tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68561680190637119972024-03-19T16:19:55.112-05:00Missouri TroubleWeaving, spinning, knitting, and other diversions in the heart of the midwestJennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01084970392848201228noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856168019063711997.post-77964631520997771772011-01-05T07:00:00.001-06:002011-01-05T07:17:19.108-06:00Winter WhiteLately there has been a lot of white around, both outside...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZfxOM8TkStyUL0btJiPj47aWeSyxbGkGcjOo8_eO1XCFP6eOMsaXuQFeP58IJMy52S-QUXiAghPa62imOvhH_XH-ckSo5lLgzjN3p-ycppN1cGfz9_tHXPXtpzcDKwPK_YKHtWGpSROkB/s1600/IMG_0471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZfxOM8TkStyUL0btJiPj47aWeSyxbGkGcjOo8_eO1XCFP6eOMsaXuQFeP58IJMy52S-QUXiAghPa62imOvhH_XH-ckSo5lLgzjN3p-ycppN1cGfz9_tHXPXtpzcDKwPK_YKHtWGpSROkB/s320/IMG_0471.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIk3SCb211MSuJr8F-RFfpGUSdvGuOMoaAcW5Z0ORiBJPg0EUhWTYURQ4fxDp_HM82Nm0FvUVeMmUJxIwDJaMXKjn2uEPnz9uj9v6Oqmcu5Q0Qm47dfJarJcrxVJUmQRZXc93x20Cd-vY/s1600/IMG_0467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIk3SCb211MSuJr8F-RFfpGUSdvGuOMoaAcW5Z0ORiBJPg0EUhWTYURQ4fxDp_HM82Nm0FvUVeMmUJxIwDJaMXKjn2uEPnz9uj9v6Oqmcu5Q0Qm47dfJarJcrxVJUmQRZXc93x20Cd-vY/s320/IMG_0467.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO0KQdDr1FRLOUOWAeOMl6Za4EcAQj7ERS1qh6dN2ueh1XLuNGXwW7E1LSLjqHge645CDlGu3rKDgK1flUvXWO34tag1XQSE2aL7CDWqdvWoM1wriXPHTd_akretzdTVrbkdsemR5jjCdr/s1600/IMG_0463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO0KQdDr1FRLOUOWAeOMl6Za4EcAQj7ERS1qh6dN2ueh1XLuNGXwW7E1LSLjqHge645CDlGu3rKDgK1flUvXWO34tag1XQSE2aL7CDWqdvWoM1wriXPHTd_akretzdTVrbkdsemR5jjCdr/s320/IMG_0463.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And inside...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8OFlNSMwIu0odDVI_0aDBNpTgirJJF9KXvc3fp8vn6vuONF95qGXL7ps6UDODr3tE8ZeNQuStp-qtYirIAJ9X2Hstrfm5pgULl1m8CqL4kQVOmgrni4Gn9t5kRk9QUE13xlFSz2N03LM7/s1600/IMG_0443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8OFlNSMwIu0odDVI_0aDBNpTgirJJF9KXvc3fp8vn6vuONF95qGXL7ps6UDODr3tE8ZeNQuStp-qtYirIAJ9X2Hstrfm5pgULl1m8CqL4kQVOmgrni4Gn9t5kRk9QUE13xlFSz2N03LM7/s320/IMG_0443.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I finished knitting these mittens a couple of weeks ago. The yarn is Knit Picks Telemark 100% wool. Needles: US3 dpns. For some time I had been looking for something to do with this yarn that has been in my stash for too long. The natural white yarn kept saying "Aran" to me, so I decided to make a pair of mittens using motifs from <b><i>The Harmony Guide to Aran and Fair Isle Knitting. </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">This was my first attempt at designing my own mitten pattern. The process was both fun and challenging for me. I know I definitely learned as I went along. On a second pair, I would do a few things differently, but overall I'm satisfied with them. I like to call them the <i>Makem and Clancy Mittens </i>in honor of Tommy Makem and the Clancy Brothers, traditional Irish folk singers, who always performed in lovely creamy Aran sweaters. I've donated the mittens to <span id="goog_725128625"></span><a href="http://accessarts.missouri.org/">Access Arts</a><span id="goog_725128626"></span> as part of their fundraising efforts.</span></b></div><br />
And one last bit of winter white - some creamy white handspun yarn which I finished up on New Year's Eve. This yarn started out as a pound of Blue Faced Leicester combed top from <a href="http://www.yarnbarn-ks.com/">Yarn Barn</a>. This roving was so easy and fun to spin, I was sorry to use it up. I spun a soft single, then made a two ply yarn. After washing, I ended up with 645 yards of soft bouncy yarn which could be worn next to the skin without irritation. Now I'm trying to decide if I want to dye half of it, perhaps a medium blue, and do some color pattern knitting. There are some appealing hat patterns in a new book I've borrowed from the library - <b><i>Quick Nordic Knits by Ann-Mari Nilsson. </i></b><br />
<b><i><br />
</i></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioC-xBSA0rcw56XeNaapsF6y-sxeD_IYUmrQ5xrcOI7E3i3E4kN7jrsOikHDEMbeoPwTsBfZTGOAm3SrksJVlS6jyYdyZK-n9hCCZc9BSoUIrp3CiT9G0BhW_WGIbeuDoG9p0rcvo6yriq/s1600/IMG_0520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioC-xBSA0rcw56XeNaapsF6y-sxeD_IYUmrQ5xrcOI7E3i3E4kN7jrsOikHDEMbeoPwTsBfZTGOAm3SrksJVlS6jyYdyZK-n9hCCZc9BSoUIrp3CiT9G0BhW_WGIbeuDoG9p0rcvo6yriq/s320/IMG_0520.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Of course, dyeing the yarn would be straying from the "white" theme, but what's the harm in that? In a couple of months nature too will stray from her white theme when she opens up her spring paintbox.</div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01084970392848201228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856168019063711997.post-18812108454479232592011-01-03T09:46:00.000-06:002011-01-03T09:46:24.050-06:00Rise and Shine!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscWrSnfI6kzoNKn6jsbYnhrMS9PgLNxJ2Ren2GwxpcnSEIwtRb1brXwpgDqiqDMAgSPXc4wZEP3QxN42ofT17f_BHNrjA-hka0ptPGYVy6RizAqpOxActw9p7fyW38CdW12VwOcyuK9fW/s1600/IMG_0517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscWrSnfI6kzoNKn6jsbYnhrMS9PgLNxJ2Ren2GwxpcnSEIwtRb1brXwpgDqiqDMAgSPXc4wZEP3QxN42ofT17f_BHNrjA-hka0ptPGYVy6RizAqpOxActw9p7fyW38CdW12VwOcyuK9fW/s320/IMG_0517.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
It's the start of a brand new year. What are your goals and wishes? I hope 2011 is filled with good things for all of us. <br />
<br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">Happy New Year!</span></span></i></b>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01084970392848201228noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856168019063711997.post-17991402937491808902010-12-20T13:00:00.003-06:002010-12-20T15:31:54.017-06:00Two Spins and A Knit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Two spins and a knit - what does that mean? Well, those are the three fiber projects that I've completed in December so far. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For the past few weeks I've been concentrating on finishing up a few works-in-progress before the end of the year. The yarn below is a 2 ply blend of merino wool and tencel. It had been in my spinning project basket for over a year. Mostly I carried the fiber and a spindle around with me and spun it on the go. It's been lovely to spin but I decided "Enough is enough." It was time to wrap up this project. So it's plied, tied, and washed. Very soft with some sheen from the tencel. I think I'll probably weave with it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitmWNdqIqyvbJ9Xz7lyE-zJ4GK7AaRSlPb0aYZVjzEXOknqFac0hzKz-TJNplf3f7qUypCuDEgIyy1g5PayTU69l3HHxarpnLSR3WDJfdmH-AxmYyzZyhZNpfKleHoiwD8JLHP4XSgW4rs/s1600/IMG_0450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitmWNdqIqyvbJ9Xz7lyE-zJ4GK7AaRSlPb0aYZVjzEXOknqFac0hzKz-TJNplf3f7qUypCuDEgIyy1g5PayTU69l3HHxarpnLSR3WDJfdmH-AxmYyzZyhZNpfKleHoiwD8JLHP4XSgW4rs/s320/IMG_0450.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Next came 8 oz. of lustrous tussah silk. Tussah silk is derived from wild silkworms and is usually a soft honey or tan color. (White silk comes from the bombyx silkworms who are raised in captivity.) Again this was a delightful fiber to spin but I only worked on it now and then. Happy to say, it also is all spun up! Two skeins of soft, luxurious goodness. I can see it as warp for an elegant woven scarf, using a bombyx silk yarn as weft.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHr5Nlj9vULQgsxff4R-63yMcOEGWgypJgweeHw728lbMny6eD2gf8HSiNDVrEyUs8m4oxRHyL7Rkqx8I7u8VABxiV-xOsXo1co6H3OWbv-aLV7XpgoTlrzMGx_nPXLkzo23VPqjwjNEx/s1600/IMG_0451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHr5Nlj9vULQgsxff4R-63yMcOEGWgypJgweeHw728lbMny6eD2gf8HSiNDVrEyUs8m4oxRHyL7Rkqx8I7u8VABxiV-xOsXo1co6H3OWbv-aLV7XpgoTlrzMGx_nPXLkzo23VPqjwjNEx/s320/IMG_0451.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Finally, one knitting project came off the needles over the weekend. These mittens are worked in Knit Picks Telemark yarn on US 3 double point needles. I've had the yarn for several years and wanted to move it out of the stash bin. The color and feel said "Aran" to me, so I selected a few cable patterns from <b><i>The Harmony Guide to Aran and Fair Isle Knitting</i></b>, and tried my hand at designing a mitten. It was definitely a learning experience. With several balls of Telemark still in my stash and a few ideas for fine-tuning my pattern, I know there is another pair in my future. These mittens will be donated to <a href="http://accessarts.missouri.org/">Access Arts</a> for fundraising.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjr0xS7XKC8YZlOBlCTuoGCQMDSp_h9pqtBncq89sUl4RJ2tN2PL5hp4l7MzwobYjHrVD3Q-LOACbIDD5ZxaR8fjkM2v5a-45ZfX-Ji00t0_WINsEa2C_GQ7k6OnA1aLXY6EZnXOXelP8u/s1600/IMG_0443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjr0xS7XKC8YZlOBlCTuoGCQMDSp_h9pqtBncq89sUl4RJ2tN2PL5hp4l7MzwobYjHrVD3Q-LOACbIDD5ZxaR8fjkM2v5a-45ZfX-Ji00t0_WINsEa2C_GQ7k6OnA1aLXY6EZnXOXelP8u/s320/IMG_0443.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
So there are my two spins and a knit, all finished up before December 31st. I have one other spinning project in progress that I'd like to complete before then - one pound of some creamy Blue Faced Leicester combed top. It spins so effortlessly - a fine soft single. I'm over halfway through it. In fact, I think it's time for me to head on over to the wheel and get busy.<br />
<br />
Anyone else trying to finish a few things before 2011 rolls in? Have fun with your fiber projects and enjoy the holidays!Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01084970392848201228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856168019063711997.post-54098703637760945932010-12-15T10:30:00.003-06:002010-12-15T10:49:21.405-06:00Frost Flowers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Winter has arrived all at once - blustery gusting wind, swirling billows of snow, and icy temperatures that made me run right back inside for a thicker coat and woolly gloves. It could have been oh-so easy to complain and moan about the miserable weather. But look at the gift winter has left on the window of our front door! Peering at the world through those frost flowers changed my view of the day and of the season. What other surprises are in store? Will I have my eyes and heart open to see and receive them?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitW0T8uBQSYO4DcMk1mGoKbQUDOVWqz8y59kSpEa59oC9uoEM43SutUn3NCP6PSRKBtwki8Ni24ChTChkX9MnvlUJv7bAEG7ZLKUciHm6K5KeCvAT5RVf7-qmiO9gLh9eL_c2mlLT11nRg/s1600/IMG_0432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitW0T8uBQSYO4DcMk1mGoKbQUDOVWqz8y59kSpEa59oC9uoEM43SutUn3NCP6PSRKBtwki8Ni24ChTChkX9MnvlUJv7bAEG7ZLKUciHm6K5KeCvAT5RVf7-qmiO9gLh9eL_c2mlLT11nRg/s320/IMG_0432.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are several haiku by the poet Basho to celebrate winter's arrival as we approach the longest nights of the year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Awakened at midnight</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>by the sound of the water jar</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>cracking from the ice.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Borrowing sleep</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>from the scarecrow's sleeves</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>midnight frost.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Hello! Light the fire!</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>I'll bring inside</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>a lovely bright ball of snow.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Winter solitude -</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>in a world of one color </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>the sound of wind.</i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUf7r5eedVcXEqqhxSANjG_EsVBsfWUjbPMFKccIfVgNMPBrakVwGzyidJhwQCO-dzhwzQX1Wq0pcJ56VKLh4MVN8iG5Mvo5hu5xoyGSWHNnsWYYZpNDN539sCCPJepEQJnXTk-ws0c6d-/s1600/IMG_0433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUf7r5eedVcXEqqhxSANjG_EsVBsfWUjbPMFKccIfVgNMPBrakVwGzyidJhwQCO-dzhwzQX1Wq0pcJ56VKLh4MVN8iG5Mvo5hu5xoyGSWHNnsWYYZpNDN539sCCPJepEQJnXTk-ws0c6d-/s320/IMG_0433.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Winter has the upper hand now, so brew yourself a cup of tea. Get snug under an afghan and enjoy a good book or a bit of knitting. Make the most of the season! </div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01084970392848201228noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856168019063711997.post-10074407025119691802010-11-23T07:40:00.003-06:002010-11-23T07:51:51.269-06:00Endings and Beginnings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Getting back into my car yesterday at the library, I noticed the trees at the edge of the parking lot. I had to jump out again with my camera to get a few shots. Aren't these leaves wonderful? I love how the bright green along the veins feathers into the yellow - very artful, could be the inspiration for a textile project, perhaps some kitchen towels or a pair of mittens. I don't know what kind of trees they are but they are definitely one of the few that still are displaying colorful leaves before their winter's rest.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKCs_OIwaGuq5sDoeE6DrcZ8gX7VGTSm7tFD4ZmS1At8WiMlbr29xHjwbNNmJ5YtyLdHoIs1MYeyYYAkp0Wy-ABw65OLTRebFhoEvq5Vs6PWfWb1m39-EpynSQ24SFfiPPIIb7vsS8IPT_/s1600/IMG_0402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKCs_OIwaGuq5sDoeE6DrcZ8gX7VGTSm7tFD4ZmS1At8WiMlbr29xHjwbNNmJ5YtyLdHoIs1MYeyYYAkp0Wy-ABw65OLTRebFhoEvq5Vs6PWfWb1m39-EpynSQ24SFfiPPIIb7vsS8IPT_/s320/IMG_0402.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
