So who is gate keeping whom here? Does Izzy the cat want in? Or does Thor the cat want out? Probably both, and they are stubbornly sitting there, but the looks on their faces was worth the picture.
Gate keepers
Interchangeable shelf sitter
Here is the completed highland-coo-in-a-honey-pot shelf sitter, complete with clear UV coat and chunk of mesquite wood to keep it grounded.
This is a cute project offered by the local Hobby Hut. I will be looking for the next painting day!
Tension ring
My youngest was wearing her yarn tension ring in such a way that her finger couldn’t bend, which caused pain issues after three hours of crocheting. So we modified the ring to make it smaller and I am encouraging her to wear it so the yarn runs along the back of her finger, and the ring doesn’t interfere with her knuckles. I have also been teaching her hand and wrist stretches to do periodically while she is crafting.
It is a good idea to look at your ergonomics as you craft, especially if you have something you enjoy doing for long stretches of time. As with computer work, there should be scheduled breaks and stretching activities. This will help you enjoy your craft longer both each day and over the years.
Spinning while spinning
So yes, I can spin yarn while using a stationary recumbent bicycle.
As expected, it looks different than walking and spinning, I have the spindle off to one side so it can hang down, and the floor is closer, so I have to wind up more often, but it works and gives me something to distract myself from what my legs are doing.
Military trunk
My Dad let me take his Army trunk on our last visit. I cleaned it up and did some minor repairs, because it is still in good condition.
The first thing I did was gently ease the metal edge back into place so the lock latch slid to the outside rather than hit the inside groove. I used a pair of smooth needle nose pliers so I didn’t scar the metal. The lock latch is missing the actual lock mechanism, but I don’t need to lock it, so I’ll leave it as is.
I did remove my Dad’s social security number with some rubbing alcohol and cotton swabs, for security purposes. I left his name and rank because I want to remember that it is his. I wiped down the whole exterior with leather cleaner. I tried to polish the brass in a hidden spot, and it turned silver, so I stopped, deciding to leave the patina and the gold color.
Inside, I removed some old contact paper, which came out surprisingly well, with no residue, and cut some cedar liner to fit the bottom of the trunk.
The main side handle had some stitching come loose.
I was able to find the end of the thread and sew the leather layers back together without having to disassemble the handle.
Critters and Craft 