Saturday was beautifully sunny but very cold for the rally for gun control at the RI State House. Between 75-100 people showed up, small potatoes compared with the numbers that attend pro-gun rallies.
The rally was sponsored by Mothers and Others Against Gun Violence, MoveOn.org, RI Progressive Democrats, One Million Moms for Gun Control, The Coalition to Stop Handgun Violence, The Institute for Non-Violence, RI for Community and Justice, and the National Jewish Women's Council.
My view of the action
Several local politicians and community leaders spoke, including U.S. Rep. Cicilline. I missed all but the final few speakers, as I spent most of the hour and a half holding signs away out by the road. The rally ended with a moving balloon release in memory of the victims at Newtown.
We sign holders had mostly positive reactions from drivers and passersby. One man, above, pulled over to express his contrary point of view, but that was the biggest negative reaction we got. Overall it was a postive experience, and now if more of the silent supporters of sensible gun control would come forward and make their voices heard, we might make some progress.
Slater Mill had its annual knitting weekend, and on Sunday I took a class on Speed Steeking taught by the adorable Ragnheidur "Ragga" Eiriksdottir. I have done conventional steeks before, using the sewing machine, but Ragga showed us the crochet technique. It was very easy, though my first crocheted edging, the one on the right side of the swatch, came out loose and uneven, and I'd be sure to be much neater on an actual project. Shown is the swatch before and after cutting the steek.
Among other things, Ragga also showed us the German Twisted Cast On, and how to attach stabilizing ribbon to the steeked edges, below.
I finished a quick accessory to include in the items being donated to the Holly Charette House. It's the Morming Walk Headband-Earwarmer, made from the same Berroco Boboli I used for the Noble Cowl. I purchased a pin-on flower instead of making one. Kate is modeling it hippie-style.
I am glad the rally went well, even though it was small. I think you will inspire others!! Oh, I am sooo afraid of steeking, not the steeking itself, but cutting your knitting??!! That's a cute headband!!
Posted by: 2paw | January 29, 2013 at 05:48 AM
The gun control issue is important - thank you for standing up. Wish I could have been there too.
Posted by: Sherill | January 31, 2013 at 01:21 PM
Good for you! 20 years from now they will be having rallies in Canada. Since moving here I've noticed we are about 20 years behind the US in these kinds of social issues.
Posted by: Lifesastitch | February 05, 2013 at 11:23 PM