tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-305347732024-03-07T18:17:00.126-08:00Purple Fuzzy MittensFiber Crafts, Home Improvement and Other Time-Consuming Creative PursuitsPurple Fuzzy Mittenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04496840350757117089noreply@blogger.comBlogger312125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534773.post-66798840651524439042014-07-31T09:28:00.000-07:002014-08-01T21:36:21.138-07:00Glacier Bay Scarf<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">I designed the <b>Glacier Bay Scarf </b>for a family knit-along taking place during an Alaskan cruise. With a combination of brand-new and seasoned knitters, the pattern needed to be super-easy, yet interesting, and provide fast visible progress. This pattern includes only knit, knit 2 together, and yarn over, and due to the open mesh sections knits up really quickly. The design of the scarf is reminiscent of rippling waves interspersed with horizontal sea ice.</span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;"><br /></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Glacier Bay Scarf</span></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWitkRAOYMXLra7bRZsuiJThEIzZHmiyLXWvJPlWhz7VgP6i6rxypVUquNmwC2XZnjn2rVa8beNI8JxkkmFPQ4xQVZ0mgytPD3J1hcnD3Z1VRHPNWtwS2kvVeAp148WlSO2-Bs-g/s1600/glacierbay1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWitkRAOYMXLra7bRZsuiJThEIzZHmiyLXWvJPlWhz7VgP6i6rxypVUquNmwC2XZnjn2rVa8beNI8JxkkmFPQ4xQVZ0mgytPD3J1hcnD3Z1VRHPNWtwS2kvVeAp148WlSO2-Bs-g/s1600/glacierbay1.jpg" height="640" width="209" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Materials:</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: large;">Approx. 220 yards worsted weight yarn (or heavy
worsted)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: large;">U.S. Size 10 straight or circular needles (or
10.5 if using heavy worsted)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: large;">Gauge is not important, though adjust needle
size if resulting fabric is firmer or looser than you prefer (I like it pretty
loose).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Abbreviations:</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: large;">K - knit</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: large;">K2tog - knit 2 together</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: large;">YO - yarnover</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Instructions:</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Set
up:</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: large;">- Cast on 21 stitches using any cast-on
technique you like (cast on 19 if using heavy worsted and larger needles).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: large;">- Knit 8 rows <i><span style="color: #632423;">(hint
- there will be 4 garter ridges on each side)</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Begin
slanted mesh section:</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: large;">- Row 1 - *(K2tog, YO)* until 1 stitch
remains, YO, K last stitch</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: large;">- Row 2 - K across</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: large;">Repeat rows 1-2 for a total of ten times, ending
AFTER a row 2. <i><span style="color: #632423;">(Hint - there will be 10 rows of
holes that can be easily counted.)</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Horizontal
section:</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: large;">Knit 7 rows </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #632423; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">(until there are 4
ridges on each side)</span></i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">That's
it! Repeat these two sections until your scarf is long enough or you run short
of yarn.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"> Cast off at the end of a horizontal section.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: large;">If you are detail oriented, you can block the
scarf, pinning to enhance the zigzag. Or not.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">Happy knitting!</span></b></div>
Purple Fuzzy Mittenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04496840350757117089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534773.post-85370416124713234122013-06-25T14:33:00.000-07:002013-06-25T14:44:00.795-07:00Pending Projects<p>My current project list is a bit, um, scary. And it does not include books to be read or job stuff. Perhaps this is why blogging has fallen by the wayside?</p>
<p>Knitting:</p>
<ul>
<li>Mitered Square Shawl</li>
<li>Alpaca cardigan</li>
<li>Backpack</li>
<li>Northern lights scarf</li>
<li>Zaurball shawl</li>
<li>Emerald sweater</li>
<li>Cover for lumbar cushion</li>
<li>Lace vest from takli spun cotton</li>
</ul>
<p>Wood burning:</p>
<ul>
<li>Kitchen table</li>
<li>Cabinet knobs - Kitchen</li>
<li>Knobs hall</li>
<li>Earring frame</li>
<li>Sideboard</li>
<li>Desk</li>
<li>library boxes</li>
<li>Library stool</li>
<li>Plant stand table</li>
<li>Laptop tray table</li>
<li>Bat house</li>
<li>Vintage box with metal strap</li>
<li>Box for interchangeable needles</li>
<li>Camp stool</li>
<li>Mirror frame for master bath</li>
</ul>
<p>Gardening:</p>
<ul>
<li>Rock wall</li>
<li>Move remaining rock to back yard</li>
<li>Dig out grass in NW corner</li>
<li>Plant white lavender along wall</li>
<li>Add yarrow and another lower plant along front of house</li>
<li>Move leopard plant to back yard</li>
<li>Terrace upper end of back yard</li>
<li>Build small deck for tea house</li>
<li>Prune dead limbs off lilac</li>
<li>Prune mock orange</li>
<li>Dig out grass in backyard</li>
<li>Lay out path in backyard</li>
<li>Acquire and spread mulch in backyard</li>
<li>Prune shrubs under porch</li>
<li>Install drip in backyard</li>
<li>Terrace lower end of backyard and install pavers</li>
<li>Repaint back porch</li>
<li>Buy bench for lower end of back yard</li>
<li>Paint mural on back fence</li>
<li>Acquire and install rush fencing along chain-link</li>
<li>Repair gate</li>
<li>Repair concrete front steps</li>
<li>Repair concrete back steps</li>
<li>Plant solar lights</li>
<li>Repair and reinstall broken siding piece </li>
</ul>
<p>Inside big jobs:</p>
<ul>
<li>Finish scraping kitchen floor</li>
<li>Paint kitchen walls, ceiling, cabinets</li>
<li>Replace hall bath sink</li>
<li>Prepare walls and paint hall bath</li>
<li>Tile hall bath floor</li>
<li>Replace master bath sink</li>
<li>Tile master bath floor</li>
<li>Paint master bath </li>
<li>Replace light fixture in master bath</li>
<li>Wash all windows</li>
<li>Replace cracked garage window with stained glass</li>
</ul>
<p>Other projects:</p>
<ul>
<li>Outfit picnic basket</li>
<li>Sew picnic blanket</li>
<li>Sew and block print canvas slipcover for couch</li>
<li>Make duvet cover for bedroom</li>
<li>Rehem bedroom curtains</li>
<li>Make slipcovers for library chairs</li>
<li>Organize Yosemite pictures and format book</li>
<li>Organize fiber room</li>
<li>Finish tweaking Country Craftsman Wheel</li>
<li>Mount niddy noddies on wall</li>
</ul>
<p><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">On another note, I am testing out Blogsy iPad App, so just ignore the picture and link:</span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/purplefuzzymittens/9139110154/" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3682/9139110154_8623e8c578.jpg" id="blogsy-1372196618766.7588" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div>
