My Corner Of The World - April 2011

No fooling!

It's April 1 in Hong Kong, Tokyo, Perth, and Kamchatka!

Time for a new edition of My Corner Of The World!

Have a joyful day!
Franco Rios
Sacramento, Calif. USA

edited for spelling

More snow!

No kidding. We're supposed to get between 4-8" between 10 p.m and tomorrow noon, (with more to fall in the higher elevations) in the NYC to Boston corridor. Great.

Yes, this is very late for us. I think someone in the Midwest or the South must be seeding the clouds on us. (I'd suspect Franco, but I think Sacramento is too far away ;-)

You may be right about Franco. All this rain/snow is coming from the great state of CA. Cheryl is off to town to deliver 4 towels to a customer and a doz towers and a woven jacket to the shop selling her hand woven goods. I just got done washing dishs and putting a cake in the oven. I have been playing with a counterweight system for a big Macomber.

Michael

CA can keep it!

Mark Twain once said if you tipped the country to one side everything that's loose would roll to California.

The weather coming your way is nature's way of balancing things out.

Have a joyful day!
Franco Rios

Been there, done that and would love to be living in San Deigo. The Marines sent me to Electronics School in San Diego in 1962. Then to Camp Pendelton. When I got out of the Marine Corp I moved from NY to San Calos, CA. My sister lives in San Diego I watch the weather and would love to live there but the cost of living would kill me. So I live in Georgia, in the winter 80f one day and snow the next. Right now the sun is shining(temp low 50fs) after raining for a week.

Michael

Cost of living in California can't be that bad.

There is a lot of people out here who don't have any money.

Have a good day!
Franco Rios

Depends on what kind of lifestyle you want.  You can have a nice house with enough space for one biggish loom in the SF Bay Area....if you've got an extra half-million bucks or more.  I envy Michael with his many looms!  That much space would be prohibitively expensive around here, unless you're a senior executive at Apple or something.

I feel lucky just to have the one small floor loom!

About 6 years ago we purchased a 28 x 60 foot trailer,(mobile home) in the south it is know as a doublewide. On the property next to the house. This is now Cheryl's weaving studio, she has a 22" 4h copy of a Harrisville loom (which I made her in 1984) a 48" 4H Macomber(soon to be a 8H) and a 56" 16H Macomber. A sewing/guess room. I have a small area for woodworking and a room for doing electronics. My son has a room which he sleeps in and repairs computers in. He is a student at a local tech College. Cheryl also has a studio in the upstairs of the main house were she has a 45" 4h Newcomb studio loom which she purchased in 1978. Live is good, I am retired and do contract electronic work, build furniture for sale and repair looms. I am starting a yarn business and will soon be mailing out yarn sample cards. I am also the voteing poll manager for district 2, Greene County, Georgia. My sister came for a visit last summer and told us the doublewide is bigger then her house in the hills of San Diego.

Michael

Today is the last day of my school's spring break and you have been my constant companions for the last week as I wove to my heart's content each day. In the past week, I've managed to weave 3 tencel scarves on a 4H Schacht, a pair of shoelaces on the inkle loom that my husband made for me, one of the bags from the Folk Bag series on the Emilia, try my hand at lucet cord braiding, and today I hope to complete a bamboo shawl. If I have time, after the shawl, I'll warp all of the looms again in hopes that once the work week begins I'll be able to steal away for a few minutes each night to weave an inch or two on something. I've so enjoyed reading everyone's posts and using the Weavolution site as a resource when I needed a bit of help or inspiration this week. I have a guild nearby, but my work schedule is pretty intense and I find it hard to get to the meetings---so I've adopted you as my on-line guild! Thanks for being there!

I wanted to test my photo loading ability after the switch, and was finally able to do it just now!

This is a photo of the Highline - a pedestrian path on the west side of NYC from 30th down to 18th or so. It is a converted elevated rail line. Now is probably the least scenic time to visit. The "trail" is planted with trees, flowers, grasses, etc. that are fantastic in the summer and fall. (The current issue of National Geographic has a photo essay about it, if you are a subscriber.)

I don't know if you can make out the Statue of Liberty, which is way off on the horizon, framed by all the openings, nearly dead center between the last lower bridge and the suspended walkway above. It was about 2:00 when this was shot, not the best time of day to be taking outdoor photos, as the light can be harsh.

And although it is snowing steadily today, I don't think we'll get the heavier predicted amounts, but just enough to shovel at lunch time!

Today I decided life is too short to deal with warps are no fun and I used the scissor solution.  :)  And started beaming a new warp which is much prettier and much more spring-like!  See my updated shawl warp project.

cheers,

Laura

I saw that and love this little bit of back story!

Beautiful day here in CO, though it is supposed to be very much cooler tomorrow.  Our crocuses are blooming and everything is thinking of greening up.

That is a nice big studio.  I live in a double wide, same size as yours.  It is so big, and old (about 40 years old) that we are planning a desperate re-model.  We can't heat the place!  We are planning to downsize, taking off the two spare bedrooms at one end, and wrapping the whole thing in insulating stuff....

