tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83479822024-03-18T21:07:51.567-07:00Mixed-Up MelangeIn which I live life struggling to address emergent creativity amidst the constant demands of everyday requirements.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347982.post-15758988921058559882013-10-19T01:09:00.006-07:002013-10-19T01:09:58.801-07:00Please go to my new blog!!!! Fiber Forays<h4>
Please click the link and you will automatically be transferred to my new blog: </h4>
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<a href="http://fiberforays.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Fiber Forays</a></h2>
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Hope to see you soon!!!!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347982.post-13119851775125008242013-10-19T01:04:00.001-07:002013-10-19T01:04:34.021-07:00MOVING!!! A change of pace.. A change of Place<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzGOecGDuBxjVpDP9RaVkkOzajOycTpBnM_taZt0NYtR76DpFeB28nJSGjwHMCYZj5YMFQ1y0bLziDIhUeWb_YaN3UCDBZcG58Fm4NUBbabnUbILPcZUELAXLgdje0IEGmPrR/s1600/Passing+out+fiber+1++Always+use+good+quality+fiber.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzGOecGDuBxjVpDP9RaVkkOzajOycTpBnM_taZt0NYtR76DpFeB28nJSGjwHMCYZj5YMFQ1y0bLziDIhUeWb_YaN3UCDBZcG58Fm4NUBbabnUbILPcZUELAXLgdje0IEGmPrR/s320/Passing+out+fiber+1++Always+use+good+quality+fiber.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Photo by <a href="http://www.jaimegage-chavezphotography.com/" target="_blank">Jaime Gage-Chavez Photography</a><div>
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My name for those that don't know me is Ercil Howard-Wroth. I never mentioned it, because I felt my work was more important than my name, but I'm doing more, teaching more and since I've met many of you... I want you to meet me! </div>
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I've been remiss in keeping up my blog.. famous words.. but it is true and I've found that Social Media is time consuming. I'm making some choices.. LESS facebook, more blogging, More Fiber (always better), and Moving myself forward. It will take some work to get my new page fine tuned and running so bear with me as I learn a new system.</div>
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Since I cannot change the name of this blog or the web address I am moving to a new blog! Drumroll....... <b><i><u><span style="color: blue;"> Mixed-Up Melange is Moving to:</span></u></i></b></div>
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<a href="http://fiberforays.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Fiber Forays</a></h2>
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If you click above you will automatically be transferred there. However the actual address is:</div>
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<a href="http://fiberforays.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">http://fiberforays.wordpress.com/</a></div>
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I hope you will follow me there! I will shortly be going to Peru for the Tinkuy de Tejedores (The Gathering of Weavers) and I will be blogging about it there. See you soon!!!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347982.post-55756783830573456952011-06-08T00:22:00.000-07:002011-06-08T00:24:13.743-07:00The Fleece and Fiber Sourcebook - The book fiber geeks need!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.enneacollective.com/100720/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/FleeceandFiber_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.enneacollective.com/100720/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/FleeceandFiber_1.jpg" width="264" /></a></div>If you can't have all the cool sheep and you don't have the bucks to visit all the cool sheep then you need to get this book! Deb Robson and Carol Ekarius have done the footwork, washed all the fleeces, and made all the samples... Plus... they got to meet and photograph Many Many of the worlds most fabulous sheep (and some other fibery animal friends). This is an amazing reference and just a shear (pun intended) joy to read. I just wish I could hang out with all the sheep and pet them up close. I'm odd that way. :)<br />
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This book is available <a href="http://www.storey.com/book_detail.php?isbn=9781603427111&cat=Animals%20&%20Farming&p=0">http://www.storey.com/book_detail.php?isbn=9781603427111&cat=Animals%20&%20Farming&p=0</a> here and other places (linked on that very page!). <br />
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If you want to keep up with Deb (and she is so much fun to read on her blog)... Go visit her at <a href="http://independentstitch.typepad.com/">http://independentstitch.typepad.com/</a> She also has an expounding article on the SOAY sheep in Spin-Off Magazine this month!!! This includes more information (and more photos) than appear in her book. I love the Soay Sheep, one of the rare breeds.<br />
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Here is a blog of someone who raises them (How I wish I could go and play!!!) <a href="http://priscilla.saltmarshranch.com/">http://priscilla.saltmarshranch.com/</a> The lambs are just adorable (yes, I know all lambs are adorable), but the eyes on these are just beautiful. I wonder if anyone would notice me carry one off on a plane in my carry on??? They are not that large. Well, wishful thinking aside, the Soay are simply an amazing breed and quite ancient. Another post on them another time.<br />
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I've been learning about sheep for years and I feel more than spoiled to have this book right in front of me on the table just Tempting me to spend a little more time before I pop off to sleep...reading about all the possibilities. ahhhh. Thank you so much to Deb and Carol!!!<br />
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Another Book Review of her book is at : <a href="http://www.enneacollective.com/?p=2340">http://www.enneacollective.com/?p=2340</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347982.post-83991724954894509792011-02-25T10:11:00.000-08:002011-02-25T10:11:49.093-08:00So much going on!!!There are days when I long for a friend next door to go and sip coffee with (or something stronger in the evening) and to bring our wheels and geek out over string and fiber. My fellow fiber fiends live near and far, but no one is in my immediate area. Happily there are some guilds and lots of fiber people in my State (and even on the southern end of it... ;) But it all makes one think... what is going on and where can I go to play??? So it is kind of like giving a Mouse a cookie and he asks you for a glass of milk.... I got to roaming around on the computer and there is quite a LOT going on if you are looking for a place to be.... Not the least of which is your local or semi-local guild... And there are places to travel to for a weekend... for a week... lots of fiberlicious things going on...<br />
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So last weekend I went to the Scottish Fair and spun for two days (with an occasional meat pie thrown in accompanied to the fairly good Scottish pipes). Free entrance, free parking, spinning with friends all day... what's not to like? (This is a shameless plug for > Go support your local demos!!! More fiber better!).<br />
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I'm going to list some things and you take it from there! List some things back in the comments... I'll list some more in the coming months -- we can all get together and have a spin-in this way!<br />
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<a href="http://glasg.org/"><b>Greater Los Angeles Spinning Guild</b>:</a> Meets monthly on the 4th Saturday. There is a pre-meeting mentoring session, meeting, program, and snack. Tomorrow is a program on Spindling!<br />
<a href="http://www.schg.org/about/index.html"><b>Southern Ca Handweavers Guild</b>:</a> Meets 2nd Saturday of the Month. They have a yearly <a href="http://www.schg.org/festival/">SCHG Fiber Festival, Show and Sale</a> that is really a fun low stress time with loads of great vendors.<br />
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Maybe I should do an entire post of Southern CA guilds.. but these two should lead you to others in your areas.. there are loads of smaller guilds all over.<br />
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<i>Some upcoming events over the next few months:</i><br />
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<a href="http://abbysyarns.com/stringtopia/info.html"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Stringtopia!</span></b></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">April 29 to May 1, 2011 <b>Ohio</b></span> This weekend event being planned by<a href="http://abbysyarns.com/"> Abby Franquemont</a> (author of '<a href="http://www.thespinningloft.com/oscommerce/product_info.php?cPath=298&products_id=1654">Respect the Spindle'</a> and two videos, is a New venue and sounds fabulous! It will be in <a href="http://www.historicdowntownlebanon.com/">Lebanon Ohio</a> -- South of Columbus - Near Kings Island. Featured will be a weekend of classes by Abby Franquemont, <a href="http://www.insubordiknit.com/">Jacey Boggs (Insubordiknit)</a>, and <a href="http://carolinahomespun.com/">Morgaine Wilder (Carolina Homespun)</a>... oh, and did I mention shopping! Yes! Morgaine will be stopping and teaching, but also selling her fabulous fiber wares BEFORE she gets to Maryland Sheep and Wool! Yes, if you go to Stringtopia even just to shop -- you will get to have first pick from one of the primo vendors at Maryland sheep and Wool. Carolina Homespun carries wheels, spindles, fibers, knitting needles... yarn, books... almost anything a fiber heart can desire (really -- you can get anything there! Even chocolate sometimes). So check it out and at least stop by for some fiber hugs and shopping. It will be a fiberlicious weekend. If I can swing it ... I will go!<br />
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<a href="http://www.studio66retreat.org/studio66retreat/Registration_Info.html"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Studio 66 Retreat</span></b></a> May 6,7,8 (Near <b>Redlands, CA</b>) An absolutely lovely destination in the mountains - fairly low cost - demos, some vendors I think, and lots of fiber community. Fairly low cost. (Southern CA) They still have some openings even though registration technically closed. If you can go -- you will have a fantastic time!<br />
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<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival May 7 & 8</span></u></b>; West Friendship, Maryland: Well, this is a festival you don't want to miss -- and you want to get there EARLY! Good food, great fiber folk, classes, SHEEP!, and ah yes, the SHOPPING!!! I could pretend to be virtuous and say -- shopping??? but no, I will admit my weakness for fiber related goods.. ;) and if the fiber has color then I am in deep deep deep trouble! Go check out the website for schedules, classes, and other info. <br />
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<a href="http://griffindyeworks.com/?q=retreat"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Griffin Dyeworks Retreat</span> June</b></a> 24-26, 2011. (held in <b>Castaic, CA</b>) I try to never miss this event (and since I'm teaching three classes this year -- I'd better not!) ;) This is an event where costs are kept fairly low, there are lots of classes, mentors, and sharing. We all learn from each other. It is held at a camp and many classes are outdoors (especially the non-stop dyepots!!!) There will be loads of natural dyeing going on, open studio and class specific; Spinning Classes, Weaving classes, Usually a basket class, crochet, the usual 72 hour Spin-In... Felting, in other words --- FIBER ARTS!!! This is fiber community ... and yes, there is shopping... we are well fed and there is a pool (and sprinklers if we want). Pre-Registration is open, Class listings will start to be listed in the next week (and more will be added). ((Here is the blog entry I did on this retreat in 2009)) <a href="http://mixed-upmelange.blogspot.com/2009_05_01_archive.html">2009 Griffin Dyeworks Blog entry</a>.<br />
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There is more out there -- lots more, but this is all I have time for today! Take care all!!!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347982.post-70770666537067827322011-02-23T01:55:00.000-08:002011-02-23T01:55:51.237-08:00Scottish Festival at the Queen MaryYes, a dearth of posts and then a plethora... well, life is busy and then you stay up wayyyy tooo late and put up a few posts. Really, I wish I posted more, because I'm doing more... but I am out doing --- not posting. lol!<br />
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So there was a call from the staff of the <a href="http://www.queenmary.com/Scottish-Festival.aspx">Scottish Festival at the Queen Mary</a> for spinners to come demo on both Saturday and Sunday of the festival. We got free parking and free entrance. So many folk came and helped out. There were folks from <a href="http://www.glasg.org/index.asp">The Greater Los Angeles Spinning Guild,</a> Historical Re-enactors, and Folks associated with <a href="http://www.griffindyeworks.com/store/">Griffin Dyeworks</a>. We were all fiber folk and it was great fun! On Sunday a great Pipe Band from West Minster Came and played for us (we were located on the bottom of the Queen Mary -- which was a good thing since there was a flash rain storm on Saturday and our wheels and spindles would have gotten soaked). Both old and young were fascinated by wheels, spindles, the miracle of WOOL! The concept of having to spin allllll the yarn to create a woven garment... mind shattering... I love that kind of time. It really makes you feel worthwhile in your endeavors to bring about that kind of consciousness raising.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wCzOkrLYOo4q19rFjJGCe87lwOifI3hMAQ_1d3p4TZERzQ01fGK7fjLFrznRNaJqSBFCNkdMGJ1zczAXOT9NaBr836pcfHgon7vYCK0Q16sjGdg5YmTT3p4s2iKvOQWFCuQH/s1600/Ercil+and+Eli+QMary+Scottish+Fair+feb+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wCzOkrLYOo4q19rFjJGCe87lwOifI3hMAQ_1d3p4TZERzQ01fGK7fjLFrznRNaJqSBFCNkdMGJ1zczAXOT9NaBr836pcfHgon7vYCK0Q16sjGdg5YmTT3p4s2iKvOQWFCuQH/s320/Ercil+and+Eli+QMary+Scottish+Fair+feb+2011.jpg" width="237" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This young man was extrodinarily captivated and so excited! Here he is spinning while I am treadling from the side.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZZJ_qHTRt1aRyAXsTfzaaAI2FJwJ5Fz97sTl4aOCe_IbXoiEun8xtPds5Vwk79cntyXQJ5Mf0UFlsh5g_uUaaDKDuNPu0FZ8C4d2kn-Nqa4tR2DAgq2W_yNDHfhjNG3EMJMXS/s1600/Bridget+and+her+great+Wheel+150+yrs+old.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZZJ_qHTRt1aRyAXsTfzaaAI2FJwJ5Fz97sTl4aOCe_IbXoiEun8xtPds5Vwk79cntyXQJ5Mf0UFlsh5g_uUaaDKDuNPu0FZ8C4d2kn-Nqa4tR2DAgq2W_yNDHfhjNG3EMJMXS/s320/Bridget+and+her+great+Wheel+150+yrs+old.jpg" width="275" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridget's plaid was hand woven for her. Her great wheel is a true wheel and dates to the Civil War. It is approximately 150 years old. It spins true and like a dream. It was such an asset to have at the demo and Bridget as always was completely generous with it. I am happy to report that NO ONE pricked their finger on the spindle!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfvevkryQ6b-cG7EOWw2dXQ50ogcNeXqV6VEP9pxUUte70zeho3jhHI0OA30yJjqv-33CBPsZYCqBvbX_AFJd3Ey0XBM1_n1gyx3eCIg6fcZIqiRu_hH1Y0yhtSMa9FHjEpmU/s1600/Saturday+Fiber+Folk+at+QM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfvevkryQ6b-cG7EOWw2dXQ50ogcNeXqV6VEP9pxUUte70zeho3jhHI0OA30yJjqv-33CBPsZYCqBvbX_AFJd3Ey0XBM1_n1gyx3eCIg6fcZIqiRu_hH1Y0yhtSMa9FHjEpmU/s320/Saturday+Fiber+Folk+at+QM.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here are more Saturday Spinners with a multitude of wheels and unseen to the right an entire table of spindles!<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">I have to thank Bridget since all of these photos came from her camera. As always she is generous with everyone. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Lastly, one other piece of magic at this festival were the older people who came to talk and tell us of their mothers or grandmothers whom they remember spinning or carding or knitting... once again fiber is a common bond.</span></div></td></tr>