<address><a href="http://purplefuzzymittens.blogspot.com" target="_blank" title="Purple Fuzzy Mittens">Purplefuzzymittens.blogspot.com</a></address>
<p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Purple Fuzzy Mittenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04496840350757117089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534773.post-28209334646420412122013-06-09T14:40:00.001-07:002013-06-10T23:27:51.535-07:00Spindle Camp 2013It was warm. Really warm.<br />
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It was also great fun. We hung out and spun/knitted/chatted/ate/drank/laughed and hung out in Lake Francis during a record-breaking heat wave. Some folks made great progress on projects. I miscalculated a bit by bringing a nearly finished wool shawl to knit. No matter how light and airy, a lapful of wool in 104 degree heat is a bad idea. So I mostly spun cotton on a takli. I did bring the firebird wheel, but didn't use it much either. Progress was not really the point anyway; it was all about laughing, chatting and sharing ideas with other fiber addicts.</div>
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Some folks brought stuff to sell. Sharon wove these gorgeous towels that I snapped up for the little trailer.</div>
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We had a "pirate" exchange and I am going home with some great yarn. </div>
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Here's a video Lucy took of Barbara Sue:</div>
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="400" src="https://www.facebook.com/video/embed?video_id=10201251437553109" width="226"></iframe>Purple Fuzzy Mittenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04496840350757117089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534773.post-58035467470435769782012-10-20T13:21:00.000-07:002012-10-20T13:26:29.142-07:00Kelp Bed Scarf Pattern<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_TmAI7chkDnZyRyxAkYho3mkDRC9xKyJBWPgekohHKKLzt4ebH4uGC6RqSUc3pwu5hnsKvuxSXHne4tXbTTQcmr5y7OFTsxvc8bhl4MPESEQTIWGDCnqmGTxMLsRc8LKG2RRIcw/s1600/DSCN0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_TmAI7chkDnZyRyxAkYho3mkDRC9xKyJBWPgekohHKKLzt4ebH4uGC6RqSUc3pwu5hnsKvuxSXHne4tXbTTQcmr5y7OFTsxvc8bhl4MPESEQTIWGDCnqmGTxMLsRc8LKG2RRIcw/s320/DSCN0004.jpg" width="137" /></a></div>
2012 has zipped by at a nearly supersonic speed. It has included landmark events and wonderful small moments. We laughed, we cried, etc. Seriously though, it has been amazing. Among the top adventure highlights were visiting Death Valley, taking a hot air balloon ride over the Tucson Mountains, and especially, rafting the Grand Canyon. (I have so many photos that getting a few on the blog just hasn't happened. As yet.) Choosing the right knitting project for the 7-day raft trip was tricky. It needed to be relatively uncomplicated (social knitting), pack small, require few tools, be doable in hot, sweaty weather, and provide plenty of knitting time. I settled on knitting a simple, lacy scarf with linen yarn. I was able to knit in camp each night and even a little on the raft (without puncturing the raft as feared by some of my co-rafters). The pattern is one I designed several years ago.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Kelp Bed Scarf (aka One-Row Pleated Scarf)</b></span></h2>
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<b>Materials:</b> any yarn you would like to use. The crisper and/or stretchier the yarn is, the better it will retain its accordion pleating. For the orange scarf shown I used <b><a href="http://www.jimmybeanswool.com/knitting/yarn/FibraNatura/Flax.asp?showLarge=true&specPCVID=36064" target="_blank">"Fibra Natura Flax" linen</a></b> in Tangerine.<br />
<b>Needles:</b> Not too critical, but sized to knit your yarn somewhat loosely (I used U.S. 7)<br />
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Cast on a multiple of 5 + 1 (For my orange scarf I cast on 31ss.)<br />
<b>EVERY ROW: *K3, YO, P2tog* repeat to last stitch, K1</b><br />
Continue until you reach desired length, get bored, or run out of yarn. (Mine is fairly long at 80 inches.)<br />
Cast off loosely.<br />
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Note: Do not stretch to block, unless you want to remove the pleats.<br />
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<b>Yes, it is that easy!</b> The resulting fabric is self-pleating, giving a great drape when wrapped around the neck. I am currently using the same stitch pattern to make a stole out of Kid Silk Haze. It has a completely different look - entirely soft, light and floaty instead of the crisp pleating of the linen yarn. I'll post a picture when I am further along.<br />
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I am super thrilled with the way this scarf feels and drapes. Despite having a closet-full of scarves, this is now my favorite.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy knitting!! </span>Purple Fuzzy Mittenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04496840350757117089noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534773.post-6828333106727849462012-07-14T14:00:00.000-07:002012-07-14T14:00:02.917-07:00Window on the Sea<b>Tada!</b> I finally finished another afghan, this time as a wedding gift for my nephew Eric and his bride Ashley. The concept behind this afghan is a window looking out on an abstract seascape.<br />
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The yarn is 2 strands held together - one of KnitPicks Crayon cotton, and the other KnitPicks Peruvian Highland Wool. The resulting fabric feels fabulous and has a great weight and drape. I bought the "Bare" version of these yarns - not only are they ready for dyeing that way, but they come in larger skeins (fewer knots). I knit each of the rectangles in basic stockinette, throwing in an occasional purl row to suggest ripples in the water. Not the most exciting project to knit, but more portable than knitting a blanket in one piece.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshXzixQwEvsvCautr0gCe8GqN4bzREU_Y7SeaG55FL9m_cS-EVxK6xiFax47FOAxGoAUA2iwPUjUThfRpL0kwiJVuHNn9HPH57Q_uHBaexgWgU9Tah0byWoOnnQ8KrHL9qrfZdA/s1600/7533717748_032a5d6e53_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshXzixQwEvsvCautr0gCe8GqN4bzREU_Y7SeaG55FL9m_cS-EVxK6xiFax47FOAxGoAUA2iwPUjUThfRpL0kwiJVuHNn9HPH57Q_uHBaexgWgU9Tah0byWoOnnQ8KrHL9qrfZdA/s200/7533717748_032a5d6e53_o.jpg" width="200" /></a> After all nine rectangles were complete I mixed up the dyes. I used acid dyes, specifically counting on the cotton strand to NOT take the dye the way the wool would. The result, so I hoped, would be a heathery look with the boucle cotton providing a hint of frothiness or sparkle on the water. I hand-mixed several shades of blue-grey-green, then added touches of bright yellow to suggest sunlight. I practiced several methods of applying dye on a swatch, and settled on using a sponge to pat it on the presoaked rectangles. Then I rolled them in plastic wrap and steamed them. I am really pleased with the result. Each "pane" is different, maintaining the abstract feel.<br />
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The next step was to pick up stitches along the edges and knit the pieces together. Then I picked up stitches all the way around and knit the border with mitered corners. I don't think I ever counted the total number of stitches around the thing, but it was A LOT. I had to link together about 5 or 6 Options cables, and broke several in the process due to the weight. To create a neat stretchy edging I bound off with a mile or so of applied I-cord. It wasn't until I got the thing off the needles that I could see that it turned out about 40% larger than I planned. The original lap-blanket-for-two ended up large enough to almost cover a queen size bed! <br />
