by Emily Smith | I’m loving this iNecklace by maker “Adafruit”. What I dig most about it is that it’s completely open source. Everything from the source code, circuit board files, schematics and CAD files are in the public domain. Check it out here ($75).

Yarnivores should sign up today to receive 15% off purchases for Yarn Harvest 2011. It’s happening Saturday, September 24th at some of the best yarn stores in Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. The first 200 registered harvesters will also receive a swag bag – and there’s always a chance to win with the in-store promotions, contests, and draws. The yarn crawl includes deals from 88 Stitches, Baaad Anna’s, Three Bags Full and more! All you have to do is register with The Fraser Valley Knitting Guild ($5).

Granville Island’s Maiwa is putting on 42 workshops, 8 lectures and 5 events in the next few months. I’m particularly looking forward to…

Living Textiles of Mexico ($15 – September 22nd at 7:30 pm)
An Exhibition of Textiles from the Maiwa Masterclass India ($10 – October 13th, 2011 at 7 pm)
Natural Dyes ($395 – September 12th-15th 10am-4pm)
Bookbinding Basics ($175 – September 26th-27th, 10am-4pm)

Join artists of the Art (IS)LAND Exhibition for an engaging walkabout Granville Island. Examine the art installations and site specific locations chosen by the artists for investigation and response. It’s free to the public. Meet outside the Agro Café in Railspur Alley 10 minutes before the appointed start time (Saturday Sept. 10, 2-3.30pm | Tuesday Sept. 13, 3-4:30pm | Thursday Sept. 15, 6:30-8pm | Sunday Sept. 18, 2-3:30pm)

I’m a big fan of bicycle safety. It’s important to be visible and to communicate with cars on the road. I recently made the leap and purchased an EL kit, and now I’m pining over this wearable turn signal.

Tattoo artist Bruce White has released a series of seriously awesome black velvet paintings. Everyone from Yoda, Peewee Herman, the entire crew from the Starship Enterprise and Slave Laya are represented, and more.

David Bowie’s Space Oddity has been made into a children’s book. The PDF was first released Open Source, and was sadly taken down due to copyright infringement.

Lastly, don’t look now, but it seems we’re living in a time where 20-somethings are knitting and making pie and grannies are doing graffiti on the streets.

Emily Smith is a graphic designer, crafter, technical writer, life-hacker, and bicycle lover. She is passionate about DIY, open-source geekery, and facilitating collaborative and creative workspaces. She is an active member of the Vancouver Hack Space (VHS) and enjoys foraging for unlikely materials and increasing bicycle safety. In her off time you can catch her spinning on a drop spindle, dyeing with found materials or knitting half a day away.