Hand Work

Dinner:  chicken in the pot cooking away

King Ranch Casserole!

There are several recipes—I like to use this recipe since it doesn’t contain canned soups.  This will make enough to feed 8-10 people!  There only two of us—servings will be portioned and frozen for future quick meals. 

Before I begin my handwork. 

I grab cup of coffee ( thankful for hubby who brewed a pot before he headed to mow ranch pasture) And a slice of this naughty Danish Kringle!! 

First, my handwoven SHIFU towel is ready to be hemmed. 

Then I’ll tackle more hexagons

I use two sizes

There is the big bag of finished large hexagon blocks—these are to be added to the top begin months ago

Loving this heart shape—when I have time, I add fabric to the shapes to be hand stitched later. These little clips are handy! 

What a perfect day!

 

Hand Spun Yarn

It’s time to knit!  Using my hand spun yarn, another section to my scarves will be added.  This year two different lace patterns are taking shape. 

Elizabeth Ravenwood’s Estonian lace pattern arrives mid month.  Taking the previous scarf section from their shelter, we begin.  Yarn is a mystery fiber that was received several years ago from estate offering.  Now is the time to label your fiber content—so this won’t happen to your stash!  I could do a burn test to find out fiber content—feels like silk, so going on that assumption, stitches are applied!  It’s all good anyway!  I’m paying homage to the fiber owner.

Just perfect—

I found the right shade of beads in bead cabinet and we took off on this lovely adventure January 15, 2025–sometimes the designer will release a couple of days in advance—

Using Knit Companion on my tablet is a big help! 

The second scarf begins first of the month with Shetland lace patterns designed by Toni Lorenz—I enjoy her designs and try to participate each year in her lace projects. 

This year the pattern was unique and unusual construction

Each month branches off in angles forming a V in middle

Picking up stitches off previous section to knit another branch.  Each section features different Shetland lace design

When this is blocked, there will appear a delightful shawl to wear in cool weather.  

It takes my diligence to keep on track to knit from first of month to 15th—do not want to fall behind! 

Knit on hand spun is a joy! 

 

Golden Oldies

We've been sorting through "stuff".  You know how things pile up and we tend to forget about them--out of sight out of mind!

One closet door hasn't been open for while--so looking through boxes stored there, these two quilts were found.  

This starry quilt is 1930's era-- all hand stitched

A work of art in my book.  Some of the fabrics have deteriorated over time

Some of the hand carded cotton shows through in places

This patch is worse.  Am thinking of covering with a sheer fabric to preserve the areas

The back shows the tiny stitches placed by the quilter

I found this quilt many moons ago at a yard sale for little or nothing

This quilt was found in a bin ready for the trash--no way was I letting this go away.  It just needed some love again.  Then here I am placing this lovely in a closet to forget about it.

This one is mid 80`s made--machine stitched.

 

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!!