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<br />Purple Fuzzy Mittenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04496840350757117089noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534773.post-48990625317564793412012-07-11T18:21:00.002-07:002012-10-20T22:34:35.988-07:00Citron ShawlI am pleased to announce a <b>Finished Object</b>. Yes, another one! This one
is a <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter09/PATTcitron.php" target="_blank"><b></b></a><b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=30534773" target="_blank">Citron Shawl</a></b> that I started eons ago, then let sit untouched on
and off. I finished it during Spindle Camp, then finally dyed it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIme8qaPHHmQja0lymapUV46JE9j-ke4AcMOR_CLU1CarMg4EiVsqIx8Gb3bZ5acsmyqMUcS_RFCJu-zD_eB9Nu2mfd1TOozZZy2dr42JLN32hwjNcPBGT9IpFyENwnU5MJvuB/s1600/7553091108_bf628e6f6b_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIme8qaPHHmQja0lymapUV46JE9j-ke4AcMOR_CLU1CarMg4EiVsqIx8Gb3bZ5acsmyqMUcS_RFCJu-zD_eB9Nu2mfd1TOozZZy2dr42JLN32hwjNcPBGT9IpFyENwnU5MJvuB/s640/7553091108_bf628e6f6b_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The yarn is <b>Filatura Di Crosa Golder Line Superior</b>,
70% cashmere/30% silk, and is gorgeously soft and so light it feels as
if it is floating in your hand. (Happily it was also on sale.) Its only
drawback to work with was its color. Fuzzy laceweight mushroom tan
yarn becomes almost invisible in anything but very bright light. I look
pretty hideous in that color, too, so after it was complete I mixed up a
pot of dark purple dye. I was shooting for a little lighter color, but
the cashmere sucked up the dye in record time. Happily the dress I
will be wearing it with has darker purple accents to match.<br />
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The <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter09/PATTcitron.php" target="_blank"><b>Citron</b></a>
pattern is really designed as more of a neck scarf. I added a few
extra sections to make it much larger. I don't think I would have had
the staying power to add a ninth ruched section - that's a LOT of
stitches per row!Purple Fuzzy Mittenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04496840350757117089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534773.post-90290711632805585392012-07-09T22:51:00.000-07:002012-07-09T22:59:10.438-07:00Mitts for Jess<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Zkdbr17O9XlLYyAzrJvZXt6imB0g7dTYU046H1r_tS7lDSv9CRVk1ynruQDi4-ZF-8yNS3X3grJ213zohnI4U84EUgY_sud5d6pvs2sU9gBudPmpXR0vo5_G6hkswILaKQ1wYw/s1600/jessmitts2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Zkdbr17O9XlLYyAzrJvZXt6imB0g7dTYU046H1r_tS7lDSv9CRVk1ynruQDi4-ZF-8yNS3X3grJ213zohnI4U84EUgY_sud5d6pvs2sU9gBudPmpXR0vo5_G6hkswILaKQ1wYw/s320/jessmitts2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I knit and embroidered these mitts in record time (for me) for my niece, Jess. One week after graduating from the University of Missouri with a degree in Biology, Jess' car was hit head on by a drunk driver going the wrong way up a divided highway. Jess suffered from a broken collarbone and bad burns on her wrists. Amazing girl, she went through surgery and having a plate put in her shoulder, then within a few weeks started her summer job as a research tech at the San Diego Zoo. The mitts are to protect the fragile new skin on her wrists. Jess is doing great!<br />
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The mitts had to be really soft, yet not so warm that they couldn't be worn during warmish weather, so they are made from <a href="http://besweetproducts.com/yarns/" target="_blank">BeSweet Bamboo</a>. The yarn has a great hand-paint look with subtle color gradations and is so soft and smooth that it is a pleasure to work with. Be Sweet is made in South Africa and supports job creation programs and educational development projects in economically depressed areas. The bamboo is listed as "eco-friendly, anti-bacterial, and machine washable". Perfect for the busy young scientist.Purple Fuzzy Mittenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04496840350757117089noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534773.post-74626781448693520572012-07-08T21:46:00.000-07:002012-07-08T21:47:52.188-07:00PreparationsI've been caught up in preparations for an upcoming trip. Armed with a recommended gear list I have tackled the likes of REI and Amazon, slowly accumulating a small mountain of items. The trip is an awesome 7-day raft trip through the Grand Canyon, so I can't afford to forget anything important. Yet the maximum allowed luggage is 25 lbs. Tricky.<br />
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It is going to be HOT in the bottom of the Canyon, so at least the requisite clothing will be lightweight. Several folks have recommended taking a sarong for light-weight bathing suit cover-up around camp. I whipped up a standard-size one on the sewing machine and, after experimenting, decided I didn't like the tight knotting or resultant slippage. So, using an old nightshirt as a basic cutting guide, I whipped up an extra-loose dress out of lightweight cotton. It counts as my first attempt to sew more than a skirt, bag or trailer curtains. <br />
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I will be taking the Nikon Coolpix AW100 and handful of extra chips and batteries. In case the spare batteries are not enough, I have acquired a cool little gadget called the <b><a href="http://store.solio.com/Solio-Store/Solio-Bolt-Solar-Charger-S620-AH1RW" target="_blank">Solio Bolt</a></b> (cheaper from Amazon). It is a pocket-sized solar charger. It only outputs through USB, so at first it was going to be unusable for the camera batteries. With some searching, I found a battery charger that can be powered by USB. Neither is speedy, mind you, but a workable backup.<br />
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Aware that many of the 17 other family members on this trip will be
bringing identical cameras and REI-sourced gear, I have pulled out that
wonder of modern science, the Sharpie. <br />
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First I put my name on my camera. Then I decided to customize my green
duffel bag. It wouldn't help much to put my last name on the bag, since
at least 5 of the other rafters will have the same name. And there is
another Amy on the trip. I went for pictures instead. (For much more elaborate Sharpie Art, check out the <b><a href="http://blog.sharpie.com/tag/art/" target="_blank">official blog</a></b>.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbztMXEdL5wEjbkZt_I_GWCOUPu5dGbkVzJrPUhvvGhYJdrCOt9UhYeHgfKpflnYgBw2L85RtghuKYF7uLXtt_elSVekRfD-3dVDx4yINg-RO10uXanju7q7va2lnE2FqMQYoGA/s1600/7533068946_3ec369f2a2_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbztMXEdL5wEjbkZt_I_GWCOUPu5dGbkVzJrPUhvvGhYJdrCOt9UhYeHgfKpflnYgBw2L85RtghuKYF7uLXtt_elSVekRfD-3dVDx4yINg-RO10uXanju7q7va2lnE2FqMQYoGA/s320/7533068946_3ec369f2a2_o.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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Should be useful to identify the bag in the airport, too.
