Randomness begins

The last few weeks fall under “best laid plans” heading for what I’ve posted here.

And the next few weeks look even more tenuous.

So, this blog is going into random mode until….well…..August.

Random post #1:

I’ve been drawing on the experienced gardeners in my circle of friends. They have been very generous in helping me identify and learn about the plants that came with the house. My latest “discovery” is that the volunteer plants with the really big leaves and majestic stalk with blooms in the back is Foxglove. I recognized the name, just not the plant. I tried to take a picture, but they back up against the arbors and I couldn’t frame a decent shot that you could actually see the plant. Short of using a selfie stick….which I DO NOT own! Why would I want a picture of me in front of something worth taking a picture of?

Back to Foxglove. I have done a bit more research and identified several more volunteers in the process. Now I need to get more expert advice on transplanting/design tips for this neighborhood. Sunset Garden Book is very informative, just not detailed enough for me and my mess….I mean yard. I’m hoping to have plans drawn up so that we can begin planting as the rainy season returns.

In the meantime, I’m finalizing a bookmark design based on a Beethoven symphony, plugging away on the flag and also the Wiosna 2017 doily, and preparing for an Organ Convention, Bach Festival and a mini vacation. I’ll be back….whenever! Enjoy the start of June and summer.  

Geometric in life

wrapping paper pattern

box pattern

I observe patterns in life. It’s what I do; as a musician, tatter, weaver, Mom, homeowner.

I found these on wrapping paper and Kleenex boxes. They inspire.

I’ve been working on the bookmark. I had an “aha” that really helps. This pattern has beads added at joins. That means they are loose until you need them on the picot as you join. I wanted the beads to be random, but not pool in color splotches. How to keep track of them? I loaded them on a length of sewing thread as I was loading the rest of the beads onto the shuttle threads. Here's a good explanation of the technique:  http://www.georgiaseitz.com/classes/beads.html 

So far, so good. I can use the sewing thread to pop the bead onto the picot when it’s time to fumble with the crochet hook, paperclip, and shuttles. Did I mention that the beads are too close to the size tatting thread I have to needle the thread with glue? That means I would have to get creative with thinner thread to put the bead on the picot anyway. I’m going to take time today to put the beads onto a length of beading thread. That will make things go faster as I can coax the waxed thread back through the bead easier than the sewing thread. I’ll have enough done for pictures next week.

But first, I’m off to figure out why the tree leaves are shriveling and dropping all over the floor by the tatting chair…

In neutral:

So, because the yarn is neutrals, it doesn’t photograph well with my little camera. And I really did try to use the fancy artistic settings! My phone worked better.

The material we wove on each warp was cut into these very small swatches. You can’t really see much. They are just to remind us of what we discovered. Note taking fiber-art style!

I’m picking Renulek’s Wiosna 2017 up again. So far I’ve only had to untat twice. Of course one of the elements I needed to undo was a lock join. In size 80 thread that required a dose of chocolate and wine to recover from! I already know what I want to do in round 5.

Oh, and we have another wall walker. This one isn’t an animal nurtured by us. So, it’s time to monitor the traps and hope the damage isn’t too bad. I saw a truck in the neighborhood that specializes in trapping ‘possom. I don’t think so……….???

I learned so much!!!!

Not all of it Weaving with Neutrals; much of it about how to communicate. Yes, there were the awkward conversations that go along with such lessons. So, when I didn’t have my foot in my mouth, I tried to explore. Asilomar is wonderful! Our room was windows on 3 sides with a fireplace on the remaining wall. We needed a good fire as the wind off the bay was chilly! Despite all the glass, I really didn’t feel like I was in a fishbowl. I guess because those most frequently passing by were the deer.

I took a break yesterday and did some pleasure reading: Aunt Dimity: Detective by Nancy Atherton. Good short read. Quote of the day: “I returned home with so many knots in my stomach that I felt as if I’d gulped a mugful of macramé.” My stomach is fine, thank you. I’ll be catching up tatting the rest of the week, so my knots won’t be so filling. I doubt I will have extra knots.

Enough silliness!

As soon as I get my samples photographed, I’ll share here. Oh, and this sold

variation on Ice Drop by Diane Cademartori

in the auction. It didn’t raise as much money as I was hoping, but the comments by established, successful professional fiber artists were very appreciative and encouraging. I’m glad I put in all the effort. I have several ideas in the sketch book now! Thank you all!!!

I’m ready!

The workshop starts tomorrow and I’m ready. I’ve dressed the loom. It took 2 tries at beaming, which is NOT recommended, but with this warp was necessary. The biggest mistake: I read 16 as 10. That threw off my math which threw everything off. Corrected now. And ready to go!

Remember this?

Ice Drop by Diane Cadamartori

In case you’ve been AWOL: http://www.georgiaseitz.com/2017/patterns/dianedpurplefudgeicedrop.pdf

Ice Drop in Spring Flower Lizbeth

I’ve been tatting up some Ice Drops in spring colors as a thank you. I’m pleased with how it looks. 

For those AWOL, I’ll be joining you for the next few days, except I put in my paperwork. I’ve got leave to learn and soak up as much as I can at Asilomar enjoying CNCH. See you when I return!