Whoo Hoo

My first totally original 40 harness design - whoo hoo. What I've woven so far on the AVL has been some drafts I've found and woven as is or I've taken the original draft and made changes in orientation or background weaves - this is my first from scratch, from my own ginkgo leaf drawings design - I am so excited.

My warp is an 8/2 tencel in a gold/green color. At the beginning of my weaving I was just using some rust tencel left on a bobbin to get it spread out. Then I switched to black leftovers. Can you see that I have columns of 4 different variations of ginkgos?

Here I'm auditioning some other weft colors. I put enough on this warp for 4 scarves.........one will definitely be black, am leaning toward the gold  too just because it's so subtle and I like the fuschia and forest too but I'll be thinking on those as I weave on the first two. I looked at it from underneath to see the other side - love it too. Sorry the picture isn't great - not good light with this weather and I'm still not over the learning curve on this new to me camera.

I had one warp end in the middle jumping out at me the last 2" I wove - I looked at it closely and it's plied so tightly it looks totally different from all the other weft ends, definite manufacturing issue. I'm not sure how many inches/feet/yards the defect covers. It's unacceptable to me so I pulled it out and inserted a repair warp end just as if I had a broken warp end - I'll be much happier with it.

Now off to start the first scarf - whoo hoo - oh, did I say that already???  Dragonflies are in the near future.  And you're not seeing just another snow picture - it's still here but at least I'm on to something creative to share.

Give me a break.....

It's not noticeable in this picture but it's snowing to beat the band again, tire tracks down the long driveway are covered up. Enough is enough - it may or may not snow Christmas Day but we will definitely be having a white Christmas as it won't be melting anytime soon. I am considering myself lucky - we could be at Theresa's elevation just to the east of us, or I could be Yvonne who is 5 miles up the road from me and still doesn't have power. We are prepared for another outage, tubs filled with water for flushing toilets, laundry being done right now and a new UPS battery back up for the AVL so if the power blips or goes out while I'm threading and weaving today I have time to shut it down without an issue. One of Sam's chores today is to drain the gas out of the small generator, add new and see if it starts up - it hasn't been used in years.   Gee, just noticed this picture is similar to the one I posted the other day - guess that's what happens when one doesn't step off the deck to get a different view.

One step forward, one step back.....

Things are improving here on some fronts in the aftermath of the snow storm. Power came back on this morning at 7:15 - whoo hoo!  But phone service went out early yesterday evening, which includes our very poor internet service, thank goodness for my Verizon Mifi wireless hotspot. It's been snowing again here this morning, we're hoping the power is on to stay.  I can't say enough good about Pacific Power, they've been working hard to get power restored and they've done a great job of keeping everyone informed going so far as to mention in their phone recording where warming shelters have been set up. I wish Century'stink', um I mean, Centurylink (phone/internet)would take a lesson from them on customer relations.....never ending problems with them and they're less than cordial about them. If we had another option out here we'd be using it......

Planning on getting out today to deliver some gifts, do some errands in the 4wd truck - main roads are fine, our rural side roads are getting there, our steep long driveway is treacherous. One of the errands will be to pick up a UPS battery backup for the AVL so if there are power blips and I'm weaving I have time to shut it down without the e-lift system going wack-a-do. If I had that 2 days ago before the power went out for good I could have gotten the heddles threaded. I have a deadline for this scarf warp to send it off for judging into an exhibit and the deadline is quickly approaching. They know I'm sending one item (which is done, ready to go) with hopes of two but with the way things are going it's going to be touch and go on the second item.

Now off to enjoy a nice long hot shower.......in case we lose power again.........

More snow.....no power.....

Power went out last night around 9pm, woke up at 2:30am and looked outside with the flashlight and it wasn't snowing anymore...... but it's snowing again now, I understand it shouldn't last but will be back with a vengence tonight where our little area will get slammed again. Am hoping the power comes on before then for a while. Trees and wires down all over including our drive and road. No hot coffee or tea this morning in this house unless I want to go get out the propane burners I use for dyeing and hook them up to the grill tank - not feeling that needy at the moment. Too dark out this morning to read or knit by the window. Now to turn off the netbook and mifi to conserve the batteries.......

Enough is enough......

Been snowing since this morning, luckily it started before friend Yvonne and I were to head to town to see a movie......that we postponed from earlier this week due to snow. Big heavy flakes have been coming down all day, hasn't let up at all. Highway has been closed just north of us....hoping Sam gets home safely very soon as he can get off the highway before there and travel the back, curvy, hilly roads to our house - luckily he's driving a 4wd truck, our 1/3mile  uphill driveway may be an issue. Have lost internet, gotten it back, partially lost it, got it back, fought with Century'stink', as usual, they say it's not them....but it is....I won't digress......  Lights keep blinking, have filled tubs with water for flushing toilets (when on a well if there's no power, there's no water), filled jugs with water for drinking, have candles and flashlights ready, lentil soup has been cooking in the crockpot all day, fire going in the wood fireplace insert. We have a RV part way down the hill on our property with propane heat and stove if needed although all water has been drained for winter. I guess we're as prepared as we can be....... 

