Author: Caryn

Distracted bonus

On By CarynIn Craft

I spun two spindles of Black Welsh Mountain fiber then moved on to other fibers, because with a 40 gram bag, that is about all I get. I actually had 4 ounces, and had tucked the bag up on a shelf and forgot. Finding it again (a black shadow at the top of a shelf) was better than finding money in the wash! So I wound the singles off of one spindle and into a center pull ball.

Photo description: nostepinne style ball of yarn on a card stock tube, empty spindle to the right, small intent black dog in the background with her red ball

I had actually spun about 2 ounces (about 50 grams, so my estimate wasn’t far off), and since I had 2 ounces remaining I decided to spin some singles the opposite way. This challenges my brain and hands, but doesn’t result in the smoothest yarn, yet. The idea is that I can do some experiments with the opposite twists.

Grapevine handrail stage 2

On By CarynIn Craft

At my Dad’s suggestion, I used a draw knife to take the bark off the grapevine we are using as a handrail.

Photo description: BeaverCraft draw knife shown with partially debarked grape vine

The draw knife is held by both handles and pulled along the wood. It is truly excellent for removing bark. I waited until after a rain so the bark was softened, which also helped. It wasn’t quite able to get all the bark off. I was working by myself and didn’t want to unscrew the vine from the supports because it took three of us to wrestle it in place. When I have help, I’ll take the vine off the brackets, finish removing the bark, and give it a good sanding. Then we’ll let it dry before putting on a protective finish.

Cat trap

On By CarynIn Cats

Apparently round woven coasters are cat magnets.

Photo description: three visible white cat paws of a calico on a woven coaster made of round reed

The fourth paw is also on the coaster, just hidden behind the front paws. I’m not quite sure this is “if I fits I sits”, but it seems like it should be.

Concave double walled basket

On By CarynIn Craft

This is my third double walled basket and I can definitely see my skill improvement. I wanted a larger, concave shape, and I was able to achieve the shape I wanted.

Photo description: starting the inner wall of the basket with added stakes, my next weavers soaking in a bin of water at my feet
Photo description; the stakes turned and weaving the second wall, again I chose to take the spokes at an angle
Photo description: finished double walled #2 round reed basket
Photo description: bottom edge with each stake woven behind, over, behind in a continuous braid, my best finish yet

I love these baskets. Now I want to experiment with different materials.

Convex double walled basket

On By CarynIn Craft

I’ve made my second double walled basket, this time on my own. I had most of the tools necessary, except clothes pins. I was rather shocked that I didn’t have any clothes pins squirreled away. (I have them now.)

Photo description: soaking a round reed basket mid-weave, I like the way the spokes spiral

I wanted to make a larger basket, so added in more stakes, but the base was curving up too fast, so I switched to weaving from the inside, letting the spokes flair out, and it gave me a lovely convex curve on the sides of the basket.

Photo description: weaving the outer wall close to the inner wall
Photo description: finished basket made of #2 round reed (rattan palm)

This time around I followed the curve of the reed on the outer wall, rather than adhering to the grooves of the inner wall, which resulted in a spiral effect on the outside that I quite like. These baskets take me a full day to make, and once I start I don’t want to stop, so I have to plan my time carefully.