These chubby boys are two of the garlic bulbs that we broke apart and planted on Saturday. The variety is <i>Bogatyr. </i>I've never grown it before but it gets great reviews for both flavor and long storage from many of the gardening folks. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwoRIivBNrTei-P_10TBK8_zIWZsB5tLPa-if5Y03xIT2qz6QUDl0AN2BqCJOLFyaplS0W31ryqKFrxoHhMMTl3IRurkJdWmXl2bii8K6Jd6I-41CN2cJN22TOFPC8iP5kdmYynzk5GI8P/s1600/IMG_0401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwoRIivBNrTei-P_10TBK8_zIWZsB5tLPa-if5Y03xIT2qz6QUDl0AN2BqCJOLFyaplS0W31ryqKFrxoHhMMTl3IRurkJdWmXl2bii8K6Jd6I-41CN2cJN22TOFPC8iP5kdmYynzk5GI8P/s320/IMG_0401.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
We also planted <i>German Extra Hardy </i>and<i> Pink Music</i>, both saved from our own 2010 crop. Garlic needs to be planted in the autumn. So while most of the garden real estate is quiet, the cloves of garlic are tucked in the ground, given a light feeding, and covered with mulch to keep them cozy. Hopefully the cloves will settle in and begin to send out their roots even in the cold months ahead while I'm inside weaving, spinning and browsing seed catalogues.<br />
<br />
So that's how it goes. Some things are shutting down, finishing up, getting ready to rest for a few months, while others are just beginning, taking those first few steps toward a new season of life. <br />
<br />
<b><i>Happy Thanksgiving to one and all!</i></b>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01084970392848201228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856168019063711997.post-63497067651912426292010-11-05T13:43:00.007-05:002010-11-05T14:06:09.836-05:00It's a Woman's Prerogative to Change Her MindI had intended to take a break from blogging for a while to concentrate on some things I'd really like to finish up. Well, you know how the unexpected has a way of popping up. Early the other morning I was hanging laundry in the backyard before the sun was up over the trees. When I bent over to pick up the basket, I noticed how the patch of clover under the clothesline was dusted with frost. Not enough frost to wither the tender leaves but just enough to give a magical effect. See how the edges of the leaves are outlined with white? It made me catch my breath for a moment, that completely random artistry of nature.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14375768@N05/5142933748/" title="The Frost Is All Over by spindle and shuttle, on Flickr"><img alt="The Frost Is All Over" height="500" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/5142933748_81144ec022.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
<br />
As long as I had my camera, I headed down to the pond. Not much frost effect there but I did see that the clouds were perfectly reflected in the still water.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14375768@N05/5142938154/" title="Pond Clouds by spindle and shuttle, on Flickr"><img alt="Pond Clouds" height="300" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1167/5142938154_72c845e099.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Now I know neither of these things are especially remarkable, but in less than a half an hour, the sun had melted that dainty frost off of the clover and the clouds had moved on to wherever they were heading. And that is what I thought was so special - little fleeting bits of beauty that I wouldn't have witnessed if I hadn't been out hanging laundry. Keep your eyes open. You never know what you'll see.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01084970392848201228noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856168019063711997.post-86866529994846862522010-11-01T07:30:00.006-05:002010-11-01T07:59:25.536-05:00Hiatus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNpDKgbK0Pos8M3I3bBnIhT_Q41npngSy1Y7_mbHdpa3-5czg7OCiLKMfWCaM7L1-YohDx0wZR_hUl9cKOkxDthQPh95kUX_u_cXwy7e-QaylNeePrE5xSQSQQ0BqRdlgDoNsoEoDqE6jX/s1600/IMG_0347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNpDKgbK0Pos8M3I3bBnIhT_Q41npngSy1Y7_mbHdpa3-5czg7OCiLKMfWCaM7L1-YohDx0wZR_hUl9cKOkxDthQPh95kUX_u_cXwy7e-QaylNeePrE5xSQSQQ0BqRdlgDoNsoEoDqE6jX/s320/IMG_0347.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
I'm going to take a break from my blog for a while. I have a few projects that I'd like to focus my attention on, so I'll leave you for now with a poem and warm wishes for the season of celebrating which is just around the corner. Take care!<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Bird Medicine</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Let me lean on you, goldfinch.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Your flashing wings the crutches</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>To steady my halting footsteps</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Along uncertain paths.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Trusty white-throated sparrow </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Welcome back from your summer sojourn.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Your lilting "Old Sam Peabody, Peabody, Peabody"</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>An aspirin of melody</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>To ease the aches</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Of a bruised human heart.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Come chickadee, nuthatch,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Titmouse, cardinal -</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Cool my stinging eyes</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>With visions of your migrations,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Your courtships and fledging offspring,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Your survival through winter's cold fist.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>And you, barred owl, you</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Will brew for me an evening elixir,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>A honeyed nightcap of hoots, coos and chuckles,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>So soothing, so seductive</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>My frantic brain must surrender</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>To the beckoning downy nest of sleep.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Only a moment now</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Before the cares of a long day</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Yield to night.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Just enough time</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>To sigh a drowsy thanks</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>To the creatures of feather and song,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Physicians of the wing.</i></span>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01084970392848201228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856168019063711997.post-2588078287324681772010-10-15T14:15:00.006-05:002010-10-15T14:19:06.599-05:00Here Be Weavers ... and Winners!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Early one Sunday morning late this past August, I looked out the back door and noticed a large spider web hung across the posts of the dock. Always attracted to spider's weavings, I walked down there to get a closer look. As I grew near to the edge of the pond, I gasped. There were webs everywhere, all decorated with dew drops. Webs in cattails, webs stretched across branches from one tree to another, dainty gossamers resting on the grass. With the sun just coming over the tops of the trees, it was an amazing sight - sparkling strings of beads in every direction.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJt1FOCnSE8K-iPHtoI9PsbobAmMf48dlu8tElzmKLthU8O5Rp6_FUfKMDCS6gypR1tTpRE1KO-VJXQPNog3G8HF2vl0pEK2kr_eS1fqctb8dvMks8uMu-yrZvVZ0CE6Y4Ogr5q04JfxO/s1600/IMG_0127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJt1FOCnSE8K-iPHtoI9PsbobAmMf48dlu8tElzmKLthU8O5Rp6_FUfKMDCS6gypR1tTpRE1KO-VJXQPNog3G8HF2vl0pEK2kr_eS1fqctb8dvMks8uMu-yrZvVZ0CE6Y4Ogr5q04JfxO/s320/IMG_0127.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I ran back to the house for my camera and took advantage of the prime conditions to get some nice shots of the webs. But the spiders' work provided more than just a visual treat. All the animal stories I read to my kids when they were small - <i>The Wind in the Willows</i>, <i>Uncle Wiggley</i> stories, <i>Mother Westwind</i> stories - have been permanently glued in my brain and have made it very easy for me to start constructing little tales from things I observe in nature. So why on that particular Sunday morning in August were all our backyard spiders building spectacular webs at the very same time? A spider celebration or holiday? A weaving competition? (Who could weave the fastest? The most artistic? The finest thread?) Or was it some sort of social gathering like we human fiber benders are so fond of, a spiders' weaving fling? See what I mean? What do you think was going on? In any case, it was a remarkable way to begin a Sunday.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The photo above is one of my favorites from that morning, so I thought I'd use it to announce the winners of the pink yarn and fiber contest. I used a random number generator to draw the winners. The Louet Gems yarn goes to LizzieK8. Barbara S is the winner of the soy silk roving. Congratulations! Please send me a PM so that I can get your prizes to you. By the way, the comments on why we pursue our fiber arts gave me some ideas to consider. There may be a follow up post on that subject sometime in the future.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To close this post, another weaving photo. This is what's on my loom at home right now - another project inspired by nature. My work can't match the spiders' exquisite creations but maybe they'll let me join in the fun anyhow. Have some fiber fun of your own this weekend!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvlwDfWe85m7C9ECyQ4jFIOjPerrkhsPi8VezbtsdkXiMeSO9HZmxXpny1PjIPgO-cZrkmsMC0M3ME0RFjcHtMenRkbo79y1WRwMVMttej6JPK15hkXh63YiMnN8AE-zIa901OucVYLh46/s1600/IMG_0340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvlwDfWe85m7C9ECyQ4jFIOjPerrkhsPi8VezbtsdkXiMeSO9HZmxXpny1PjIPgO-cZrkmsMC0M3ME0RFjcHtMenRkbo79y1WRwMVMttej6JPK15hkXh63YiMnN8AE-zIa901OucVYLh46/s320/IMG_0340.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01084970392848201228noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856168019063711997.post-24321795645455736732010-10-03T08:00:00.001-05:002010-10-03T11:02:12.533-05:00Something to Remember, Something to Celebrate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6tYVAaMKVLcXZoivG9IPM62fFfVpRfFQfbNFiZxjLVOLSaQ5QLS5mT1Bipo6kngqKo8Kf_q-UQeI0OjQ9yePwl123_O-jbd88c5E4EuLk8KNFT2XOuw6CPtC3epQks0MRFc7S6nb3_Eo/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6tYVAaMKVLcXZoivG9IPM62fFfVpRfFQfbNFiZxjLVOLSaQ5QLS5mT1Bipo6kngqKo8Kf_q-UQeI0OjQ9yePwl123_O-jbd88c5E4EuLk8KNFT2XOuw6CPtC3epQks0MRFc7S6nb3_Eo/s320/012.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Pink flamingos in the heart of Missouri? No, I'm not going to tell you I spotted these exotic creatures on my latest walk through the woods. These flamingos live in the Animal Kingdom down near Orlando, Florida. I snapped a few shots of them while visiting with my Mom recently. But they're so festive, so <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">pink</span></i> that I thought they would be a great way to introduce this post. <br />
