Corriedale page

On By CarynIn Craft

I did a fiber sample page for the Corriedale wool I’ve been using for teaching spinning. The woven sample is my best yet; I started the weaving with a pass of twined weft away from the edge of the loom. My weaving then stayed more even and consistent to the end, where I did another twined pass. The twining keeps the weaving in place better too, so I didn’t need to make knots. If I were making a piece that would see more action than laying in a book, I would secure the fringe better, either with more twined passes, or knotted or sewn fringe.

Photo description: clockwise from top left: 3×5 card with “Corriedale obtained from Mohair & More on Etsy, Huntsville, TX, spun on a drop spindle”; single ply on a paper bobbin; two ply on a paper bobbin; crocheted lace round; woven sample with two salvages; knitted sample with garter stitch edge; sample of un-spun fiber

Corriedale is very nice to spin, has a nice feel, but isn’t the softest. The blended dark and light fibers make it easier to see the twist, which is why I like it for learning.

It bloomed!

On By CarynIn Garden

Our Texas sage bush bloomed! This is supposed to be a sign of coming rain, but it has not panned out. I’m pleased to see blooms, though. This little bush has seen some trauma; it originally lived in the flower beds by the house, but that was too much water and its roots were wet. Not a happy plant. When a freeze came through and we thought we lost it, we moved it to the meadow, just in case. We were quite surprised when the following spring it sprouted leaves. That was two or three years ago; this is the first time it has bloomed since the transplant.

Photo description: light purple blooms on a Texas Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens) with trees and the chicken coop in the background.

Happy Surprise

On By CarynIn Craft

I will be doing a spinning demonstration soon for a local founder’s day, and I thought I should really dress for the part this time. Fabric is crazy expensive, and as much as it saddens me to purchase costumes made from synthetics made in a foreign land, I did not have the time or resources to make all the pieces myself this time. I did not have high hopes for the online order, I have been thoroughly disappointed before, and it was in the plan to make modifications, but I was quite surprised when the garment arrived. Yes, it is made with synthetic fibers, but nicely, and well sewn. There were decorative pleats in the skirt that could actually be let down to give more length. And there were pockets. Yes, you heard me right, pockets. Proper, can-actually-hold-my-phone-without-falling-out, pockets. Color me impressed. I did take out the elastic on the arms, and let out one pleat to so the dress come closer to the floor (but not more since I don’t want to trip over it, but that’s it. No it isn’t authentic, yes, the re-enactors will have things to say, but it is much better than capris and a t-shirt, and I like the color.

Photo description: Green fabric with a pocket and decorative pleats that can give skirt more length.

Then there were six

On By CarynIn chickens

We lost another chicken this week. I say lost, but she was quite easily found, just not alive. She was laying in the run when I went out to check on them. Rigor mortis was complete, so she probably passed during the night. From a quick web search rigor mortis in chickens completes within a few hours of death, and can last 8-24 hours. She was walking around and eating the day before, so sometime late evening or early morning her ticket was punched. No signs of distress or abnormalities, I did not do a necropsy since they are four years old. The other chickens are unconcerned.

Photo Description: Six Faverolle hens in molt eating dried grubs

If I fits

On By CarynIn Cats

I sits. It is good to know that I can make an effective cat collection device: put a cardboard box down with some crinkly paper and within minutes it sprouts a cat.

Photo description: Gray and white tabby cat crammed into an open shoe box, looking at the camera.
Photo description: Same cat, same box, yawning.

He’s getting so big!