Shifu

SHIFU?!! Say What! 

NO! It’s not a cartoon character!  

SHIFU is woven paper cloth.  Yes, you read right

Spinning paper

I’ve used my spun paper only as weft but there is no reason why it couldn’t be used as warp—the spun paper is very sturdy and strong. 

The warp is linen.  There is no reason why anything made from fiber can’t be spun.  

I’ve enjoyed spinning this special pulled paper for my yarn.

The Japanese paper is Washi 

 Yesterday ago, I cut Sunday paper comics into strips, processed the strips and spun them.  Always something new to try. 

If you have this issue, there is great article about spinning paper and weaving SHIFU. 

Washi is a traditional Japanese paper known for its strength, durability, and unique texture. It's made from the inner bark of three plants: the paper mulberry, gampi tree, and mitsumata shrub. Washi is used for a variety of purposes, including traditional crafts, calligraphy, and even modern applications like washi tape. 

Here's a more detailed look: 

What is it? 

• Traditional Japanese paper:

  Washi is a type of paper with a long history in Japan, known for its strength and unique texture. 
• Made from natural fibers:

  It's crafted from the inner bark of specific plants, primarily the paper mulberry, gampi tree, and mitsumata shrub. 
• Strong and durable:

  Washi is significantly stronger and more durable than regular paper, making it suitable for various applications. 
• Versatile:

  It's used for a wide range of purposes, from traditional arts like calligraphy and origami to modern uses like washi tape. 

Key characteristics: 

• Strength and durability:

  Washi's strength comes from the long, interlaced fibers of the plants used to make it, making it resistant to tearing and damage. 
• Unique texture:

  The fibers create a distinct texture that can be felt and seen, adding to the aesthetic appeal of washi. 
• Resistance to aging:

  Washi is known for its ability to resist yellowing and deterioration over time, making it a valuable material for archival purposes. 

Uses of Washi: 

• Traditional crafts:

  Washi is a crucial material for Japanese calligraphy (shodo), origami, ukiyo-e(woodblock prints), and other traditional arts. 
• Everyday writing and printing:

  Washi is used for letter writing, printing, and other everyday tasks, offering a unique writing experience. 
• Architectural applications:

  It's used in making lanterns, sliding doors (shoji), and other architectural elements, providing a soft, diffused light. 
• Washi tape:

  A decorative and versatile tape made from washi paper, popular for crafting, decorating, and labeling. 

Race is over 🥲

Ahh, just like that—TOUR DE FRANCE and Tour de Fleece is over!!  

There is still fiber to be spun and plied so we’ll keep

Treadling along. 

 

It’s Time To Ply

Been treadling hard every day!  Pedal to metal for sure!  Working to keep up with TDF guys!  

There should be a vast abundance of finished product visible; alas, there isn’t!

It’s time to ply yarns—need the bobbins free to continue on the journey.  Don’t you love my “lazy Kate”?  It works—my fingers provide the tension on the threads as they ply. 

You know you have a good ply when the yarn is relaxed, it doesn’t kink up!  

Looking okay on the bobbin—this is green cotton, natural grown. 

This plied brown cotton resting before it is wound into warp

Patient bobbins waiting their place in line before they head to the ball winder.  Three are green cotton, two are already plied; one is single ply white cotton.  Another bobbin will need to be spun before this one can meet its partner.  Always feel accomplished when bobbins are empty!!

 

Unity!

Texas, our state, has faced a huge challenge—so many lives lost in the rivers of doom!  We prayed for rain during our drought—this not what we prayed for though! 

In my sorrow, I turned to working on this block

Given on Lisa Bongean’s website—it is giving me quiet time as the pieces are stitched together.

There is so much to process in my mind and heart. 

It takes times to trim the pieces and it washes away some tears as I think of the little ones and families gone. 

Together provides some unity

Just keep sewing many parts together

Found fabric that would unify small blocks into one larger block. 

It’s called UNITY!

Many have come to show their love in supplies.  Many to search the disaster.  Many came to prepare meals for volunteers. 

Many came together to use their talents to raise funds.

Yes! We are suffering this disaster and loss. 

But. We are providing UNITY!!

 

Bummer!!

 It was a super fast day for riders and me!  The wheel had my feet pedaling faster and faster!  I was in my element!!

And then……….

It happened! 

The band on my wheel BROKE!  Flop flop it fell apart!

Bummer!  

Really?!! 

Even though equipment was checked out before the race—alas, there was malfunction!  

Since it’s plastic band, it’s an easy fix

I wanted to continue spinning so switched to E-spinner, but couldn’t extension cord—another bummer

I was loosing time spinning

Repairing the band needs two people and hubby was volunteering.  

As soon as he entered the house, I begged him to help with the band. 

First, get the band around the wheel grooves, I’ll hold the bands together and he’ll apply the heat to melt the ends.  Stuck! Let cool, trim the nylon bits, and we’re off again!!

Think I’ll hook up E-spinner to be ready as back-up

Didn’t achieve my goal for the day 😪😪😪

 

So It Goes!!

Yes! I am spinning for Tour de Fleece.  In between spinning, I hurry to studio and finish up some UFOs.  In comes another month's clues for 2025 Shetland lace by Toni Lozeno--must finish this clue by 15th

 as July clue for Elizabeth Zimmerman 2025 Estonian lace pattern arrives.  

Another block from June finally finished!!  Waiting on July's BOM to drop!

Put the finishing touches on this top--so glad to have it quilted and ready to give alway!

I used my hand dyed, silk screened fabrics for the backings--did quilt as you go to  do this one.

While working on my quilting or spinning, I’m listening to books about Paris—

“A Bakery in Paris”  by Alimie Runyon

“The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris”

You can tell where my brain and heart draw to in Paris!

Now, back to spinning!!

 

And We're Off....................................

 Today is the THE DAY!   I'm ready--well, sort of.  I can't decide what wheel to begin with and what fiber should be the first to be spun.  I know! I know!  these decisions should have been decided weeks or any days ago--but, I have a "Squirrel" mentality==look over here; NO, look over here!  To much distraction these days. 

I have my little Espinner--after all, it took quite awhile to receive this jewel.  The first one was lost from the mailbox (can you imagine their surprise when they opened that box! ) The jokes on them!  Sure it was nothing they could use!  I had to wait awhile to reorder--after my first one was refunded.  Maybe, I should use this first!

Again, my spindles have been calling my name

so many treasures

I even have a couple of  Danish Krone coins to use as drop spindles as well

I LOVE my spindles!!

Such lovelies just waiting to crank out the yarn

Come to me my prettys!

Do I use my Ashford wheel?  I'm thinking I'll spin on one wheel one day, then a spindle the next day and so on and so on--decided on that

NOW

what fiber to spin first??

..

This fiber has aged well--say 15 years; maybe, it's time to pull it through my fingers

Look how lovely!

Maybe I need to ply this silk to empty the bobbins?

Awww, this is such wonderful stuff to spin!  Maybe, this should b first?

Then, there is is gorgeous silk to spin up for a scarf to knit

Plus, I have bags of natural colored cotton waiting to be center stage.

Decisions! Really hard to decide.............................