Eyes and Ears

   It's full on Winter!  Time to spend time with my favorite things---BOOKS!

For years, I've thought I wanted to read this book--kept putting it off.

Finally, gave in when I saw reviews of Dresden Files--I'm not one for weird story lines but This one is about a wizard--okay, let's try it.  Very interesting so far; this is first in series.  Not decided I'd go for book 2 yet.  I have this in paperback.

This book is the February read with  @Garlene on Instagram where she hosts monthly dishcloth

club with theme.  This year the theme is mystery books--patterns are free.

I decided I would read along this month as I've not read any Joanne Fluke.

Finished!  Love these books--waiting for the last one in series to arrive to Audible. 

Hubby and I are going through Orphan X series.  we finished third book.  Onto the next one--

Fourth cued up!

This is a delightful series I'm reading on Kindle.  First book from Emma's daily 1800s diary.  Onto second diary book. 

This is one for TV viewing--we'll see what the first one is like and decide if we'll continue with witches!!

Read on...................

Let's Knit 2gather!!

 Let's journey through Lent with Victoria Methodist Bristol on their 2026 Lent Knitalong!

For this season, we are knitting a shoulder wrap.

Join in and be mindful of the season of Lent.

You can find the group on Facebook  labeled as Victoria Methodist Bristol Knitalongs group.

Each day brings a different pattern to add to your garment as we use meditation that will be provided.

Another opportunity is 
Instagram @saltcityknits or on the Salt City Knits YouTube channel.  They have a featured shawl to knit for this pray along, but don't see why you can knit any pattern you want as you pray.   Their shawl pattern is lovely!

Sizing and Gauge:

Finished Measurements: 72 in/182 cm wingspan, 20 in/50 cm depth.

Gauge: 22 sts by 32 rows = 4 in/10 cm in stockinette stitch. Gauge is not crucial for this project but difference in gauge will affect total yarn usage and finished measurements.

Materials and Tools:
Yarn: 100 grams of fingering weight yarn with at least 430 yds/ 400 m and 50 grams of laceweight fluffy yarn with at least 400 yds/ 365 m. Sample shown in MC - Yarnbrary Biography Sock in the Lake House colorway and CC - Fantasty Fluff Mohair in the Bronte colorway. I used every bit of the MC in my sample.

Needles: US size 5 needles (3.75 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge.
2 ring stitch markers.
Darning needle for weaving in ends.
Blocking mat, wires, and/or pins.

For something completely different--Come along to join  SOCK SNAKE KNITTING CLUB!

Tri-axial weaving

 Triaxial weaving?

many moons ago, I became familiar with this technique when I met the author of this book--

Mad Weave by Shereen LaPlantz 

We met when Shereen visited Louisiana to do research on baskets.  My friend and I were her tour guides through the different Native American Indian areas in the state.  We saw many examples of basket triaxial weaving

Her baskets are outstanding.  She gave a fantastic workshop on the technique.   We learned so much from here during her visit and our continued correspondence till her death in 2003.

What is Triaxial weaving? 

This type of weaving is a method of constructing fabric or basketry using three sets of parallel strips that cross at 60 degree angles--unlike two sets used in conventional 90 degree weaving.  Therefore, the structure is called 'Mad Weave' .

. 

Learning triaxial weaving took me some time--I didn’t see 60 degree angles-- eventually, could see how the warp and weft met.  I wasn't weaving a basket but garments, greeting cards inserts, purses, etc.  It is endless how you use this technique.

After much practice and with Shereen’s approval, I led seminars at our International Weaver’s conference  as well as local groups.  These are some samples from my participants: 

Below is one vest that I used triaxial weaving

Here is front of my vest that I created using hand dyed silk and ribbons.  It's amazing what designs you can achieve!

Here is the back with indigo silk strips.  Using a paper pattern laid out on a stiff board to hold the strips in place

Close up look at silk strips on the back. If you cut your strips on the bias, there is hardly any fraying.  I fun learning experience! 