There's still plenty of ink in the Sharpie, but I draw the line at labeling my underwear.<br />
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And here's a shot of Saturday's harvest from the garden.Purple Fuzzy Mittenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04496840350757117089noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534773.post-61788741483159427932012-07-04T10:15:00.001-07:002012-07-04T10:17:01.831-07:00Prickly Harvest<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZdqqreDem4HcJBZcrkjrm2L0WNe_JTMvujf3UfQrZQXdNNtQHgim8fSiVCVnjYe-YyTtEL_O90CzNqbzW5xBioDpJriel_KV09L3RtS9kd9vJ5dzE6gUhKcuWz06UwhkrPkKyQ/s1600/DSCN2058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZdqqreDem4HcJBZcrkjrm2L0WNe_JTMvujf3UfQrZQXdNNtQHgim8fSiVCVnjYe-YyTtEL_O90CzNqbzW5xBioDpJriel_KV09L3RtS9kd9vJ5dzE6gUhKcuWz06UwhkrPkKyQ/s320/DSCN2058.jpg" width="240" /></a>One of the jobs of summer is to harvest whatever I can from my small slice of property that might make an interesting dye experiment. Every evening after work I go out with my basket and pull off any Coreopsis blooms that have opened. No doubt my neighbors think I am nuts, since every time something blooms I snip it right off. The lavender and the Perovskia are safe, since last summer's experiments proved them to be disappointing in the dye pot. I am looking forward to the blooming of the 6-foot tall sunflower plant that volunteered in the back yard. It is covered with big flower buds and I hope they open before I leave for my upcoming raft trip. One bloom is open, so the rest should be out soon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-lsZB4qEA3NaP_XCHua3YtsfAjM3F4uGhMUv9xetMINuR1tuSKWcOHJEqV83aExbzIvfn5stEH9o7E2dHF0vtzA8ZVPMWTTQFI2eouTC9Try1YAs4HRS1iRAhXcF6KXLdqxsLw/s1600/DSCN2059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-lsZB4qEA3NaP_XCHua3YtsfAjM3F4uGhMUv9xetMINuR1tuSKWcOHJEqV83aExbzIvfn5stEH9o7E2dHF0vtzA8ZVPMWTTQFI2eouTC9Try1YAs4HRS1iRAhXcF6KXLdqxsLw/s200/DSCN2059.jpg" width="200" /></a>Tonight, after denuding the Coreopsis and the Lingula in the front yard, I tackled the Mahonia in the back. Let me be clear, I would never have planted the stuff. It is a vigorous invader from next door. Mahonia, also called Oregon grape is the plant equivalent of a rabid porcupine. At first you think, "that's kinda cute" but approach it and you will soon learn it is well protected by painful prickliness. Any attempt at removing the stuff requires massive gauntlets and high levels of determination. Then it grows right back. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2eCmt7Gw1s9yIBQCb2-if0ZuObhdOblsAMhgysFEjk8byCH75_saqh1kh607EbewPU-JVQ-lYbVwYT6pfbYB-EwAodQKnq-VYCNuyu2L0DeWHPfuU3hIygbmeWe31cT3H_ORJw/s1600/DSCN2065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2eCmt7Gw1s9yIBQCb2-if0ZuObhdOblsAMhgysFEjk8byCH75_saqh1kh607EbewPU-JVQ-lYbVwYT6pfbYB-EwAodQKnq-VYCNuyu2L0DeWHPfuU3hIygbmeWe31cT3H_ORJw/s320/DSCN2065.jpg" width="320" /></a>Its nickname of Oregon grape is due to the purple berries it produces
during midsummer. Last year I missed harvesting them. I am determined
to try for the blue-violet dye they are purported to produce when used
in an acid dye pot. So I bravely tackled stripping the ripe berries
from the plants that are taking over the east end of my backyard. Garden gloves were too unwieldy - the small berries rolled right through
my fingers. I managed to collect a rollicking 8oz of berries,
frequently interspersed with "Ow!", "Ooh!" and other unmentionable
phrases. For every 5 berries collected another 3 dropped down into the
bushes. I eventually gave up from too many punctures, but may attack it
again tomorrow. On the positive side, the purple stain on my hands is
persistent, even after a vigorous scrubbing.<br />
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All of my harvested plant bits get put into plastic bags and stowed in the deep freeze, far from curious felines.Purple Fuzzy Mittenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04496840350757117089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534773.post-77493391983697485832012-07-03T08:10:00.000-07:002012-07-04T10:16:43.398-07:00Spindle Camp 2012<br />
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<b>What:</b> 25 or so handspinners spending the weekend together to talk fibers, spin, eat, drink, laugh and swim in the lake. Some camped and some stayed in cabins. All perspired in the 100 degree heat.<br />
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<b>Where:</b> <b><a href="http://www.lakefrancisrv.com/">Lake Francis Resort</a></b> in Dobbins, CA. <br />
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<b>When: </b>June 13-16, 2012<br />
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This was the 3rd annual Spindle Camp, with spinners from both sides of the hill (and even one from Las Vegas). I took the little trailer (of course). Two years ago we dealt with freezing rain; this year the temps hovered around the century mark. I spent part of each day swimming in the lake. Although the focus of the informal event was on spinning, I spent most of my fiber-time finally finishing the cashmere Citron shawl I started over a year ago. (More about that another time.)<br />
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I did not take my usual boatload of pictures, possibly because it was just too darn hot to do much more than sit chatting in the shade, but I did get a few. I am not going to list folks names, in fear that I will get some of them embarrassingly wrong, but suffice it to say that it was great to spend the time with both new and old friends.
Most of these pictures were taken with the Nikon AW100, which I am happy to report emerged from the lake without any hint of a leak. If you want to see all 100 or so, you can check out my <b><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/purplefuzzymittens/sets/72157630399523928/">Flickr set</a>.</b> For <b>lots</b> more detail about Spindle Camp 2012, check out Sharon's blog: <b><a href="http://sagecreekfarm.blogspot.com/2012/06/bending-color.html">Here</a>, <a href="http://sagecreekfarm.blogspot.com/2012/06/spindle-camp.html">here</a>, <a href="http://sagecreekfarm.blogspot.com/2012/06/spindle-camp-some-more.html">here</a>,</b> and <b><a href="http://sagecreekfarm.blogspot.com/2012/06/spindle-camp-wrap-up.html">here</a>.</b><br />