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In this two dimensional needle felting activity the budding fiber artists used the cookie cutter shape of their choice and any of a multitude of colors to fill the cookie cutter prior to felting it. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju9IjX71ogyocVkg8aXS2YmV_eldlmXsZy4RkjDBtL70KjO1rlTekKBAxM0zpkm9CCAhWEtuq08jmWBT3lTkXet_Ravv5U-dD9e3AE-vov_dcVHnKWAkK_CNdVy4pLkM6X2sB_/s1600/Convergance+pix+Marks+camera+167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju9IjX71ogyocVkg8aXS2YmV_eldlmXsZy4RkjDBtL70KjO1rlTekKBAxM0zpkm9CCAhWEtuq08jmWBT3lTkXet_Ravv5U-dD9e3AE-vov_dcVHnKWAkK_CNdVy4pLkM6X2sB_/s320/Convergance+pix+Marks+camera+167.JPG" width="320" /></a> I was really lucky because I was missing some supplies (imagine my stash being low ... on anything...lol.. ), but I called on <a href="http://www.mielkesfarm.com/Products/felting.htm">Mielke Farms</a> in WI and they got wool and needles to me right away. Mielke Farms is a great and reliable resource for needle felting supplies and lots of other things as well.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YQ25i7p0VZbxDAQyU5QVUGMYbHvYdJMcmSpETzh6W25UdBuY3nWttLfnT_8C8IkzBvRlg9bzJkOMxyykkB2pcYw2vh0ybBJi4Lx7iilU10_sPIUjSEgJFhiJGuGPfh2AcLkn/s1600/Convergance+pix+Marks+camera+154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YQ25i7p0VZbxDAQyU5QVUGMYbHvYdJMcmSpETzh6W25UdBuY3nWttLfnT_8C8IkzBvRlg9bzJkOMxyykkB2pcYw2vh0ybBJi4Lx7iilU10_sPIUjSEgJFhiJGuGPfh2AcLkn/s320/Convergance+pix+Marks+camera+154.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNuiDnLpl0Bay7zrEjhq05wXkZHE_xASMdLCPUJEehCC8AkBUuKTlgd8WJa_hZOhaUlLE0-4tY6k5ahBkbdsQ4fmKvg8NwUs4xYyIiCF6zhx_SH2S8sZJhEV9ibR4eoXAGFoid/s1600/Convergance+pix+Marks+camera+162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNuiDnLpl0Bay7zrEjhq05wXkZHE_xASMdLCPUJEehCC8AkBUuKTlgd8WJa_hZOhaUlLE0-4tY6k5ahBkbdsQ4fmKvg8NwUs4xYyIiCF6zhx_SH2S8sZJhEV9ibR4eoXAGFoid/s320/Convergance+pix+Marks+camera+162.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here some sudsy felting is going on !</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZnydLkKjVDjRPIMVUiy9fq6wPUvialuEYxsuZ0vwrlPlPC9ZO-FBhEA9cv3y7bBDMekcNdmVkluotgO1bcioy30-Byr9d5FIPGl7dK_7arKhZb_egz3caE3pGPufzg1aaAur9/s1600/Convergance+pix+Marks+camera+159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZnydLkKjVDjRPIMVUiy9fq6wPUvialuEYxsuZ0vwrlPlPC9ZO-FBhEA9cv3y7bBDMekcNdmVkluotgO1bcioy30-Byr9d5FIPGl7dK_7arKhZb_egz3caE3pGPufzg1aaAur9/s320/Convergance+pix+Marks+camera+159.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More felting and some great color choices. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gd-EgpAAOtKtk_kK-bIlhbgMGzKuYBrkqAhUmglo35_r7JJUtDhZwstdBVVMT252cNjPUnNHbHC2C_mjDxRWlPOOunU-IXDSwDAwqpJ-A6WV60yli2PVTRPC6SE4Vg6fm70U/s1600/Convergance+pix+Marks+camera+161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>I didn't get a photo of all the finished felted soaps (I wanted too, but we were stressed for time), however I will note that the kids had great senses of color, proportion, and composition with both the soapy wet felting and with the dry needlefelting.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This next photo is of their first weaving activity. It was a simple paper woven heart basket (being Valentine's day), but the idea was two fold. First, provide a weaving activity, and second utilize two colors and see how they interact in a woven item. Eventually, they will spin yarn, dye it, and weave with it. But that is a few classes down the road! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gd-EgpAAOtKtk_kK-bIlhbgMGzKuYBrkqAhUmglo35_r7JJUtDhZwstdBVVMT252cNjPUnNHbHC2C_mjDxRWlPOOunU-IXDSwDAwqpJ-A6WV60yli2PVTRPC6SE4Vg6fm70U/s1600/Convergance+pix+Marks+camera+161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gd-EgpAAOtKtk_kK-bIlhbgMGzKuYBrkqAhUmglo35_r7JJUtDhZwstdBVVMT252cNjPUnNHbHC2C_mjDxRWlPOOunU-IXDSwDAwqpJ-A6WV60yli2PVTRPC6SE4Vg6fm70U/s320/Convergance+pix+Marks+camera+161.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Right now... I'm looking for a field trip to an alpaca farm, (gotta find one) and for someone with an angora bunny to come visit. Working with these kids, really with any kids and teaching in general is energizing! It makes me happy.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gd-EgpAAOtKtk_kK-bIlhbgMGzKuYBrkqAhUmglo35_r7JJUtDhZwstdBVVMT252cNjPUnNHbHC2C_mjDxRWlPOOunU-IXDSwDAwqpJ-A6WV60yli2PVTRPC6SE4Vg6fm70U/s1600/Convergance+pix+Marks+camera+161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gd-EgpAAOtKtk_kK-bIlhbgMGzKuYBrkqAhUmglo35_r7JJUtDhZwstdBVVMT252cNjPUnNHbHC2C_mjDxRWlPOOunU-IXDSwDAwqpJ-A6WV60yli2PVTRPC6SE4Vg6fm70U/s1600/Convergance+pix+Marks+camera+161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347982.post-66895819711081491172011-02-23T00:35:00.000-08:002011-02-23T00:35:41.114-08:00Teaching Times... Griffin Dyeworks Fiber Frolic!I've been incredibly lucky and I'm having a blast! So much fiber!!! so little time! I taught some great classes in January. This post is about the day I had at the <a href="http://griffindyeworks.com/?q=retreat">Griffin Dyeworks</a> Fiber Frolic. In June they will have their annual <a href="http://griffindyeworks.com/?q=retreat">weekend retrea</a>t, which promises to be another fabulous event of fiber community, sharing, teaching, and playing with fiber and string... more fiber better! I've submitted 3 class proposals to teach in June. Lots and lots of fun!!! (did I mention the pool???).<br />
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<a href="http://www.griffindyeworks.com/store/">Griffin Dyeworks</a> held its Annual January Fiber Frolic in Monrovia, CA. More people than ever and they changed the site to accomodate the larger numbers. There were some very good spinning classes, several dye classes, some great multimedia art classes, card weaving, nalbinding, and some others... I was teaching all day except for lunch and clean up so I saw some other classes, but it was a drive by smile and moving on. Everyone had a fantastic time. Lunch was provided (which I really appreciated), there was spin-in space for visiting, vendors, a beautiful day outside. This is just a great day and the cost was low to participants. These days it can get hard to access these types of events, because the costs are going up. I have really appreciated how Griffin Dyeworks works to figure out how to keep their events at a fairly low cost. <br />
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My classes at the Griffin Dyeworks Fiber Frolic were fabulous and full! In fact my dye class was overflowing... I just could not say no to that hungry look ... 'PLllllleaassseee let me come play!' Everyone was great though. I had extra sample sets put together in case... in case of ??? disaster or more students! Fortunately, it was the latter! lol... So much cochineal was used and delighted upon. I think it must be a human tendency to love color; be seduced by color; be enthralled by color... maybe it is just me... I don't know, but I love it and it calls to me! My friend Theresa was kind enough to take this photo of one of the dyepots (and let me use this on my blog) ... disadvantage to being happily busy... I can't get the photos I'd like to get of my own classes. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGq2HjPAVdWNqBxfEfuOczoV2dZNIAZwhd1WxDURTZ6pBo2zjiNJE2IKyusdP7hwWQywQyxqzTKCOIREOHP9cxn8NtcSu7nmgxuw9V2aY7kU_XJTf_Kx9uB2s87K4X51pVlQ9t/s1600/5399642365_8ff58941ca_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGq2HjPAVdWNqBxfEfuOczoV2dZNIAZwhd1WxDURTZ6pBo2zjiNJE2IKyusdP7hwWQywQyxqzTKCOIREOHP9cxn8NtcSu7nmgxuw9V2aY7kU_XJTf_Kx9uB2s87K4X51pVlQ9t/s320/5399642365_8ff58941ca_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The students were great and really pulled together as we formed an extra group divided tasks and Theresa gave me an extra burner and space for another dyepot... that made the numbers very managable. After all the class samples were done... the cochineal dyes were descended upon for personal projects ... it was a fun mad frenzy... of Reds, Magentas, pinks, and some oranges too!!! Everyone had fun and the class was a great success.<br />
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My first class of the day (cuz I love to go backwards!) was a class on spinning silk. It was a great group of students and we really enjoyed sitting with our wheels and luxuriating in this incredible fiber. It has so many preparations, so many different facets. It was hard to accomplish all I wanted to in a mere 3 hours. It is an art to be able to select only a portion of the subject. I was talking to Stephenie G. about this very subject and she says you can't give everything. You have to leave more for later. One has to accomplish your goals in class, because often students don't finish half started projects. Fine tuning and selection. It is great advice. I love teaching these classes because it continues to be a learning experience for me. <br />
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Teaching is the greatest way to learn! A teacher learns more by preparing for a class than the student will from sitting in the class. I had a friend ask me if I'd taken a workshop on silk so I could teach it and I laughed, because I have been playing with silk (and silkworms) for the past 15 yrs... a long time. I was just helping out in the Kindergarten science unit on silkworms... I was just doing a 'little' research for the kindergarten teachers.... and now I will do most anything with silk and silkworms... well, I won't eat them! Did you know that silkworms make great pets??? they don't live a long time and they are easy to take care of. My kids used to read to the silkworms. They would take them from the boxes (one or two) and put them on the book or their wrist and read to them. It was sweet. Brings back some very old and very fine memories.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347982.post-67189333639291294582011-02-22T23:59:00.000-08:002011-02-22T23:59:53.804-08:00A Passing.It has been such a busy time since early December. So much has gone on that I have a hard time keeping track of it all. One thing that was significant and very hard was the passing of my dear beloved Aunt for whom I was named. She died quite suddenly with no warning on Christmas Eve. Life and the family will not be the same without her. When my Father died in 2005 the family dynamic radically shifted. Again the family dynamic shifts and changes and we re-adjust. She was a graceful amazing resourceful and beautiful woman inside and out. I think of her every day. Word just cannot express it, but I miss her. At some point when I get my other hard drive back I will post her photo.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347982.post-74309181316595317992010-12-06T18:06:00.000-08:002010-12-07T10:27:17.208-08:00Teaching... It's what I do.I've been a teacher since I was a little girl. I think I fought against it. And then when I was in my late 20's and announced to the family I was going back to school for my Master's in education, Absolutely NO ONE was surprised... I was surprised, but that didn't count. I think my father sat back and said, 'At last, she has come to her senses!'. He seemed a lot more relaxed at any rate. So I teach all the time, but not necessarily for money and often not in a formal setting. Life is more or less informal until we try to wiggle around it. The opportunities to teach however are caught in life's everyday 'teachable moments'. Catching them is an art even more so when you catch them and teach yourself. <div><br /></div><div>I have been shying away from teaching trying to see if I was someone else or something else and guess what... I'm coming back. I love teaching kids, grown-ups, teenagers (you know the kid-quasi adult person). And I miss teaching. I want to teach more so I am pursuing that goal.</div><div><br /></div><div>+ January 29th in Southern CA, I will be teaching at the <a href="http://http//www.griffindyeworks.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=72&products_id=384">Griffin Dyeworks Fiber Frolic</a> on (kind of a belated Roc Day celebration -- very in-expensive, loads of fun, classes, some vendors, & great fiber people!!!). You can take classes or just take in the atmosphere of Fiber Community and spin, knit, weave all day! I will be teaching two classes (one on Cochineal and the other on Silk). (Registration is now open for the Fiber Frolic).</div><div><br /></div><div>+ Starting January 24th I will be teaching a 12 session set of classes to a local Home School Co-Op. 'Sheep to Tapestry', starting with making their own spindles and moving on to spinning, dyeing, weaving, mixed with a bit of History, chemistry, and lots fibery goodness.</div><div><br /></div><div>+ In April I will be teaching a Silk class again for an Historical Re-creation group.</div><div><br /></div><div>+ At the end of June I plan on teaching at the <a href="http://www.griffindyeworks.com/retreat/">Griffin Dyeworks Fiber Retreat</a> in Castaic, CA.</div><div><br /></div><div>That's is all that is scheduled for right now, but I am looking for more teachable moments in the fiber world! </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347982.post-45897131751186862302010-12-06T17:53:00.001-08:002010-12-06T18:06:50.900-08:00Go Olympiads GO!!!