<br />
October is a special month - <em><span style="color: magenta;">Breast Cancer Awareness Month</span></em>. It's a time to remember friends and loved ones who have been affected by this disease. It's also a time to remember the importance of monthly self-exams and yearly mammograms. Breast cancer strikes 1 in every 8 American women. And it's not only women with a family history of breast cancer. Even women with healthy lifestyles and no family history are affected. This is not simply a public service announcement. I'm a breast cancer survivor, have friends who are survivors, have lost a friend to it. Chances are you have a friend or loved one who has confronted the disease, or are a survivor yourself. It's a cause close to my heart. So remember to take care of yourself and take care of your loved ones. End of sermon.<br />
<br />
This coming week, October 4 through 10 is also a special week - <em><span style="color: #4c1130;">National Spinning and Weaving Week</span></em>. It's the time for all of us yarny types to celebrate our skills. Although it's not included in the name, I like to think of this week as a celebration of all the fiber arts - knitting, crochet, feltmaking, dyeing, the works. <br />
<br />
I have been weaving for over 30 years now, fewer or more years for some of my other fiber skills. In truth, not a day goes by that I don't weave, spin, knit, etc., or at the very least, think about my current projects. I've been earning my living with my fiber skills for well over 20 years now. And I'm still not bored or tired of any of it.<em> </em>It's part of my life, as much as sleeping, eating, breathing.<br />
<br />
What is it about these fiber activities that keep me so <em>entangled</em> in them? The answer is multi-layered. I've always enjoyed doing things with my hands. The repetitive motions of knitting are soothing and familiar, especially after a busy or stressful day. Spinning lovely fiber is meditation. Throwing a shuttle to and fro, watching the cloth develop, listening to the clatter and thump of the loom - the physicality of these activities just does something good and postive inside - like a vitamin. Thinking about and then trying out color combinations or new designs is a satisfying creative exercise.<br />
<br />
There's something else too. Through all these years of fiber love, I've met the most inspiring, creative, wacky, sharing people. Many of them have become my extended fiber family. We share our successful projects and commiserate over and learn from failures. Knowing all of these amazing people has been an unexpected, priceless gift. I have a rainbow of memories that stretches across my life and into the future. All thanks to messing about with yarn!<br />
<br />
So to remember and celebrate these two events, I've decided to have a little fun and offer a fibery giveaway, actually 2 giveaways. Here are the goodies.<br />
<br />
First - 2 skeins (175 yds each) of Louet worsted weight Gems yarn. Cuddly soft Merino wool in a petal pink.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtA3t-3ImrBO1ig8y95OMti8s5k2F7hEmAjk2R4JRYGMEfDE-RrbdX8sqN14yJNeaihrdQn6vwsswo2dKwW6OOBQbeofmlX8dUP8x6rgM4sCXnfr4ozESMIP2ooqDUkfi9p2CHGj_D2uG/s1600/IMG_0320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtA3t-3ImrBO1ig8y95OMti8s5k2F7hEmAjk2R4JRYGMEfDE-RrbdX8sqN14yJNeaihrdQn6vwsswo2dKwW6OOBQbeofmlX8dUP8x6rgM4sCXnfr4ozESMIP2ooqDUkfi9p2CHGj_D2uG/s320/IMG_0320.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Second - 2 ounces of soysilk roving which I dyed a deep pink, almost raspberry.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixFujaqiQ_teimgOQdpp1LpViDCrM2sGPsTNlQ_qiGqieSy0tPMmNDI1elgeDDwe7BbfqCRxymmBsY6IZjhpYCyN0OgXZWnQgVex9EtMfGpWA_ftzti-3MBsJP_XX9YLpdXFkR7pTcAwXe/s1600/IMG_0317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixFujaqiQ_teimgOQdpp1LpViDCrM2sGPsTNlQ_qiGqieSy0tPMmNDI1elgeDDwe7BbfqCRxymmBsY6IZjhpYCyN0OgXZWnQgVex9EtMfGpWA_ftzti-3MBsJP_XX9YLpdXFkR7pTcAwXe/s320/IMG_0317.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you'd like to be entered in the drawing, leave a comment telling me what fiber craft (spinning, knitting, weaving, whatever) you do and why you do it. I want to know what keeps others plying their yarn, creating their fiber rainbows, etc. Also, let me know which prize you'd like. You are welcome to enter both but I realize not everyone spins (yet) and so may not be interested in the soysilk. I'll choose two winners in a random drawing on Friday, October 15 and will announce the winners over that weekend.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the meantime, remember to do your bit to promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Celebrate and share the pleasures and rewards of the fiber arts. The<span style="color: magenta;"> flamingos</span> and I wish you good luck, good health, and a happy October!</div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01084970392848201228noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856168019063711997.post-23905895836430701172010-09-28T08:37:00.007-05:002010-09-28T09:23:58.587-05:00First Autumn Walkabout<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here in mid-Missouri Summer held on tightly until her very last day, keeping the heat and humidity cranked up. Then an overnight thunderstorm swept all that away, and Autumn arrived exactly on schedule, pulling a few first treasures out of her trunk. These first days of the "official" fall season have been perfect, absolutely perfect. Clear, dry, golden mornings when I can step out on the back porch, gladly breath in the cool, crisp air, and realize that the warm cup of coffee feels welcome to my fingers. On such a day I have no choice but to grab the camera and take in some of the sights on the first days of autumn.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxDtV0SEObIDlGNnNJv1BaKGSz4bEjx6tWUyjtcVK9Qjw5Qqw9S9rr3aHKnaRRgIZav6nqIvY1kkzVevd5EA3x_5jxipf29Xuwr27IWBDWaOInaN40YfempyfsrXWVUambyCUBBQ2XcWA/s1600/IMG_0305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxDtV0SEObIDlGNnNJv1BaKGSz4bEjx6tWUyjtcVK9Qjw5Qqw9S9rr3aHKnaRRgIZav6nqIvY1kkzVevd5EA3x_5jxipf29Xuwr27IWBDWaOInaN40YfempyfsrXWVUambyCUBBQ2XcWA/s320/IMG_0305.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
The rose turtleheads have thrived in all our summer rain. From a couple of transplants two years ago, there is now a growing colony at the pond's edge. I love to gently squeeze one of the blooms and watch the "turtle" open his mouth.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDfY1g0uIOL2sKFaKWZn_5FzOXJ8cxuNNDTuMrkBSZ0HMgRnDtvtQtfsHLJbnvHzKnHmTKaR1vGG60iJsv8_gG_yxpC9WxFn1rqbZsYknviFqPJ1rW7OAga03SrYWe3Bwcm0vASQy5VBPc/s1600/IMG_0304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDfY1g0uIOL2sKFaKWZn_5FzOXJ8cxuNNDTuMrkBSZ0HMgRnDtvtQtfsHLJbnvHzKnHmTKaR1vGG60iJsv8_gG_yxpC9WxFn1rqbZsYknviFqPJ1rW7OAga03SrYWe3Bwcm0vASQy5VBPc/s320/IMG_0304.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Among the turtleheads is one wild senna plant. It also loves wet feet but does not seem to spread. I'm going to save the seed pods (those green beany shapes) this year and try to propagate more next spring. Both the turtleheads and senna are native wildflowers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFYtao60YxQiTpNE-omx1h1zTvqwYs1r_fr6HVgwUBLjfxnBsNmfcqYuG_Qsvi3ntyjoKkN-Waz3S1pU2CY4STicIZV8tmTW8RDeyJwQ9kdnklKoSPVJaPhqG57Etkvyn1axby1MOisXer/s1600/IMG_0273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFYtao60YxQiTpNE-omx1h1zTvqwYs1r_fr6HVgwUBLjfxnBsNmfcqYuG_Qsvi3ntyjoKkN-Waz3S1pU2CY4STicIZV8tmTW8RDeyJwQ9kdnklKoSPVJaPhqG57Etkvyn1axby1MOisXer/s320/IMG_0273.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
There are still plenty of butterflies around. I found this one in the woods, sunning itself on a leaf. It has two common names - Question Mark or Violet Tip butterfly, Latin name - <i>Polygonia interrogationis</i>. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxZTUIb4yUveY3Ii2JFyEeqTUtdbAXm6wMXbWcZay-m-JixeXOxzht3q9m5yr9Nc6cOxoMu2uzPyQgHBk1AFOcGSD-h47SjnUUPdi2YzDM00D2TeGzvK6_m0xVDRSb0v0dJxTGoZ5jsp1/s1600/IMG_0267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxZTUIb4yUveY3Ii2JFyEeqTUtdbAXm6wMXbWcZay-m-JixeXOxzht3q9m5yr9Nc6cOxoMu2uzPyQgHBk1AFOcGSD-h47SjnUUPdi2YzDM00D2TeGzvK6_m0xVDRSb0v0dJxTGoZ5jsp1/s320/IMG_0267.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
While in the woods, I came upon loads of mushrooms. All the rain and warm temperatures of the last week have brought on a huge fruiting in the fungi community. Wildflowers and butterflies are a piece of cake to identify, compared with mushrooms. In addition to all the bizarre and colorful varieties, I love the challenge of trying to ID a mushroom. I haven't had time to really study the photos I took on my walk, but check out all this wonderful weirdness.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikeUgW_nCbOD42kbgZuLCeEAHEzOk3ei6RPKoJ8rVw8hM-H4xb9hcJv4XMG8vwmSqEq9NQ0jbZ1OByLpDI_7dD-IAMRpA5wgx3gWRnQzPr4pgaLuvFTEg6i0jV2w_IucihSaRlQ3PJXPf6/s1600/IMG_0259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikeUgW_nCbOD42kbgZuLCeEAHEzOk3ei6RPKoJ8rVw8hM-H4xb9hcJv4XMG8vwmSqEq9NQ0jbZ1OByLpDI_7dD-IAMRpA5wgx3gWRnQzPr4pgaLuvFTEg6i0jV2w_IucihSaRlQ3PJXPf6/s320/IMG_0259.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVU_bccZVufuC86KJCeePrWDLa1c84XsJKqFlEWNVMAybtObq4QIfZkA_irNUb9Nz40afOwDFp92_9R8laMS9so36eaFe5mq829qaWzQutFPrCTpOyJOItj7ioLVjHZKhEw1rgsb3YJ9Lp/s1600/IMG_0276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVU_bccZVufuC86KJCeePrWDLa1c84XsJKqFlEWNVMAybtObq4QIfZkA_irNUb9Nz40afOwDFp92_9R8laMS9so36eaFe5mq829qaWzQutFPrCTpOyJOItj7ioLVjHZKhEw1rgsb3YJ9Lp/s320/IMG_0276.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXYYJQUMZg9BkbsOjEAxzHC60K1Az8JKAvgXWo1lPbG9NRwPAsW12cJk2LH5SYeBqkwH2kQtPj_lz7zw4-JJ6vhr9kWqLPxcDcKQvPUvQtXt8Xr1JWwMk2mzSyEWit1TGUtPLvOEjzUa58/s1600/IMG_0278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXYYJQUMZg9BkbsOjEAxzHC60K1Az8JKAvgXWo1lPbG9NRwPAsW12cJk2LH5SYeBqkwH2kQtPj_lz7zw4-JJ6vhr9kWqLPxcDcKQvPUvQtXt8Xr1JWwMk2mzSyEWit1TGUtPLvOEjzUa58/s320/IMG_0278.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XSgYaOKRiFGMoqPsGs8erQIqkJBPDXp_z15kBbj82pSyIfq1SQ3o3AIqLRHsbWHTq8MxN39bQ_TJnGYq11FW5xPBXwQk33u-hBbJA2b5O6rEwoNHWRUnVOWIjHVVFElGsFU5x76ZsMPD/s1600/IMG_0279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XSgYaOKRiFGMoqPsGs8erQIqkJBPDXp_z15kBbj82pSyIfq1SQ3o3AIqLRHsbWHTq8MxN39bQ_TJnGYq11FW5xPBXwQk33u-hBbJA2b5O6rEwoNHWRUnVOWIjHVVFElGsFU5x76ZsMPD/s320/IMG_0279.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
They're certainly interesting, but aren't you thankful for chlorophyll-producing lifeforms?<br />
<br />
What would early autumn be without masses of goldenrod with all those bumblebees nosing around them?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTiMnw02UpkOP21DWby6CigUuefbUq1mdJ6QCHPAHb1Jk7EviFkeFNZLEn6JhE_ljs5BxEYj8WYTG9yfJpUPAAOlb6w3RBkqHaw8-J_0kwB2MA8Gi5gY44wLC_fEAFFlg9sjvGFNCjc1a/s1600/IMG_0284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTiMnw02UpkOP21DWby6CigUuefbUq1mdJ6QCHPAHb1Jk7EviFkeFNZLEn6JhE_ljs5BxEYj8WYTG9yfJpUPAAOlb6w3RBkqHaw8-J_0kwB2MA8Gi5gY44wLC_fEAFFlg9sjvGFNCjc1a/s320/IMG_0284.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Yeah, I couldn't resist a shot of the old truck nearly buried in vegetation. Once a couple of years ago, I walked up to it and startled a handsome red fox out of the passenger seat. I still enjoy pulling that image up in my memory.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiNdI8dlhXAxkoVt5bEoSQ42P66izovUth3PhO8JU-OjkxwsKTZTcL7xudSk8S6DA-rVHynbl_gOxZzL2tjXwWCc1r9XUfC9C67nlILLsuDCDB7wUv2m_TAxIqSi1Byv1WkTrUzca79c2a/s1600/IMG_0281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiNdI8dlhXAxkoVt5bEoSQ42P66izovUth3PhO8JU-OjkxwsKTZTcL7xudSk8S6DA-rVHynbl_gOxZzL2tjXwWCc1r9XUfC9C67nlILLsuDCDB7wUv2m_TAxIqSi1Byv1WkTrUzca79c2a/s320/IMG_0281.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