 

Bed runners

Bed Runners or as some call them Bed Scarves

I think Bed Runner works well.

But, what is a bed runner/scarf?

Bed runners are long pieces of fabric that lay Across the top of the bed.

Most often, you'll see them in hotels.  Now, runners are becoming popular in homes.

What  the advantages/benefits of a runner? 

1. Extra warmth

2.  bedding protection

3.  Add style and color

For me  reason #4 is to use a 'table' runner because I didn't want to decorate my table! 

Besides, I had four applique blocks I wanted to use but then didn’t want to put them in a large quilt

Alas, I remembered a friend who said she was making a bed runner!  Of course, why not use those four blocks as a bed runner?

Hence, here is my first bed runner/scarf--love it!

Fits nicely on the bed.  I know it isn't longer enough to hang off the sides of the king size bed, but perfect to add more color and comfort to the bedroom.  There are 'suggested' sizes for beds--it is my runner and my bed so I can set the size!

When I pulled out the February decorations, I found this runner!  How perfect for the bed!  I have plenty of other Valentine pieces throughout the house.

Now, when I look at my quilt blocks and I have too few to make a quilt,

a Bed Runner/Scarf will be considered!

 

IT's TIME

It's time!  To finish an UFO--not well aged though; just begun in December 2025 with good intentions of following along with the clues each week as the clues are released.

I like this designer!  It was time to gather my yarn--now, we have a problem--what yarn to use?  I went stash diving--nothing came to my fancy.  Now, what?  Then a Brilliant light bulb went off in my brain!!  why not use some of those spindle spun silk little balls lingering in the bottle of singles?  Of course, singles should be plied to make a stronger yarn for socks.  That takes time.  So, off I went to my little e=spinner to combine singles into a workable yarn.

I began knitting!  the pattern was given 1-12 days for sock one; then 13-24 to complete the second sock.  Guess what?? I didn't get too far with my knitting--maybe day 5 before I quit.  more singles needed to be plied.  Then Christmas came and went.

now, we're in Day 9 and the first sock is on it's way to the toe.

Only one problem--more singles needed to be plied

This is one ball that has achieved plied status--4 ply.

These are also plied--each 2 plied.

This group should work well together

and this one

maybe 6 ply for this grouping

and these odd balls--might be interesting as a variety yarn

a few yarns ready for the sock.

Four skeins plied!  From balls of singles!  

Accomplished!  All those singles now plied and ready for a project! 

 

 

 

New Year Brings ................................?

What excitement does the New Year bring?  Our life demands a slower pace.  A chance to renew our spirits.  A chance to take out the old and bring in the new.  Probably some want to change their diet; others want to exercise--ME? Nope, not changing my diet or running to the gym for exercise.  I'm happy the way I am!  Yes--there are some goals to reach (in my mind only)  Don't write it down--that holds you to the goal!  Nope!  Just please myself--No one else.  

I plan to live in the moment!!  

Here is one of my Christmas gifts to myself--a microwave popcorn bowl!  Yes!  Love fresh hot popcorn!  This one needs only three tablespoons of popcorn--first time I used it, I thought three wasn't enough, so I added one more!  of course, when it finished popping, there was about one tablespoon of kernels left unpopped!

Lesson #1--follow directions--lesson learned!

Pop! POP! and the lid rises up!  Spray with butter oil, add salt or flavorings and you're ready to watch that favorite nail biting movie!

Gift from Son!  Solar powered bird feeder!  With camera to see the birds upclose and personal!

this should be fun!

Lesson #2--Be patient!  The Birds will come!

Lesson #3 Celebrate the small things in life!

It felt great to finish these mitts!  Will I keep them or gift them?  Knit with spindle spun silk—four ply

This is Stephen West pattern--a freebie!  

Camera doesn't show the Yellow color very well. 

Keep on Keep on!  The pattern contains cables (not my friend) 

The hat turned out fine!!

Lesson #4  Accept Challenges as you move along the path of life!

And life moves on!