<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I am not a competitive person by nature. I really despise 'contests', but when Ravelry held the Ravelolympics even though I didn't sign up on a team; I had to participate along with myraids of others doing textile type activities around the world together while we watched a common thing and cheered for the blood, sweat, tears, and joys of the Olympics. It is fun being part of something larger than myself. Sooooo I got out a troublesome project that I'd been working on for a year (almost two now, but I have only 6 inches left). The selected project is a cardwoven band using a variation on one of Guntram's patterns based loosely on the theory of the Egyptian diagonal. In February of 2010 here is what I worked on with fellow Ravelry Enthusiasts .<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYpjChJkaBbN4R3nE07UBMJtL14k7b0WPAMm6bGu6NW840Hgq3TzUJ-kj28oDRT0uf8LiWzJTClqQg8MI9RlRZeqXxaN6y71ruVzAbGTs30XEedcG319gwXSNEhpQiidUdwVY/s1600/Ravelolympics+loom+2+feb+2010.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/AVvXsEgIYpjChJkaBbN4R3nE07UBMJtL14k7b0WPAMm6bGu6NW840Hgq3TzUJ-kj28oDRT0uf8LiWzJTClqQg8MI9RlRZeqXxaN6y71ruVzAbGTs30XEedcG319gwXSNEhpQiidUdwVY/s320/Ravelolympics+loom+2+feb+2010.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547753975508816242" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><div></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjunoKApb8x7NBNruruJb5SQ78nZOAJf8cwBLbYydFoEZ58Mh78s5m_oxhyphenhyphen_xLtbjHdKZJinkcKXI2fYUnEria8onxS9P6pgLWJWDiqRUMVNGBRuD9aH-W2VXIXz-wGEjkJLSK7/s1600/Ravelolympics+loom+3+feb+2010.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/AVvXsEjunoKApb8x7NBNruruJb5SQ78nZOAJf8cwBLbYydFoEZ58Mh78s5m_oxhyphenhyphen_xLtbjHdKZJinkcKXI2fYUnEria8onxS9P6pgLWJWDiqRUMVNGBRuD9aH-W2VXIXz-wGEjkJLSK7/s320/Ravelolympics+loom+3+feb+2010.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547754779795177074" /></a>Yes, there are some serious errors and the warp being wool is very sticky. I have six inches left to go. Hoping to finish before the first of the year, because really this is ridiculous. It's just another UFO hanging around NOT getting done and cluttering up my loom (that has new projects WAITING!</div><div><br /></div><div>And that is one of the things I did in February (that immediately come to mind). ;)<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><u><br /></u></span></div><div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347982.post-26325955890372828182010-12-06T02:35:00.000-08:002010-12-06T03:16:24.808-08:00It's been awhile...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3PyuPF48D9yE9BZ5atAsFltnLjUVBP8Gyxz7nkYsDazpw_tU2HETuGcCsUuP8FyR6t14bS5-TAUqLEoa184bjcNgm8Uyt4woLX7XTpHUtnPREEvg1eX_l-M2w65uiKqc1CG1/s1600/NY+Thanksgiving+2010+261.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/AVvXsEgY3PyuPF48D9yE9BZ5atAsFltnLjUVBP8Gyxz7nkYsDazpw_tU2HETuGcCsUuP8FyR6t14bS5-TAUqLEoa184bjcNgm8Uyt4woLX7XTpHUtnPREEvg1eX_l-M2w65uiKqc1CG1/s320/NY+Thanksgiving+2010+261.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547525469144952642" /></a>For some fun I will post this photo that I love. Corrupt them while they're young.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br />Time is a problem... not having enough of it, ever. I always need just one more day even when I'm doing well on time management. The fact that my time is not really my own means that at any time any thing can happen... and often does. And then there is FaceBook... and I have a farm on FB with sheep of my very own (and some llamas, reindeer, and assorted chickens... and a dog) well, a fair number of critters, but please, it was not having sheep of my own that did me in. The area I live in will not allow a sheep or chickens even if I hide them. If they find them on your property it is a $500 per day fine and they aren't messing around. Hence my somewhat obsession with my farm on fb. And I found out that I could communicate with loads of people I care about, but just don't have time to call and ask, 'how are you doing?'. However, you can hang out there for hours and hours wasting precious time. It is addictive and one has to police one's self (and one's children).<div><br /></div><div>Here I am pining away for my blog and all the fibery goodness I can spill out onto its ethery pages. So I am stepping a little bit away from the obsession with FB (I will still take care of my sheep). I need to focus my goals for myself and my own work and figure out some things ... like.. what do I want to do when I grow up or perhaps when my children grow up??? And when will that be? I need to lay some groundwork now. I need energy and I need focus. I am hoping to find both in quantities greater than I have now.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tomorrow I will post some of what I have been up to this past year... since the year is quickly coming to a year. </div><div><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347982.post-40346440368694295332010-05-19T00:47:00.000-07:002010-05-19T00:55:21.928-07:00What has been on going....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahlWum0_LUnMvkLDhSKppDucIku1eyxSQjiKro948FwQc0yrm2TbzZ5RXOSrHZMuMKF5pJ3nNPHNIW5j01x6mmKlMDJxEDyh0p0JJ1hsowriWcaaNDKY77VmGVMay7Rvr9DXZ/s1600/Fiber+Retreat+Group+picture+by+Tan+family+2010.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahlWum0_LUnMvkLDhSKppDucIku1eyxSQjiKro948FwQc0yrm2TbzZ5RXOSrHZMuMKF5pJ3nNPHNIW5j01x6mmKlMDJxEDyh0p0JJ1hsowriWcaaNDKY77VmGVMay7Rvr9DXZ/s400/Fiber+Retreat+Group+picture+by+Tan+family+2010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472886513631522530" border="0" /></a><br />Many things, many projects, growth, and good things are what I have to report. A good piece of advice was handed to me just recently... try to post once a week. Well, I shall endeavor to do something like that, something approximating that... Wish me luck!!!<br /><br />I've been up to some interesting projects, interesting for me at any rate, but I did have a great time this past weekend at the Griffin Dyeworks Retreat Near Castaic Ca. I will do a full blown post, but suffice it to say that it is invigorating, energetic (except you come home, shower and sleep! ) ,and it is a time of sharing with like minded and similar souls.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347982.post-91972233598670025042010-02-16T19:58:00.000-08:002010-02-16T20:15:51.223-08:00Medieval Image of the Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgC-t5119o6EdnmIfoAnggxjmP2eOLjkO9HXLg3IH4JNgICbLYbLw5SLbA9O9y1LoGF8E36NPfxlhBw4mS0mJq2mmxfyxVGC27Xiz2FClTcQ-iNMJGL3fHvx0aSn8wV1JAakG/s1600-h/1420+Virgin.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 344px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgC-t5119o6EdnmIfoAnggxjmP2eOLjkO9HXLg3IH4JNgICbLYbLw5SLbA9O9y1LoGF8E36NPfxlhBw4mS0mJq2mmxfyxVGC27Xiz2FClTcQ-iNMJGL3fHvx0aSn8wV1JAakG/s400/1420+Virgin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439059421233872162" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I just love this image. The Virgin painted around 1420 is busy spinning, but she does have help. Angels hold her niddy noddy and her distaff in place. Note also the lovely skein winder with a dyed skein of homespun thread for weaving on it... matching her gown perfectly. I love this for its beauty and I love it for the fabulous depiction of tools. Thinking about our tools I marvel at the fact that things haven't changed very much in all that time. We still value the shape and efficacy of the niddy and love the beautiful woods that craftspeople use to create them. <br /><br />Sorry to be failing at posting more often. It has been an interesting year and continues to contain surprises and riddles to puzzle out. I will endeavor to be more present here.<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347982.post-48216415975112588942010-01-20T00:02:00.000-08:002010-01-20T00:49:39.951-08:00A momentous day.Today indeed was a momentous day. It was the 18th anniversary of the birth of my first child. 18 years ago right about now I had a new baby and we were probably both asleep. Childbirth does that. My child was a sweet little girl with loads of hair. Her wonderful soft hair was a reddish blonde with little white tips on the ends. She either had sunburnt tips like a little sheep or she had frosted tips like she had been to a beauty parlor. The nurses loved putting little bows in her hair. She was perfect as all newborns are... in every way. Of course she cried when she was bathed. My father there on a visit supposedly 2 wks before she should have been born (according to the Dr. NOT me!) stood outside the nursery door and watched her first bath. He had stood outside the door to the birthing room and heard her first cry as she was born. <br /><br />I made up my mind from when she was born... no daughter of mine would be wimpy. She would be strong, she would have her own ideas, and no one would push her around because she was a woman. Well, I think I seriously accomplished this goal. By the time she was two years old she knew her own mind. She knew that at a certain point she was past naps. They were sooo 1 yr old and passe... And she just wasn't going to have anything of it. I remember the day. I cherished her naptimes. I loved her naptimes... that time was MOMMY time. I could sleep, read, do paperwork, whatever needed doing best with no child around.. But she was not going to go to sleep. She was sitting on her bed in her room and she said, 'NO!'. And dear readers do not berate me. Motherhood does not come with instructions. Any parent knows we make mistakes we miss opportunities, there might have been something we should have done. And I missed my opportunity. It should have evolved into, quiet in the house time... Play quietly in your room time, but it did not. Instead it evolved into a different flow in the day. Naptime was over as I had heretofore known it. <br /><br />When she was three she became a big sister and loved her little brother. She would rock his chair and hold him even though he was bigger than her little lap. He would want to do all that his sister did. <br /><br />When she was five years old she was ready for kindergarten. I however, was not ready to simply hand my little girl over to teachers for half a day without me and I an educated teacher myself knew that only certain teachers would do... yes, I was probably every teacher's nightmare. I called the school in the spring to find out about the school. I interrogated the school secretary for a full 20 minutes before she suggested I meet with the school principal. The day arrived and I took my little 5 year old to the meeting. We went to visit the kindergarten playground. My little one ran to the climbing equipment and climbed all over. Then she looked down at the slide and decided it was too wet so she calmly removed her white sweater, sat on it and slid down. The principal announced HER ready for kindergarten... Mom was not, but my little determined 5 year old most definitely was ready to go!<br /><br />One day in the spring of her Kindergarten year she read her first book. Fox on Socks. She might have read a word here or there, but 'Fox on Socks' was her first book. She was a Brownie, she sold girl scout cookies. We went camping. She played soccer, she laughed and cried. She had her own mind when it came to picking clothes. A parent picks their battles and quite frankly her ideas of colors and patterns were interesting and creative. She had a rabbit named Peter Benjamin and our old dog. At one point she had a dwarf hamster named 'Mia Hamm', for the soccer star she worshipped.<br /><br />She raced through each year of school. I remember fighting over math homework in fifth grade and insisting she show her work. They had a great field trip to an old style sailing boat in fifth grade. The kids, the teacher, and some of us lucky parents stayed overnight on the ship, kept watch for a few hours and learned about the life of a sailor. Other elementary school field trips were the pumpkin patch in kindergarten. An ocean boat where they brought up sea life from the bottom and the kids got to examine it. They made clay pigs one year. The PTA sponsored Art Day. She dissected frogs in the gifted program both on the computer and in a lab situation. When she was in sixth grade she and her girl scout troop went to San Francisco and walked across the Golden Gate Bridge to bridge from Juniors to Cadettes. Hundreds of Girl Scouts were there and she loved it.<br /><br />Somehow in 7th grade she decided she wanted a bearded dragon lizard. She tried asking. We said no. She had to write a persuasive essay in English so she wrote about why she should have a bearded dragon. We said no. However, sheer determination won through... She had to do a power point presentation for a class and she created one on Why she should have a bearded Dragon. We finally said yes. Thus a little baby dragon came to live in her room. Most dragons in history had sad endings so she searched for a strong name and came up with: Hammurabi, the Babylonian King who had written laws. She ran cross country in 7th and 8th grade.<br /><br />In eighth grade she went to an extra class at school in the spring that a Dad who was an orthopedic surgeon gave for free. She learned to read an xray, an mri, she learned joint anatomy, and was the only girl to watch 3 different surgical procedures in the operating room. Up to that point she had wanted to be a Vet since 4th grade. Now she added Orthopedic surgeon to the list. She graduated in June that year from 8th grade and wore a sweet white dress with tiny white dots. The school had a dress code so I had to sew on ribbons on the straps to meet the 2 inch wide rule. They actually measured the straps. She had short hair and curled it. She went back to her elementary school to visit that day and hugged all her teachers. <br /><br />She started on the High School Cross Country team in the summer training. She ran all 4 years of High school (including this one not yet done!) and lettered each year. High school has consumed her, but she has consumed it. She has done all that she could do and more and used every second of her day. She played frosh soccer in Freshman year and ran track as well as CC. She played spring soccer on the select team in Freshman and Sophmore year and Ayso soccer in Jr year. She studied voice all 4 yrs. She devoted herself to participating in History Day and went to Nationals twice, State 3 times. She learned to drive (only to have her temporary license run out and have to do it all again) licensing still to come... She has visited colleges, gone to movies, applied to colleges (16 total) and become a small computer wizard. She loves her friends, loves her family, and adores her animals (2 dogs, 2 lizards, and another 2 adopted hamsters ... Anna and Karenina). She is still my little girl and still sits in my lap. She is silly, she is serious. She wants to make the world a better place. She reaches out her hand to me to hold it. She walks arm in arm with me. She has become cognizant of others and tends to hold a lot inside. She has an iron fist that needs more of the velvet glove sometimes. She is driven, she is focused, she reads and is far more informed than I. She carries the constitution in her purse and on her phone. I don't wonder I know... she will give a positive effect to the world. She will leave it a better place. I love her so much and am amazed to have such fabulous daughter, She hugged her brother tonight and I could see how much she has grown up and yet... she is still a little girl and has a ways to go... miles to go before I sleep.