While I was in Pittsburgh this weekend, the Philadelphia Flyers were playing the Pittsburgh Penguins in round one of the NHL play-offs. The decisive game was Saturday afternoon, in Philly, and Mike & I were at our nephew’s little league game.
Of course, everyone was disappointed that they were missing the game, so they broadcast it over the press box speakers between innings. When I arrived at the game, the Flyers were up 3-0, in short order their lead dropped to 2, then 1, then it was tied. Soon enough, the Penguins took the lead and won 5-3.
My family and I booed. Everyone else cheered.
Right then, I was acutely reminded of the rivalry between Eastern PA and Western PA. And so, the East vs. West Throwdown was born!
This first throwdown is between two bookbinders: Subu and Leahmackindotcom.
About: Leah Mackin is a Philly girl who specializes in Scrapple and book-binding. She creates her work from found objects and is inspired by punctuation marks!
About: Emily from Subu runs the Pittsburgh Craft Collective blog, her own blog, and is a Reluctant Vegetarian. She creates hand-bound journals with decorative paper accents, pittsburgh-ese, and ironic sayings.
Of course, this is all light-hearted fun! But feel free to rally your troops around your favorite side of the state, er, book!
[poll id="2"]
Let the throwdown begin!
Oh man, Tara. I loved them both! So I just had to do what my blood dictated :-)
Rosie’s Whimsy’s last blog post..Summer Sewing
Thanks again Tara for including my work in this friendly competition! Pitting binder and binder is tough, but when it comes down to it, gimme a cheesesteak over a Primanti Brother’s sandwich!
Good luck and great work, Emily!
Leah’s last blog post..Book Spine Bracelet, The Last Ship
having just eaten at Primanti Brother’s, I couldn’t agree more, Leah!
white bread on a steak sandwich, what??! ;)
Emily’s work is wonderful…but I’m an Eagles, Phillies and Leah fan.:^)
Lynn’s last blog post..Curling Wave Cobalt Bangle Bracelet
Scrapple Rules!!! No contest!
Barb’s last blog post..Featured Artist!
Oh man, I had to go east-side (would that have bothered anyone if I left out the hyphon?), but the shout to the Penguins almost swayed my opinion towards the west.
it was a tough call (both book biinders are so awesome!), but i had to go east side. south philly represent!
[...] friend Leah is currently featured in an East vs. West Bookbinding Throwdown. Have a look, and vote for your favorite Pennsylvania crafty [...]
even if you weren’t my daughter I would vote for you
Both journals are so great! Swayed to the east with Philly love!
tremundo’s last blog post..handbags as fundraiser
yay! i just found your site…i’m originally from the ‘burgh (so of course i vote west side:) and am now living in park city, utah…can’t wait to keep checking in:)
Rebecca’s last blog post..Immune Boosting Mushroom Soup
Very tough choice, for sure on the merits of the products. Had to go with the East, though!
Kim’s last blog post..Thursday Green Artist of the Week – Zoe and Stella of Knitz and Bitz
Both are amazing artisans and do beautiful work, so I’m voting based on my South Philly roots :-D Wudder ice, anyone?
Michelle Ciarlo-Hayes’s last blog post..Story Behind the Pictures: Vintage Thread Series
Even if you weren’t my Bud, I’d vote for you.
what a fun competition! couldn’t have been pitted against a better bookbinder.
thanks tara!
subu’s last blog post..East vs West
Although we are from Maryland I spent four years visiting my daughter while she attended Point Park University. Not only did she get her BFA in Dance, she had the greatest time of her life. Pittsburgh is the best!
That’s my Boo…..Gotta love subu!!!
Subu is da bomb!
Gotta give it up for Pittsburgh AND SUBU, great work on both sides.
I am torn between the sides of the state, born and raised in Eastern Pa, have totally fallen for Pgh (what other city can just write three letters on their mail??) in the past 8 years!
Yo-Yo-Yo
Variety is the spice of life- especially if it is well done! Well done Leah!
Go Philly Go- soft pretzels, water ice, cheese steaks, great Italian rolls- and home of the WORLD CHAMPION PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES!
I love them them, but if forced to choose, I choose “west -Side.” they are both unique & wonderful, in their own ways, though!
Shelley’s last blog post..About my lists…
West-Side home of the World Champion Pittsburgh Steelers. Sorry Philly Mom…I’m just sayin’.