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<br />Purple Fuzzy Mittenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04496840350757117089noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534773.post-81471103220920083452011-11-24T11:53:00.000-08:002011-11-24T11:56:09.140-08:00Happy Thanksgiving!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3u5AZcoGBILbewz-P18mBP4aIl6Ol0zrSRkbo-w8fUvO9IPM-fODdfC0d38IJO4Uxqd9kuv3AmEw1mohida7BjSclixO9VpBuU6QOZeJrNMN3-W6pkxOAFq-pp8CBXqyfGlznw/s1600/geese1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 351px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3u5AZcoGBILbewz-P18mBP4aIl6Ol0zrSRkbo-w8fUvO9IPM-fODdfC0d38IJO4Uxqd9kuv3AmEw1mohida7BjSclixO9VpBuU6QOZeJrNMN3-W6pkxOAFq-pp8CBXqyfGlznw/s400/geese1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678653158919470962" /></a><br />Canada geese over the May Arboretum, Reno on Thanksgiving morning.Purple Fuzzy Mittenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04496840350757117089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534773.post-76045510199931992962011-11-04T14:52:00.000-07:002012-07-04T10:17:32.288-07:00House MattersI love my home. It is small - a whole 1210 square feet according to the official records (and some of that taken up by hallway and heater closet), but exactly what I need. The more I customize it, the more it becomes an extension of me. Although it is not as small as the homes showcased by the <a href="http://www.resourcesforlife.com/small-house-society">Small House Society</a>, it is only a few steps from anywhere to anywhere. Over the few years I have owned it, I have carefully considered the optimum use and utility of every nook and cranny. Over time I have concluded that I don't need a guest room (the trailer can serve that duty) but I do need a library. I don't need a front hall coat closet, but I do need a pantry. I don't need a bathtub, but I do need a waterproof place to keep a very large litter box. And I don't need a dedicated dining room space, but I do need a large table for messy art projects. A friend once suggested I get rid of all the bookcases in the living room so I could put in a second couch and have more folks over at a time. She meant well, but didn't understand that I would rather be surrounded by books 100% of the time than be visited by a crowd 5% of the time. I love my friends, but a few at a time is sufficient crowding. I can pull in a few kitchen chairs on the rare occasion that I need to seat more than the 5 the living room currently accommodates. <br />
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My goal to get rid of at least something everyday of 2011 is still in force. I don't think I have missed a single day, and hope to keep it up until the end of the year. For those who don't know about this project (or don't remember my nattering on about it before) every day from January 1st on, I have gotten rid of something that has been cluttering up my house. In many cases it has been a lot more than one something. The rules are simple:<br />
1. It must be a long-term clutter thing - not just normal taking-out-the-trash stuff.<br />
2. I can give it away or trash it, but I can't just replace something.<br />
3. Although I can't get to Salvation Army every day, once it goes into the "give away" bin (or trash) it does not come out.<br />
4. No building up - once it is identified to go, it counts only towards that day. Even if I get rid of a mountain of things on Monday, I start again on Tuesday. <br />
5. I do not count days when I am traveling.<br />
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I honestly did not think I would still be doing this in November, but now it has become a bit of an obsession. It took months before I saw much difference in my home's environment, but it is really evident now. The house is by no means austere, but the items I love are far more evident when not surrounded by all that other stuff. As the year went on and I had to become more choosey, I came to a better understanding about what I value vs. what is just mass-produced, and what I use vs. what just gathers dust. And the off-loading of items has really affected what new items I purchase. When considering a purchase I find myself thinking, "Is this something I will still care about a month down the road?" and "Is this item really worth devoting that many square inches of my small house to?" and my favorite question, "Is there a non-mass-produced way I could accomplish the same thing?" More often than not these questions cause me to reconsider the purchase.<br />
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So the more I get rid of, the better my small house becomes a reflection of the things I love and the things I do.Purple Fuzzy Mittenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04496840350757117089noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534773.post-73050777519961953722011-10-30T19:55:00.000-07:002011-10-30T21:04:08.931-07:00More SewingYes, I can! OK, the stitches look a little wobbly in the picture, but the coarse, loosish weave cotton is a bit stretchy to work with. I promise it looks fine in person.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinT3ImslPlr2jS7T4VGA4dsCQ9f0SwR4S6UeULrf1mpBjIjQkyF4PUPOi6RGcsmglBffhvZUfDcBW65Pqvovarzca32T9vi7PmmzbBLDQLaVrko2KJ6nNb77JbpJJhUkUYMrzEeQ/s1600/photo%255B2%255D.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinT3ImslPlr2jS7T4VGA4dsCQ9f0SwR4S6UeULrf1mpBjIjQkyF4PUPOi6RGcsmglBffhvZUfDcBW65Pqvovarzca32T9vi7PmmzbBLDQLaVrko2KJ6nNb77JbpJJhUkUYMrzEeQ/s400/photo%255B2%255D.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669485105742181186" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQhSKwhSeSYxGmm6K1PplApdMO1t25fN3vH8jxS5KfUxZ2-I6gJ8P6LZAeDFgKzhRIatpEwXNPQ8M6z06uDbIxMadKTKLAVRHeZ9eIQPrcojdVrpt02c2Wf5lyJ97yDqUQyyAIgw/s1600/photo%255B1%255D.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQhSKwhSeSYxGmm6K1PplApdMO1t25fN3vH8jxS5KfUxZ2-I6gJ8P6LZAeDFgKzhRIatpEwXNPQ8M6z06uDbIxMadKTKLAVRHeZ9eIQPrcojdVrpt02c2Wf5lyJ97yDqUQyyAIgw/s400/photo%255B1%255D.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669484976382995698" border="0" /></a><br /><br />In other sewing news, I made an apron out of a vintage linen tea towel. (Thanks, Heidi, for the towel!!) The strips at top and bottom are doubled and top-stitched at each edge to keep them flat. The bottom strip adds enough weight to make the apron hang nicely when worn. I like that it has a vintage feel, without being ruffly. This was super easy and only took about a 3rd of a yard (plus the towel). I'll be keeping an eye out for other likely tea towels with a "landscape" design.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCfZDteGc0YGhWKSrH-5G-YnUoCMUuEieWT-RVfMdJr71gBFg_R_rzRcfafF9gFkjxbMCW4LzVMgGExuX1xIkKmegDeyyuKFwjzpAXmOIh1Os6Dg-PSAOyOm_jSLaa1GIccA_w4Q/s1600/photo.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCfZDteGc0YGhWKSrH-5G-YnUoCMUuEieWT-RVfMdJr71gBFg_R_rzRcfafF9gFkjxbMCW4LzVMgGExuX1xIkKmegDeyyuKFwjzpAXmOIh1Os6Dg-PSAOyOm_jSLaa1GIccA_w4Q/s400/photo.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669484871322771842" border="0" /></a>Purple Fuzzy Mittenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04496840350757117089noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534773.post-1853953672298035692011-10-19T13:52:00.000-07:002011-10-30T20:51:56.143-07:00SewingI have been threatening to start sewing for a long time now. I have bought fabric. I have bought inspirational books of vintage fashions. I have collected bits and bobs of remnants and buttons and trims. I have even, recently, bought a new sewing machine. Yes, I was going to launch into sewing my own clothing any time now. My friend Jen, master seamstress and awesome teacher, offered to give me some instruction. Still it took a long time to get to the point of finding the hours to do it. Finally my underlying need to create clothing boiled over and I found myself spending a weekend with the ever-patient Jen, constructing a corduroy skirt.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zfw_AmjDzONgKsFw9raee27nmFRSjZdV4uydA8vgIRLRfMJIh8YdVsfnXg1ELUr2A1gFau4tvGf9usoWtCz7e4uMMI2uYA-uXZQsl3WJZoJDCUSXy9IuUbzjirwFnvxe3rVQGg/s1600/skirt2.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zfw_AmjDzONgKsFw9raee27nmFRSjZdV4uydA8vgIRLRfMJIh8YdVsfnXg1ELUr2A1gFau4tvGf9usoWtCz7e4uMMI2uYA-uXZQsl3WJZoJDCUSXy9IuUbzjirwFnvxe3rVQGg/s400/skirt2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665316049040234962" border="0" /></a><br />My first step was to deconstruct a linen skirt that had been worn to the point of threadbareness. I used the pieces to make a pattern out of heavy paper.