I stopped by my neighbor’s garage sale during a walk, mostly just to chat because I knew several of the people there already, and a bag of antlers caught my eye. I have one antler at home that my Dad found on his property years ago, and I have been hoarding it, not willing to cut it into pieces because I only had the one. Now I don’t have to worry. I probably went a bit overboard, but I should have antler crafting material for ages. I don’t see a table top full of antlers, I see potential nåls, crochet hooks, maybe even spindles!
Antlers purchased at a garage sale (We’re in Texas y’all)
I’m very excited about my newest fleece! It is a gray fleece from an alpaca named Prince. I was able to meet Prince during a farm tour and he is a beautiful boy with various shades of gray through his coat. It will be very interesting to get this washed and see how it looks spun up.
I’m looking for a light weight idea for a pattern for my spun alpaca yarn. I keep coming back to lace. Personally I do not consider myself a lace person; I don’t tend to buy clothes with lace trim, and I don’t care for frills. But Texas is hot most of the time, and thick warm clothing is only necessary for a short span. What am I going to do with all this yarn I’m spinning? Which is why I keep coming back to lace. It can be warm when made from insulating fibers, but not too warm.
Möbius scarf showing the twist
When looking for lace ideas, I came across the idea of a möbius scarf. This is not a new idea, I have just apparently been hiding under a rock (not entirely metaphorical there). The idea is that the garment is created from the center out, and each row adds to the top and bottom since the edge of a möbius strip is continuous. Really, really cool concept. And it can be done in crochet, knitting, or nälbinding. Sweet. I did have some trouble wrapping my brain around it, so rather than diving in with my good yarn, I tried a pattern with some wool sock yarn from my stash.
Möbius scarf shown on a mannequin
I really enjoy the long edge and chance to get each row firmly under my muscle memory. I don’t care for this particular pattern because the center line is not as stretchy as the rest. So now I’m on the hunt for a pattern that stretches uniformly across the fabric (for comfort’s sake). I’ll keep you posted.
Should you have need of a tea tray, and also have a nice thick wooden frame laying about, a couple drawer pulls, and some fancy paper, you can make your own.
Picture frame with drawer pulls mounted on the sides
I removed the glass, and used Modge Podge to apply the beautiful paper to the back of the frame insert. I drilled holes for the handles slightly larger than the screws for the drawer pulls. (Remember to measure twice, drill once.) I did need to purchase longer screws to get through the frame because my frame is thicker than a drawer front. When picking screws, use the thread checker at the hardware store to make certain you buy the right thread size. I picked up two lengths, but if you measure the width of the frame side before you go, you can save yourself the extra purchase. (Or dig around in your random screw and nut bin.)
Tea tray made from a picture frame
I put an additional coat of Modge Podge on the top of the paper and let it dry overnight before putting it back in the frame. This is a light duty tray and does fine for a little breakfast. I originally made it as a prop for a play, but it functions well and it pretty to boot.
Well it happened. I dropped my favorite spindle (again) and the head cracked and came completely off this time. All this near the beginning of a walk. I tried spinning from the other end, but the yarn wasn’t aligned right. I tried just turning the spindle with my fingers, but the yarn produced was much, much thinner. So I tucked it all in my bag and went home.
Head came completely off the spindle this time
I glued then clamped the head back onto the spindle, but since that didn’t hold the last two times, this time I drilled a small hole and hand riveted the two pieces together as well. It took some experiment; the brass wire was too hard, but aluminum filled the hole nicely with some hammering. I sanded the rivet smooth so the edges wouldn’t catch on my yarn.
Rivet made from aluminum wire to provide mechanical strength to the broken spindle head
It looks like a Frankenstein spindle now, with its metal rivets on the neck, but it is holding. I’ve dropped it three times since repairing (not on purpose) and the head has held. I do now carry a spare spindle in the bottom of my bag, just in case.
Critters and Craft 