 

Needless to say it was a wasted day - I wound a warp yesterday with hopes of threading the 40 harnesses on the AVL but no go today as I use the program and lift system for threading, don't have a battery back up for it yet and didn't want to chance any damage from power blips...even with a surge protector the lift system goes wacky with an outage. Tomorrow is another day.....hopefully without more snowfall......

Quiet snow......

Just when I think the snow is ending, snow falling in clumps off the trees, it gets dark again and starts snowing like crazy again. Today is spinning get together day and I'm here at home, not sure how many others made it there since so many of us live in out lying rural areas of higher elevation than town. An hour ago when the snow had stopped and the driveway looked passable I thought I might get to the post office that's close by and to spinning - I turned back around and out the window I see a blizzard again - oh well......maybe later this afternoon I'll get to the post office, maybe not.......the picture above was taken when I thought it might be safe to venture out - looking quite a bit different out there now.

What is is about hot cocoa with handmade marshmallows that makes one feel better......not to mention the cheap butter cookies that my Dad used to buy from Dart Drug back in the DC area......I have found them here at BiMart which is a store very similar to Dart Drug. That is not to be confused with a Dodge Dart, a '67 was my first car, a goofy looking car made even goofier since it had air shocks and mag wheels.....actually downright embarrassing but my father picked it out to be a sturdy car for traveling back and forth to college. That car served me well for a number of years......

Sheep giveaway winner(s)

Well, it seems like not too many were interested in my sheep giveaway. In the spirit of the holiday season all 3 of you will get sheep!  Martha of Thistle Rose Weaving is the official winner of the two sheep in the giveway......but I've got a small sheep for both Theresa and Deanna too. I have addresses already for Martha and Theresa - Deanna please send me your snail mail address -  cindiesam at yahoo dot com.   Hmm, now what to do with all those other sheep that need homes......might have to revisit a giveaway once everyone has gotten through the holidays........or come up with a plan b......

Sox on the needles.......

So in the middle of being overwhelmed about getting things done for the holidays on Monday while the embroidery machine was smoking along I decided to start knitting a pair of socks for Sam. I only got a couple rows knit but it's a start......can't work on them in the evenings when Sam is home so I'll do what I can and if they're not done in time needles and all will go into his Christmas stocking and they'll be finished later. Light was terrible this morning, this yarn is actually more sage green and black.

Sheep giveaway

I have an overabundance of sheep that need to find new homes. I just don't have room for them all so I've been gifting them locally, giving tiny ones away at times with etsy sales and now I'll start with occasional giveaways on my blog.

These two sheep feel like the ends of a broom, there's a natural one and a black one. They're approximately 5" long, give or take.

Just post a very short comment to this post (this post only or it won't be counted) saying what you love about sheep. Please make sure there's a way for me to reach you either through your blogger profile or email address. I will post the winner's name so be sure to check back. Friday morning I will use a random generator at Random.org to pick a winner.

This giveaway is open to those living in the US or Canada.

Recycling........

Making headway here on holiday gifts - phew. I panicked the other day when I realized how few shipping days were left until  Christmas and the fact that I had a few sewing projects I hadn't even started yet. Yesterday I worked at breakneck speed, got the sewing projects started and finished, gifts to be shipped wrapped, boxes packed and all off to be shipped today......not to mention packing up 9 orders from my etsy shops that needed to go out too. Unfortunately during my crazy hectic day I forgot to take pictures of a few of the handmade items to show later - oh well......

Today I was working on more gifts - the embroidery machine was smokin'. I have to stay near since there are many thread color changes so I work on other projects in the sewing room while the machine is going.  Here's part of what I worked on this afternoon - gift bags recycled from Trader Joe's grocery bags. Yes, I know, I shouldn't even have these since we all should be using reusable grocery bags but there are those times when I'm halfway thru shopping and realize I've left my bags in the car........and I park my car out in tim-buck-tu hoping no one will park next to me and nick up the sides of it. In a years time there are only 9 of these so I didn't do too bad.

I did not come up with this idea - a tiny little home decor shop in Bandon, Patina, makes these to use for shopping bags when you purchase from them - yes, I've got a few of their bags.  First I cut the bottom off the bag, then cut up each side to get two flat pieces. I did run an iron over them just to make them easier to sew.