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347982.post-20218755508969388022009-11-22T19:59:00.000-08:002009-11-22T22:48:45.666-08:00A bit After Medieval... Image of the Day :)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHo20vuYXCcmZqQz4DJhBxoN2Ndj0QPufMoF89SIHhy_VwhIucT1D_9cRWrNysCqvdIqhLPCeqvX3kMojHhy0awrFHdb1q2ahjLHWUkoW6MxOhnIYoCOor8ti6LcWvL-q6PETN/s1600/Ohio+Boston+November+2010+451.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHo20vuYXCcmZqQz4DJhBxoN2Ndj0QPufMoF89SIHhy_VwhIucT1D_9cRWrNysCqvdIqhLPCeqvX3kMojHhy0awrFHdb1q2ahjLHWUkoW6MxOhnIYoCOor8ti6LcWvL-q6PETN/s400/Ohio+Boston+November+2010+451.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407147621407053058" border="0" /></a>Jean Francois Millet: Young Sheperdess , 1870-1873. Millet died in 1875. I love his work. He has so many paintings of country life and those who worked outdoors. This is a beautiful painting located at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. I had the recent opportunity to visit while I was doing some work locally. <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-upEspPll0up6e7qxyYkG89FkqApjMQeB5OuCyEY5fjiAu3u8Gl8XDIH0I9rvU47L_Pg_4gdwVTp7dnZEAY-XgyP6L8vEpwu47E3sD6dWbctsG4OtGCPT8IJXdZmqQMKguYz/s1600/Ohio+Boston+November+2010+452.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-upEspPll0up6e7qxyYkG89FkqApjMQeB5OuCyEY5fjiAu3u8Gl8XDIH0I9rvU47L_Pg_4gdwVTp7dnZEAY-XgyP6L8vEpwu47E3sD6dWbctsG4OtGCPT8IJXdZmqQMKguYz/s400/Ohio+Boston+November+2010+452.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407147630951538562" border="0" /></a><br />In this painting the young Sheperdess holds a distaff in one hand and a stick in the other. The distaff is dressed and the fiber is secured with a ribbon wrap. The question is what is she doing with the stick. I have gone back and forth on my own thoughts as to the answer. I have blown up the image to look very closely at the stick to see if the light areas are extension of the fiber or if they are light reflections on her skirt. I have looked at her face to see a distraction upon it. Truthfully, I think she is simply sitting on a hillock staring off into space... seeing something that she is dreaming about. Millet's paintings have the dreamlike about them in the midst of the practical. It is the romantic ideal.<br /><br />The stick does not appear to be in the fiber or that the fiber is being pulled from the distaff by the stick. The light color near the mid level of the stick (where little stick protrusions appear) are not related to the fiber. There is no fiber being pulled there by the stick. The paint color and texture tell me this. At the tip of the stick there is a question. The texture of the paint and the color are similar to that of the fiber. Has our Sheperdess pulled a bit off the distaff? The other thought is that she is going to use the stick like a hook and perhaps spin off her leg. This is the fiber artist speaking. This is me supposing... But honestly even with these thoughts... I look at her and think about me being out on the hill under a sunny sky and I think she is dreaming and her hands are meandering doing much of nothing but holding everyday objects. It is my 2 cents and the art critics can correct as necessary. ;)<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiP7-9kqbet1zvFRxcPXzt7R2SNTFFjIWOikKTKj-DiforBp9_wiMgnZSEEbJbUMcseU982qAnzQTVG9DN37XgllFwtpuYQk2bMHDSzttjhxS8ZtHv1aYPPlUevXpGUvbexD1B/s1600/Ohio+Boston+November+2010+486.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiP7-9kqbet1zvFRxcPXzt7R2SNTFFjIWOikKTKj-DiforBp9_wiMgnZSEEbJbUMcseU982qAnzQTVG9DN37XgllFwtpuYQk2bMHDSzttjhxS8ZtHv1aYPPlUevXpGUvbexD1B/s400/Ohio+Boston+November+2010+486.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407147645042368994" border="0" /></a><br />Well this has nothing to do with fiber, but it is visually intriguing. There is a fabulous exhibit of glass near the museum restaurant and bookstore. A million different images fill the mind. This is just a taste to inspire the heart and soul.<br /><br />Let's remember folks that these are items that belong to the Museum, not to me. I place them here to discuss and to learn. Go visit and see them for yourselves.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347982.post-16089228264505259712009-11-21T12:04:00.000-08:002009-11-21T12:10:54.126-08:00It was a Vortex....The swirling winding windy vortex of so many things.. caught me and has been sucking me down, sucking me dry, making me cry in my pillow that I have not re-found my fiberish focus to touch fiber daily and find in it some latent will of creative thought.<br /><br />It is in fact a season of life that helps the thread of fiber to elude my view. Motherhood grasping me and squeezing all that I can possibly give out to the success and growth of my children. And it is therefore a choice as motherhood was my choice in the beginning of this season of my life. Part of it nears the abrupt ripping yet flowing change of stations as one of my children grows to adulthood and her next adventure. I try at this season of fall to find some of the shoots of spring to reach towards.<br /><br />fiber.... fiber.... and therefore more...<br /><br />At least my goal is to show and speak of more frequently of the things my mind peruses and where my hand is spinning.... <br /><br />Thanks for your understanding as I come back from the Vortex (still there .. still sucking away)and revive some life here in the ether.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347982.post-49032263308198649442009-06-22T23:53:00.000-07:002009-06-23T00:07:06.057-07:00Medieval Image of the DayIt is not medieval, post medieval perhaps, but I didn't want to mis-lead those that come just to see the pictures. :) Hope you enjoy it. Feel free to leave a comment and click the image to see it larger (It is really worth it!).<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh40fgbxo9ThLl6-rCuk9F-IXfHBPZWqMjrVsDrEKYYrlVfZVIMs4juJ0XZ3YrxhAcwGXX2NO09xZCLc_ikqevbRAAt07eOy46CfaNuzqkjDC_g3frfjuVZomYrkMNDZUkwxKhz/s1600-h/The+Fable+of+Arachne+VEL%C3%81ZQUEZ+1657.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 305px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh40fgbxo9ThLl6-rCuk9F-IXfHBPZWqMjrVsDrEKYYrlVfZVIMs4juJ0XZ3YrxhAcwGXX2NO09xZCLc_ikqevbRAAt07eOy46CfaNuzqkjDC_g3frfjuVZomYrkMNDZUkwxKhz/s400/The+Fable+of+Arachne+VEL%C3%81ZQUEZ+1657.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350412665763636242" /></a><br />Velazquez 1657, This is such a fabulous painting. There is so very much going on! It is all about Arachne. In the background Arachne and Athena are duking it out... Arachne loses in case you are wondering. ;) In the foreground is the spinner and weaver of the thread needed by both Athena and Arachne. I love that the spinner's knee is showing! How many of us have a barefoot or bared knee when spinning? Next to her is a lovely woman winding yarn from a swift into a ball.<br /><br />Now it could simply be a spectacle put on about Athena and Arachne, but it is all incidental to what is going on. What does the woman by the curtain have to say to the spinner and what does the woman toting the basket say to the ball winding woman? What does the artist want us to know? There is the lesson of arrogance that we learn from Arachne and respect from Athena. There is the toil and labor of the spinster and others that exists and there is the everyday quality that we see in the background of the grandeur of an incredible tapestry and the presence of a Goddess. The normality and rhythm of everyday life and everyday tasks is perhaps what is valuable not the opulence and attention of the apparently grand.<br /><br />I am quite busy over extending myself. I am sewing and helping co-ordinate a local musical for youth of The Pirates of Penzance. It is totally delightful, happy, energizing, but I am sewing at all hours and days. I must be done by Thursday morning at the latest and preferably by Wens. evening at 5pm. Tonight however I am going to sleep as I was up to 3am last night. Good night all and sweet dreams! May your spinning turn well.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347982.post-28074620312267963732009-06-14T17:35:00.001-07:002009-06-14T18:00:29.599-07:00Just lazing about...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0EqrL8k-Hqg3-XT2zqmJu-wdCIeFQveW1Ev8B12qE0eNXR0nNBBtyK3BcqHTOZduiymZYFaMDN4UkvS0g-2VUtRZNoCH6_KlwdQvjwuoUDV8N9UV43RNGtOoq9LbDh1qOg7It/s1600-h/Optium+Spinning+001.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/AVvXsEj0EqrL8k-Hqg3-XT2zqmJu-wdCIeFQveW1Ev8B12qE0eNXR0nNBBtyK3BcqHTOZduiymZYFaMDN4UkvS0g-2VUtRZNoCH6_KlwdQvjwuoUDV8N9UV43RNGtOoq9LbDh1qOg7It/s400/Optium+Spinning+001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347349636023531250" /></a><br />After the long scarf project and the stress of a deadline I put myself on a fiber vacation... yup, simple spinnin' fer me. So I just picked something colorful that someone else had processed, dyed, and put out there for happy hands. I picked a lovely optim skein from <a href="http://www.chameleoncolorworks.com/">Chameleon Colorworks</a>. Great fabulous colors. I think this colorway is 'Figgy Pudding'. I looked at many of her colorways in each fiber and I chose one from each... without checking the name.. who cares about a name after all... it is the fiber color that counts, right... Each one looked different to me. It was so funny... They were the same colorway each time only different in Border Leicester, Merino, and Optim. At least I'm consistent.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBgK1mElPvzOHabhX5aStH4Vz-eSfwRX5XU04Pv8-HdyyX2FcEVhQEzOg31WDgIL44mNYAHda-mpOqsAr7mERn57a-4NB2of6TpE8WTrivK7gyg_k4RPBEPNfMJPOGV0yoo-j/s1600-h/Optium+Spinning+003.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/AVvXsEiLBgK1mElPvzOHabhX5aStH4Vz-eSfwRX5XU04Pv8-HdyyX2FcEVhQEzOg31WDgIL44mNYAHda-mpOqsAr7mERn57a-4NB2of6TpE8WTrivK7gyg_k4RPBEPNfMJPOGV0yoo-j/s400/Optium+Spinning+003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347349639474481826" /></a><br /><br />Spin optim sometime. It is just like butter and pre-drafted spins like frog's hair. I'm loving it. Just sitting back and spinning. I suppose the yarn will find a purpose. I'm almost half done (further than the photo indicates), then the other half, then plying and who knows... And guess what... I don't have to worry about the time! Whenever is fine. True process,,, thank goodness.<br /><br />Hope you have a great week. It's June!!! I wonder what my niece is doing today in Greece?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347982.post-31521956562685868232009-06-14T02:12:00.000-07:002009-06-14T02:26:56.512-07:00Medieval Image of the Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5pk7goVbgNyxT_et-5inbhviwgF9KmJ_n9tTCZYJ5Hi_dDOBNnNS0GQzrHAVF18oJC7pc3PHT7Nfra8wbqy5YYJj5NhzT3Zgx6UkwxSvXZYrrfJwzKYaWl3Y-05g-8k8uQyb/s1600-h/greek565bc.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 334px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5pk7goVbgNyxT_et-5inbhviwgF9KmJ_n9tTCZYJ5Hi_dDOBNnNS0GQzrHAVF18oJC7pc3PHT7Nfra8wbqy5YYJj5NhzT3Zgx6UkwxSvXZYrrfJwzKYaWl3Y-05g-8k8uQyb/s400/greek565bc.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347108954074890082" /></a><br /><br />An image from 565 bce. I love this image. Depicted here are Greek women pre-drafting most likely flax to be spun, spinning it on what appears to be a bottom whorl spindle, weaving it on a Warp Weighted Loom, and Women folding the woven cloth. Note that there are two women in each image, but particularly weaving together. Weaving on the Warp Weighted Loom is traditionally thought of as being done with two women in Nordic cultures and is born out in this image as well. (and note the shape of those loom weights - is that a regional/traditional shape?). Now it appears that the women are different women in each image. So what does this mean? Are there many women in the household? Are there many women employed / enslaved in the household? Do different women complete different tasks within a household or by tradition? Did the artist simply enjoy drawing a variety of women?<br /><br />So instead of drawing too many conclusions, I leave a fair number of questions to be answered. I think that often the archaeologists leave us with to many drawn conclusions leading us to say... but it's document by Dr... that this was a religious spindle for spinning ... who knows? But we need to be able to think of the question and to subsequently ask it. So much of what we think we know has changed or been revised through different eyes reviewing it and asking similar questions.<br /><br />Philosophy on a spindle... that's me. My niece is in Greece digging up history for us. I think of her everyday. Hope you are all having a great weekend!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347982.post-41058463491554500372009-06-03T16:13:00.000-07:002009-06-03T17:33:24.112-07:00The Spin-Off Scarf - International Year of the Natural fibre<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaEndH0ucrNDK4Qa-TTvFJ8M8XN-9ptooOjxdLq8xt_s_Vp3nilgfcYJGoCYMARpnf671TJzkoNAU3mI2oW_5fvybCInoFP36YCGDYyOihoU05UAx3Qw78iCNs6c4in_SidEqP/s1600-h/Kristen+Grad+Scarf+pix+338.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/AVvXsEgaEndH0ucrNDK4Qa-TTvFJ8M8XN-9ptooOjxdLq8xt_s_Vp3nilgfcYJGoCYMARpnf671TJzkoNAU3mI2oW_5fvybCInoFP36YCGDYyOihoU05UAx3Qw78iCNs6c4in_SidEqP/s400/Kristen+Grad+Scarf+pix+338.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343248456231834610" /></a><br /><br /> The big adventure for April and May was participating in the Spin-Off Scarf Competition to honor the International Year of the Natural Fiber. It was quite an experience and I had an enormous amount of fun and learned many things. I also made ... A FINISHED OBJECT! Always a nice accomplishment. Sadly, I did not make the cut to the final selection. I heard today via email. I almost never participate in competitions and I am a bit on the sad side of things. A blog is not just about all the successes and the discoveries... it is about the journey, the problems and challenges. I hope that my mistakes help you. <br /><br />Photos speak a great deal so here are are the highlights of the past two months.<br /><br />Poking around at the <a href="http://spinoffmagazine.com/">Spin-Off Website</a> there was an announcement that there would be a competition in honor of the International Year of Natural Fibre. (Now It is being called, 'All Wrapped up in Natural Fibers'). The basic rules were that one had to start with raw fiber of some sort and process it through to the end product. Any dyeing would have to be naturally dyed. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-uvSFSnF-xWzwikIoIMlhYzjM1BwozH-5c3YgozGcbPPJX-8AaDox7lyuEMJP_NxQkaFEQ3RFzUT_om7R2NtTfPpipv-T9992RvpviFfCWM4B7aKYK0T2diLWybdvbExQJ61/s1600-h/Spun+Karakul+003.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/AVvXsEhe-uvSFSnF-xWzwikIoIMlhYzjM1BwozH-5c3YgozGcbPPJX-8AaDox7lyuEMJP_NxQkaFEQ3RFzUT_om7R2NtTfPpipv-T9992RvpviFfCWM4B7aKYK0T2diLWybdvbExQJ61/s400/Spun+Karakul+003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343253403611612834" /></a> <span style="font-style:italic;">Karakul on the Bobbin.</span><br />I was so excited by the idea of the process to weave that I grabbed the only fleece in my stash, a karakul fleece. It was a prize winner from the Taos Wool Festival a few years ago. I washed it right away, combed it and spun it up at the same time ordering and waiting on another fleece from Colorado - a Teeswater.<br /><br />The Karakul fleece was absolutely stunning. The locks were perfect, the color was varied (and I often like a variegated yarn since to me it gives more depth to the yarn). I realized after it was spun up that it wouldn't feel nice on the neck no matter how lovely the locks and how much fun it was to comb and spin... It is after all a rug wool. Sometimes I just want something to be a certain way... I need to respect its nature more.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZmaFRRtgxejgjRoaViJDee9eVho32cxdwyWFQzsCeLbm45UoFObxmIFU-AhggyBmaD3AMljmEcPyzNiWlu0tc-Vz3vbEDMVXJu2M9Pz_ZvpCqwCvIXunDcBYq4c7rjIh_FMv7/s1600-h/Skeins+for+Scarf+project+004.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/AVvXsEiZmaFRRtgxejgjRoaViJDee9eVho32cxdwyWFQzsCeLbm45UoFObxmIFU-AhggyBmaD3AMljmEcPyzNiWlu0tc-Vz3vbEDMVXJu2M9Pz_ZvpCqwCvIXunDcBYq4c7rjIh_FMv7/s400/Skeins+for+Scarf+project+004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343258155974093170" /></a><span style="font-style:italic;">Karakul Skein.</span><br />This is a skein from the Karakul. It is lovely and I am sure it will dye up well too. I will probably use it for something nice, but not clothing.<br />Then I realized it wouldn't feel nice on the neck no matter how lovely the locks and how much fun it was to comb and spin... It is after all a rug wool.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIN8IUub7c6HkmFWq5ZXTk4Oj_ppfFrXIAm4vQULxFooVS03rDDYSeT3PrE0FcOBzxMK8ZTd0_CtRnSlEpbtxq4Z0Mf2uNcBmFHNkTSQEnpaopgR1d45yoBMJLWRwAUbwt0jcz/s1600-h/Skeins+for+Scarf+project+002.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/AVvXsEhIN8IUub7c6HkmFWq5ZXTk4Oj_ppfFrXIAm4vQULxFooVS03rDDYSeT3PrE0FcOBzxMK8ZTd0_CtRnSlEpbtxq4Z0Mf2uNcBmFHNkTSQEnpaopgR1d45yoBMJLWRwAUbwt0jcz/s400/Skeins+for+Scarf+project+002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343258148938030066" /></a><span style="font-style:italic;">Black Welsh Mountain Skeins</span><br />The skein on top is combed, the skein below is carded. Both spun worsted.<br /><br />Well, I was playing on Ravelry when I saw a lovely black fleece sample and without really knowing what I was getting I ordered my Welsh Black Mountain sheep fleece. It is an absolutely lovely natural black, but it is much too coarse to wear anywhere near the skin. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUqbcyYpkBKt3RY_C_QTMar8swRvVqrSEfZgjExlBjUNFDjajBHEf5GaBsPCKJOskw2LM6w2oatRoD0rgY82XQB8zqXwc7JyyeZUEBbTTSO0yKfoGdw2-9HxE6XPSn41UzxjK3/s1600-h/Skeins+for+Scarf+project+005.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/AVvXsEjUqbcyYpkBKt3RY_C_QTMar8swRvVqrSEfZgjExlBjUNFDjajBHEf5GaBsPCKJOskw2LM6w2oatRoD0rgY82XQB8zqXwc7JyyeZUEBbTTSO0yKfoGdw2-9HxE6XPSn41UzxjK3/s400/Skeins+for+Scarf+project+005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343258158883464962" /></a><span style="font-style:italic;">Teeswater Skein</span><br />I also ordered an incredible Teeswater, which was a joy to spin up. The locks are incredibly long and the luster is very strong. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgenjfp24AZKsF0jcjgUzImy6Q2TeN3amhlg1sICwgy6yYkYr5tFr7EYsnO8Qxu764vcQoXr0VYhyp9OOa1bVYPJrympzXnJJ1U_7FpSwpTGKwrmxX57GtOKHpeqDr3e9-6Mh4R/s1600-h/Curly+combing+006.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/AVvXsEgenjfp24AZKsF0jcjgUzImy6Q2TeN3amhlg1sICwgy6yYkYr5tFr7EYsnO8Qxu764vcQoXr0VYhyp9OOa1bVYPJrympzXnJJ1U_7FpSwpTGKwrmxX57GtOKHpeqDr3e9-6Mh4R/s400/Curly+combing+006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343253413650975138" /></a> <span style="font-style:italic;">Curly on the bobbin</span><br /><br /> I was a little discouraged that the Black Welsh Mountain sheep fleece was so coarse. I had spent a fair amount of time on it and I had limited time at hand. I was lamenting this fact to my wonderful friend, Leslie, and to help out she sent me a large portion of a clip from one of her Pygora goats, Curly. Curly's fleece told me that she loves to play outside a lot, however her fleece came beautifully clean and was lovely all spun up.<br /><br />Last, I ordered some incredible true black alpaca from Bay Springs Alpaca. It arrived and it was delicious. I washed it up, combed it, spun up a lovely big giant skein. Velvet has a lucious fleece. The black absolutely glows. Sometimes when I was weaving I would simply sit and look at the black; it was so beautiful. It was also soft. I knew that I would love to have it on my neck and that it would keep me warm.<br /><br />Some things I do not have photos for. As the deadline drew near I worked into the early morning. I put everything aside and I did not get all the photos I usually do. I was seriously running low on time.<br /><br />I wanted to warp my loom, but Curly's skeins needed to be dyed first. I dyed one skein in onion skins with a mixed in bath of asafran using alum and cream of tarter as the mordant. The second skein I wanted to be red. I started a bath of cochineal. It turned purple because I have very hard water. I soaked my little skein of curly in the dyebath, but to no avail. It would not turn red and it appeared to have difficulty getting the red dye to strike deeply. The gold turned out well. So after some consultation with a friend, I made another dyebath using bottled water and a bit of pre-soaked madder (one has to pre-soak it since the first soak brings out an off yellow that is discarded.). I spent 3 days dyeing that one skein and in the end it is merely an off pink. However it is a respectable color and worked well in the final design.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhHqy4y-XGoBE78v1z1z5tWbuodEA50gWpUD9L77zOc4BmFTe6h4xwssWukvy8HlmQKjvhc4ADd_t5PtSQJQ7KnpqeFi667Z-Pc0JEdjYfsGeAOTZcu6DcdbU_badiQVSReHM/s1600-h/Kristen+Grad+Scarf+pix+334.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/AVvXsEjGhHqy4y-XGoBE78v1z1z5tWbuodEA50gWpUD9L77zOc4BmFTe6h4xwssWukvy8HlmQKjvhc4ADd_t5PtSQJQ7KnpqeFi667Z-Pc0JEdjYfsGeAOTZcu6DcdbU_badiQVSReHM/s400/Kristen+Grad+Scarf+pix+334.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343248449626628882" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Alpaca (Velvet) & Pygora (Curly) skeins ready for warping and weaving.</span><br /><br /> I wish I could say that I had taken pictures of it on the loom, but there again, I was so short on time I could not get it done. But lest one think that the weaving was easy... HA! For something that was plain weave in threading and treadling HA! I made a mistake in my warp calculations and so it was shorter than I wanted, but I had no time to spin more warp. I wanted to do a card woven border, but it looked terrible so I axed it. I wanted to do a sample first, but I had no time so I axed that. I wanted to do a tapestry design in the little squares, but the time it would have taken me would have precluded me from participating in this International Year of the Natural fibers so I decided to adapt my initial design. <br /><br /> To begin with the scarf was inspired by and ancient Peruvian piece from a book I have. Perhaps I will try again and do a better job. <br /><br /> I found that my reed and beater was abraiding my warp too much and so I used my mini-tapestry beater to beat each section into place. Since I alternated tapestry squares in the lattice work it made sense to do this. The tapestry work was incredibly time consuming. It looks nice, but the hours I put in were very intense. Eventually it was done being woven so I did my hem stitching, washed it, set it, and ironed it. Then I put together my entry notebook and sent it into Spin-Off.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu7Ui3cvQarWuARUy-CIuGEVXqUqpHuIQFvYGONcu943JHVBQIdUPdSjA51E8JTNh_L3NvEOvnabzRhKNwFEUv_mDyM19iBy2MF9knLtGRmPxXcH0-3tfg7cvCaR8WseeGGp7v/s1600-h/Scarf+and+Mark+010.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/AVvXsEiu7Ui3cvQarWuARUy-CIuGEVXqUqpHuIQFvYGONcu943JHVBQIdUPdSjA51E8JTNh_L3NvEOvnabzRhKNwFEUv_mDyM19iBy2MF9knLtGRmPxXcH0-3tfg7cvCaR8WseeGGp7v/s400/Scarf+and+Mark+010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343248442166995106" /></a><span style="font-style:italic;">The scarf in full view</span><br /><br />Here is a full view of the finished scarf. My daughter has decided to adopt it (especially since the dog ate her Christmas mitts in half). She likes it a lot and to me that is a great success story. (Teenager likes scarf Mom makes... film at eleven). The creativity of the many fiber artists participating in this competition is intense and this scarf was not enough to make it even to the final cut, but it was still a worthwhile journey.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347982.post-54676929704426874952009-06-03T14:03:00.000-07:002009-06-03T14:08:44.295-07:00Medieval Image of the DayIn honor of a wonderful weekend with lots of people doing things together I submit this image for your enjoyment and edification. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0rfMNTBGJ31g80fuR5imzE2fAK112PVuBpoP5mxyG1yr9Sk9Uwo88WsugfIctaycYfQn5C6Ck6N9QcoSAnOqT8C7ZDTx-QUXop33OsxXvOSLhQ3TnsYy6YcBn9WE9vB15vWW/s1600-h/Mary+at+Loom+yarn+winder+3+women.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 372px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0rfMNTBGJ31g80fuR5imzE2fAK112PVuBpoP5mxyG1yr9Sk9Uwo88WsugfIctaycYfQn5C6Ck6N9QcoSAnOqT8C7ZDTx-QUXop33OsxXvOSLhQ3TnsYy6YcBn9WE9vB15vWW/s400/Mary+at+Loom+yarn+winder+3+women.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343210461520947650" /></a><br /><br />Mary appears at a type of loom. Some wonder if this is a loom for sprang. One modern maker I've seen uses this type of loom. We see the warp, but no cards. Nothing is on the loom so we really don't know. Note what appears to be a skein winder and another woman sewing. Really and afternoon fiber retreat or an everyday's work. Depends on one's viewpoint. This is clearly a very early image.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347982.post-11538967498128028862009-05-31T20:48:00.000-07:002009-06-13T15:50:15.494-07:00Fields of Fiber -- A Sea of Color .... Griffin Dyeworks Fiber Retreat<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPXd-Zoz1u5VCPsPpCTARk0cGO0dPE5yC9WPxlAnjHorCGpQeTsr8fQYdeFWq6NoN3ZdwfJVpcHzu9gGwYDnEj487FSHkJwYBoAd0VEc1ZGmNKI64gGR-2_Q86lSac5RijHLf1/s1600-h/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+081.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/AVvXsEiPXd-Zoz1u5VCPsPpCTARk0cGO0dPE5yC9WPxlAnjHorCGpQeTsr8fQYdeFWq6NoN3ZdwfJVpcHzu9gGwYDnEj487FSHkJwYBoAd0VEc1ZGmNKI64gGR-2_Q86lSac5RijHLf1/s400/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+081.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342853423031524322" /></a><br /><br />Wynken, Blynken and Nod one night<br />Sailed off in a wooden shoe,<br />Sailed on a river of crystal light<br />Into a sea of dew.<br /><br />Where are you going<br />And what do you wish<br />The old man asked the three...<br />[excerpt from Wynken, Blynken,and Nod by Eugene Field]<br /><br /><br />The Griffin Dyeworks Fiber Retreat was at a camp a little north of Castaic in California. Driving there is where I went and what we wished for was fun, fiber, dyes, and the camaraderie of other fiber folk --- all good friends.<br />Fiber brings out the best in people and this event has a special spirit of relaxed learning. Everyone is good to one and other. People share, everyone has something to offer and teach. It is communal education at its best even with accompanying scheduled classes of every ilk.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS0salkGUfyTqk2EFt0TBt9HrzODBxORMMfkfzEKEYOph5twmfVNb2t85KKHwBcUvr80-cxiOQkBpsJZKr4bXdeB4LPs0sKy5ZRrU6JtDtfN61BCFCka9UKaVTnELp8UCpARCy/s1600-h/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+011.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/AVvXsEjS0salkGUfyTqk2EFt0TBt9HrzODBxORMMfkfzEKEYOph5twmfVNb2t85KKHwBcUvr80-cxiOQkBpsJZKr4bXdeB4LPs0sKy5ZRrU6JtDtfN61BCFCka9UKaVTnELp8UCpARCy/s320/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+011.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342823661525620082" /></a> Misty Evening<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgneQJQDT8_O0HrV6veUXV0X84aiSjvrvNJ0l9WKaZ18vwEPbNYnr5OE5qXd9h9qLIq63zsQVT_UpkuT0FAy6F0nYRDqLeXAsR7DE9dE8kCgoy15sA3T-6GrPvcQOhqS7kK2UMD/s1600-h/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+018.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgneQJQDT8_O0HrV6veUXV0X84aiSjvrvNJ0l9WKaZ18vwEPbNYnr5OE5qXd9h9qLIq63zsQVT_UpkuT0FAy6F0nYRDqLeXAsR7DE9dE8kCgoy15sA3T-6GrPvcQOhqS7kK2UMD/s400/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342205431140010514" border="0" /></a><br /> The Yucca plants were in bloom and I stopped after getting off the highway to get some photos. I love yucca plants. They aren't easy to grow (the seeds have to have been in soil during a fire -- part of the natural chaparral habitat -- in order to germinate.. but once they get going they are equally difficult to move. I believe they are protected in California as well.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwMwWyj2YmmncA34yXaQk_kvRjDmxylzw0sscYsKwIugt-z0jA8DquoOtjGyXJKSW6EB-PGz8AShEBaS9r3fXlP38nQEnofvp9usjDug0fvmv5g3nWWVQMfBJtKjV9xkS4XOZ9/s1600-h/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+028.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwMwWyj2YmmncA34yXaQk_kvRjDmxylzw0sscYsKwIugt-z0jA8DquoOtjGyXJKSW6EB-PGz8AShEBaS9r3fXlP38nQEnofvp9usjDug0fvmv5g3nWWVQMfBJtKjV9xkS4XOZ9/s320/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+028.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342556025415356898" border="0" /></a> FELTING<br />Ruth taught a number of things including a great felting class.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhUg8w-HlPulkkC4c5tdRJ_xrrPaEyyMXT6SuKh-3aiUwLllCUg1atyS0Oq-D1AAvJmjGdMIe7ZWYYRH2qZjVMbkJtrvXqfCWg1nc5lTGpiJxWNexGDLs5llEQg_KhnuFwwwH/s1600-h/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+029.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhUg8w-HlPulkkC4c5tdRJ_xrrPaEyyMXT6SuKh-3aiUwLllCUg1atyS0Oq-D1AAvJmjGdMIe7ZWYYRH2qZjVMbkJtrvXqfCWg1nc5lTGpiJxWNexGDLs5llEQg_KhnuFwwwH/s320/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+029.