<br />Despite having a bin full of fabric already, I purchased four yards of gorgeous deep purple corduroy. Yes, four yards is a lot, but it was all that was left on the bolt and I can always make something from the leftovers. I also bought thread, zipper, etc.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho44Hu45rofRekEo9RtDhPk3oxD1o6ZqDgkRHHomKBg2jvCDcHD0NBCMk7KtxNGnc3w-rC0A6yJxgm9ccHs83sABJwkA_GtN99VHZANW7yyrYrXO9R0VDqUSQJo9s6-mD3j7nw8Q/s1600/skirt1.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 287px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho44Hu45rofRekEo9RtDhPk3oxD1o6ZqDgkRHHomKBg2jvCDcHD0NBCMk7KtxNGnc3w-rC0A6yJxgm9ccHs83sABJwkA_GtN99VHZANW7yyrYrXO9R0VDqUSQJo9s6-mD3j7nw8Q/s400/skirt1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665315922691790050" border="0" /></a><br />The original skirt was elastic-waisted lightweight linen. I didn't want to do the same with the corduroy because it was heavier weight and, most particularly, I felt it would be good for me to install my first zipper. Skill building is good. Because my pattern was too wide to cut on the fold as I originally intended, I had to seam up the front and back. I took advantage of this and angled the fabric so the cords in the corduroy make an inverted vee in the front and back. Adding a waistband gave me a chance to learn to install a buttonhole. There was a slight speedbump in the zipper installation when it was discovered I had brought the Spanish version of the sewing machine manual. Happily the English version is just a Google search away.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtQ5wbDOCxcGa4ac2MX3HeyUsW5diKZ20E4XIEryv7PAmfmBg4r3OxnmqdTo1MTI_tSjXZmzt6lTgz9KaSiPjq_tQGQ4lyokho5YP26KOiJsP28SePtj1pGpHoqO9yacaCqj0Iw/s1600/skirt3.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtQ5wbDOCxcGa4ac2MX3HeyUsW5diKZ20E4XIEryv7PAmfmBg4r3OxnmqdTo1MTI_tSjXZmzt6lTgz9KaSiPjq_tQGQ4lyokho5YP26KOiJsP28SePtj1pGpHoqO9yacaCqj0Iw/s400/skirt3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665315809429405218" border="0" /></a><br />I can only say that, despite being occasionally scary, and requiring slight plan changes during the process, I am very pleased with the results. In some ways, the scariest part is throwing it in the wash at the end. Will the whole thing disintegrate or shrink funny despite having preshrunk the fabric? It held together and I was able to wear it to work without anyone snickering.<br /><br />If I hadn't been working under Jen's watchful eye, I would probably still be contemplating the instructions in the zipper package. The next big test: Can I make another skirt all on my own? Stay tuned and find out.Purple Fuzzy Mittenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04496840350757117089noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534773.post-57598017256018792012011-10-17T13:31:00.000-07:002011-10-17T21:52:33.706-07:00Nevada History in Metal<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghMLKUnWBldtgU3L3ZFSxdnbzqDE-1hlMZ8dK-14P7uMPmsy2By3MGpuvyVcy6wBxM7vwEhucvW73kxLo9bzoWjYnA-XX9V7F9n3blxvVSzaScKb9SaptkgiFNgYjBvcWm7g8Sug/s1600/mackayBW.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 201px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghMLKUnWBldtgU3L3ZFSxdnbzqDE-1hlMZ8dK-14P7uMPmsy2By3MGpuvyVcy6wBxM7vwEhucvW73kxLo9bzoWjYnA-XX9V7F9n3blxvVSzaScKb9SaptkgiFNgYjBvcWm7g8Sug/s400/mackayBW.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664561679630396018" /></a> John Mackay - 19th century silver baron who struck it rich on the Comstock Load. Nevada has a history of doing well by (some) gamblers. That day he was wearing a tie. Statue by Gutzon Borglum, who is best known for destroying a perfectly good mountain to make Mount Rushmore. Tie added by business students.Purple Fuzzy Mittenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04496840350757117089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534773.post-78541562574395575732011-10-14T13:45:00.000-07:002012-07-04T10:17:52.923-07:00Sewing with CatsSewing with feline assistance can be problematic. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidrkK95RRa6A4Alwq7MpFeb7CIq6ULXzEj2GT7YFpY4v9596PPKXiFHOLBYrarQwomHjeAqXrMNlVkFqIOTosfYWli7HE04HuzVO65UUQ0ae4RpvsGopu8JW4LalDPMPGl7qTfBw/s1600/sadiehelps.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663452786933735986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidrkK95RRa6A4Alwq7MpFeb7CIq6ULXzEj2GT7YFpY4v9596PPKXiFHOLBYrarQwomHjeAqXrMNlVkFqIOTosfYWli7HE04HuzVO65UUQ0ae4RpvsGopu8JW4LalDPMPGl7qTfBw/s400/sadiehelps.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZT-vr27-3E5Qjj3ZatzrseOiHxfHFKapY1mB4cbxyvjAly-34lH65ECqLOOgtZiDOgRKDJw7sDdw0DrdegrVZxASP9JRA6Lcg8iFOoH8Gkz2i9zuchxnKl0fuZYvp2yCEvH_cg/s1600/sadiehelps2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663452603675416274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZT-vr27-3E5Qjj3ZatzrseOiHxfHFKapY1mB4cbxyvjAly-34lH65ECqLOOgtZiDOgRKDJw7sDdw0DrdegrVZxASP9JRA6Lcg8iFOoH8Gkz2i9zuchxnKl0fuZYvp2yCEvH_cg/s400/sadiehelps2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 331px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpazwHG-bZtA013BMV4KWz9zbCBT5YSwuOhn2e8gMJf2Tz1nfthu3vt_l7fv0qUkd0_rwWifcW5dVDGXdQ1g5-773zie2QoKgcvCB923nU59Qfaa986I3oJUTkOGoGkvUSXPCqg/s1600/claraonpattern.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663452428605016178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpazwHG-bZtA013BMV4KWz9zbCBT5YSwuOhn2e8gMJf2Tz1nfthu3vt_l7fv0qUkd0_rwWifcW5dVDGXdQ1g5-773zie2QoKgcvCB923nU59Qfaa986I3oJUTkOGoGkvUSXPCqg/s400/claraonpattern.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 294px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Purple Fuzzy Mittenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04496840350757117089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534773.post-46514640869839155262011-10-05T21:38:00.000-07:002011-10-06T20:50:55.044-07:00Vintage Trailer Fun<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQpITbudPbK8VykNWpybutn5_EtDGBpt-RPobG6ZKTYPFKRsdDTTzdWlqB1lgsgPpx5awkeLvjT2SNpOjEq8W5TpuIr3BM7_nN9LQ0xrdNQKID11yLLc9OT8cCiJjLei1HnTL_OQ/s1600/DSCN0164.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQpITbudPbK8VykNWpybutn5_EtDGBpt-RPobG6ZKTYPFKRsdDTTzdWlqB1lgsgPpx5awkeLvjT2SNpOjEq8W5TpuIr3BM7_nN9LQ0xrdNQKID11yLLc9OT8cCiJjLei1HnTL_OQ/s400/DSCN0164.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660581844468757218" border="0" /></a>Last weekend was the <a href="http://www.tincantourists.com/"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tin Can Tourists</span></a> Northern California Regional Rally at Coloma, CA. There were 40ish (I didn't count) vintage trailers parked along the bank of the South Fork of the American River. Events included chili cook-off, potluck, open trailer hours, and lots of visiting. This is only my second year, so it was good to get to know these super-friendly people better. The main event that everyone looks forward to is the trailer open-house. Just like an upscale "Parade of Homes", folks prepare their trailers to be seen, setting out their collections of vintage place-settings and period artifacts. The trailers ranged from the 1940s to the 1970s, and from tiny teardrops to 25ft-plus in length. Although many were meticulously restored with period-perfect details, others were projects in process. Mine was one of the least period-conscious, since she is renovated rather than restored, but still managed to earn plenty of positive feedback on her artsy coziness. <br /><br />I, of course, took lots of pictures, particularly of interior details. You can see the whole set <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/purplefuzzymittens/sets/72157627813999972/with/6209777793/">HERE</a></span>.