Then put them wrong sides together and sew a 1/4" seam along the bottom - it's tough to see in this picture but it's there.

Of course, I forgot to take a picture of one step where I folded the bottom up a few inches  so it creates a pleat - sorry for that.  So, after you do that sew a 1/4" seam up each side.

Here's what it looks like standing upright, it stands up nicely with that pleated bottom.

And here is looking down into the bag.

Now they're ready to decorate, although I probably won't bother just because I'm running out of time, I'll just hang a tag and wrap the gifts in some pretty country holiday tissue I have that will look perfect with the brown paper bags. But if I were to decorate I'd probably stencil some holly or something like that on them.......or maybe make a sponge stamp of some holly leaves.......

Finally something to show

Finally something I can share - it has already been gifted as it was a birthday present. I made this fun little clutch called the Square Knot Clutch by Miss Make - the pattern is available through her blog or etsy shop. I love that the denim I found at JoAnn Fabrics looks like an undulating twill which all of you weavers will understand.

The cotton lining is from my large enormous stash of ginkgo fabrics - I thought this one worked perfectly with the denim. After I finish up the gift making/packing/shipping I'll get back to this pattern to make one for myself. Hmm, just had a thought as I'm looking at the picture of this clutch - I could attach little metal rings to the inside for a removable strap so I could convert it to a shoulder bag if the mood struck me. Been having fun at the embroidery machine today.....so glad my friend Kathy enabled me to buy it a bit over a year ago.

A Yummy to Share

A yummy gift idea to share, I'd share them with you all if you were here but since you're not we'll eat them all ourselves. These homemade gourmet marshmallows arrived in the mail yesterday from Sandra & Monte in Montana (aunt & uncle). A friend of theirs up north on the Oregon coast makes them. Oh My Goodness is the name of the company and one bite of these had me saying "oh my goodness". There were 4 boxes in different flavors; chai tea, valrhona chocolate, bubble gum and vanilla bean plus there was a baggie of peppermint swirl in the box (not pictured). I ate one of the chai tea before taking this picture......then quickly popped the other one in my mouth......yummy. So, if you're looking for a nice little gift check out the website and place an order, better order for yourself too while you're at it......you won't regret it. On the schedule for tonight, hot cocoa with a vanilla bean marshmallow on top. Oh, and Sandra & Monte own a graphic design company called Saga Designs and did the packaging design for these.

Bailey wanted his picture taken too but wouldn't stand still - this was the best one out of five tries.

Ashland Bay discontinued colors.......

Yep, still nothing I'm working on to share but thought I would share with those interested that these Ashland Bay Trading Co roving colorways are being discontinued. I do still have some of each in my etsy shop in case anyone is interested.

This is 100% Merino in Sunflower. I'm not sure why this is being discontinued, it's a really popular color in my shop and here locally. I love the way it looks when plied or combined with pumpkin or nutmeg. Hmm, I better put some of this aside for myself.......I've lost out before when colors have been discontinued.

This is Midnight, another 100% Merino, it's lovely but I have to admit I haven't sold that much of it.

Daffodil is another 100% Merino roving, nice yellow blends for those who like yellow like me but yellow is a difficult color for some to wear.

This 70% Merino/30% Tussah Silk blend and the next I can't figure out why they're being discontinued, very popular colors in my shop.  Above is Blue.

This is the Merino/Tussah in Purple.

And this is the Merino/Tussah in Pewter - I still have quite a bit of this lovely grey silver colorway because I knew ahead of time it was being discontinued and stocked up on it.

Great knitting hint.......

Yes, still at work on gifts so no pix to share but I did read a hint this morning from Clara at Knitter's Review that I wanted to pass on. The latest article is a review of interchangeable knitting needles sets, which I don't need since I have a Knit Picks set, but this paragraph caught my eye. I knit lace often and put in lifelines at the end of pattern repeats - this tip will be a real time saver for me. Thank you Clara!

"All of the needles use a screw-and-key mechanism that will be familiar to you if you've used the Knitter's Pride Symfonie Dreamz or Knit Picks Options needles. You screw the tip into the cord and then insert a fine metal rod through a hole in the join to tighten."

(HERE'S THE TIP) "The key hole serves a second function for those knitters who love to work intricate lace. Every few dozen rows, or perhaps every pattern repeat depending on what you're doing, simply run a thin strand of yarn through that keyhole and then proceed as normal. As you go, you'll be quietly stranding a lifeline into that row so that you can unravel any future mistakes back to that point. In technology terms, you're making a backup of your project—any changes made after the backup will be lost, but it's a whole lot better than having to erase and start from scratch."

Nothing much to show.......

Nothing much to show lately as I'm still working on gifts and can't post pictures of them. We did spend 3 days on the coast this weekend for some R&R, did a little knitting.