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342556029969663538" border="0" /></a> Bridget (not in this picture) taught several card weaving classes. Here are two tablet weavers on Saturday morning. Card weaving (tablet weaving) is like other fiber activities... pervasive, obsessive... delightful!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzbqf7KDvBNA_xxnwL53H8uNBLIWitCLkXqUR19yH5r3n1ycwBgX5Wg5GFoNvp1gMNcp_ljM10MWO6rYpOnbEkba5KbcjHw7VTVETXywGxJ1CkWeBExlB4O54eydL7hJs9m1cL/s1600-h/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+033.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzbqf7KDvBNA_xxnwL53H8uNBLIWitCLkXqUR19yH5r3n1ycwBgX5Wg5GFoNvp1gMNcp_ljM10MWO6rYpOnbEkba5KbcjHw7VTVETXywGxJ1CkWeBExlB4O54eydL7hJs9m1cL/s320/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+033.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342556046954967330" border="0" /></a> People let their hair down ...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LvEfvY0E54RIKNJODlOXrzfXparIzxw524ZU1fULbpycdB-ps3BQzXKVE9sNqIFf7pdYwPPp9m-KJZS0b3POoVpg_KpR_xdELoMiA0jvWQQiqQQ1npvw8CjkcBpEFJDYd9vH/s1600-h/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+032.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LvEfvY0E54RIKNJODlOXrzfXparIzxw524ZU1fULbpycdB-ps3BQzXKVE9sNqIFf7pdYwPPp9m-KJZS0b3POoVpg_KpR_xdELoMiA0jvWQQiqQQ1npvw8CjkcBpEFJDYd9vH/s320/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+032.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342556038609517682" border="0" /></a> ...And did what made their hearts happy...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLtrifN0FCGrIq6TzbeeHjWxWhY7qWLsoQSr7a21wk1m_ub-9AEEULxvbJ2nAaxvVwx3cTfuzC_btYVeuKuodVzBKnH63X4nrGWQUuXXi1OKu9b-5m6ph-8mD1smHZxpjKcZ3S/s1600-h/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+031.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLtrifN0FCGrIq6TzbeeHjWxWhY7qWLsoQSr7a21wk1m_ub-9AEEULxvbJ2nAaxvVwx3cTfuzC_btYVeuKuodVzBKnH63X4nrGWQUuXXi1OKu9b-5m6ph-8mD1smHZxpjKcZ3S/s320/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+031.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342556035677944450" border="0" /></a> Friends got together...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOTEnOQcyxLlp3QYFd3QN5vT0UHfZ_1Lru3bL3ce0diA_EuZai78QK12uc34dhX1R-2T54nhTWWJh4FNCHKBDLoocsEdG5P3VE1Mr9hTYmw4zAWmrKgtN4G5SBbLo0jq-0kmj9/s1600-h/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+034.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/AVvXsEiOTEnOQcyxLlp3QYFd3QN5vT0UHfZ_1Lru3bL3ce0diA_EuZai78QK12uc34dhX1R-2T54nhTWWJh4FNCHKBDLoocsEdG5P3VE1Mr9hTYmw4zAWmrKgtN4G5SBbLo0jq-0kmj9/s400/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+034.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342975412572033506" /></a><br />Some people danced...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw_Zx_y1-NFFM3WkvqB3M5mc_uLG83DUHaNPdGwRBI5CBbDkA6I3sc4mZXugr2MsT6SMRseJ9Wdn64NLwhIfv6Ton8uDbRxP8hUudMVwhmlJZBqmEPYUuoYVb1eW2s4yFmfs4e/s1600-h/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+047.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/AVvXsEhw_Zx_y1-NFFM3WkvqB3M5mc_uLG83DUHaNPdGwRBI5CBbDkA6I3sc4mZXugr2MsT6SMRseJ9Wdn64NLwhIfv6Ton8uDbRxP8hUudMVwhmlJZBqmEPYUuoYVb1eW2s4yFmfs4e/s320/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+047.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342573385763240226" /></a> MUCH spinning was to be had at the 72 hr spin-in...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_MDlUW5i-bCSMs-kAtH_jpSG6rt9yTxgMU-bHjtgSxUthfgwWfhPLlF92J8tNbp04SBGf6yh2gAXYiAwVOjcH0jkLY4VGNxqy8wlTIRLbpz6PBtZk2EnVs8qSBd6KqQqTa_i3/s1600-h/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+046.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/AVvXsEg_MDlUW5i-bCSMs-kAtH_jpSG6rt9yTxgMU-bHjtgSxUthfgwWfhPLlF92J8tNbp04SBGf6yh2gAXYiAwVOjcH0jkLY4VGNxqy8wlTIRLbpz6PBtZk2EnVs8qSBd6KqQqTa_i3/s320/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+046.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342573377918433586" /></a> We never did think to count up the number of different wheels and spindles that surrounded us.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlzPnPid7attJQg1r6KdG0vXwFyfFggwNIvg2w6m8TGQKSoNwkgVcBbRFTN8JKrk-1SyxHmhjxnVfpCvvmp4G0kKATjefUxS_AHbXNr8Gp0XaHZG9nOpjmq_7wK0WsuhPOlBl/s1600-h/Fiber+Retreat+spin+in+Lissa+2009.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/AVvXsEgGlzPnPid7attJQg1r6KdG0vXwFyfFggwNIvg2w6m8TGQKSoNwkgVcBbRFTN8JKrk-1SyxHmhjxnVfpCvvmp4G0kKATjefUxS_AHbXNr8Gp0XaHZG9nOpjmq_7wK0WsuhPOlBl/s320/Fiber+Retreat+spin+in+Lissa+2009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342823672900675010" /></a>[Group Photo by Melissa]<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr55hXFpJeBrtoSlNaqXEb1DF73l6WxbUY8LBYHVBpPIeW5saQ0S6siRpQCDTJtHdWrcWrrwI4p3amI1Vl7hZuZU2CZiYExK7eKQDQSx3BDvubyBNSNgfBPGF30F3TQZNseYag/s1600-h/Courtney+Pic+Bru+teaches+Great+Wheel.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/AVvXsEjr55hXFpJeBrtoSlNaqXEb1DF73l6WxbUY8LBYHVBpPIeW5saQ0S6siRpQCDTJtHdWrcWrrwI4p3amI1Vl7hZuZU2CZiYExK7eKQDQSx3BDvubyBNSNgfBPGF30F3TQZNseYag/s400/Courtney+Pic+Bru+teaches+Great+Wheel.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343615672988948418" /></a>[Photo by Sherry] Bru teaches on her Antique Great wheel.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkXQb5L0XZCW1mNBdL4y9k7pqQwjN002DxN2Uff9vuYcirG_XIv_zL-qtOuWZOukl2gPxioq9R3Li1uZElcYdW9ld71FAF8lK6vZdXQW1G42KqeXuo3-rOf4yq1hMN_4owIdv/s1600-h/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+050.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/AVvXsEiMkXQb5L0XZCW1mNBdL4y9k7pqQwjN002DxN2Uff9vuYcirG_XIv_zL-qtOuWZOukl2gPxioq9R3Li1uZElcYdW9ld71FAF8lK6vZdXQW1G42KqeXuo3-rOf4yq1hMN_4owIdv/s320/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+050.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342573389530749570" /></a> Color was pervasive and basic in its presence everywhere. But the world is like that... perhaps we just become aware at intense moments of saturation.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFow3T65tIRWYta7wzxj-g8olNWm6JY6NWWJQBdq8dH8dWN74Kin3hp-bjiq-3bbWD-ihbJq1JlsqFkE0p6p08gmeVxRnDwyHxq48RVutrpHOCm15Sk9gz6HGrCG_KBu0eRkvD/s1600-h/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+057.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/AVvXsEgFow3T65tIRWYta7wzxj-g8olNWm6JY6NWWJQBdq8dH8dWN74Kin3hp-bjiq-3bbWD-ihbJq1JlsqFkE0p6p08gmeVxRnDwyHxq48RVutrpHOCm15Sk9gz6HGrCG_KBu0eRkvD/s320/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+057.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342647226511053298" /></a> DYEING CENTRAL!<br />The dye pots were warm, the dyes were intense, we were there to make color!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzxXAD9lep7FD9BWkHaBnmAUunQA5MhoXoNjXq84nJN0SxFFmlS4-B-HaCwoGq-36ksjlcJoVGZEzmRqO1VI2hJ0bW9NudUxG0eilL02ZuuCq8S9lx-BVp4dxqaAgYAUdGZhLj/s1600-h/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+056.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/AVvXsEgzxXAD9lep7FD9BWkHaBnmAUunQA5MhoXoNjXq84nJN0SxFFmlS4-B-HaCwoGq-36ksjlcJoVGZEzmRqO1VI2hJ0bW9NudUxG0eilL02ZuuCq8S9lx-BVp4dxqaAgYAUdGZhLj/s320/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+056.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342647216499276978" /></a><br /><br />The thing that started it all was the seduction of color. It wove its way into our brains and Bjo got this idea for a retreat... One thing led to another, but it was the dye pot that brought us here to begin with. <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkz2e3aLoOn8nqF-lSloAL2u-td1XnnFVdVurGxhgatMIkT1jb6zDx7ypOflRFseZQ-7zBA6WeLpURy5NfbCOLwa9rc3CkuIbQrpXI1sjWKQf9CU6YzPjwauH4BiIwj-Q9iEc2/s1600-h/Lissa+clothesline+photo+fiber+retreat+2009.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/AVvXsEjkz2e3aLoOn8nqF-lSloAL2u-td1XnnFVdVurGxhgatMIkT1jb6zDx7ypOflRFseZQ-7zBA6WeLpURy5NfbCOLwa9rc3CkuIbQrpXI1sjWKQf9CU6YzPjwauH4BiIwj-Q9iEc2/s320/Lissa+clothesline+photo+fiber+retreat+2009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342638560110291906" /></a>[Photo by Melissa]<br />This artful photo caught the movement and some of the color of the dyepot artifacts as well as the diversity of vision from the dyepot artists.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3fHp-oZ5os290OarbMEYMKfdqVu8FBd72KpWjCW66GxUB9eTGknTpsO8zthdHqAbOa6_rmfXLajHfdR-O46Q896j68mOK6qb94F-1Rw0YW3yE_-PDec-q-6-kL9aB0x1aArxj/s1600-h/Lissa+indigo+dye+work+2009.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/AVvXsEh3fHp-oZ5os290OarbMEYMKfdqVu8FBd72KpWjCW66GxUB9eTGknTpsO8zthdHqAbOa6_rmfXLajHfdR-O46Q896j68mOK6qb94F-1Rw0YW3yE_-PDec-q-6-kL9aB0x1aArxj/s320/Lissa+indigo+dye+work+2009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342638562762115426" /></a> [Photo by Melissa]<br />The indigo pot was THE place to be and everyone had a different idea of what to put in it. The results were tremendously exciting!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLcDxChbljSWHXZm7Zx-f6Zu9vOvDbTTKXjfEPSR4X0xrZAHcDljbVgcmrtFekbASESPAJLpweA8VqH_GwblKzTd4Ozyon783UR0B4ogM1mKNy-TDZ1NMSyBShmroUGAcQkukY/s1600-h/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+079.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/AVvXsEhLcDxChbljSWHXZm7Zx-f6Zu9vOvDbTTKXjfEPSR4X0xrZAHcDljbVgcmrtFekbASESPAJLpweA8VqH_GwblKzTd4Ozyon783UR0B4ogM1mKNy-TDZ1NMSyBShmroUGAcQkukY/s320/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+079.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342647236297138498" /></a><br />Some of us got a bit carried away with the indigo... 'We can even dye your hands to match your eyes'... Blue nails guild motto... (and Dorothy thought emerald green was the way to go...).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ALEvhwx1v0tNlIL7afOjgFg4CLiUTZGBcrFAiK5PgA6zIHuV7SUgeWc8zKOYYJAaKk36JWpnFHor-vOUgR_p8xKru0OIVFHKi37al5MPpCey4esG6zNZy42YF6R0ykyke4G-/s1600-h/Courtney+pic+Bjo+2009.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/AVvXsEh9ALEvhwx1v0tNlIL7afOjgFg4CLiUTZGBcrFAiK5PgA6zIHuV7SUgeWc8zKOYYJAaKk36JWpnFHor-vOUgR_p8xKru0OIVFHKi37al5MPpCey4esG6zNZy42YF6R0ykyke4G-/s400/Courtney+pic+Bjo+2009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343615671244965650" /></a>[Photo by Sherry]<br />Indigo and shibori by Bjo -- The wind caught and flew a good many fabrics and yarns. It was part of the grace of land and we embraced it fully.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja7JV3tSPtpbGGmIaAtgxfNitp6HHpIvvE6TTws2AaDpKKSEmWgYGKiiDriPdmkkZMUCYtpKZucgUX7kOqHhXDboqDPo6qH6XILTGeiAJOLuXrZJH10ldpFC7DXdW2MISs7Qz6/s1600-h/Lissa+show+and+tell+2009.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/AVvXsEja7JV3tSPtpbGGmIaAtgxfNitp6HHpIvvE6TTws2AaDpKKSEmWgYGKiiDriPdmkkZMUCYtpKZucgUX7kOqHhXDboqDPo6qH6XILTGeiAJOLuXrZJH10ldpFC7DXdW2MISs7Qz6/s320/Lissa+show+and+tell+2009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342638569399517634" /></a> [Photo by Melissa]<br />MANY different colors came out of the dyepot this weekend!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz8yKdB47X86Ep6d-mx_YNfKj7poIeAhiAIjm1UR9rcGFtwKGXTBiTvk05JneMe-6ny7bjq8NBYrdpF6H2KMOiR51xWmr53Qi9in0oStafas2JJRi4HqoCpSRqGGZMIakyi3PT/s1600-h/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+051.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/AVvXsEgz8yKdB47X86Ep6d-mx_YNfKj7poIeAhiAIjm1UR9rcGFtwKGXTBiTvk05JneMe-6ny7bjq8NBYrdpF6H2KMOiR51xWmr53Qi9in0oStafas2JJRi4HqoCpSRqGGZMIakyi3PT/s320/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+051.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342586863042228418" /></a> TAPESTRY WEAVING<br />This class, taught by Ellen was on a specific style of tapestry weaving. Ellen a long time weaver and print artist was incredibly organized and shared much of her artistic vision and thoughts with us. She really opened up some areas where I have been stuck. It was like a dam breaking and the water flowing freely.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilsTkVEM7vHd1v78r04BDovddsuBg8bvnaXWMTSrIEcwavWQOGCSCNu8Mk1PNaOz7JqWh-dRnFXXOUwftYEh_nTCZhI9knnWu4K0KKAHvT_wWkfJnuC4Gq_NpNfKK6iJtWqi-4/s1600-h/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+053.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/AVvXsEilsTkVEM7vHd1v78r04BDovddsuBg8bvnaXWMTSrIEcwavWQOGCSCNu8Mk1PNaOz7JqWh-dRnFXXOUwftYEh_nTCZhI9knnWu4K0KKAHvT_wWkfJnuC4Gq_NpNfKK6iJtWqi-4/s320/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+053.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342586874138237538" /></a><br />Here is Ellen's sample that she worked out for our little class project. If one wanted to move in a different direction that was fine too. The techniques are not difficult. If you are interested in seeing more about this process you can go to Ellen's blogsite <a href="http://wefttomyowndevices.blogspot.com/2009_05_01_archive.html">Weft to my own Devices; tapestry entry</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj01oXu81LtzLMWPnAjQq1ZHsDaIpXuYJYoS0ON1QgAKGG7dvZNFeTacXpqDZXhycJkpxSd-U1oZdBI0HjlaARzHYeGpWkk343LyZ9DkmV9K9qT7bjYN423K16S5QwHo59-F66V/s1600-h/fiber+retreat09_pin-woven+class04Philippa.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/AVvXsEj01oXu81LtzLMWPnAjQq1ZHsDaIpXuYJYoS0ON1QgAKGG7dvZNFeTacXpqDZXhycJkpxSd-U1oZdBI0HjlaARzHYeGpWkk343LyZ9DkmV9K9qT7bjYN423K16S5QwHo59-F66V/s320/fiber+retreat09_pin-woven+class04Philippa.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342849115473556098" /></a>[Photo by Ellen]<br />We were all very concentrated at each step. Part of the magic of this technique is the consideration and use of yarns in a color family and the use of yarns of completely different textural qualities to communicate a feeling and idea.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvN5xe7POF_WfFCvcrNZXcFanXdBEV_clvDvN7jWP6dmTogtv8kquoEhjoLatcsfXK_44TdUyeQLSiFKQUinwSsWZLwpsrqfChCD8joa-njVcZbYWUvl4EhZKIPqgrqSqOb4xG/s1600-h/fiber+retreat09_tapestry_dawnPhilippa.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 293px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvN5xe7POF_WfFCvcrNZXcFanXdBEV_clvDvN7jWP6dmTogtv8kquoEhjoLatcsfXK_44TdUyeQLSiFKQUinwSsWZLwpsrqfChCD8joa-njVcZbYWUvl4EhZKIPqgrqSqOb4xG/s320/fiber+retreat09_tapestry_dawnPhilippa.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342849111222536354" /></a>[Photo by Ellen] <br />Here Dawn shows her amazing progress on her pin tapestry. <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAv6H23TkXaQNDvloZKz_3uB-22M1IhWy6esB47qAShfpMbkLqIpihy9TGKC_6_JtNED7q__j_FV5KzGmI4eLaNJYi3eotU5w0ewZJUwhuzIF0p49hfHdgMaZ3PGFOkmBXksAY/s1600-h/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+054.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/AVvXsEhAv6H23TkXaQNDvloZKz_3uB-22M1IhWy6esB47qAShfpMbkLqIpihy9TGKC_6_JtNED7q__j_FV5KzGmI4eLaNJYi3eotU5w0ewZJUwhuzIF0p49hfHdgMaZ3PGFOkmBXksAY/s320/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+054.