One final photo of these brilliant red berries. They are the fruit of the Autumn Olive tree. Pretty to be sure, and probably a good food source for wildlife. But it's a non-native, very invasive tree. The animals help spread its seeds hither and yon. There is far too much of it in the pasture and elsewhere, and it's difficult to eradicate. So, for me, the beauty of those sprays of berries is always tempered by what I know of the plant's true nature.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcvV3sNz2_pMgC48oyxWmtF-i4YDso4MB_oHT75S95EESK6IKSOAHBlmqs1N4v93pc7gp5rf8_1IjdWZXKhi5sXLnmfAH5uMXDXTzT9FJG9Rs6BunREMF3Xu9xOnmV7OlnIfshyphenhyphenCZ6q6I5/s1600/IMG_0285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcvV3sNz2_pMgC48oyxWmtF-i4YDso4MB_oHT75S95EESK6IKSOAHBlmqs1N4v93pc7gp5rf8_1IjdWZXKhi5sXLnmfAH5uMXDXTzT9FJG9Rs6BunREMF3Xu9xOnmV7OlnIfshyphenhyphenCZ6q6I5/s320/IMG_0285.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As usual it's wonderful to welcome in a new season. Like spring, autumn has a special feeling, a kind of easy comfort after the harshness of the previous months. Step outside and see what Autumn has brought for her stay. You know there are still more wonders to come.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Take care. Be well.</div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01084970392848201228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856168019063711997.post-91437022912745845822010-09-27T09:00:00.004-05:002010-09-27T09:12:58.293-05:00Mood Indigo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My September weaving project - a trio of table runners. I wove these runners on my rigid heddle loom using some dark blue rayon mill end yarns as the warp and main weft. These yarns, which came from <a href="http://www.yarnbarn-ks.com/"><span id="goog_644099029"></span>Yarn Barn<span id="goog_644099030"></span></a> of Lawrence, Kansas, had been in my weaving collection for a couple of years. It felt good to use them up. The accent stripes were synthetic novelty yarns from my knitting stash.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfPw-KWw_pUSztRDJyBiuYNRE7uVcAysxMEbuGpVluzK4fnSldz5V7REfg-Lmtf2UsE07HYA8Rrw_HQCtBm2cfHrXTebfFdslKcJ-AWXlKPzkVAHh8H52aB2ZZCg3Dc9mFzWrmK16Uakv/s1600/IMG_0246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfPw-KWw_pUSztRDJyBiuYNRE7uVcAysxMEbuGpVluzK4fnSldz5V7REfg-Lmtf2UsE07HYA8Rrw_HQCtBm2cfHrXTebfFdslKcJ-AWXlKPzkVAHh8H52aB2ZZCg3Dc9mFzWrmK16Uakv/s320/IMG_0246.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The warp is set at 12 ends per inch. The width on the loom is 18.3" and the length varies from runner to runner. Each one is different. For the first piece I used pattern sticks to weave weft and warp floats to create a single horizontal pattern. The accent yarn is the synthetic novelty yarn. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYMm8U5pKOmPnk4F2aG7UmUvC6JedVe2MJOOhtufvNuAXRdaBsRkUb2sb7yVke3GUa4zQox3XWm6qhFzg08lV4sUzHEoOlsNkagPgskTwoj_JEfJjRbdUMzz7A4xK2tXH3tcruzwwDINCH/s1600/IMG_0249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYMm8U5pKOmPnk4F2aG7UmUvC6JedVe2MJOOhtufvNuAXRdaBsRkUb2sb7yVke3GUa4zQox3XWm6qhFzg08lV4sUzHEoOlsNkagPgskTwoj_JEfJjRbdUMzz7A4xK2tXH3tcruzwwDINCH/s320/IMG_0249.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
On the second runner I used the same pick up pattern but repeated it several times to make a wider border band. This pattern of warp and weft floats requires the use of 2 pattern sticks, one to make weft floats and another to make warp floats. It is a quick and easy pattern though. One stick remains in the warp all along. The second stick (which creates the warp floats) has to be reinserted each time it is needed, but it is easy to see which warp threads are picked up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG1rw5NozlPHEtoUY59n3pkmANRRwCy-6iROXD1SRHEeKSZartrNWXU4spr7ze8o0ioYWi3jzPND3tO8Zwd1eVBMnO2iOhQG32b8bVRPkRZM1uChoiImAOlt5CGgZaBZ7M1hX1Hta0h1dX/s1600/IMG_0250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG1rw5NozlPHEtoUY59n3pkmANRRwCy-6iROXD1SRHEeKSZartrNWXU4spr7ze8o0ioYWi3jzPND3tO8Zwd1eVBMnO2iOhQG32b8bVRPkRZM1uChoiImAOlt5CGgZaBZ7M1hX1Hta0h1dX/s320/IMG_0250.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
The third runner was the easiest of all to weave. It is straight plain weave throughout. For the borders I simply alternated wefts of accent yarn with wefts of the main color.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8a69oSEmL2guAoRyJZgY31BV6Qh_2JyEbRJZR1dLXpuyHVtgemUVMK_7hUtpmFPo4NMmWSTo7CcV5jUb99D0T8urqyaz5nIx-VocFqga8j2fOGxO7gZBI6YOaPaISRHJEvLIy7xkBwhpd/s1600/IMG_0247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8a69oSEmL2guAoRyJZgY31BV6Qh_2JyEbRJZR1dLXpuyHVtgemUVMK_7hUtpmFPo4NMmWSTo7CcV5jUb99D0T8urqyaz5nIx-VocFqga8j2fOGxO7gZBI6YOaPaISRHJEvLIy7xkBwhpd/s320/IMG_0247.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On all of the runners I hemstitched the edges while the pieces were still on the loom. Once all were woven I cut them off the loom, trimmed the fringe, and wet-finished them. Voila! All are finished and ready to use. Only thing is ... now I have an empty loom again ...</div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01084970392848201228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856168019063711997.post-45644856102345077952010-09-23T07:42:00.001-05:002010-09-23T07:51:42.721-05:00Wool ReportA couple of weeks back I finished spinning the fifth bump of 15 in my brown wool challenge. I had six bobbins filled, and with only one spare bobbin for the Reeves wheel, I decided it was time for some plying.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4Gi8uRwL4W4mgq4dDtnznUZc5tbO68-DAx5e_VFtu8m6LUKAB1-MLpg7ag9Tb5_0VP6RWTHExBNLzy7Z_631vwI4FgyyUn6_nYSUK90g_LaDy_77S7ALScuoOTWJaWTYQP2xym_E5rqT/s1600/IMG_0155.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4Gi8uRwL4W4mgq4dDtnznUZc5tbO68-DAx5e_VFtu8m6LUKAB1-MLpg7ag9Tb5_0VP6RWTHExBNLzy7Z_631vwI4FgyyUn6_nYSUK90g_LaDy_77S7ALScuoOTWJaWTYQP2xym_E5rqT/s320/IMG_0155.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519362530984697266" /></a><br /><br />Two days later I had 5 fat skeins of 2 ply wool, washed, weighed and measured. Those skeins yielded 716 yards and weighed 14 1/2 ounces total. It's a good start on the yarn for my sweater. With 10 bumps of roving to go, I should have yarn aplenty. Still thinking about what color to dye it though ...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNyaaeq9e1ZzQJbFCTIsLy09hfGYfffAKak09laFmZWKImA-49fS3fFnXuhKLvV5Vl7tN5OR2nWxQNfVD01dyRP6GmbNNijKwLS1oROqAPNOD4VHfc9cvnduEG5HpvmbmcqYUMw-dsvJ7/s1600/IMG_0225.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNyaaeq9e1ZzQJbFCTIsLy09hfGYfffAKak09laFmZWKImA-49fS3fFnXuhKLvV5Vl7tN5OR2nWxQNfVD01dyRP6GmbNNijKwLS1oROqAPNOD4VHfc9cvnduEG5HpvmbmcqYUMw-dsvJ7/s320/IMG_0225.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519717090907773762" /></a><br /><br />After those 5 bumps, I did feel the need for some color again, so last weekend I took a little detour from the brown and spun some blue 95% Border Leicester/5% mohair roving that I picked up at the Bethel Festival. It was an easy quick spin - 4 ounces of 2 ply yarn, 180 yards, about 14 wraps per inch. It's lofty, not scratchy, somewhere between sport and DK in size. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3p9fUAMd6ZnQGqWKEr8pTK8higszKCtCBGdLN7oLU8-VQ4GNBszm6x3hH7WyDBmcVA7SG1e89eSrEhcYKdBN_DYfTbjd0PBIOWhUJac7aRi7c1BjGYDs7jKSAkta0qtt_ExxySoMv4s1I/s1600/IMG_0238.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3p9fUAMd6ZnQGqWKEr8pTK8higszKCtCBGdLN7oLU8-VQ4GNBszm6x3hH7WyDBmcVA7SG1e89eSrEhcYKdBN_DYfTbjd0PBIOWhUJac7aRi7c1BjGYDs7jKSAkta0qtt_ExxySoMv4s1I/s320/IMG_0238.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519766390113068882" /></a><br /><br />I've named it <span style="font-style:italic;">Up in the Clouds</span> because it reminds me of the cloud photos I took from an airplane window not long ago. I'd like to use it for a knitting project. Any suggestions?Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01084970392848201228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856168019063711997.post-31810625634408020002010-09-22T08:00:00.000-05:002010-09-22T07:42:45.946-05:00The New Kid in TownOver the Labor Day weekend we drove up to the Bethel Sheep and Wool Festival. The weather was ideal - sunny and mild. It made for a pleasant day spent in watching the sheep dogs round up clusters of silly sheep, strolling through the sheep barn, and of course, checking out the vendor tents. I did come away with small amounts of two spinning rovings. But best of all, when we drove home, this little fellow was riding in the back seat.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnebiKmXwKy5N1sumnK1J4vU35V86nwDnnBMgW3cFoXlbnZhYnqmsFLPQ3wiccKsrvHzSurEncziEd4YekGpui4jdkJbhKHqk_sSr1omB8-tTYDnC6WdtL2HWZPVsMcCR6joR0ffrWKlFL/s1600/IMG_0167.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnebiKmXwKy5N1sumnK1J4vU35V86nwDnnBMgW3cFoXlbnZhYnqmsFLPQ3wiccKsrvHzSurEncziEd4YekGpui4jdkJbhKHqk_sSr1omB8-tTYDnC6WdtL2HWZPVsMcCR6joR0ffrWKlFL/s320/IMG_0167.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519360044651827570" /></a><br /><br />He is a French Angora Chocolate Buck, born July 3 of this year. I've named him Truffle. He has joined Bailey and Tobin in the rabbit condo, so now I'm back to a trio of angoras once more. I usually give young angoras their first haircut somewhere between 3 and 4 months of age. By this time next month Truffle will be looking quite different for a time. For now he's settling in well. Here he is snacking on his favorite treat - a few tasty clover leaves.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA2b5srO6y_rigV2svtJbHWvkcR-0afmGcRpIZwlJ0NadTbT-P8cEHVfhDFK_8FOFYSmywjTlrtYJzrHrNn06gZQXh2PfDO5DcoMLoffywY6bXoSBgZycZna_Gk31E2D9jUNs7PZR43JJ2/s1600/IMG_0229.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA2b5srO6y_rigV2svtJbHWvkcR-0afmGcRpIZwlJ0NadTbT-P8cEHVfhDFK_8FOFYSmywjTlrtYJzrHrNn06gZQXh2PfDO5DcoMLoffywY6bXoSBgZycZna_Gk31E2D9jUNs7PZR43JJ2/s320/IMG_0229.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519712452867262482" /></a>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01084970392848201228noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856168019063711997.post-3152943593218062692010-09-21T07:53:00.001-05:002010-09-21T08:32:26.719-05:00Catching Up'Zooks! September is one of my favorite months and it's already more than half over. I guess that's an indication that there's been lots going on. I think rather than writing a lengthy post heavy with photos, I'll try making several shorter posts.<br /><br />So for starters, here's the felted wren hostel that I made at our last feltmakers meeting. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSPtcxFpdO4JSKoZ2Jd9UIiYFo-mzrqDLPE7UIZeym8E0seBCvCZauroCE_R1IYDYk-AMDHk7EEamGU4JeeRD0hbdutHRodpD9_xrmj4FVSuKV6lVbK8JwD2sMQmlHEd9taejHbCF-JMsm/s1600/IMG_0164.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSPtcxFpdO4JSKoZ2Jd9UIiYFo-mzrqDLPE7UIZeym8E0seBCvCZauroCE_R1IYDYk-AMDHk7EEamGU4JeeRD0hbdutHRodpD9_xrmj4FVSuKV6lVbK8JwD2sMQmlHEd9taejHbCF-JMsm/s320/IMG_0164.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519336173105899522" /></a><br /><br />I used a flat resist - a circle of 1/4" thick foam with a 12" diameter. The wools were all medium to coarse, all easy felters - Karakul, Romney, Border Leicester. (Even though it's splendid wool for rugs and other items that will get hard use, I just cannot love Karakul. It's too darn hairy.) Before I went home, I gave the remains of my Karakul stash to a friend.<br /><br />I removed the foam resist as soon as the wools began to feel as though they were meshing. If you leave the resist in too long, it will be very difficult to get the ridge at the edge of the resist smoothed out. I was careful not to cut too large a hole in the loosely felted wool so that the entrance to my birdhouse would only be accessible to smaller birds. As it is, it's still a pretty generous opening.<br /><br />At home, after the finished piece had dried, I needlefelted the green vinework to decorate the exterior. It looked cozy but still seemed to be lacking something. I dug up some curly Border Leicester locks from my wool stash and needlefelted some around the base of the hanging loop. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOEO38LW2f4NjGZQvMgZndeSomKXEe9-z6HXr7UzmThlS6WE-XeILyoCvarPBTY1nsrQ7rQ4Doh9JQ5PSHINf7P0zosajnk5RgwtJvWNNe6W6WNqbG527SM_GsH4eV3_92HkrEk4_UQbl1/s1600/IMG_0162.