed, I hold my needle with loops in my left hand). Your yarn should be held behind your work so that you can draw it up if needed. (a) With you working needle (right hand) slide the point through the first loop and out the back. The needle should be in an “x” with your right hand needle in the back. The loop might be tight, but just work the needle through until it reaches the back of your work.(b) Once your needle is through the loop and at the back of your work, come around the back counter-clockwise with the yarn and down through the two needle points. The yarn is now wrapped around the back and stuck between the “x.” You wrap the yarn counter clock wise from around the back to the front. (c) Now take your working needle (right hand) and slide it back under and up through the loop so that it is now in front. The work is still in an “x,” and you should have created a loop on

your working needle (right hand). This will take some practice because it’s the hardest step. Take your time. At this point, (d) slide the first loop off of your needle with loops. There should be a loop created on your working needle. Tada! You just created your first knit stitch. Continue doing this until you reach the end of your work. At this point, you must flip your work and keep working in the knit stitch. If you keep working in the knit stitch, you will end up with a garter stitch piece. Or maybe you would like to give the purl stitch a try? Once you know the purl stitch, you can try the stockinette stitch.

Purl stitch: This stitch is very similar to the knit stitch, but instead of passing your needle to the back, you keep it at the front. (e) So when you slide your working needle into your first loop, slide it “sideways” keeping the needle in the front of the work instead of the back. Compare this step with the first step of the knit stitch to visually see the difference. Also, keep your yarn in front of your needle instead of behind it for the purl stitch. (f) When you wrap your yarn around the needle, you still wrap it counter clockwise, except all of your work is now in the front. (g) Pass the working needle back through your work (to the back now) keeping the new loop you created, and then slide your original loop off of your needle with loops. Basically, it is the reflection of knit stitch. Follow the pictures for help. Remember to take your time. (h) Finally, slide the loop you created off of the needle with loops. Repeat the steps to make more loops. When finished, flip you work.

3 a

3 b

3 c

3 d

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4How do we bind off? So you have finished knitting a long

piece of material, and you need to bind off your work. This is a fairly simple process. (a) Knit two stitches. (b) Take your needle with loops (left hand) and pass it through the first stitch you knitted. (c) Pull this stitch up and over your second stitch, passing your working needle through. (d) Allow the stitch to drop off of your needle with loops (left hand). Only one stitch should remain on your working needle. Now all you have to do is knit another stitch and repeat steps b-d. Well done! Now you can finish all of your work.

Now that you have the knitting basics, you can easily create awesome scarves and really cool bags. Experiment with different needle sizes and yarn thicknesses. Scarves are basically extremely long rectangles. Just cast on however many stitches wide you would like your scarf to be, and knit (or purl) until you reach the desired length. Then bind off. It’s as simple as that! Try the stockinette or garter stitch patterns shown on the front page.

If you want to continue to learn about knitting, check out your local library or the internet. You can find all sorts of video tutorials and easy patterns. Once you get the essentials under your belt, the possibilities are endless. I hope you enjoyed this quick step-by-step guide to knitting. With lots of practice, you’ll be knitting up a storm in no time. Enjoy!

3 e

3 f

3 g

3 h

4 a

4 b

4 c

4 d

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FULL BLEED 2007

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