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342586877141843810" /></a> EMBROIDERY TAPESTRY<br />Esther always comes with a class as a larger concept. [Visit Esther at <a href="http://starcrossdesigns.blogspot.com/">Star Cross Designs</a>] Last year at the retreat she had a full weekend class, 'Come weave on a Warp Wt'd Loom', and then the finished shawl was raffled off on Sunday amongst those who had done the weaving. This year it was an embroidery tapestry a la Bayeaux Tapestry. She collected a variety of medieval illumination images depicting all sorts of fiber activities and had Melinda and Bruce do line drawings. These line drawings were transferred onto linen and the lines are then embroidered... with hand spun and naturally dyed yarns. If you've seen the Bayeaux Tapestry, you will note that it is really an embroidered artwork. People did a wonderful job and everyone did a little bit of something. Of course it isn't finished... it is a work that will travel and continue to be a communal piece of art something like the real Bayeaux Tapestry. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaBOenYTGocdBoxPPEm622yHjHjImaahiDSP8wLNCgSztZVVxDYYmYLCDqkfuBXd-b58Vyj4NyiMGC_va7FStxnkgY0_kdA0nFHKnZdc5Cs-hIlgEERvBehXXbMkapg2NFV6_J/s1600-h/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+035.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/AVvXsEgaBOenYTGocdBoxPPEm622yHjHjImaahiDSP8wLNCgSztZVVxDYYmYLCDqkfuBXd-b58Vyj4NyiMGC_va7FStxnkgY0_kdA0nFHKnZdc5Cs-hIlgEERvBehXXbMkapg2NFV6_J/s320/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+035.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342598663130286018" /></a><br />A piece of the long view... the linen with fiber activities - eternal from then to now and onto the future - stretched for about 5 feet. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYiMyzhcoIsmsVFEihw6zwHRAoSQA_LFxe0Cs9lVbziJLLMMQU3X2qP6zCtdDzaw824t8k8j_ab6sFLcynN0wCRUUiWJEVOO1E5PFsUwnO6-mDrelZEixwa0bbMr6b09Qy8V8q/s1600-h/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+041.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/AVvXsEjYiMyzhcoIsmsVFEihw6zwHRAoSQA_LFxe0Cs9lVbziJLLMMQU3X2qP6zCtdDzaw824t8k8j_ab6sFLcynN0wCRUUiWJEVOO1E5PFsUwnO6-mDrelZEixwa0bbMr6b09Qy8V8q/s320/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+041.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342598668272203762" /></a><br />Our illustrious leader and archetypal goddess of natural dyes, Bjo in her own line drawing, a part of the essential spirit of fiber arts over generations. A woman of the 21st century fits completely with a woman from the 12th century and I'm sure those from a millenium before. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbDbVpozrnZYn_BWdAHAIKvhWjheyh85SoW3rL1SWPgGE3WD0TLmTm-_DEpVDosRKwlNQJyB-0IEzigkCEWDjL9BVfux6XtrGov6nTYQx6P1sylW0SUQh0meVXcnn9LTeXV1O0/s1600-h/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+038.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/AVvXsEgbDbVpozrnZYn_BWdAHAIKvhWjheyh85SoW3rL1SWPgGE3WD0TLmTm-_DEpVDosRKwlNQJyB-0IEzigkCEWDjL9BVfux6XtrGov6nTYQx6P1sylW0SUQh0meVXcnn9LTeXV1O0/s320/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+038.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342598670941945714" /></a><br />These three women came from illuminations and tapestries working together in their common theme and purpose. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHrZmYyJuVSc8QtltPVJ4FMcofYJh2GIgS-lwdEITyT8k9OqkIe7pJVn8zsO1hyphenhyphenXr_mDcHKhMGuh1YD26HuO9BpRWsSsN9ZZ4l4YlxHqPUsGZ-7KhRLIzwjnEgxSy2DWJ3Kh_/s1600-h/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+039.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/AVvXsEjNHrZmYyJuVSc8QtltPVJ4FMcofYJh2GIgS-lwdEITyT8k9OqkIe7pJVn8zsO1hyphenhyphenXr_mDcHKhMGuh1YD26HuO9BpRWsSsN9ZZ4l4YlxHqPUsGZ-7KhRLIzwjnEgxSy2DWJ3Kh_/s320/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+039.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342598680840729170" /></a><br />And soon enough the color began to be added...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidqWzbnDCKM1eLh2tTRvcQZFmUA9JNaDZlyqYvZem9GncS0-6toutQeg8RLYhtXOLsPUtw0ydi9ewOYxb8SVkgnOA_kp_5de0AvmCNO4q4FQt9FkGCT0l-DyYjtcq1dOYe2P2O/s1600-h/fiber+retreat09_embroidery01Philippa.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/AVvXsEidqWzbnDCKM1eLh2tTRvcQZFmUA9JNaDZlyqYvZem9GncS0-6toutQeg8RLYhtXOLsPUtw0ydi9ewOYxb8SVkgnOA_kp_5de0AvmCNO4q4FQt9FkGCT0l-DyYjtcq1dOYe2P2O/s320/fiber+retreat09_embroidery01Philippa.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342604545348698242" /></a> [Photo by Ellen]<br />How appropriate ... a dye pot and fiber about to be dipped. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDM85E8O8D1OiV4mKkPRBw7hSVDor4Rx1B1nsZhxTBcOwFhd2Yi3ANOCUcymK0xhl2FJewg63n8_HGCnYMa_vhPm4JNo8JlLrR9dJihtjMQTWcJUqATwDkwvAzJAMA3lwMI_pV/s1600-h/Lissa+tapestry+pix+2009.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/AVvXsEhDM85E8O8D1OiV4mKkPRBw7hSVDor4Rx1B1nsZhxTBcOwFhd2Yi3ANOCUcymK0xhl2FJewg63n8_HGCnYMa_vhPm4JNo8JlLrR9dJihtjMQTWcJUqATwDkwvAzJAMA3lwMI_pV/s320/Lissa+tapestry+pix+2009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342631324425340946" /></a> [Photo by Melissa]<br />Where would we be without sheep shearers???<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipT-ASKJUkd_0DI2XZOXsggkHXz-ekbd2IsVDtk9vWUAGHoVXfjcHvob6cBIsS_1rmr2oVe1RX28jaWxpSFUOTmuO-vKwbLBbAJcZG8nMHvJNfpMAHN3GnQLWU2vj11OhJfRsZ/s1600-h/Tapestry+3+Ianuk.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipT-ASKJUkd_0DI2XZOXsggkHXz-ekbd2IsVDtk9vWUAGHoVXfjcHvob6cBIsS_1rmr2oVe1RX28jaWxpSFUOTmuO-vKwbLBbAJcZG8nMHvJNfpMAHN3GnQLWU2vj11OhJfRsZ/s320/Tapestry+3+Ianuk.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342631326846755442" /></a> [Photo by Ianuk]<br />Everyone tried to do some embroidery or spin and dye some thread.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmhVFHf-VySBvMRTFLH48TzD1p9dzqHLJGcsGZZHbDMWye4aXpwdvJhaLCXuQJk64oURhaRyBfTS6LYz350c5fGFwvKh0XgE9F4mI5HfIPZJEh1hS7mZJybwFxwjvd4Z7j4mC/s1600-h/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+061.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/AVvXsEhmmhVFHf-VySBvMRTFLH48TzD1p9dzqHLJGcsGZZHbDMWye4aXpwdvJhaLCXuQJk64oURhaRyBfTS6LYz350c5fGFwvKh0XgE9F4mI5HfIPZJEh1hS7mZJybwFxwjvd4Z7j4mC/s320/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+061.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342604555624154466" /></a> NEEDLE NETTING<br />Cynthia taught a class on netting.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JW7D_eoTFvoOa91VkHH45-zF7iOAIOG3NdDENfHcVII1AGnaLcnWkYSkmPgMH-94M3Yw8C8e58xlpsp8AyDIHcJ7L9yWJdpDvJRBouGLHuAJCfTJvvNvs2-s_Lj9wCk65R9m/s1600-h/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+055.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/AVvXsEh4JW7D_eoTFvoOa91VkHH45-zF7iOAIOG3NdDENfHcVII1AGnaLcnWkYSkmPgMH-94M3Yw8C8e58xlpsp8AyDIHcJ7L9yWJdpDvJRBouGLHuAJCfTJvvNvs2-s_Lj9wCk65R9m/s320/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+055.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342604558114272130" /></a><br />Cynthia works on her net near the Lapidary area she set up. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSISS27skBZjJXETX1kO-s7I9hkk6iVwCsH3l0lNG2l8rUhdTjpkFFmIe_kP5e6hz9u4CpAaHbsakEeRztcLdF4iQES6eOdvtqykG2obZR9Vl182o7mKjgib1g3fCTFu8gim4r/s1600-h/Therese+Teaching+Basketry+Courtney+pic.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/AVvXsEgSISS27skBZjJXETX1kO-s7I9hkk6iVwCsH3l0lNG2l8rUhdTjpkFFmIe_kP5e6hz9u4CpAaHbsakEeRztcLdF4iQES6eOdvtqykG2obZR9Vl182o7mKjgib1g3fCTFu8gim4r/s320/Therese+Teaching+Basketry+Courtney+pic.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343618904417124930" /></a>[Photo by Sherry]BASKETRY<br />Therese teaches Basketry... an ancient and honored art form.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYikRGGzZkiP-z4hD8LZ_bFFsfAY0Qe9OkKrq3TA2VR9g3dR1u7iG5X1HjSj-4GT_Rn3hGj3A5aCDBzyYJ3hSysTAoPUryuX2yeBrh6xRZQL0amRRWPipBw7LkHKwaqlTHWoKH/s1600-h/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+060.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/AVvXsEhYikRGGzZkiP-z4hD8LZ_bFFsfAY0Qe9OkKrq3TA2VR9g3dR1u7iG5X1HjSj-4GT_Rn3hGj3A5aCDBzyYJ3hSysTAoPUryuX2yeBrh6xRZQL0amRRWPipBw7LkHKwaqlTHWoKH/s320/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+060.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342604569299265362" /></a> <br />This class was Therese's annual Basketry class. It is always full and the baskets are intensely amazing and beautiful! One erstwhile gentleman worked into the night.. with no light to finish his basket on Saturday. People get excited at the retreat... a bit obsessed, but always lots of fun is had.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiudCSICbDNPZEmdOY-wIXkD3ZMSUxu4PwPYxS_1S2V31EbnIscXtoDLjqzxPI5jzhxgyKMHiWGZRzLeT8-KsxJf0l3nzb2DD7E3YZJIyCY2lPegz5WfuLXmpylmS1j0K3GBck_/s1600-h/Basketmaking2+Ianuk2009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiudCSICbDNPZEmdOY-wIXkD3ZMSUxu4PwPYxS_1S2V31EbnIscXtoDLjqzxPI5jzhxgyKMHiWGZRzLeT8-KsxJf0l3nzb2DD7E3YZJIyCY2lPegz5WfuLXmpylmS1j0K3GBck_/s320/Basketmaking2+Ianuk2009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342851358093577746" /></a>[Photo by Ianuk]<br />On the floor...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqRFfFVRgioMxbGRGBhIohQNM_lmKf3_9zAodYeAPVXgtONkmpeddrrNYXMiS6lXbFe3X3u9HeVWgQMwkuQdNWJ6cuJtEYOj8h-DSgBshtaRnB9w_vaLuG1lfoinSnMlh_U6tW/s1600-h/Basket+Making+1+Ianuk2009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqRFfFVRgioMxbGRGBhIohQNM_lmKf3_9zAodYeAPVXgtONkmpeddrrNYXMiS6lXbFe3X3u9HeVWgQMwkuQdNWJ6cuJtEYOj8h-DSgBshtaRnB9w_vaLuG1lfoinSnMlh_U6tW/s320/Basket+Making+1+Ianuk2009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342851353005686754" /></a>[Photo by Ianuk]<br />... In a Chair... Baskets were made everywhere.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHIvXypRZsPwtmLyI9bohn781yxvP-W-KhkKGLIpuJGI_DCH5_gwYVFwQ1x367q-wWHX18-FYMAtAYw3PYcl5dWkFp78pdp6_4iwAgsbXG_g5F9QYxHqGsdBKCBaVrVCwX3Dg/s1600-h/fiber+retreat09_tie+dye03+philippa.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/AVvXsEihHIvXypRZsPwtmLyI9bohn781yxvP-W-KhkKGLIpuJGI_DCH5_gwYVFwQ1x367q-wWHX18-FYMAtAYw3PYcl5dWkFp78pdp6_4iwAgsbXG_g5F9QYxHqGsdBKCBaVrVCwX3Dg/s320/fiber+retreat09_tie+dye03+philippa.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342604551861791634" /></a> [Photo by Ellen] TIE AND DYE<br />Here is a little view of the annual Tie Dye with twists and folds class. This is on Sunday 24 hours (or so) after applying the dyes. The magic in this class as in most is that there is no wrong answer. There are only design elements. People got excited as rubber bands and string came off their garments to reveal... COLOR!!! of all sorts.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKMVlux29_tF9UXkkjUgP032jMqo-8q9ULkMAvYsfUotAUOsF7zAgELi2FRCPnSosbUMWiJjJVXX9PHPybXEv-3Jr9aKzVZbsVbUOReA6J2UBK_ZpOKb-Ki8wAXDZky8f90rXZ/s1600-h/fiber+retreat09_tie+dye01+philippa.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKMVlux29_tF9UXkkjUgP032jMqo-8q9ULkMAvYsfUotAUOsF7zAgELi2FRCPnSosbUMWiJjJVXX9PHPybXEv-3Jr9aKzVZbsVbUOReA6J2UBK_ZpOKb-Ki8wAXDZky8f90rXZ/s320/fiber+retreat09_tie+dye01+philippa.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342823677419361986" /></a> [Photo by Ellen]<br />This t-shirt being held up by Cora will be walking (with a person inside it) at the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Research in October.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVEYK2Wpb6L4Ysz_PrKSlbCGZIAupznVcmr96s_Ko7P0UpdOerkg6o7yk-VWTJ3CX5TmNQnAdS0pnYY-NrjTLZlyH-emt-8rSADlq8_jQdcSIWkmPitEcQGKfGDd5dJUIvi72/s1600-h/Tie+Dye+4+Ianuk+2009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVEYK2Wpb6L4Ysz_PrKSlbCGZIAupznVcmr96s_Ko7P0UpdOerkg6o7yk-VWTJ3CX5TmNQnAdS0pnYY-NrjTLZlyH-emt-8rSADlq8_jQdcSIWkmPitEcQGKfGDd5dJUIvi72/s320/Tie+Dye+4+Ianuk+2009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342631332276574562" /></a>[Photo by Ianuk]<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8klV-IUAOnTr7z90gup6UnOliEGEtNBPcj25MxqYPnXdJXI7xonSEIz7RQy2eePj4JmP_okcdONX2y313grdkcKsR6JTmzrI3ftGBTpxrraSF-010l3iCp2ETKM5QfbufrQl/s1600-h/Tie+dye+2+Ianuk.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8klV-IUAOnTr7z90gup6UnOliEGEtNBPcj25MxqYPnXdJXI7xonSEIz7RQy2eePj4JmP_okcdONX2y313grdkcKsR6JTmzrI3ftGBTpxrraSF-010l3iCp2ETKM5QfbufrQl/s320/Tie+dye+2+Ianuk.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342631328865154770" /></a>[Photo by Ianuk]<br />Tied and Dyed as far as the fence is long...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBoNLFWWbEj7VTu8DjlNxNF_OOM8r1T1IuLnbtS2uvP57s7tr2z63UF9vzb8TG8kUCWkGm6NmFwFj2p4oKeHUFF5HKqwACVMkqunGlm41JhZjILyalpAWWk6he0_fKrgslf7GS/s1600-h/Cora+Felting+Class+Retreat+2009.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/AVvXsEhBoNLFWWbEj7VTu8DjlNxNF_OOM8r1T1IuLnbtS2uvP57s7tr2z63UF9vzb8TG8kUCWkGm6NmFwFj2p4oKeHUFF5HKqwACVMkqunGlm41JhZjILyalpAWWk6he0_fKrgslf7GS/s400/Cora+Felting+Class+Retreat+2009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343615682126446818" /></a> [Photo By Sherry]<br />FELT ON SOAP<br />There were classes for everyone. This class was felting on soap. (and that felted soap works really well to clean dye off the hands).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DRJLE-uadjxF2nNJdvQaSMhmFfA6H7ROX0_OC24KO5yAGpqELJJBNDpShpSb2BsLNIgf8PysNikvh86PREU3gdZYiiOsVqy51W2_Y8JwR7KPiwZYBCxFMbrdLVCI3PB2nqc3/s1600-h/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+059.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/AVvXsEj8DRJLE-uadjxF2nNJdvQaSMhmFfA6H7ROX0_OC24KO5yAGpqELJJBNDpShpSb2BsLNIgf8PysNikvh86PREU3gdZYiiOsVqy51W2_Y8JwR7KPiwZYBCxFMbrdLVCI3PB2nqc3/s320/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+059.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342647240107739250" /></a> <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid28tKzW44vgcKGbVRlL4abNrS40dFVt9RKCMklWJHMgI7OcpDFX1-s4xhj4NC5VMYCJB0m3f0yPd8mOYxNDCHWowQpaus3f3B1KCKsERusxVAM7tuk1eWXzV9unXCKU7eR13i/s1600-h/Courtney+pic+felted+soap+Retreat+2009.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/AVvXsEid28tKzW44vgcKGbVRlL4abNrS40dFVt9RKCMklWJHMgI7OcpDFX1-s4xhj4NC5VMYCJB0m3f0yPd8mOYxNDCHWowQpaus3f3B1KCKsERusxVAM7tuk1eWXzV9unXCKU7eR13i/s320/Courtney+pic+felted+soap+Retreat+2009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343615966388138002" /></a>[Photo By Sherry]<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIzb7trQWXmNxB1dmtu8z920uwvKTt-DFe7PYSZOxb8W85wM3N_OkCjffeEl9qwzpM5by6vsl-FKGgQodTrKVD_bav860NZm1jhqWU2_8JC5VUoSGaD2I-R3dSa2Uyujzd5fwv/s1600-h/Mud+Painting+Bridget+Pic+2009.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/AVvXsEgIzb7trQWXmNxB1dmtu8z920uwvKTt-DFe7PYSZOxb8W85wM3N_OkCjffeEl9qwzpM5by6vsl-FKGgQodTrKVD_bav860NZm1jhqWU2_8JC5VUoSGaD2I-R3dSa2Uyujzd5fwv/s400/Mud+Painting+Bridget+Pic+2009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343615678074837778" /></a>[Photo by Bru] MUD DYEING<br />From Clean to Messy... There was a very unusual class in Mud Dyeing using various soils to produce a paintable mud. Interestingly enough the use of mud brought out the earliest paleo in the class participants. Some incredible beautiful things were made. The cloth was pre-soaked in a special natural solution and then the mud was painted on (in a very simplistic instruction... I was late and missed the class). The mud must stay on for two weeks and then it can come off and there should be color and design.