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOEO38LW2f4NjGZQvMgZndeSomKXEe9-z6HXr7UzmThlS6WE-XeILyoCvarPBTY1nsrQ7rQ4Doh9JQ5PSHINf7P0zosajnk5RgwtJvWNNe6W6WNqbG527SM_GsH4eV3_92HkrEk4_UQbl1/s320/IMG_0162.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519335348991427970" /></a><br /><br />It's not the nesting season for any of our local bird crowd so I'm going to store my hostel until next spring. Then I'll try to find a sheltered, inviting spot to hang it. The Carolina wrens are pros at using small, protected nooks to build their nests. Hopefully a chirpy couple will choose my wren hostel for their 2011 broods. I'll let you know!Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01084970392848201228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856168019063711997.post-59869908405750171672010-08-25T10:34:00.005-05:002010-08-25T11:06:17.690-05:00Summer Knitting Wrap-UpLate summer seems to be here. Orange school busses are rumbling through town, the college students have returned (and all seem to be driving at the exact same time.) Best of all, this morning it was a glorious 57 degrees outside when I got up! The sweltering heat this summer seemed to melt my creative energy away. But stepping outside and feeling that whisper of coolness on my skin was so invigorating. I feel ready to tackle some of the larger projects that looked too daunting in the pit of summer. <br /><br />For now, here's a rundown of my smaller, less-taxing completed summer knitting projects. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6ZeH5LZtSh7hKlUCUI51wfJ9Yl3zzQlvnuLokpF7OpjNGgaJkz-W0NZBXMhQeCp-pkYh020XH8yCOcOgt5BUnBEem6evF-xv76RRWWIVUmy2IdIDMYJd9nVkD8AOcuKn2JujjDsoWR-h/s1600/DSC03352.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6ZeH5LZtSh7hKlUCUI51wfJ9Yl3zzQlvnuLokpF7OpjNGgaJkz-W0NZBXMhQeCp-pkYh020XH8yCOcOgt5BUnBEem6evF-xv76RRWWIVUmy2IdIDMYJd9nVkD8AOcuKn2JujjDsoWR-h/s320/DSC03352.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509376301686780306" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Fungi Perfecti Socks</span><br />My original design. The yarn is Malabrigo Sock in a colorway called Primavera. One look at it when I undid the skein, and all the subtly-colored mushrooms that abound in the autumn bloomed in my head. Knitted on US0 and US1 double points.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb2igCnvCEKZjNQPHG0aksx35CEiOfd5Jt4Qmy4JHs5b96BWwH93z2v1kqhkOy0ybAk-J7S1UAmy9c4ZicO09YWSoZ2_m-aGgZHMOVl57Dw1q4tHVUs8nwIc4wXbBU3vueFFTgVDAibZwR/s1600/IMG_0086.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb2igCnvCEKZjNQPHG0aksx35CEiOfd5Jt4Qmy4JHs5b96BWwH93z2v1kqhkOy0ybAk-J7S1UAmy9c4ZicO09YWSoZ2_m-aGgZHMOVl57Dw1q4tHVUs8nwIc4wXbBU3vueFFTgVDAibZwR/s320/IMG_0086.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508623523817715650" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">A Quartet of Washcloths</span><br />The pattern for two of the cloths is my adaption of the Ripple Hand Towel by Kristin on Ravelry. The stitch pattern for the other two cloths is taken from one of the Barbara Walker volumes. The yarn is Elsebeth Lavold's Hempathy, a hemp/cotton/modal blend. Needles: US3. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7LRDTiS1BpuemwKP55IARmnRvyrBk5KGM3pkh2eiSp0WJA-wfjx3udqqzrgC2npbhag3HaWAyHsWqMlclqBQvfTVNG5SfYEPc0Lw4NfHn8ED5ieo-sWjdh025EwHOfeYNcvdZg_WSDy_5/s1600/IMG_0133.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7LRDTiS1BpuemwKP55IARmnRvyrBk5KGM3pkh2eiSp0WJA-wfjx3udqqzrgC2npbhag3HaWAyHsWqMlclqBQvfTVNG5SfYEPc0Lw4NfHn8ED5ieo-sWjdh025EwHOfeYNcvdZg_WSDy_5/s320/IMG_0133.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508622270072730434" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">A Hempathy Soap Sock</span><br />The pattern is one I've knitted for years and keep tinkering with. I think I've just about got it right now. The yarn is Elsebeth Lavold's Hempathy. Needles are US1 and US2 double points.<br /><br />That's it for now. With a clear head, sun pouring in the windows, and a little coffee coursing through my veins, it's time to get back to fiber works. Cheers!Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01084970392848201228noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856168019063711997.post-57186677379644866042010-08-17T07:45:00.001-05:002010-08-17T08:01:02.492-05:00Silk HankiesThe brown wool challenge is moving along smoothly. It's relaxing to sit and feel the wool glide through my fingers, to watch the yarn build up on the bobbins. However, over the weekend I pulled out a container of spinning fibers, looking for some angora. Instead of the angora, I came across a ziploc bag of silk hankies that I'd handpainted. Now don't get me wrong, I'm perfectly happy spinning the wool. But this little bag of silk was so colorful, so shiny, so tempting... I put the spinning fiber box away but the bag of silk hankies stayed out. What's the harm in a quick little spindle spinning project?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_CCQ8CdbBdTldlWeEdPQ9RSAo0WhF9EUP88vj20Q4b8gM_Ax1TXjJekosLiuw-LjUc4C62NywGFcWxoJ2Zl_JsJIwkdeOQfrQFegIROJTrKUFutDCB_2DgJnvQCOljutmD-_5GW1LcMGC/s1600/IMG_0090.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_CCQ8CdbBdTldlWeEdPQ9RSAo0WhF9EUP88vj20Q4b8gM_Ax1TXjJekosLiuw-LjUc4C62NywGFcWxoJ2Zl_JsJIwkdeOQfrQFegIROJTrKUFutDCB_2DgJnvQCOljutmD-_5GW1LcMGC/s320/IMG_0090.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506011505807290274" /></a><br /><br />Silk hankies are one of the many forms of silk spinning preparations. Hankies are formed by boiling the silkworm cocoons to remove the glue-like substance (sericin) that holds them together. The cocoons are then stretched out on square frames. Layers of cocoons are built up on the frame to create a hankie.<br /><br />It's fun to prepare a hankie for spinning. You start by carefully lifting a thin layer from one corner of the hankie.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECPhoYNRRHb2UNGt5fGMsmDc3JN-OozGukJ_oLDHn07baiBLZSDsTAQGwVNQH54oCy1qxgSVgkbZqRt7l6I4Wc0HtdGkysXKQ3SAGxxHHP3-Q31KnDz7qUxXzxGoJCoxhAP4etKUWEA1D/s1600/IMG_0091.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECPhoYNRRHb2UNGt5fGMsmDc3JN-OozGukJ_oLDHn07baiBLZSDsTAQGwVNQH54oCy1qxgSVgkbZqRt7l6I4Wc0HtdGkysXKQ3SAGxxHHP3-Q31KnDz7qUxXzxGoJCoxhAP4etKUWEA1D/s320/IMG_0091.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506010585709787458" /></a><br /><br />Peel this layer away from the hankie. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1e6hHBfy7Z8YaxCY0m0X7E41GGtkCPYjZB0k_32B9wob_SRetQ-yCRHHlQ_Ww7hN8NGgz3qIV5ED3WNS055MTM5bzuG1nqFuWJq-Ku0NIbWpOeb5JRtxPBWjLQaNy0C_6T7hB0qWjMyJ/s1600/IMG_0092.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1e6hHBfy7Z8YaxCY0m0X7E41GGtkCPYjZB0k_32B9wob_SRetQ-yCRHHlQ_Ww7hN8NGgz3qIV5ED3WNS055MTM5bzuG1nqFuWJq-Ku0NIbWpOeb5JRtxPBWjLQaNy0C_6T7hB0qWjMyJ/s320/IMG_0092.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506008772076672498" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_KAS8Q5mbXnV6sAJmo3BOoCUm-6xD5hxWpAfM0DEQd9gkRPhViC1M64UxCFPRJZcxD7Yt3QkAO5e8VPD5ZpdH4ttdZM25w2cyWYYoow3aQVlZyJ0DcZtFqncSRZ2Q08wk6jR08dmJju01/s1600/IMG_0094.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_KAS8Q5mbXnV6sAJmo3BOoCUm-6xD5hxWpAfM0DEQd9gkRPhViC1M64UxCFPRJZcxD7Yt3QkAO5e8VPD5ZpdH4ttdZM25w2cyWYYoow3aQVlZyJ0DcZtFqncSRZ2Q08wk6jR08dmJju01/s320/IMG_0094.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506007844878995778" /></a><br /><br />You then use your fingers to poke a hole in the center of the separated layer. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFDeWA-yDc1Xs0ZDQAhrjsB7Zsg1UgpKrdUv-HGmC3abKX4DHn_gp8aGmpT4Amf0WIUbMB4XsztpeRhpCOhAoK-u9VzczwkNO02os0394Oe7XPu0sfJY6IrUCc9eJ7XwR90fvpf9wKByg/s1600/IMG_0096.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFDeWA-yDc1Xs0ZDQAhrjsB7Zsg1UgpKrdUv-HGmC3abKX4DHn_gp8aGmpT4Amf0WIUbMB4XsztpeRhpCOhAoK-u9VzczwkNO02os0394Oe7XPu0sfJY6IrUCc9eJ7XwR90fvpf9wKByg/s320/IMG_0096.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506006312059676370" /></a><br /><br />Now slowly begin to stretch the layer into a large donut.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAB-Ez1Z9KPnJOFTiJQv7CgTop3tHK_jaonDQxBrZ90pNcPaaitybmh4F_O6GL7si5I5GmhAnVdvbypkzW5gnUollW6qXeeLHxyxZitVsJsg1vt3yoq94visN7ph80O2oC6D_cGG2i-ufQ/s1600/IMG_0097.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAB-Ez1Z9KPnJOFTiJQv7CgTop3tHK_jaonDQxBrZ90pNcPaaitybmh4F_O6GL7si5I5GmhAnVdvbypkzW5gnUollW6qXeeLHxyxZitVsJsg1vt3yoq94visN7ph80O2oC6D_cGG2i-ufQ/s320/IMG_0097.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506004978182262962" /></a><br /><br />Stretch it out some more.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCR07PuBTMbZiQiYn2n76rwyDLrqCLjiT2Q1ZwleA7xJjcfPuzxw-c2EK85eaJF6YBW_YQtqGWiwS7UQ1aEFAAhV4DIvoR8PHBf_iDzjr-KU7lcU43nQGI7FwEUxo1ILjQDEkw66SU_fJW/s1600/IMG_0098.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCR07PuBTMbZiQiYn2n76rwyDLrqCLjiT2Q1ZwleA7xJjcfPuzxw-c2EK85eaJF6YBW_YQtqGWiwS7UQ1aEFAAhV4DIvoR8PHBf_iDzjr-KU7lcU43nQGI7FwEUxo1ILjQDEkw66SU_fJW/s320/IMG_0098.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506003656972658162" /></a><br /><br />Continue to enlarge the silken loop by pulling on portions of the loop. When drawing out a section, your hands must be far enough apart for the fibers to shift and slide away from each other. If you pull on a section and nothing happens, your hands are too close together. You are holding onto both ends of the same fibers.<br /><br />(Here's a tip for spinning any form of silk. Make sure your hands are as smooth as possible. The delicate strands will snag on any little rough or dry spot. I never work with silk right after washing dishes or digging in the garden. If the silk is catching on my hands too much, I will rub in a little hand lotion. A friend once told me that she sprinkled her hands with a bit of cornstarch before spinning silk. I tried this and it worked, although perhaps not as well as the hand lotion, I thought.) <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfl-BJ1KiKtLLVTASWoESlmUvpqOekMUfcgtNxxZcn2PxkM4TsOdnr56qocmKETIW5ps4nBNuUhr84oAqsrJLFk-n2x1Or3w6Lk4ime4GbGy4l6Htz2INdMqT9GdrkLWjtE1YRp4w6wy9T/s1600/IMG_0099.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfl-BJ1KiKtLLVTASWoESlmUvpqOekMUfcgtNxxZcn2PxkM4TsOdnr56qocmKETIW5ps4nBNuUhr84oAqsrJLFk-n2x1Or3w6Lk4ime4GbGy4l6Htz2INdMqT9GdrkLWjtE1YRp4w6wy9T/s320/IMG_0099.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506002562928452162" /></a><br /><br />By stretching out this loop, you are also reducing the number of silk strands in any one section. When to stop stretching and thinning the loop is the spinner's choice. I usually draft out my loop to about the thickness I plan to spin my yarn. It's sometimes hard to draft (or thin out) the fibers once you begin spinning because the individual silk strands are so long.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYTDELzINifeOFPLvPwgic2NhfmZr24sInSEszHQmyYzfk4Vo_tTDy3UaKg2dDMovaaU11f-LQlMUxYfASFnNYOE02tLck1jo0iXBrPvtP23wOPmr_j6yDTXohwFTGRRt-fshhRnCloVkH/s1600/IMG_0100.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYTDELzINifeOFPLvPwgic2NhfmZr24sInSEszHQmyYzfk4Vo_tTDy3UaKg2dDMovaaU11f-LQlMUxYfASFnNYOE02tLck1jo0iXBrPvtP23wOPmr_j6yDTXohwFTGRRt-fshhRnCloVkH/s320/IMG_0100.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506012697023566898" /></a><br /><br />When you are satisfied with the thickness of the drafted loop, choose a spot and pull it apart so that it is now a very, very long ribbon of fiber. At this point I like to carefully wind the silk onto a wrist distaff. A wrist distaff is a sort of bracelet that holds your fiber while you are spindle spinning. The one in the photo is made from handspun wool. It's grabby but not too fuzzy so it does a good job of holding the silk without entangling the fibers. The spindle is a <a href="http://www.dropspindle.info/">Golding</a> 1/2 ounce high whorl spindle.<br /><br />The actual spinning of this project is a piece of cake. Because I've already drafted the silk out as much as I wanted, all I'm doing with my spindle is adding twist. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitHnd5t9AiTrAkVXhW3mey_fsvHGFss8YWcz_Hm-y1KBAFzv7FtoSMAD77U-QIwHvU5YEy9PMFKUjsBQBxblTdtGCfpSGSeQkBs2Qs2jxV8jTqdAXq8XmjhYsLk62EjYqoRObHo-Rvrmbu/s1600/IMG_0106.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitHnd5t9AiTrAkVXhW3mey_fsvHGFss8YWcz_Hm-y1KBAFzv7FtoSMAD77U-QIwHvU5YEy9PMFKUjsBQBxblTdtGCfpSGSeQkBs2Qs2jxV8jTqdAXq8XmjhYsLk62EjYqoRObHo-Rvrmbu/s320/IMG_0106.