<br /><br />As you can see, vintage trailer buffs are great fans of eBay. There was much talk of scores they had made. I brought along my vintage bicycle and enjoyed tooling about the campground until Sunday, when I sadly suffered a tire blow-out.<br /><br />I returned home Monday morning, just as the weather turned cold. As I type this it is raining, expected to turn to snow before morning.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAiNBgAdZpRdlx05_A6hV5G54AxcynJhuJmHvYs1yCazlR-b73jlEgwN_XZ9rQXaq0ZEdpUL6ZLCeL9ei3h6UCkj0mUA4ljxvVnIdF7NBXZn7JEr2Uq0ALO9Rz_iJCRpxKIn50w/s1600/DSCN0281.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAiNBgAdZpRdlx05_A6hV5G54AxcynJhuJmHvYs1yCazlR-b73jlEgwN_XZ9rQXaq0ZEdpUL6ZLCeL9ei3h6UCkj0mUA4ljxvVnIdF7NBXZn7JEr2Uq0ALO9Rz_iJCRpxKIn50w/s320/DSCN0281.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660582328554186738" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhi_4R7qnEWieXaBgwNdpLsrQcXY0EBPMtWgMSXcCAGKO-BtHkz9HweVFW7mx06c-VKGjNTZklcIaUpebZG44V6Fvd23N_bTyU1tdlkM3qiOUPobfmfNW9LnFpOPPPbsXhO4AH1w/s1600/DSCN0213.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhi_4R7qnEWieXaBgwNdpLsrQcXY0EBPMtWgMSXcCAGKO-BtHkz9HweVFW7mx06c-VKGjNTZklcIaUpebZG44V6Fvd23N_bTyU1tdlkM3qiOUPobfmfNW9LnFpOPPPbsXhO4AH1w/s320/DSCN0213.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660584441283740754" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxEyaEqH6nbtY6qXJmVVVO7fAbBqsdy6CbAHoQ4OYktMcamFPHuh2VDVX0zA96guTJc1hKhgND7iDUrXspchP6CP5myQCmTqxKXXzh5GSCR8Mq5mHfc_pJNWZJdpL3j5d0sWuMQ/s1600/DSCN0235.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxEyaEqH6nbtY6qXJmVVVO7fAbBqsdy6CbAHoQ4OYktMcamFPHuh2VDVX0zA96guTJc1hKhgND7iDUrXspchP6CP5myQCmTqxKXXzh5GSCR8Mq5mHfc_pJNWZJdpL3j5d0sWuMQ/s320/DSCN0235.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660583666783633074" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrLJmEF_vfCSr77TLotmPiVK_HCftWltZU_DpJIQiZaV3370s_ZF2aY6TgKpqOQE214kjx7P9_44DWF6QQ3LYo-rrCKqAhMgYj1sbMdPgvSU9cwVGbNQCSQ_mQKu2qRZSjyMfFlg/s1600/DSCN0207.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrLJmEF_vfCSr77TLotmPiVK_HCftWltZU_DpJIQiZaV3370s_ZF2aY6TgKpqOQE214kjx7P9_44DWF6QQ3LYo-rrCKqAhMgYj1sbMdPgvSU9cwVGbNQCSQ_mQKu2qRZSjyMfFlg/s320/DSCN0207.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660583406438634866" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvswMG8qXc3wiaXUBKXVgKOUsCL3xedrI85BPVox6pp2bV4yUyWZPTDNtqtl5eFfRVR1gozoyUTdPzfVbyMLN06v7BCbbdUO0e95d5wKvJk7kXjIQJQgzepoAV659lZAXwyN5wA/s1600/DSCN0194.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvswMG8qXc3wiaXUBKXVgKOUsCL3xedrI85BPVox6pp2bV4yUyWZPTDNtqtl5eFfRVR1gozoyUTdPzfVbyMLN06v7BCbbdUO0e95d5wKvJk7kXjIQJQgzepoAV659lZAXwyN5wA/s320/DSCN0194.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660582931996534978" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXTzJ1eV9gp2PB7QsthaRFSERKcRnubpw1WrOLrLfguXVLIt2UEHK7y4Y6kQnSsI0KB30kHHahgLDX8LdxgdnMSgexf4_KpjJgX00uBHqsfl8a74AbNr50QPlQKAjSOXOR77Eukg/s1600/DSCN0301.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXTzJ1eV9gp2PB7QsthaRFSERKcRnubpw1WrOLrLfguXVLIt2UEHK7y4Y6kQnSsI0KB30kHHahgLDX8LdxgdnMSgexf4_KpjJgX00uBHqsfl8a74AbNr50QPlQKAjSOXOR77Eukg/s320/DSCN0301.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660582641352074402" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBEx5bpHyxSB8ueGxjwTeTMSDmkzjFptzFcTDMfdUNsQmVC2X89fGaBPjBj9vsog_N8Z5EdhHdCAD8XdQJD9_cWU8vny4DsHKIqc5vabnPj5KHbhrvks8tvvtqacgPjaWe3y6HA/s1600/DSCN0214.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBEx5bpHyxSB8ueGxjwTeTMSDmkzjFptzFcTDMfdUNsQmVC2X89fGaBPjBj9vsog_N8Z5EdhHdCAD8XdQJD9_cWU8vny4DsHKIqc5vabnPj5KHbhrvks8tvvtqacgPjaWe3y6HA/s320/DSCN0214.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660590286425217362" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD2LcMLDsXKdzhgRGBoc3bZklO8lQ0sK0eUqA2etgCSbVgKB3x5LDJRDWKjZmIw7UJEngYOSDE9NhXpilkoDVdcVzy5J2LyjABrOzNIW5pPMzZzSeT8Vaj1De_ZQlStp6CqhIBOA/s1600/DSCN0341.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD2LcMLDsXKdzhgRGBoc3bZklO8lQ0sK0eUqA2etgCSbVgKB3x5LDJRDWKjZmIw7UJEngYOSDE9NhXpilkoDVdcVzy5J2LyjABrOzNIW5pPMzZzSeT8Vaj1De_ZQlStp6CqhIBOA/s320/DSCN0341.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660592171538142466" /></a>Purple Fuzzy Mittenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04496840350757117089noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534773.post-79733402450313982762011-09-29T19:45:00.000-07:002011-09-29T19:47:46.823-07:00Library Cat<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQGPik6_hIGJ7vWBxx76odSXkmE4eB-Tc5Ps9TjH4GJ55bCqMQYw-6gmKlomBO4IyCLU1QPuJmsjbWQsl-zxmBpFTA54CurALjILHJg6vKuZML0I1Ef940wXrZVykjweO_zQneg/s1600/DSCN0108.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQGPik6_hIGJ7vWBxx76odSXkmE4eB-Tc5Ps9TjH4GJ55bCqMQYw-6gmKlomBO4IyCLU1QPuJmsjbWQsl-zxmBpFTA54CurALjILHJg6vKuZML0I1Ef940wXrZVykjweO_zQneg/s400/DSCN0108.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657978810043675602" /></a>Purple Fuzzy Mittenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04496840350757117089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534773.post-2241376509762080642011-09-27T21:20:00.000-07:002011-09-27T21:26:23.181-07:00Two-Word Tuesday: New Camera<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZMx8KKEmNcDr_EM4RVzinxT_ijX6TRZfacZ9RDZo05dKpAbAlhqo9ZuS24YsKf60m3vua6uQ_gKCxW5gdL6TknXo5mkIB2ra-yET1z8EKjPW3hkHvFXQbgOPhB6-0CIB6Z0iyCQ/s1600/DSCN0100.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZMx8KKEmNcDr_EM4RVzinxT_ijX6TRZfacZ9RDZo05dKpAbAlhqo9ZuS24YsKf60m3vua6uQ_gKCxW5gdL6TknXo5mkIB2ra-yET1z8EKjPW3hkHvFXQbgOPhB6-0CIB6Z0iyCQ/s400/DSCN0100.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657261617928049842" /></a>Nikon AW100.Purple Fuzzy Mittenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04496840350757117089noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534773.post-90272278971186034012011-09-14T20:33:00.001-07:002011-09-14T20:40:13.722-07:00Spinning Retreat<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzqYszyEM3_l6yFwfR7eH9Y0418lf532KUVsdv_F2D22m-4jYkASNLAZd6EMzCITDRYjx0O65saKjvRi5qivspul0rCh97hwiaWIVExSiDY7c_W1ff1cJ4kEQA9jhp2-tzMMWdsw/s1600/AAA_7250.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzqYszyEM3_l6yFwfR7eH9Y0418lf532KUVsdv_F2D22m-4jYkASNLAZd6EMzCITDRYjx0O65saKjvRi5qivspul0rCh97hwiaWIVExSiDY7c_W1ff1cJ4kEQA9jhp2-tzMMWdsw/s400/AAA_7250.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652424830912888130" /></a>Spent last weekend at the annual retreat of the Carson Sierra Spinners and Weavers, camping at Davis Creek County Park. I only sort of retreated, since I spent most of the meeting day off in Reno at the UNR Ag Field Day, but I had fun none-the-less. Always great to camp with fiber friends! And I have become quite the old hand at hitching up and towing about the little trailer.Purple Fuzzy Mittenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04496840350757117089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534773.post-86101053971919474732011-09-13T20:23:00.001-07:002011-09-13T20:25:20.670-07:00One-Word Wednesday: Biofuel<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-eRMGsphIhGM-mKTXawGMCZRl61_GIpM46yOByX_TOJF0jYWNX3uUmXunyznzKAjVVhN31aotWOGlJBTFEmptDPIdAbqXLrhVsd2jdRM9aJJEi74s7XFNHeAL4jsUGR0GsIXsyA/s1600/AAA_7227.