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' .

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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!