Author: Caryn

First production run

On By CarynIn Craft

I recently received 3D printed spindles from our first production run! Very exciting. The spindles have passed their drop tests, so the tough resin is holding up well. They aren’t completely indestructible, but it takes a great deal of effort to snap the neck (yes, I should have measured the force, but hindsight is 20/20.) The next step is to sand down the production marks (they take sanding well), and apply some decoration. Then I need to design the packaging. Phew! But I am inching forward!

Photo description: Seven small 3D printed spindles and three large spindles in black tough resin with grooved heads and teardrop holes above a straight shaft and pointed end.

I’m leaning toward calling these “phase” spindles, because they have aspects of other historical designs; the large diameter shaft is similar to a dealgan, it can be used as a supported spindle or a drop spindle, and the weight is adjustable.

Mushroom update

On By CarynIn Fungi

I’ve had a little more growth on my cultivated Pearl mushrooms, but no mushroom heads, so I poked some holes into the substrate using bamboo skewers to let the water in. Now we wait. Again. I purchased this kit about eleven months ago. It produced about five small mushrooms, then I accidentally broke off the stems (they really do mean it when they say cut the heads off with a sharp knife, it needs to be seriously sharp to leave the stem cluster intact). No more fruiting bodies since then.

Photo description: round plastic container filled with mycelium with three clumps of tendrils emerging from the top. The center of the top has six bamboo sticks poking out and four open holes.

Surprise passenger

On By CarynIn Wildlife

I went to fill the water bucket and didn’t notice the frog on the spray head until I started the water. Huh. He was unbothered, but I still transferred him back over to the fence.

Photo description: Hand holding a green sprayer with a small green tree frog sitting on the barrel watching the water go into a large white bucket below.

American Bison page

On By CarynIn Craft

I actually spun this bison fiber before I started my fiber book. I used a tahkli spindle and spun fast and fine, then made a two ply yarn. I experimented with singles spun in both the S and Z directions, then nålbound wrist warmers (blog post here). The second, tighter wrist warmer continued to get tighter as the fibers felted together, until it was uncomfortable to wear. Then the kitten found it and had a hay day. So I dedicated the first piece to the book. I had some leftover yarn so did up a knit swatch and a crocheted lace round. I didn’t save any single spun yarn, so had to deconstruct some plied yarn for the page.

Photo description: Clockwise from top left: “Bison Spinning Fibers” card; single ply yarn; two ply yarn on a paper bobbin; one nålbound wrist warmer; crocheted lace round; knit square; loose bison fiber

Bison down fiber really is a luxury fiber. It feels like spinning clouds and the yarn is so soft and so very, very warm. It is definitely one of my favorite fibers. (And yes, this is an absolutely shameless plug for my neighbors, The Buffalo Wool Company. Fantastic people, even more fabulous dedication to the preservation of the American Bison.)

In the key of cat flat

On By CarynIn Cats, music
Photo description: Gray tabby cat lays on a sheet of music on my lap. Music is partially annotated.

It is hard to write on your music as you are listening to learning tracks when the kitten jumps up and lays on the paper. He wasn’t there to cuddle, he heard the crinkling of paper, which is his second favorite sound after the opening of a can. He was ejected for foul play. I just need to remember that the claw hole is not a breath mark.