Woven washcloth

On By CarynIn Craft
Washcloth woven with variegated yarn

So I’m learning. I blocked (got it wet, laid it flat to dry) my variegated yarn washcloth, and although the pattern of the yarn was interesting, my edges are definitely wonky. The sides are a little better where I used the meet and separate method described in Rebecca Mezoff’s book, and it also changed the variegation pattern, which is neat. (The three sections where the lines are thicker are done with two bundles of yarn, rather than taking one bundle all the way across.)

What I liked: the way the meet and separate weaving method made thicker lines.

What I learned: adding a twined pass at the bottom helps space the warp threads. I added another twined pass at the top for balance.

Grubs

On By CarynIn chickens

These are the oven dried grubs of the black soldier fly. They have more calcium than dried meal worms, so I switched when I noticed the hens’ eggs were getting thin (back when they were still laying, long, long ago). At first I mixed the grubs and mealworms, then slowly moved to all grubs. Most of the hens didn’t care, but I had two that gave me the stink eye for withholding the mealworms. Happily, after about two weeks, even the recalcitrant birds were chowing down.

Handful of dried grubs

No, I will not be attempting to raise these grubs. Flies drive me bonkers.

I have a hypothesis on the eggless condition of my hens. They have a large spacious coop, and although all the food is outside, they like to hang out inside frequently. I have windows in the coop, but they are north and west facing and don’t let in a huge amount of light. The chicken books says the hens need 12 hours of light to stimulate egg production. I don’t believe in keeping the light at 14-16 hours year round, but maybe I should install a timer in the coop so it is at least light in there when the sun is up.

Roll over

On By CarynIn dog

My strategy for training is to teach “sit”, “down”, then “roll over”, because then it is easier to wipe the mud off the dog’s feet. (Note, I am not a trainer, nor am I advocating any philosophy of training; muddy foot prints are just irritating.)

Missy demonstrating “roll over” so she can get her feet cleaned.

Portrait mode

On By CarynIn chickens

I’ve been playing with the portrait mode on my phone as I take pictures of chickens.

I like this picture best. That is an acorn squash slice hanging up for snacking.
Magic the hen is trying to figure out what I’m doing and if it involves treats.
That is a long neck.

Muffin tin brain game

On By CarynIn dog

My sister shared the idea of putting treats in a muffin tin and the putting balls on top as a brain game for dogs, so I had to try it!

The first time I put it out for Missy (with bits of hot dog in the cups), it was a wonderful challenge for the puppy, and she spent a good 15 minutes rooting out the balls to get the treats (not grabbing the balls and removing them, which was my prediction). It was great for keeping her occupied without running and jumping since she just had surgery.

Missy and Izzy investigating the muffin tin

The next time, it took 15 seconds. Smart little thing.

Izzy the cat just complained loudly that the puppy got something she didn’t until I gave her a bit of hot dog too. Who has trained who?