Well, attempted egg thievery. I went out to check the chickens around noon and found a 4 foot long Western Rat Snake in a nest trying to eat an egg. I ran back to the house to get my phone, turned on the video, with light, and she (?) still didn’t care I was there. The egg was too big, though. I called for my eldest to bring the snake grabber (yes, I went into the house for my phone and not the grabber), and we gently removed the snake from the nest and relocated it outside the coop.
Relocated Western Rat Snake
I think the snake slithered in the coop door during the day. I was afraid of squishing bits with the grabber and dropped it a couple times and it didn’t seem to have a bolt hole. But that may be another factor in our decreased egg collection. Although, honestly, a few eggs is a good salary for something that keeps rats and mice away. This guy will need to grow a bit before it can eat the eggs. Maybe it was stealing the 44g eggs and couldn’t take the 46g.
I had some more of the variegated cotton yarn, so I attempted another weaving with my mini loom. I am not particularly fond of variegated yarn for crochet or knitting (I’ve had this cone of cotton for probably over 10 years), but I quite like the effect using it for the warp and weft of weaving.
Trying a smaller weaving project
I gave myself more room on the loom this time, going for a smaller washcloth. I’m still having trouble with tension, but it is getting better. I tried some areas of linen weave, but I don’t quite have my head wrapped around the technique yet. More practice is required. It was easier to pull the weft through the work for the fringeless method to finish off the washcloth, so working smaller was a good choice.
Finished cotton wash cloth
I still have the loose edges issue, but it is better. I think I have some more variegated yarn around here somewhere…
I filled up the chicken feed bucket and had an empty feed sack. I had some dirt left over from the strawberry planting project. I had some carrots that were getting leggy in the fridge. I’ve seen some posts on planting potatoes in sacks. Why not? I’ll try planting carrot tops.
Carrot tops planted in a feed sack
I folded the top of the feed sack down to the base, to form a double walled container. I cut some drainage holes in the bottom of the sack and filled it with dirt. I cut the top inch or so off the carrots and planted them in the soil with just the tops showing, then gave them a good water. In the photo, behind the feed sack, you can see I’m doing a similar experiment with green onions. My basil is doing well (right side of photo), and I even have some watermelon sprouts (left side).
My poor hens have no beards or muffs, just red wobbly bits under their beaks. I am hoping that this is a result of spring molting and not a permanent condition. Their undersides too have bare patches. Egg production is down, which I thought was because we have had a series of broody hens (when they go broody, they stop laying, even for awhile after they stop sitting the nest). But seeing their naked necks and all the drifting feathers in the coop, perhaps the cause is molting, which also decreases egg production. Time will tell.
Hens enjoying a slice of watermelon, all beardless
As I’ve been trying more and more ancient crafts, I realized that I haven’t done much weaving. I was reminded when we pulled out my youngest’s loop loom (Harrisville Designs makes Friendly Looms and cotton loops that actually fit, and are of great quality). I helped her through the process, which planted the idea in my head. So I started researching the next step in weaving. There are many! I didn’t know how I would like it, so I didn’t want to invest much money in buying, or much time in making, a loom. In my curiosity delving into the internet, I also found reference to fringeless weaving. Yes please! I’m not a fan of the fringe. This train of thought took me to Purl & Loop, a small Oklahoma based company that produces portable mini looms. Again, yes please. My projects need to be portable, even if it is only to be carried from the living room to the backyard. I chose a 12” loom because I figured I could make smaller on a larger loom. I have a stash of cotton worsted weight yarn, so I asked Purl & Loop and they said they had success with the number 8 with worsted weight. What am I going to make? Wash cloths. This is my go to project for learning a new yarn craft. Even a wonky wash cloth is useful. And my washcloths will be wonky for awhile. All my crocheting, knitting, and nålbinding yarn skills don’t translate to weaving!
First attempt at weaving, I need practice
Putting on the warp (up and down static yarn) went smoothly. I used bulldog clips to hold the ends of the yarn. I started simple (I thought) with a plain weave. I had read about making sure the ends of the weave weren’t too tight, but somehow I ended up with loose ends and a tight middle. So more research is needed. I may even have to resort to watching a video.
First fringeless washcloth, wonky but useful
I am pleased with my purchase. The loom pieces are laser cut and sanded, so are very smooth. They are sturdy, but light and definitely portable. Izzy even tried some lap time while I wove, but was bapped too many times with the loom! I did get a cute picture before she gave it up as a bad time for lap time.