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 306px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-eRMGsphIhGM-mKTXawGMCZRl61_GIpM46yOByX_TOJF0jYWNX3uUmXunyznzKAjVVhN31aotWOGlJBTFEmptDPIdAbqXLrhVsd2jdRM9aJJEi74s7XFNHeAL4jsUGR0GsIXsyA/s400/AAA_7227.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652051098353027090" /></a>Purple Fuzzy Mittenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04496840350757117089noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534773.post-62756191291031872612011-09-08T19:27:00.000-07:002011-09-08T19:35:37.997-07:00Forever comes to a close<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_cvTvBWfw-tGwI1OCSn9KTEdJH1JhehAIaIhUXnhwy8iba7tTjtfNwuo1BQtKE15Lxy-bJxYy0Fg6wOf1nEBh6tJtvh23tYsDQybFU_LzKfEoPvKsI5AD03d1nhjov96BBr87pQ/s1600/AAA_7162.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 375px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_cvTvBWfw-tGwI1OCSn9KTEdJH1JhehAIaIhUXnhwy8iba7tTjtfNwuo1BQtKE15Lxy-bJxYy0Fg6wOf1nEBh6tJtvh23tYsDQybFU_LzKfEoPvKsI5AD03d1nhjov96BBr87pQ/s400/AAA_7162.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650181859886462562" /></a>I finally finished the "Forever Socks" while camping at the Gathering at <a href="http://sagecreekfarm.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sage Creek Farm</span></a> over Labor Day Weekend. I called them that because I started them almost 2 years ago and thought they would never be done.Purple Fuzzy Mittenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04496840350757117089noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534773.post-50156105245113046272011-09-06T21:04:00.000-07:002011-09-06T21:06:50.284-07:00Wordless Wednesday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpW5tLnsvCB356hFpD_KuWJfhqJ0C9bAS_0Oiwe0MYgU5-lXYE2-UkRwcacNxPARP3iiy7BCMmZxkcAcYd-YgCYgOwx1WOtoeeZE5K2EM_nONhAjzsgewPY8gqCA68a1hLKwX4Qg/s1600/AAA_7192.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 308px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpW5tLnsvCB356hFpD_KuWJfhqJ0C9bAS_0Oiwe0MYgU5-lXYE2-UkRwcacNxPARP3iiy7BCMmZxkcAcYd-YgCYgOwx1WOtoeeZE5K2EM_nONhAjzsgewPY8gqCA68a1hLKwX4Qg/s400/AAA_7192.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649464231622977506" /></a><br />Yellow.Purple Fuzzy Mittenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04496840350757117089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534773.post-80193290440071091842011-08-31T22:16:00.000-07:002011-08-31T22:39:16.375-07:00Capturing the Sun, Round 2: WBB<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUfIwRWd-R5W0uIVtou-3kkOJlaBKu8wdVBzUfTplukHcoQxR3MI6IW50ePulJuDxZkn3FU_dTBHnkk-5JXM6NgcO0yUMtfNyeStmfNm__qog-ZJ-1GHArq9OpPBuout3oaPYZow/s1600/perovskiafiber1.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUfIwRWd-R5W0uIVtou-3kkOJlaBKu8wdVBzUfTplukHcoQxR3MI6IW50ePulJuDxZkn3FU_dTBHnkk-5JXM6NgcO0yUMtfNyeStmfNm__qog-ZJ-1GHArq9OpPBuout3oaPYZow/s320/perovskiafiber1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647261162932864866" /></a>I am continuing my experiments with natural dyeing. My second big experiment was to simmer up 12oz of very fragrant Perovskia blossoms to dye 7oz of wool roving. I expected that even if the reported blue was unattainable, I should at least be able to achieve a lavender or pink. Consider that when the blossoms are dropped from the plant they maintain a dark purple even after being bleached by the sun for a month. I carefully simmered the plant material and the water turned a dark reddish color. I strained the plant material out through a pillowcase and returned the liquid to a simmer. I gingerly added the alum-mordanted wool, and simmered it gently for an hour. I carefully monitored the temperature. Nope - no blue. No lavender. Not even pink. Just paper-baggish brown. I even tried putting some of the fiber into a high pH afterbath, with no color change. I only managed to add an ammonia tinge to the pungent aroma pervading the house.
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<br />I hereby name this new color WBB, short for Why Bother Brown. Several folks have given very good suggestions on how I could alter the process and try again. I don't think my sinuses are ready for another go. There are so many other plants to try. And as Laura always says: I could overdye it.Purple Fuzzy Mittenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04496840350757117089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534773.post-37010335517867981572011-08-25T18:47:00.000-07:002011-08-25T20:23:31.716-07:00Getting ready to get started to do more dyeing<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmta2WwyPP2r2pIs313PXKVfSvANXrOZxWCDfUjylSjN1TIaTJsKYLCx7uP_uwZVlVQZpd_m3IeuCPowo-ZW24nJx28T2ci7sd9-CqJXdtCInRrModBLpM9MSMlH1oe4UWmDbZ7A/s1600/489194544_190a5770f5_o.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmta2WwyPP2r2pIs313PXKVfSvANXrOZxWCDfUjylSjN1TIaTJsKYLCx7uP_uwZVlVQZpd_m3IeuCPowo-ZW24nJx28T2ci7sd9-CqJXdtCInRrModBLpM9MSMlH1oe4UWmDbZ7A/s320/489194544_190a5770f5_o.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645000051194431042" /></a>My available natural dyestuff collection has expanded. In addition to the already collected Lingularia flowers, Arborvitae seedpods, Mahonia berries, and cherries, I have been collecting more Coreopsis, and have also collected large bags of Perovskia blossoms and dried blue Hibiscus flowers. These last two were readily available and I have seen vague mentions of their suitability as dye plants. The Perovskia is from the humongous shrubs in my front yard and the Hibiscus flowers are from the University campus (I swear I only took the dropped flowers!). I had to compete with the bees to collect the Perovskia, yet managed to collect 12.3oz without stripping enough branches to make my harvest even noticeable (or getting stung). I may go back and collect more, since I have no information on how much is required to get usable color. The Perovskia is so aromatic that my eyes hurt for the rest of the evening. I don't think I will be simmering it inside.
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<br />Although the usually procedure is to dry dye plants, unless using them fresh, I am putting everything in the deep freeze. This is entirely a matter of practicality - I have ample space in the freezer and it is safe from bugs and felines. Not so much, space for drying stuff.
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<br />Adding to my collection, I have recently received my first <a href="http://www.naturescauldronfarm.com/"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Nature's Cauldron Dye Plant CSA</span></a> shipment. Inside was a tantalizing array of lodgepole pine bark, fennel, comfrey root and lichen, as well as a lovely skein of rhubarb-mordanted wool. I am especially looking forward to trying the lichen.
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<br />So my next effort will be to spin up and mordant some fiber. And to get my dye journal going to record my experiments. Purple Fuzzy Mittenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04496840350757117089noreply@blogger.com2