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506001160213746498" /></a><br /><br />Silk hankies have long fibers but also short broken bits too, so the spun yarn is going to have some lumps and bumps. I didn't worry about uneven areas or slubs as I spun. The spun single strand had lots of color mixing in addition to the texture. There wasn't very much of this fiber to begin with and the single ply was basically rather thin so I decided to chain-ply it, using a 2 ounce Golding spindle. After plying, I ended up with just over 12 yards of silk yarn. Not nearly enough for a project all on its own, but I think using it as an accent yarn in a weaving or knitting project will play up its unique character anyway. It's so soft and colorful that for now I'm going to hang it on my spinning wheel as I work my way through all that brown wool.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-grgB4Y5fEbXJvCYHoPBpdHaxgQpqNFh0oCtETEzFI4YTqlsh7Owf903xCSujUtRKkNeBNXoyUhRxJ6gWrWdNiwbhZ5gefDUPD1HclfD1hv58NF-uhjnQiCxU1fBV47S16aFBDnu-zHf/s1600/IMG_0111.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-grgB4Y5fEbXJvCYHoPBpdHaxgQpqNFh0oCtETEzFI4YTqlsh7Owf903xCSujUtRKkNeBNXoyUhRxJ6gWrWdNiwbhZ5gefDUPD1HclfD1hv58NF-uhjnQiCxU1fBV47S16aFBDnu-zHf/s320/IMG_0111.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506358186178775394" /></a>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01084970392848201228noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856168019063711997.post-19487935289360097092010-08-11T11:30:00.002-05:002010-08-11T12:01:53.862-05:00Calling Rumpelstiltskin ...The wheel ...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKMK6jWOw8dXHm-tKtfJQu84Mp1seMZKtenLS1oC7RhImuwgLYqOgVm0_LGYLZ8qDiiVErM8a_02L2XfsiiRY38dOye_qNpbYkhcgB95GzbO-C-tc-IF0wuvYo5PpAx_1boanUzhKoOvZN/s1600/IMG_0070.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKMK6jWOw8dXHm-tKtfJQu84Mp1seMZKtenLS1oC7RhImuwgLYqOgVm0_LGYLZ8qDiiVErM8a_02L2XfsiiRY38dOye_qNpbYkhcgB95GzbO-C-tc-IF0wuvYo5PpAx_1boanUzhKoOvZN/s320/IMG_0070.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504142620377958146" /></a><br /><br />... My Rick Reeves 24 inch Saxony, single treadle. Made circa 1992 at the time when Rick and Marge were handcrafting each wheel, its beauty is more than just skin deep. It's an efficient spinner with large bobbins that can hold quite a lot of yarn.<br /><br />The wool ...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjML0WImk3utHLK-rSrwV3yLsS5EV8ZKBXe3n-VdtQYcLZVynlSusGEtK_9ggxiG4er1mP8SFz1RCix7_MwhHjyMhBu0GKLijT-T80xk2qrS05ESdl0iIZtJkzD6XkvdCvYVu-ED50Xjdxs/s1600/IMG_0075.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjML0WImk3utHLK-rSrwV3yLsS5EV8ZKBXe3n-VdtQYcLZVynlSusGEtK_9ggxiG4er1mP8SFz1RCix7_MwhHjyMhBu0GKLijT-T80xk2qrS05ESdl0iIZtJkzD6XkvdCvYVu-ED50Xjdxs/s320/IMG_0075.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504141656955641138" /></a><br /><br />... a medium brown fleece with a fiber diameter that is on the fine side of medium and has nice crimp. The sheep is one of a spinner/knitter friend's flock. The raw fleece weighed 7.75 pounds when I gave it to Bonnie and Carl at <a href="http://www.abcranch.com">ABC Ranch</a> to process into a fine spinner's roving. It came back to me in the form of "bumps", 15 bumps, each weighing about 5.5 ounces, or just a smidge over 5 pounds total. <br /><br />The challenge ...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBJQQJocv_NYyvHvO0YUab0MyU6zHPpEGdDdYFIMxt92PU2q3TR-AMeKX-if3rBrvDm6F-z9xifm6MahG8QAuldiTKCkHr5hJ6cqao7-Dp1AE9ZpsPfenPBWPQOdk8G1X8gbX69i6fbV1/s1600/IMG_0072.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBJQQJocv_NYyvHvO0YUab0MyU6zHPpEGdDdYFIMxt92PU2q3TR-AMeKX-if3rBrvDm6F-z9xifm6MahG8QAuldiTKCkHr5hJ6cqao7-Dp1AE9ZpsPfenPBWPQOdk8G1X8gbX69i6fbV1/s320/IMG_0072.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504140711813489026" /></a><br /><br />... to spin, ply and dye the entire bag of bumps by the end of 2010.<br /><br />I would like to knit myself a pullover, not too heavy, from the yarn. As nice as the natural brown color is, it isn't a color I would wear. I don't know yet what color I'll dye it, perhaps a dark blue or teal green. <br /><br />I'm using the Scotch tension system on my wheel with a large whorl to spin a medium single strand, with not too much twist. My goal is a two ply DK to worsted weight yarn that retains some of the lofty quality of the fiber. My samples have 20 to 22 wraps per inch.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-h3VQJfMecq-EwJ0TVhxsfuNXBqE9vmlMXcATE_aats2a8aY2A6aBaQjnX5aV8MuCnQaP0kpcdh7X1eKqbyEKpwk3ztokDjrKwOXI5-QLG-W0Mmzd-yT6whRdqhnIxgyIwAq5kpn_bjQG/s1600/IMG_0079.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-h3VQJfMecq-EwJ0TVhxsfuNXBqE9vmlMXcATE_aats2a8aY2A6aBaQjnX5aV8MuCnQaP0kpcdh7X1eKqbyEKpwk3ztokDjrKwOXI5-QLG-W0Mmzd-yT6whRdqhnIxgyIwAq5kpn_bjQG/s320/IMG_0079.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504139981654059650" /></a><br /><br />Meeting this challenge by the end of the year seems like a tall order when I consider how little wheel spinning I've done so far this year. But one bump is spun and I'm well into a second, so I'm on my way. I won't do any plying until I get several bobbins filled.<br /><br />I know this job would be a snap for old Rumpelstiltskin. But it doesn't seem like his sort of gig, just plain old wool, no flax, no gold, no greedy kings, no glamor at all really. The best I could offer would be fresh garden veggies and a loaf or two of homemade bread. <br /><br />So it looks like it's up to me to get this job done. I'll float the image of a cozy sweater in my mind as I spin my way through all this brown wool. It does spin very easily, a definite plus. I'll post progress reports from time to time. Now back to the wheel ...Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01084970392848201228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856168019063711997.post-44274620612639785322010-08-10T10:44:00.000-05:002010-08-10T10:52:12.756-05:00Pick o' the DayAs summer oozes along, my fiber pursuits are progressing very slowly. And it's been such a weird growing season so far that our garden hasn't yielded much yet. But maybe that's about to change. This morning I braved the mosquitos and steamheat long enough to harvest a few goodies. Not much yet but it is a start.<br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAr_WA54hQfJREG_cyFIUY0aFwvv8LT4xyyUTwUO2jtvBFZZ_fDbwHgQAwnK9DUY38PxC3BTEc4OdNcK5HP5GHIuRrdtVBBNgVJorMiABxqoB9acGIaYAYbC1YSYFTv24hrdrkJ7kGGUSk/s1600/IMG_0068.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAr_WA54hQfJREG_cyFIUY0aFwvv8LT4xyyUTwUO2jtvBFZZ_fDbwHgQAwnK9DUY38PxC3BTEc4OdNcK5HP5GHIuRrdtVBBNgVJorMiABxqoB9acGIaYAYbC1YSYFTv24hrdrkJ7kGGUSk/s320/IMG_0068.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503806876499300530" /></a><br /><br />What's in the bowl? Here's a rundown - Eight Ball zucchini, Red Burgundy okra, Black Hungarian peppers, two Orange Banana tomatoes, and a bunch of Sweet 100s and Black Cherry tomatoes. We've been getting cherry tomatoes for a few weeks but the zucchini and okra have just started maturing in the past several days. I hesitate to say this lest I call down the wrath of the Evil Empire (ie., squash bugs) but the zucchini patch looks promising. Perhaps some of you local friends may be getting pleading emails from me in the future.<br /> <br />So today's harvest may not be large enough to break out the canning equipment but that bowl holds the makings of a pretty good supper. Fresh and very local - yum!Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01084970392848201228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856168019063711997.post-62963938367644433142010-08-02T08:55:00.002-05:002010-08-02T09:44:19.646-05:00Slithy Toves<span style="font-style:italic;">"'Twas brillig, and the slithy toves<br />Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:<br /> All mimsy were the borogroves,<br /> And the mome raths outgrabe."</span><br />from <span style="font-weight:bold;">Through the Looking-Glass<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span> by Lewis Carroll<br /><br />Ever seen a slithy tove? Here's one -<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaaFOWDLb4f1FJFKfrhQfgcl0tjq8UE1tJuXIh1q2l_4A6G6vPWWL4H07YJN4yJfYMxFylXAG70qD-RLnmIi-v9q3wlmLY-795erT9tjBmxvUlRUq6Q5lUQHLBkxcT7NrvJ-BylPglxJ4-/s1600/IMG_0002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaaFOWDLb4f1FJFKfrhQfgcl0tjq8UE1tJuXIh1q2l_4A6G6vPWWL4H07YJN4yJfYMxFylXAG70qD-RLnmIi-v9q3wlmLY-795erT9tjBmxvUlRUq6Q5lUQHLBkxcT7NrvJ-BylPglxJ4-/s320/IMG_0002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500803958044286914" /></a><br /><br />Ok, ok, it's really a skink, a Five-Lined Skink to be precise. But whenever I spot a skink, I can't help but think of the poem <span style="font-style:italic;">Jabberwocky</span> and all the made-up words Carroll throws about in those few stanzas. For one thing, the word "skink" seems to fit right in with the other nonsense words. (The entire poem is fun to read aloud to oneself or to others. I recommend you try it soon.) But I also just think that these wiggly, shiny creatures look like what a slithy tove might be. What do you think? What's your favorite nonsense word in <span style="font-style:italic;">Jabberwocky</span>?<br /><br />Five-Lined Skinks are common across most of Missouri. I think this particular skink may be a male because his stripes are not very visible. Females have visible stripes and a bluish tail. Young male Five-Lined Skinks have a bright blue tail. That feature makes it really easy to identify its species. Apparently the colorful tail helps protect the young skink from aggressive adult males.<br /><br />The skink in the photo was sunning himself on the garden tool shed. He stayed still long enough for me to snap his picture, then <span style="font-style:italic;">gimbled</span> hurriedly into the grass and I lost sight of him. He was probably heading off to the borogoves, leaving me to wonder if the mome raths were outgrabing yet.<br /><br />Poetry, nature. Fact and fiction. Let it all in. Each day can be an adventure.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01084970392848201228noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856168019063711997.post-30346655256195190472010-07-20T09:14:00.001-05:002010-07-20T10:04:24.663-05:00A Garden Junkie Goes to Heaven<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLbkII1GHrTN19B5kgx1R0ta2aWWkyHSk_jbFIHbjx_z7eCAIf3n0R-eBVtiDowdHZkFRodBu3okvsYNKRKqxDBmb8DRFjNvMStiIN7tOg1LDwa9e5asYUtdufZsitgz8QHXg2syF8NB6D/s1600/Decorah+2010+016+(2).JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLbkII1GHrTN19B5kgx1R0ta2aWWkyHSk_jbFIHbjx_z7eCAIf3n0R-eBVtiDowdHZkFRodBu3okvsYNKRKqxDBmb8DRFjNvMStiIN7tOg1LDwa9e5asYUtdufZsitgz8QHXg2syF8NB6D/s320/Decorah+2010+016+(2).JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495981467889245026" /></a><br /><br />For myself and 300+ like-minded people, heaven was in Iowa this past weekend. Decorah, Iowa to be precise, way up in the northeast corner of the state. Enthusiastic gardeners from across the country gathered at the <a href="http://www.seedsaversexchange.org">Seed Savers Exchange</a> Heritage Farm for the annual conference. The Heritage Farm is a magical place, a showcase for heirloom flowers, vegetables, fruits, and even livestock. Spending the weekend here gives gardener/seed savers the opportunity to connect with each other, swap seed, attend workshops, and to explore the display gardens, trial fields and orchards.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxYzx6DMgNaY6cZP0b3I1G9iw1XaDfM9OjphMp5BbZvm5Yekt0g7AiEr84swI9bG043YBzdWYQSm-_cRUWags29ck9BM_iSfj7zTJOpSs66mPmWD-2DSgGWg0AisQxF6ROLQrqKX7ci7r/s1600/Decorah+2010+024+(2).JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxYzx6DMgNaY6cZP0b3I1G9iw1XaDfM9OjphMp5BbZvm5Yekt0g7AiEr84swI9bG043YBzdWYQSm-_cRUWags29ck9BM_iSfj7zTJOpSs66mPmWD-2DSgGWg0AisQxF6ROLQrqKX7ci7r/s320/Decorah+2010+024+(2).JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495981137859871762" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcItW36YDehfLr_pnGtkim7WWpZQ2XYz1zePucfUhw8mvUn8kKntzylfx3Wnou4aT1NsDHo5xC_0BTov4sHJt9bRh87A6a3T7QI_Gb-Q_FaeYag_I1W2ENETTGyzgMlIKR7O4OZyJHHIdo/s1600/Decorah+2010+023+(2).JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcItW36YDehfLr_pnGtkim7WWpZQ2XYz1zePucfUhw8mvUn8kKntzylfx3Wnou4aT1NsDHo5xC_0BTov4sHJt9bRh87A6a3T7QI_Gb-Q_FaeYag_I1W2ENETTGyzgMlIKR7O4OZyJHHIdo/s320/Decorah+2010+023+(2).JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495980824779009874" /></a><br /><br />Tucked in a tree-cloaked valley, Heritage Farm is the heart of this network of seed savers who are passionate about growing and preserving the genetic diversity of plants. No matter how often I visit, it is always a treat for all my senses to wander through the plots of flowers and veggies. I always come away with new ideas for growing strategies and a few more "must try" varieties added to my already lengthy list of tomatoes and peppers.