We ate dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in Bandon, The Loft. If you want to read a description of the food check out my post of October 22nd, I had the same thing because it was so good last time. It is to die for, Sam asked our server Roxie if it would be bad manners if he licked his plate.......he didn't, but did use the foccacia to sop up the rest of the sauce from his locally grown steak. If you're ever in Bandon be sure to try The Loft. We can't afford to eat there everytime we're on the coast but yesterday was my birthday and today is Sam's so it was our birthday dinner.......hmm, wonder what excuse we can find next time to eat there.

Our server at The Loft, Roxie, is also at the grower's market on Fridays and Saturdays over there selling her son's tuna caught off the Oregon coast. It's wonderful and I have picked up some lots for gifts. Check out the site of Ocean Harvest if you're interested in locally caught tuna. It's now coming in these nice little pouches.

Today finally took pictures of embroidered towels for my etsy shop, got pictures edited and a few towels up in the shop, many more to go.........

Cyber Monday Sale

I was no where near any of the Black Friday sales which started last night - no way am I hitting the stores with the hoards looking for a bargain.  But I did decide on a Cyber Monday sale in my two etsy shops - 15% off everything when this coupon code is used at the time of check-out - CYBERMONDAY2012. No one has to wait for Cyber Monday for the sale, it started today and runs thru Monday.....or whenever I wake up Tuesday and deactivate the coupon code.

eweniquely ewe - handwovens, felted items, my hand-dyed roving

eweniquely ewe fibers - Ashland Bay fibers, my hand-dyed roving

I hope everyone had a wonderful turkey day - ours was very yummy!

Happy Turkey Day

Peanut/Sweet Potato Soup

Since I'm working on gifts that I can't post to the blog until after the holidays I thought I'd post a recipe - one of our favorites - Peanut/Sweet Potato Soup. We had this for the first time around 4 years ago at my aunt's in Montana and had to get the recipe before leaving. This is a great way to use leftover chicken. If you don't eat meat just add extra sweet potatoes and use veggie broth. I don't know where it originally came from otherwise I'd give credit. I actually put more cilantro on mine but waited until after the picture to do it. Tonight Sam said it was so good he wanted to lick the bowl.

Peanut/Sweet Potato Soup

Saute in 2 T vegetable oil:
1 cup onion, diced
1 T garlic, minced
1 T chili powder
1 tsp kosher salt (I leave this out)
1/2 tsp cayenne

Add:
1/2 cup carrot, diced
1/2 cup celery, diced
1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
2 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and diced

Stir In:
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 can diced tomatoes in juice (14.5oz)
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

Garnish with:
chopped dry roasted peanuts
minced fresh cilantro
limes

Saute onion, garlic and seasonings in oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook until onion is slightly softened, about 5 minutes

Add carrot, celery, bell pepper and sweet potato, saute 2-3 minutes (I actually do it a bit longer)

Stir in broth, chicken, tomatoes and peanut butter. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender (I find it takes longer than 10 minutes, I probably simmer mine for around 30 minutes)

Ladle into bowl, garnish soup with chopped peanuts, cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Enjoy!

Per cup: 260 calories, 15 gr fat, 16 g carb, 572 mg sodium, 3 g fiber, 17 gr pro

I recently bought this incredible perpetual calendar/date book. It's been around 2 years in the making by the guild over in Brookings on the coast, Webfoot Weavers.....a small guild with a number of newer weavers who had never worked with the fine threads used for the date book. Mine was hand delivered to me in my booth at Fiber Mania last weekend right off the looms/press. I apologize for the color/pictures - I am still learning getting irritated with my new camera. I kick myself daily for dropping and totally breaking my other one. I just can't seem to get colors true and close-ups good with this one even though pictures should be way better what I could get with the old one.

This date book is so professionally done - kudos to the Webfoots. There is an acetate cover but I flipped it over for this picture as with it on I couldn't get a good picture - argh, camera learning curve.

Here's one of the months.....and below is another......there are drafts included for each handwoven sample, and a few pages for each month to write birthdays, anniversaries or whatever. On the bottom of the pages are little tidbits of info to go with each month.

If anyone else is interested in buying one of these just drop me an email (email address on the side bar) or put a comment to this post with your contact info and I'll send you the email for the contact person of the Webfoot Weaver's. The book is $35, plus shipping.

So back to the camera issue - we also got a new desktop computer which I estimate arrived just in the nick of time before the old one would have crashed. It's a Dell, like the old one, which lasted for  years trouble free. But my pictures didn't dump where I wanted them to so yet another challenge to figure out. I need to take pictures of embroidered towels to list them in the etsy shop but the ones I took today are just not up to par. Think I need to move on to doing something else less aggravating and get help this evening.