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR5TMBEiVvtF26wPkm0-FjeUzzZSio0BmhdcNLDnC8roFBLS_6HJ18nXlIyM68z33EiIox8gdPAJZS0YDNKAEMQpFfUgflufqEQ_QYmNMJfnNGQzIoVyuJi80iCVVlIzpRw1RO/s1600-h/fiber+retreat09_mud+bagsPaleo+Philippa.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR5TMBEiVvtF26wPkm0-FjeUzzZSio0BmhdcNLDnC8roFBLS_6HJ18nXlIyM68z33EiIox8gdPAJZS0YDNKAEMQpFfUgflufqEQ_QYmNMJfnNGQzIoVyuJi80iCVVlIzpRw1RO/s320/fiber+retreat09_mud+bagsPaleo+Philippa.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342827862161141586" /></a>[Photo By Ellen] Ellen did these Paleo Horses. She has explored the paleo part of her psyche through weaving, printing, drawing, and now painting with probably the same materials as so long ago.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBb2q5k-jdYZmuJm6ztScK62DbOXKam0G9tdwNn2sYMleZL9vyJ2LXEVw2qwNt8_EYDrmi4Kzw3SLxRoY5QGd_zVohZfQ6WLO2qozPnogDPijIeJb9yHJQTYQCUE1QebQcwHr/s1600-h/fiber+retreat09_show%26tell05Philippa.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/AVvXsEiMBb2q5k-jdYZmuJm6ztScK62DbOXKam0G9tdwNn2sYMleZL9vyJ2LXEVw2qwNt8_EYDrmi4Kzw3SLxRoY5QGd_zVohZfQ6WLO2qozPnogDPijIeJb9yHJQTYQCUE1QebQcwHr/s320/fiber+retreat09_show%26tell05Philippa.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342827862812047698" /></a>[Photo by Ellen] Here are some shirts by the Tan family done using muds as the dyestuff.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVqwsqtKMTCKBtnMWKOP6k8kmyT8W1CmAwz-dhyphenhyphenKv2mJeGN4lDcxkh9Ah8HtwGmwbsjnwqZhxIe7r3OGROPiM8ww9W0anRJef0ZgsyYK-NWqmegqmrfjLru2hlFzLuabkDFbx_/s1600-h/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+067.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/AVvXsEgVqwsqtKMTCKBtnMWKOP6k8kmyT8W1CmAwz-dhyphenhyphenKv2mJeGN4lDcxkh9Ah8HtwGmwbsjnwqZhxIe7r3OGROPiM8ww9W0anRJef0ZgsyYK-NWqmegqmrfjLru2hlFzLuabkDFbx_/s320/Fiber+Retreat+May+2009+067.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342823669776689586" /></a> It was impossible not to be enthusiastic and come away with a bit of mud somewhere. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDCNjxDI1mU-keEKg3pg5iGxxnmmQrpFVdnX59oOt0TdBlYjVxnsxRbEW7jzPJQpx0sqRUMLnsKSbtkswxzTFHTuVLi1OTr06zXY90qHJ09jaJM20pmsz3zvKotBf1BsVSU46/s1600-h/Eowyns+Work+Ianuk2009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDCNjxDI1mU-keEKg3pg5iGxxnmmQrpFVdnX59oOt0TdBlYjVxnsxRbEW7jzPJQpx0sqRUMLnsKSbtkswxzTFHTuVLi1OTr06zXY90qHJ09jaJM20pmsz3zvKotBf1BsVSU46/s320/Eowyns+Work+Ianuk2009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342849112383643938" /></a>[Photo by Ianuk]<br />This is an experiment Eowyn came up. She dyed her bag with indigo and then painted on that. Hopefully, the mud dyes will come through in two weeks. I'm curious to see.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN933510DzlHciSpvpwB-cVrKt6ZH7NsUZPcOLRhLpF9aFmTEKKR8IXDip4xW8iIncStqQ5Lv4QGF7Xh2pDxSsNZXYy_Dd5zJvyrniWXjjcdYDSogoKuaZraDBtJCcXsevtg-L/s1600-h/Drum+circle+Ianuk2009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN933510DzlHciSpvpwB-cVrKt6ZH7NsUZPcOLRhLpF9aFmTEKKR8IXDip4xW8iIncStqQ5Lv4QGF7Xh2pDxSsNZXYy_Dd5zJvyrniWXjjcdYDSogoKuaZraDBtJCcXsevtg-L/s320/Drum+circle+Ianuk2009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342849105617882658" /></a>[Photo by Ianuk]<br />When we had dyed things all day ... there was a great drumming circle for a bit after dinner.<br /><br /><br />The difficulty is that there were lots of classes and of course my camera didn't travel enough even with the kind loan of photos from other attendees. There were many other classes including Tablet Weaving, Rams Horn Tablet Weaving Pattern, lapidary grinding, glass lampwork, kumihimo, Tri-loom weaving, Rigid-heddle weaving of early medieval patterns, graduated dyeing, Plying Parade, and others... There were many many classes and students could move easily in an informal way to catch classes. It is an unusual, but highly successful format.<br /><br />At the end of the weekend we had a show and tell. My camera battery died so I am dependent entirely upon the generosity of fellow retreat attendees and their photos.<br /><br />SHOW AND TELL<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLcCuVnT3_QUUhb1OVl46OgLHzPD5D1zKMvXdIT3BXhWKk3TWz7mCz0_lWaXxWDEWBVrvocWLxqqN8W6-zwswtHWBLqvhSjz0TcAxoMp9VdBBAasYvkdj-GuA9tf3JOlr9gS1V/s1600-h/Show+and+tell+table+Lissa+2009.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/AVvXsEhLcCuVnT3_QUUhb1OVl46OgLHzPD5D1zKMvXdIT3BXhWKk3TWz7mCz0_lWaXxWDEWBVrvocWLxqqN8W6-zwswtHWBLqvhSjz0TcAxoMp9VdBBAasYvkdj-GuA9tf3JOlr9gS1V/s320/Show+and+tell+table+Lissa+2009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342832768539540930" /></a>[Photo by Melissa]<br />Melissa likes to practice the art of not sleeping when at the retreat. She comes with a plan and a purpose. Her sample cards made using only natural dyes will allow her to duplicate and understand what she did to create the colors of individual yarns, wool and cotton. (yep, she saved the cotton tyes on her skeins to put on the sample cards... no moss growing on her...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cCxH5GMh-6FUkV2trm1MYqRHwGSy0Tb5fp4IF0lYKHMLkQeK1juAMQyVsx-W-3PkjqnkpVNpf30S45H9DGflnBFqqUM-n5x8jmz4tOrGNnZvXUVpPMpl6CFqh4KNx4o9vKgn/s1600-h/Show+and+tell+2009+Ianuk.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cCxH5GMh-6FUkV2trm1MYqRHwGSy0Tb5fp4IF0lYKHMLkQeK1juAMQyVsx-W-3PkjqnkpVNpf30S45H9DGflnBFqqUM-n5x8jmz4tOrGNnZvXUVpPMpl6CFqh4KNx4o9vKgn/s320/Show+and+tell+2009+Ianuk.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342832768476914482" /></a>[Photo by Ianuk]<br />This was an amazing tied and dyed shibori piece. After folding and tying her cloth, She dyed the yellow portions in either Kamala or dodder (I can't remember). Then she did some careful dipping in the indigo pot. When she was done she equally carefully rinsed et voila... designer tablecloth.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEittMb0ikTmNMWepZCgtbDxdJ9__U3FN7sbtq_m-2sIg9xdt232QvTFSZZpGRNu3v9BKVkMiAgIlzDRbKvUbfP1lTaePjMidltz37v-FABvGj_cKFA1Ww7mUwGp92O5oRwoZ_FK/s1600-h/Show+and+tell+3+2009+Ianuk.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEittMb0ikTmNMWepZCgtbDxdJ9__U3FN7sbtq_m-2sIg9xdt232QvTFSZZpGRNu3v9BKVkMiAgIlzDRbKvUbfP1lTaePjMidltz37v-FABvGj_cKFA1Ww7mUwGp92O5oRwoZ_FK/s320/Show+and+tell+3+2009+Ianuk.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342827859315870770" /></a>[Photo by Ianuk] <br />Mud painting, spinning, natural dyeing work. I believe that the spun work is a wolf hybrid blend.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiAF7dYtpA91n8n-M4MTxVuQknHx3TYr5MIHru9XgkUXbzLMidrRUZTOxGyup8mjX8baL95UDy0Tp4dMtcGlxl8Uxo6TmkW04LvTexRnAOKkd0UiFype0FRCmfaNcsdEmdHA7N/s1600-h/Show+and+Tell+Ianuk+pic+May+2009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiAF7dYtpA91n8n-M4MTxVuQknHx3TYr5MIHru9XgkUXbzLMidrRUZTOxGyup8mjX8baL95UDy0Tp4dMtcGlxl8Uxo6TmkW04LvTexRnAOKkd0UiFype0FRCmfaNcsdEmdHA7N/s320/Show+and+Tell+Ianuk+pic+May+2009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342832764347861378" /></a>[Photo by Ianuk]<br />This shows inkle weaving, tri-loom work, rigid heddle historic weaves, and naturally dyed yarns. Indigo is of course a big favorite.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9VFuxfZnjqkktKHdVNgFaz-0skQEVysJZAdO3dBQRaznA6JoVkvLgDovkameJw9IBpgi_urRQPYPWgcz8WgisMC4n3Hukg5mASWPJX02LN3QSPPbiwXyFlpBV7U4FbjlVsUK/s1600-h/Show+and+tell+5+2009+Ianuk.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9VFuxfZnjqkktKHdVNgFaz-0skQEVysJZAdO3dBQRaznA6JoVkvLgDovkameJw9IBpgi_urRQPYPWgcz8WgisMC4n3Hukg5mASWPJX02LN3QSPPbiwXyFlpBV7U4FbjlVsUK/s320/Show+and+tell+5+2009+Ianuk.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342827853925595762" /></a>[Photo by Ianuk] <br />Mud painting and basketry by the Tan Family. They do as much as they can. Visit them at <a href="https://www.goshyarnit.com/">GoshYarnIt</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyU2SEHnB1PO9R8Jd66AOfCVmn8U4H9anUwxOiHsrHEGjRBJs9vgyFW1I0S_sFqkaJrkIR3oksO7VPStxJALzRKYabQu_B2R_eEBPD0_g5Nr4Mn4FhbtmLenud5TFfLuw94Pwl/s1600-h/Bjo+dyed+work+Ianuk+2009.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyU2SEHnB1PO9R8Jd66AOfCVmn8U4H9anUwxOiHsrHEGjRBJs9vgyFW1I0S_sFqkaJrkIR3oksO7VPStxJALzRKYabQu_B2R_eEBPD0_g5Nr4Mn4FhbtmLenud5TFfLuw94Pwl/s320/Bjo+dyed+work+Ianuk+2009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342844064115081810" /></a> <br /><br />Bjo did manage to get some work of her own dyed. Shown here are some incredible yellows from the Kamala dye bath and some red (hiding) that was done using brazilwood. The dark brown skein is a skein of lovely soft brown alpaca dyed in indigo. It gave an intense deep brown.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Hv745Nld0R3tkzRttSHuUFy4Z9mzlrcdbMBEEtjTgvKLgb5UkAYoqwHO_wmRzn7s1Nc304mhrI4loiLS1lNIQJLo1Pt2nIAXh5QUph4okFNA3Chzkly4IYBIcA_yT8h17vKS/s1600-h/Felted+soap+and+Lapidary+by+Carolyn+Ianuk2009.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Hv745Nld0R3tkzRttSHuUFy4Z9mzlrcdbMBEEtjTgvKLgb5UkAYoqwHO_wmRzn7s1Nc304mhrI4loiLS1lNIQJLo1Pt2nIAXh5QUph4okFNA3Chzkly4IYBIcA_yT8h17vKS/s320/Felted+soap+and+Lapidary+by+Carolyn+Ianuk2009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342842930914176850" /></a> <br /><br />[Photo by Ianuk]<br />This is Carolyn's work, Tiger's eye lapidary and some lovely felted soap. The lapidary work took some serious patience and care not to sand one's fingers off. Great work Carolyn!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQVqsxablZfjjasA_qAiX7H2AJRw0ppjz7LEA4gut_HvlDaaF5pAzrmjqf0UznRBku_a4MnwMX6zidTukArqby87nXGSCOVkfUUIzJC6JK84ECu_7rJSA4svxmPAzV9AwrYjYy/s1600-h/Our+Awesome+Cook+Ianuk2009.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQVqsxablZfjjasA_qAiX7H2AJRw0ppjz7LEA4gut_HvlDaaF5pAzrmjqf0UznRBku_a4MnwMX6zidTukArqby87nXGSCOVkfUUIzJC6JK84ECu_7rJSA4svxmPAzV9AwrYjYy/s320/Our+Awesome+Cook+Ianuk2009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342844064991092514" /></a><br /><br />[Photo by Ianuk] THANKS FOR FEEDING US!!!<br />And lest we forget our absolutely fabulous Cook... she kept us extremely well fed. My personal favorite... apple crisp with icecream. You have no idea.... YUM!!! (and thanks for your hard work!).<br /><br />FOR EVEN MORE RETREAT FUN ... AND UNTIL NEXT YEAR...<br />You can see more photos and read further tales of the Dye Retreat at some of these links: <a href="http://wefttomyowndevices.blogspot.com/2009/06/fiber-retreat-09.html">Weft To My Own Devices</a>, <a href="http://lissamc.livejournal.com/275345.html#cutid1.">Lissamc</a>, <a href="http://tenderlovingwork.com/Site/Griffin_Dyeworks_Fiber_Retreat.html">Tender Loving Work</a>, <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lady.ianuk/2009GriffinDyeWorksFiberAndDyeRetreat?feat=directlink#">Ianuk's Photos</a>, <a href="http://www.syrendell.blogspot.com/">Syrendell (The Tan family)</a>, <a href="http://eowynsartifacts.livejournal.com/53197.html#cutid1">Eowyn's Artifacts</a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/carolspinner/sets/72157619389674566/show/">Carol's Retreat Slideshow</a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25463531@N06/sets/72157619331093737/">Laurie's Photos</a>, <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/CatherinedeWinter">Catherine's Photos</a>, <a href="http://www.griffindyeworks.com/retreat/">Griffin Dye Works Retreat</a> (scroll down to past retreats for links to photos). For <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/griffin-dyeworks">Griffin Dye Works on Ravelry</a> Click link. NOTE: To see a photo larger - simply click on the photo.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347982.post-14776962145986395482009-05-29T11:11:00.000-07:002009-05-29T11:13:00.557-07:00SIT AND SPIN!!!I'm off to the Griffin Dyeworks Retreat... while I'm gone<br /><br />S I T & S P I N<br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/N5AngxktWMY&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/N5AngxktWMY&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347982.post-66728792210562121732009-05-28T01:30:00.000-07:002009-05-28T02:20:06.121-07:00Hippo Birdie two Ewes...Hippo Birdie two Ewes... Well,Happy Birthday to me at any rate... I'm not yet at the half century mark, but I'm seriously working on it.... And by the by there was cake at hand tonight and such cake it was that I must share it with you. (I also have lovely flowers, I will photograph and post tomorrow). ;)<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ1n2_jkELXWL_Nlc4GiGdAPheIrpGGmz4bul8EtOJ3OwV_H9CMr8ToPk7uQkXsrQrm1nL28k_0dzG64SBeHSBzXFyobfW92bqM5ddHTcvZQibck9u6vr4EKc73udXO9h4RZTf/s1600-h/Memorial+day+wkend+2009+009.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/AVvXsEgJ1n2_jkELXWL_Nlc4GiGdAPheIrpGGmz4bul8EtOJ3OwV_H9CMr8ToPk7uQkXsrQrm1nL28k_0dzG64SBeHSBzXFyobfW92bqM5ddHTcvZQibck9u6vr4EKc73udXO9h4RZTf/s400/Memorial+day+wkend+2009+009.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340791732441057986" /></a><br />Yes, this is the cake... chocolate with rasberry filling and chocolate ganache, as well as a butter cream rose and buttercream dots.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5DNdhrL4QQdnKclJMnMeKnR4y2NCxDSZTri-aENueUkqeNy0uuCVQSeHY2pDrMxL_4XA0CZZ0p2Y4AHgrJybkP7Cks1bd-vPL9JdtpxkArT5ov08_IktA2GOod0DLSHbmMc21/s1600-h/Memorial+day+wkend+2009+010.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/AVvXsEh5DNdhrL4QQdnKclJMnMeKnR4y2NCxDSZTri-aENueUkqeNy0uuCVQSeHY2pDrMxL_4XA0CZZ0p2Y4AHgrJybkP7Cks1bd-vPL9JdtpxkArT5ov08_IktA2GOod0DLSHbmMc21/s400/Memorial+day+wkend+2009+010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340791742440418066" /></a><br />Here you go, have a piece and wish for more Happy Birthdays (and many good things, fibery among them).<br /><br />Until next time... happy fibery days... ;)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347982.post-33528218546509007262009-05-26T02:53:00.000-07:002009-05-26T02:59:26.426-07:00Medieval Image of the Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdF4vCoZqRjxxk58l41O32PziLyjnsD22RltIAeUOmIu35bPjExkMZa3PAgOi350saYVgpUQQ9Re6NjTBMdHIn9dYYKQBmEhuOv91gIXebBilYAWU7BJFZsOce_HXPlLkHL65w/s1600-h/french-school-women-weaving-written-by-chretien-legouais.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/AVvXsEjdF4vCoZqRjxxk58l41O32PziLyjnsD22RltIAeUOmIu35bPjExkMZa3PAgOi350saYVgpUQQ9Re6NjTBMdHIn9dYYKQBmEhuOv91gIXebBilYAWU7BJFZsOce_HXPlLkHL65w/s400/french-school-women-weaving-written-by-chretien-legouais.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340069343579966242" /></a><br /><br />Here we have a Queen and one of her best friends weaving together... I wonder what they are saying to one and other.... Have you seen the new Star Trek Movie? nope, I will weave until lunch and then I'm meeting a knight at the Willow tree in the garden. I'm going to read poetry to him. He's going to learn to spin... Uh huh, well, what do you think???Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2