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9TuA5XFg9n2XYG_asyFk6FYOnrRo9KegD7l57B0av9OtnlW1PeX9kyjjACSPsh9jasNHL5n1jFDnd1Bt9J_JxlvFaB8iw-tk6szmyLY5VO2Jgk0O9061xVubbL0x2ysDFXkExoIYJlKR3/s1600/Decorah+2010+020+(2).JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9TuA5XFg9n2XYG_asyFk6FYOnrRo9KegD7l57B0av9OtnlW1PeX9kyjjACSPsh9jasNHL5n1jFDnd1Bt9J_JxlvFaB8iw-tk6szmyLY5VO2Jgk0O9061xVubbL0x2ysDFXkExoIYJlKR3/s320/Decorah+2010+020+(2).JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495980475796656994" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4yDwbISs2Xm_zS37j15Gr-ZSJZnj_Po9MMPtB_Ku1f84cl2CvMn6l3HyApPDNBJ9J18tXoHI4dS8AOqAi7FxLKxmNVR91Jb39sqyoeIDCTRC3DupMwY3Ja-ESFGTN30vcPs3bUYtwuAX/s1600/Decorah+2010+022+(2).JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4yDwbISs2Xm_zS37j15Gr-ZSJZnj_Po9MMPtB_Ku1f84cl2CvMn6l3HyApPDNBJ9J18tXoHI4dS8AOqAi7FxLKxmNVR91Jb39sqyoeIDCTRC3DupMwY3Ja-ESFGTN30vcPs3bUYtwuAX/s320/Decorah+2010+022+(2).JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495979490578735890" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikSIUnE2kD58fPDTYILdwmS4gyzc0eHqEVBPXNhVbrWiRiAEwA5l26rV357Vsrjz_GoSEr0arCg8XfTWchARUJDeZ8HL8mwU_PHKS6v9KTrv_xaYfoBYsiuyb-3a8N10gGyPUpex2djE6c/s1600/Decorah+2010+017+(3).JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikSIUnE2kD58fPDTYILdwmS4gyzc0eHqEVBPXNhVbrWiRiAEwA5l26rV357Vsrjz_GoSEr0arCg8XfTWchARUJDeZ8HL8mwU_PHKS6v9KTrv_xaYfoBYsiuyb-3a8N10gGyPUpex2djE6c/s320/Decorah+2010+017+(3).JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495979847835651202" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqcBA_7R2h-kbd9rsNAw8P2-S2-j0yMpuLPlbG4cHtd6oEjCPCDbFiODfGo05XgYJec89cPjPlhCCMMMN3EFZys3UHg99UoZEYrbfiu8dw4MDIz2pexMnskiVDlaHvXM9OxoPM134qymY/s1600/Decorah+2010+021+(2).JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqcBA_7R2h-kbd9rsNAw8P2-S2-j0yMpuLPlbG4cHtd6oEjCPCDbFiODfGo05XgYJec89cPjPlhCCMMMN3EFZys3UHg99UoZEYrbfiu8dw4MDIz2pexMnskiVDlaHvXM9OxoPM134qymY/s320/Decorah+2010+021+(2).JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495979150069233714" /></a><br /><br />In addition to plants, the Heritage Farm has a herd of Ancient White Park Cattle, a rare breed. Fifty calves were born this season, and on a hay wagon ride out to their pasture, we got to see some of the calves cavorting among their mothers. As all young creatures do, they were busy exploring, so it was hard to snap a photo that wasn't blurry.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgouSv2_RDVb7bDlB69S-p-buToyKYmZxjWoMxwqpA3WWodRpLEtSun4cPiqxdQflqP1HHv-Xc3XMCjoShPbijU0eqhzvrv-N9oH4C56PhVNqLGDhstOk5a1BYvLmgs_FHEFFzerjfQEimn/s1600/Decorah+2010+012+(2).JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgouSv2_RDVb7bDlB69S-p-buToyKYmZxjWoMxwqpA3WWodRpLEtSun4cPiqxdQflqP1HHv-Xc3XMCjoShPbijU0eqhzvrv-N9oH4C56PhVNqLGDhstOk5a1BYvLmgs_FHEFFzerjfQEimn/s320/Decorah+2010+012+(2).JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495978807286221810" /></a><br /><br />Several breeds of poultry also live on the farm in the growing season. The chickens with the kooky headdresses were fun to watch but I thought the Chinese black ducks and the grey hens were especially beautiful.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8H2ke2v2RjB8tJBR66fyQKsZKqSHRB7na9W1GiJmdIUKdNdP4YRBqpQt2lzEGcsbiuanjQTuImBCJgwmGPBGkiQDcFEbB-n3norQu48QXwSR4_KdwdHZy6OjFwhMWmZZSfxJs1QcYhEoh/s1600/Decorah+2010+010+(3).JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8H2ke2v2RjB8tJBR66fyQKsZKqSHRB7na9W1GiJmdIUKdNdP4YRBqpQt2lzEGcsbiuanjQTuImBCJgwmGPBGkiQDcFEbB-n3norQu48QXwSR4_KdwdHZy6OjFwhMWmZZSfxJs1QcYhEoh/s320/Decorah+2010+010+(3).JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495978451945895330" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgg-ugvQrZxbUXk8T4QM4xZf4bwZx142QWNS_tl9Bb9P34BJumLPmSCFo6eDd9XlHN_Y08DK5IoG04MgOTjWbUL8F4LoAW8KVshsEohMm2VMJoIBCtYCb_AwWwnW8MOZSSJybXpGUX-jcK/s1600/Decorah+2010+013+(3).JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgg-ugvQrZxbUXk8T4QM4xZf4bwZx142QWNS_tl9Bb9P34BJumLPmSCFo6eDd9XlHN_Y08DK5IoG04MgOTjWbUL8F4LoAW8KVshsEohMm2VMJoIBCtYCb_AwWwnW8MOZSSJybXpGUX-jcK/s320/Decorah+2010+013+(3).JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495978082836904898" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjKCXxtiwq_JDaWYC9BOTpSNr0vxSilrQViy9-0QBiqDJaAtA3qE_IpmPKKW_xVpPUKAb1jQkRmZPP7Gpdhn8A48tY-188DU79IkMOuecQ53jeHcxgeq5Uh1bhGmQJ5qqtBY-3ITarg1lB/s1600/Decorah+2010+015+(2).JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjKCXxtiwq_JDaWYC9BOTpSNr0vxSilrQViy9-0QBiqDJaAtA3qE_IpmPKKW_xVpPUKAb1jQkRmZPP7Gpdhn8A48tY-188DU79IkMOuecQ53jeHcxgeq5Uh1bhGmQJ5qqtBY-3ITarg1lB/s320/Decorah+2010+015+(2).JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495977760555800434" /></a><br /><br />The annual conference also features a wide variety of workshops presented by knowledgeable speakers. I learned something in each of the four workshops I chose. In one of the workshops I attended, author/gardener <a href="http://www.rosalindcreasy.com">Rosalind Creasy</a> explained how and why she dug up a 100 square foot patch of her lawn and raised $700 worth of fresh produce from it. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6Vms6MvWtXQhRHF25t5JMtPbaHREhXTXWOkYGeaCluzQUXXQwtqElRkDw1wrKn-ojlsVQ3Xh21P8yk1BwDhfiS6dhVR1QSQ4LAnhHOQtc7PAuV4r_xIvmvZ5RgfHmhzzI7WYwGObv-kB/s1600/Decorah+2010+002+(3).JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6Vms6MvWtXQhRHF25t5JMtPbaHREhXTXWOkYGeaCluzQUXXQwtqElRkDw1wrKn-ojlsVQ3Xh21P8yk1BwDhfiS6dhVR1QSQ4LAnhHOQtc7PAuV4r_xIvmvZ5RgfHmhzzI7WYwGObv-kB/s320/Decorah+2010+002+(3).JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495977430175396722" /></a><br /><br />Meals at the conference are another treat. It goes without saying, everything is fresh and organic, and there are tasty selections for both vegetarians and omnivores. This year's conference marked the thirty-fifth anniversary of the Seed Savers Exchange. Check out this birthday cake at Saturday's supper. On top of being a culinary work of art, it had moist layers of pumpkin and chocolate - delicious! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyFlp6nzAL1WSj15nGM5UcacvJbqRpYTebce9xgAFeG0bYyVm-Qv_bTdI7Bi_PdVq4g0GSSW2EROWBgriV_hokhyphenhyphenXIoG5KTOzRyCS2HQ8ReY3X1ddOazEYRwr8SKP2TxZzyayzQU1KW0P/s1600/Decorah+2010+004+(3).JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyFlp6nzAL1WSj15nGM5UcacvJbqRpYTebce9xgAFeG0bYyVm-Qv_bTdI7Bi_PdVq4g0GSSW2EROWBgriV_hokhyphenhyphenXIoG5KTOzRyCS2HQ8ReY3X1ddOazEYRwr8SKP2TxZzyayzQU1KW0P/s320/Decorah+2010+004+(3).JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495977113127598178" /></a><br /><br />All in all, it was a marvelous weekend, stuffed with enough "food for thought" (sorry, I couldn't resist) to keep me motivated for quite some time. Oh, and Decorah, for being a small town, has a lot more to offer in addition to SSE, but that will have to be another post.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01084970392848201228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856168019063711997.post-72407514828097054202010-07-08T12:41:00.025-05:002010-07-08T13:25:19.630-05:00Exposure, Part 2Late yesterday afternoon the rain stopped and it seemed as if the sky was going to clear. I decided to hike down to the woods to get some more photo practice. Somewhere in my mind's recesses I knew that it would be wet down there and that after all the rain we've had this summer, the understory plants would be growing like mad. But these vague mental musings became mosquito-biting reality as soon as I reached the gate.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDE2Q6hffwdfxjefgsnN0H7rWBY7R-NFygSweKi6U7kdkDkfrx_8m_vODkwqh0xbWq2Rh_PuGnCVWVH05xTgDwWVLEFdF5nVl7n9pi4XGQBAyEW0uChk-I_CySo0JPEAGa4vl5TYOAa7Q/s1600/Exposure+Experiments+030.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDE2Q6hffwdfxjefgsnN0H7rWBY7R-NFygSweKi6U7kdkDkfrx_8m_vODkwqh0xbWq2Rh_PuGnCVWVH05xTgDwWVLEFdF5nVl7n9pi4XGQBAyEW0uChk-I_CySo0JPEAGa4vl5TYOAa7Q/s320/Exposure+Experiments+030.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491594182903537410" /></a><br /><br />Not only was the undergrowth lush, wet and thick, but the creek which is normally a lazy trickle, was rushing over the crossing. It looked like a true creek, water tumbling along, with burbling, refreshing sound effects.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHV22WrBYKo6VZ995L-_PJaR9GzW-SOYA0TS3j8uyvKi7NBDaa7ZKZXcnJwKVwA6DNDEwr83yi4y-Ipu7fqakj_QX9Vi0pyvptvWFygM8kd5PKwmSjqQcFdGPFKdm87Rk0oclqmWaVc-j/s1600/Exposure+Experiments+028.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHV22WrBYKo6VZ995L-_PJaR9GzW-SOYA0TS3j8uyvKi7NBDaa7ZKZXcnJwKVwA6DNDEwr83yi4y-Ipu7fqakj_QX9Vi0pyvptvWFygM8kd5PKwmSjqQcFdGPFKdm87Rk0oclqmWaVc-j/s320/Exposure+Experiments+028.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491593759877544354" /></a><br /><br />I wasn't in the mood for bushwhacking through a sloshy jungle, so I took a few shots at the edge of the woods and turned back to the pasture. Close to the woods is an old skeletal pick-up truck. It always attracts me with its jumble of parts and rusty surfaces, so I played around with the camera's exposure settings and various angles of the truck. <br /><br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgPZxXxROuMX95oNqW52yCRxrvwESLXaJXyY0pWc4EliknfNQCAETPqRjJOqd7y9xs4a1TbxsRTT4W8XKckxjIWe5ASJTa6BQcMzCsQqxZ4h1VcGt682fsEWkGeZpwMxAE9PapsHRSo5A/s1600/Exposure+Experiments+023.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgPZxXxROuMX95oNqW52yCRxrvwESLXaJXyY0pWc4EliknfNQCAETPqRjJOqd7y9xs4a1TbxsRTT4W8XKckxjIWe5ASJTa6BQcMzCsQqxZ4h1VcGt682fsEWkGeZpwMxAE9PapsHRSo5A/s320/Exposure+Experiments+023.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491593284424518514" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2W60L4fN3w4xwZGirtGgv0jAYHTukm6hDcaYdJRJmQEteaZTGZLsXEMrLMt0Kx6gH5XJXnIA07tBxpM4O2mBBchx4_PcFqTGHp3UmGvh0aja2FkICeeV5PC3PuALyZW3xa_Yvi_EJfY2s/s1600/Exposure+Experiments+027.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2W60L4fN3w4xwZGirtGgv0jAYHTukm6hDcaYdJRJmQEteaZTGZLsXEMrLMt0Kx6gH5XJXnIA07tBxpM4O2mBBchx4_PcFqTGHp3UmGvh0aja2FkICeeV5PC3PuALyZW3xa_Yvi_EJfY2s/s320/Exposure+Experiments+027.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491592758593571554" /></a><br /><br />Within minutes, thunder rumbled and drops started to fall. I leaned into the driver's side of the truck for one last shot and quickfooted it back to the house.<br /><br />After loading the photos onto the computer, that final shot made me laugh. It's such a mishmash of colors, textures and shapes. I'm already thinking about it as inspiration for some weaving. Just goes to show - you just never know where a muse will pop up!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpim5d5SiOhfolQj125N3y4nA4ecBs_H0cJYw_F4PSAgrPyiD_PehnNbokTWbmCdpT-kF4AzHwY5se1HcnxGnwuWpDIffoAZzgynBVUfb7eZsD8KpoW1YysVCbvJWPhnX9lkj_3f94iU-2/s1600/Exposure+Experiments+034.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpim5d5SiOhfolQj125N3y4nA4ecBs_H0cJYw_F4PSAgrPyiD_PehnNbokTWbmCdpT-kF4AzHwY5se1HcnxGnwuWpDIffoAZzgynBVUfb7eZsD8KpoW1YysVCbvJWPhnX9lkj_3f94iU-2/s320/Exposure+Experiments+034.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491592358958549986" /></a>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01084970392848201228noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856168019063711997.post-52154837945072912292010-07-07T13:54:00.030-05:002010-07-07T14:37:27.385-05:00ExposureLast night was the first meeting of a digital photography class I'm taking. Our assignment for the coming week is to play around with the settings on our cameras. Today's stormy weather has been an excellent chance to learn how to get a little more out of my camera. Between downpours I've been snapping shots in the backyard, changing the EV and ISO settings, and taking notes as I go. I'm already excited about being nudged out of my <span style="font-style:italic;">Automatic</span> comfort zone. Here's some of my homework from today.