Kumihimo Fun

Yesterday we took a drive to the coast (90 miles south of new place) so I could teach the Webfoot Weavers in Brookings the art of kumihimo (Sam and cousin Jim golfed while I taught). We started with working on a sample with some thick cotton yarns. Then after an incredibly yummy potluck luncheon they provided I got them started on braiding a keyring using 4 strands of 5/2 perle cotton as one. My example to the right is just one of the many braid combinations they could have tried. I'm hoping they thought it was worthwhile bringing me over. I had fun with the group, what great camaraderie between the members.

I'm hoping to get some dyeing in this week, forecast I saw 2 days ago showed many days in the 80 degree range - perfect! This morning I heard 90's - sure hope not.

What's up here today.........

So, this is what I've been doing today - making kumihimo samples in preparation for a guild program I'll be giving next month to a guild over on the coast. I already have tons of samples that are in all different kinds of fibers, many more complicated but I didn't have samples of all the braids I'd like the participants to try making.

Now below was what else has been going on here although I'm not breaking sweat over it - the guys from Applegate Landscape are here getting my beds/plantings back in shape. Last year I let it go, supposedly I was going for the country cottage look - hmm, looks like wheat growing in with those weeds and a few flowers.

Above is the only corner of the beds still untouched - they've been working here for two days already so some areas are done, others in the works - this will be worked on Monday. Anyhow, it looks pretty bad - really embarrassing to be putting it out here for the world to see but I was busy weaving and dyeing last year and just let it go.

Here's the part of the yard that's been cleaned up. There are some new plants in there (lots of old ugly looking plants removed) and a new bush. This past winter we lost 3 bushes and 1 tree from the harsh freeze in December. It's already making me feel good............of course, this means I need to keep it up in the future, can't afford to have a landscaper come out to fix it every year!