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Purple Coneflowers</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBqbdBLcXZ95ypV6YsSrIcp-JnkNM_9KCf2B84dtrgBHhGIf2LkLXrbw_O2Rpi2O1pPUsFaVcm1-Yf8RcDIkntSobztPRTWg0NAurK6TJxXyUUIOVPoCTE50a0QRMgTttfYTqfuiPb7EKz/s1600/DSC03179.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBqbdBLcXZ95ypV6YsSrIcp-JnkNM_9KCf2B84dtrgBHhGIf2LkLXrbw_O2Rpi2O1pPUsFaVcm1-Yf8RcDIkntSobztPRTWg0NAurK6TJxXyUUIOVPoCTE50a0QRMgTttfYTqfuiPb7EKz/s320/DSC03179.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491241926654588354" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Daylily</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXE90SYY7c-DpuTR_5XuYeQPfIcaHz-n-XgJ03IGIG-KbLfcVbSEtSEX8ZkZxsqSDaa3WsOFgPYZHXmKDA8KJDpNi9Z09eSzXN6PvKrKThB_dv80R3WPuCh9rg0kg3KnQ89fBzctOzuRF/s1600/DSC03185.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXE90SYY7c-DpuTR_5XuYeQPfIcaHz-n-XgJ03IGIG-KbLfcVbSEtSEX8ZkZxsqSDaa3WsOFgPYZHXmKDA8KJDpNi9Z09eSzXN6PvKrKThB_dv80R3WPuCh9rg0kg3KnQ89fBzctOzuRF/s320/DSC03185.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491242745318596658" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Narrow Leafed Green Milkweed</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz63xaXQ5EWKqB8hJ361qpqeM_TTLhUjmFPHkbM3manl6TeQAxzxonD9RHs8iSXSc9p4cXQw3PLvjCsLEGT6HC3RiwPel744TclYrPOHChlUOm1DAv05dMk2xOHrK6AirQC_0uwC-4mtbf/s1600/DSC03196.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz63xaXQ5EWKqB8hJ361qpqeM_TTLhUjmFPHkbM3manl6TeQAxzxonD9RHs8iSXSc9p4cXQw3PLvjCsLEGT6HC3RiwPel744TclYrPOHChlUOm1DAv05dMk2xOHrK6AirQC_0uwC-4mtbf/s320/DSC03196.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491243342051410018" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Daylilies and Reflection at the Edge of the Pond</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7j2CZvKnBSojAmChfH4d0zoQnUG6pM5sKyxr1Yd5C75yCbQZtf-ngOXJB3_maogjm5EcjlYHVSZOz2noVtdd71DPcKvvwLKVYSK1AIfT_B9r7FURbginuU8rngG7fd6bptsK-cc-q4UlW/s1600/DSC03211.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7j2CZvKnBSojAmChfH4d0zoQnUG6pM5sKyxr1Yd5C75yCbQZtf-ngOXJB3_maogjm5EcjlYHVSZOz2noVtdd71DPcKvvwLKVYSK1AIfT_B9r7FURbginuU8rngG7fd6bptsK-cc-q4UlW/s320/DSC03211.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491243780818819794" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Another Daylily Variety</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4La0nHY33oZlq4G88D-Ob4KE__n1gAYlrm4hp8E8jt8zqZ5bO0rAALKUWpEeXHIaq7Jkgo6Ge19VBqhgcl19Nr-0ucx-gGtevY1LAIKMn_HEXqrkT7SAHeR4-Iwz-u93AH59azzYoKal/s1600/DSC03190.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4La0nHY33oZlq4G88D-Ob4KE__n1gAYlrm4hp8E8jt8zqZ5bO0rAALKUWpEeXHIaq7Jkgo6Ge19VBqhgcl19Nr-0ucx-gGtevY1LAIKMn_HEXqrkT7SAHeR4-Iwz-u93AH59azzYoKal/s320/DSC03190.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491244509199717586" /></a><br /><br />For all of these photos I experimented with exposure settings and was pleased to learn that I could make the colors of the flowers "pop" and darken everything around the flower by choosing my own levels. It may be that my mood was influenced by the stormy surroundings, but I especially liked the brooding darkness of this pond photo.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWcKc_eF7e_Y-Dmj9BkXomt6RmtzYS1ODExmNQ0pcfL1n4LE7F_-VQCYGKY2R9xjnZepGMxKYN7wrE16yCWvBaaybzhwlf9awqTtwoqLH0XxIR2jmHrp5Q5uYG13U1WRKinI_CkrsWlXUe/s1600/DSC03210.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWcKc_eF7e_Y-Dmj9BkXomt6RmtzYS1ODExmNQ0pcfL1n4LE7F_-VQCYGKY2R9xjnZepGMxKYN7wrE16yCWvBaaybzhwlf9awqTtwoqLH0XxIR2jmHrp5Q5uYG13U1WRKinI_CkrsWlXUe/s320/DSC03210.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491245101223755106" /></a><br /><br />Of course, it would be very informative (and fun even) to practice adjusting settings on sunny days too - if one ever comes round again ...Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01084970392848201228noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856168019063711997.post-39486153450978560622010-06-30T08:18:00.018-05:002010-06-30T08:46:25.528-05:00Watching You Watching MeAfter dinner last evening I went out to the garden, hoe in hand, to plant some cucumbers and dill along one of the arbors. As soon as I started to work the soil, I saw this little guy looking up at me from the other side of the arbor.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUz8sykSI2b8ZsX-P0c8OyO2B1XUZCyCmcd62kudGSqJQ6scWO2OzSngFOv7Y0tjqUvoarcLLaZcd8QwbyLfIaFwHVZ9iOMNu01WUnbPnz_zn0vhf5x-d0KRXKItJor4HqdVSA1wiIKXM/s1600/DSC03116.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUz8sykSI2b8ZsX-P0c8OyO2B1XUZCyCmcd62kudGSqJQ6scWO2OzSngFOv7Y0tjqUvoarcLLaZcd8QwbyLfIaFwHVZ9iOMNu01WUnbPnz_zn0vhf5x-d0KRXKItJor4HqdVSA1wiIKXM/s320/DSC03116.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488556216639918594" /></a><br /><br />I'm not knowledgeable about toads so I don't know his proper name. But I do know toads are welcome in my garden. As far as I can tell, they do no harm to my plants and they eat unwelcome insects and slugs.<br /><br />He watched me as I hoed the soil, watched me tuck the cucumber seeds into the dirt, watched me cover the seeds and tamp the dirt lightly with my rake. The entire time he just looked up at me from his little hole, not even blinking. (Do toads have eyelids? I couldn't tell.) Only his elastic throat expanded and contracted. <br /><br />After I finished planting, I went back to the house for my camera and took a couple of pictures of friend Toad. Then I just squatted there and looked at him for a bit. Some people might find toads "icky" or gross. If you take some time to really watch them, you'll see their skin is a patchwork of browns, tans and greys with a mottled texture. This toad's skin had lots of baggy wrinkles, almost like an elephant's on a very small scale. Toads don't leap up and growl at you. Mostly they just want to be left alone to dig their little holes and catch a tasty meal. Seeing this toad watch me so steadily for so long, I couldn't help but wonder what he was seeing and what went on in his brain. Mentally I wished him well and thanked him for adding some extra pleasure to my evening in the garden.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge585s3461gQgBoas7UKyycGCLdsepXAugCz4M3RM3-cvEMllAotp0WpiS0T3TMJzNtje8AnEpDF4Cyd0w6r6j6lz04ximibaFz8bpd2nDRcxTfUsooP4pF58bWVlc6F0liC4mWNbCQ-nw/s1600/DSC03115.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge585s3461gQgBoas7UKyycGCLdsepXAugCz4M3RM3-cvEMllAotp0WpiS0T3TMJzNtje8AnEpDF4Cyd0w6r6j6lz04ximibaFz8bpd2nDRcxTfUsooP4pF58bWVlc6F0liC4mWNbCQ-nw/s320/DSC03115.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488562178837194226" /></a>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01084970392848201228noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856168019063711997.post-60181474378420067162010-06-29T12:15:00.013-05:002010-06-29T12:39:15.872-05:00Raspberry ReverieThey're back! <span style="font-style:italic;">Rubus strigosus</span>. A little bit sweet, a little bit tart. Dusky red when ripe and oh-so-fragile. Careful! Don't squeeze 'em when you pick 'em. An antidote to summer's swelter. Red raspberries.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUBL7jM_RUDLJULKTguquKyKDHQfeduz1Suisyg_BvbG-T6lBHVhyUXvoEnOUKbFzc4jTLRqbSgO1e7-9R4oCCRUxtCkbcq5Q3kUuT_aahrwl4JiwnPxiHSLN2siOf139rysaxqvYeT9V/s1600/DSC03110.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUBL7jM_RUDLJULKTguquKyKDHQfeduz1Suisyg_BvbG-T6lBHVhyUXvoEnOUKbFzc4jTLRqbSgO1e7-9R4oCCRUxtCkbcq5Q3kUuT_aahrwl4JiwnPxiHSLN2siOf139rysaxqvYeT9V/s320/DSC03110.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488245911991728290" /></a><br /><br />Our bushes are a variety that begins to bear fruit in June. At first it's a modest crop and the berries are pretty small. I like to call them nuggets. Every few days we can gather several cups of them.<br /><br />Here's a recipe for Raspberry Nuggets -<br /> Take 10 to 12 nuggets.<br /> Make a cup of your hand.<br /> Pour the nuggets into the cup.<br /> Open your mouth.<br /> Toss the nuggets in.<br /> Chew slowly. Let that delicate flavor play on your taste buds.<br /> Smile.<br /><br />In addition to this recipe, I put the berry morsels in yogurt, on granola, in my morning oatmeal with maple syrup, and, oh my gosh, on buckwheat pancakes. Right now there are even enough raspberries to make a pan or two of my Ruby Slipper Brownies. Brownies are always a treat but the berries take a starring role in these.<br /><br />Come September the bushes usually kick up production and the berries get larger and more numerous. You have more to show for your picking time. But I'm in no hurry. A bowl of these lovelies every few days is enough to keep me in smiles for the next month or two...<br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8bXV9z9KuCVLrJaCyC0ai-wxgwcGb31GsA4wpo_v_rq-ZCTAkLYCsg3WetyVmgfPdZF1k6pgrSD57zFuX8ANOc9u6YuNciT8zHs-xzsWcngWq1W_ClFMgbJ3pIS6-HAcO092yqO-YQva/s1600/DSC03102.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8bXV9z9KuCVLrJaCyC0ai-wxgwcGb31GsA4wpo_v_rq-ZCTAkLYCsg3WetyVmgfPdZF1k6pgrSD57zFuX8ANOc9u6YuNciT8zHs-xzsWcngWq1W_ClFMgbJ3pIS6-HAcO092yqO-YQva/s320/DSC03102.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488245781956615794" /></a>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01084970392848201228noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856168019063711997.post-54975247482564252812010-06-02T10:45:00.003-05:002010-06-02T11:52:15.544-05:00Lettuce Leaves and SwallowtailsThunderstorms rolled through this morning. Our rain gauge collected one and a half inches in the past 7 hours. About 15 minutes ago the sun appeared, so I ventured out to the garden. We obviously had pounding rain because a couple of my tender tomato plants are broken and all of the salad greens are flattened to the ground. I think (or at least hope) they'll revive in a day or two. But luckily I picked a huge basketful yesterday so we can still have salad with dinner tonight.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDz_FMncCchnYDjw9eWTSAwqXerkm3uJ5cYa6GdQXq6cUpFWKRYjsX1utF9vGYkdEtwKKNyNt6F2JLqp9N29Kh6vkQxgFR9D5twe2cVvcQ63N14FjTH45CvT-cH71EFlWmunx0_kc9hHN1/s1600/DSC03000.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDz_FMncCchnYDjw9eWTSAwqXerkm3uJ5cYa6GdQXq6cUpFWKRYjsX1utF9vGYkdEtwKKNyNt6F2JLqp9N29Kh6vkQxgFR9D5twe2cVvcQ63N14FjTH45CvT-cH71EFlWmunx0_kc9hHN1/s320/DSC03000.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478212195304595762" /></a><br /><br />Isn't it curious? There was a time when iceberg lettuce was the ubiquitous lettuce in the grocery stores and restaurants. Now however, our lettuce choices are nearly as extensive as our yarn choices. I always plant several tried and true varieties - <span style="font-style:italic;">Green Ice, Red Sails, Oak Leaf</span>, for instance. But I also try something new each year. This year the newbies include <span style="font-style:italic;">Red Salad Bowl</span>, a burgundy red leaf with a smooth flavor and <span style="font-style:italic;">Blushed Butter Oaks</span>. It's appropriately named. The ruffly light green leaves have a faint blush of red on the edges, and its flavor is, well, buttery-delicious!<br /><br />After surveying the garden damage, I took advantage of the clearing sky to get a photo of one of my knitting works in progress - <span style="font-style:italic;">the Swallowtail Shawl by Evelyn Clark</span>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSr-Jb8A7umGwiUm8aZ1whWI-QapQZcfRuszc80nza6cetzJMhDEKYO-umEoQfK0rxpkABOnT6aUDOVnN5UMYcagzyx-u8YhTxJO-CNTE2KvgrypVwbCSB8qrnwKAKWJVamEuPXgI4hP8/s1600/DSC03005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSr-Jb8A7umGwiUm8aZ1whWI-QapQZcfRuszc80nza6cetzJMhDEKYO-umEoQfK0rxpkABOnT6aUDOVnN5UMYcagzyx-u8YhTxJO-CNTE2KvgrypVwbCSB8qrnwKAKWJVamEuPXgI4hP8/s320/DSC03005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478215072439494722" /></a><br /><br />The yarn is from Alpacas d'Auxvasse, a hand-dyed laceweight blend of 90% Suri alpaca and 10% merino wool. I'm using size US3 needles. <br /><br /> Now that the garden is demanding lots of attention, my knitting projects are moving along slowly. In the case of this shawl, that's just fine. It's too hot and sticky to even think about wearing a warm, fuzzy shawl. But I know I'll be happy to have it when the seasons change once again, and colorful just-picked salads are only a photo in my garden journal.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01084970392848201228noreply@blogger.com3