My studio is just under half of my mill building.  I can see using the whole building for studio space, if it were in the cards.  I'm going to continue milling wool, so I'll have to keep the studio as is.  I have my standard Glimakra, Julia, and a variety of other stuff cluttering up.  Ready for a clean-up.  Laverne Waddington is coming to visit next week, giving me the incentive to get cleaned up.  We are going to have some backstrap weaving fun.  She is also going to help me with my on-going photo loading problems.  I want to post some photos, but can't figure it out.

Hi, The heat pump has a hard time keeping her studio warm in very cold weather. Not using the electric heat strip, but have a LP gas heater in the main weaver area that keeps that area warm.

Upload pictures. step by step: start by using the green tree above, then red block top right, upload top left, then browse (or type in picture name) next upload right side and then use tinymer on the top right side. Adjust side of the picture if needed. Next bottom left hit insert. And your picture will be there. Like below.

Have fun,

Michael

oh - like this - a little convoluted but if I can remember, do-able.  :)

Now to go weave on this warp - it's all set to go - just needs a weaver at the loom!  :^)

cheers,

Laura

We have a very big fiber festival coming up the first weekend in May on the east coast. It's beyond huge.

Anyone from this forum coming? Inky and I would *love* to meet any of you who are planning to be there! 

Thanks for the photo advice, Mike.  It won't help yet, because I can't figure how to put my photos in the right place from camera to computer.  It is ok.  I have help from my daughter, and Laverne will help, too.  Photos after next week.  I'm gonna get this.  The weather has been glorious this week.  It looks like the strawberry crop will be early this year. Yay!  May first is the earliest I have picked flatts of berries in the past.  Last year the spring rains were so late that it wasnt' till June first.

I get to meet Inky!  I hear there will be weavolution get-togethers on both Saturday and Sunday, from 11:00 to 1:00.  I don't have details about the location, but I'm sure they will be forthcoming.  Last year, weavo met in the rabbit building - good for rain or shine (there's usually both). 

Pics from last year are scattered about, here and here.  Hey, the search box works, too.

Yes, I will be there.  Not sure which day.  I'm coming all the way from California!  Flying out there to visit my son and partner.  I would love to meet you, Sally and Inky, too.  When I know which day I'll be there I'll let you know.  I'm planning to meet Claudia.  I think in the bunny barn, where I think there is a Weavo meet-up at noon each day.  Claudia?

I can't make it this year to the festival in Maryland. We aren't leaving Florida until the 15th of May. Rats!

Sharon

yahoo, I'll actually be there Sunday, looking forward to seeing folks! Deb Mc

After a routine check up in mid-March, ultrasounds, and blood tests, I was preliminarily diagnosed with ovarian cancer and went in for big time abdominal surgery last week. Lots of stuff removed...but NO CANCER!!! HOORAY!!!!  I'm sore, healthy, home, and designing my weaving projects until I can throw that shuttle and pull that beater in 6 weeks.  Carpe diem! 

That is wonderful!  I hope that you'll feel well enough to weave soon.  Weaving is good therapy.

My news was not so good - just waiting for the oncologist to phone and let me know when chemo starts.......  :(

In the meantime I'm weaving as much as I can, planning on doing fringe twisting, fringe knotting and spinning during treatment.  :)

Idle hands, and all that!  :D

Cheers,

Laura

I'll be there with bells on.  Well actually not quite, but I will be there.  Car load of friends and hopefully a few $$ in the pocket.

I won't be able to catch up at either of the times mentioned.  You WILL find me in the auction tent both days at that time.  On Saturday, you won't miss me, I'll be the one running my mouth.  Stop by and say HI! Better yet, stop by and BUY SOMETHING!!!

Wow, I am so thrilled to hear you will all be at MSWF!!  Yippee!  I will post the details in several places on Weavo.  Looking forward to seeing everyone.  I can't wait to see Deb (it's been a year) meet Aunt Janet and we will definitely stop by and visit loomladi at the auction tent and bring you some goodies.  Same goes for anyone else minding the store at a vendor booth or volunteer table.  Let us know where to find you and we will.

We are meeting at the Rabbit Building (we'll have lots of signage, promise) which is to the left as you come in the main entrance.  We will be there early for anyone who wants to stop by but the Meetup is scheduled for both Sat and Sun at 11am to 1pm.  

I can't wait!!

Claudia (I'll be the one with the Weavo t-shirt and lots of buttons)

PS there are a limited number of the original Weavo t-shirt available in sizes L and XL for $20.  As always, all proceeds go to the development fund at Weavolution.  Check them out in For Sale or Trade forum.  Here's a picture  

Laura, hope the chemo stays a short time in your corner of the world.  Get that finishing pile ready for the recovery!  Deb Mc

Has anyone mentioned that you are alot taller from the back?

I'm sending positive thoughts your way, Laura.  Wrap yourself in things you love, be strong, and we're all pulling for you.  

I used that solution yesterday. A dog on the loom is no good. I need to remember to put shorter, less sticky warps on.

Joan

That's wonderful! I hope you are feeling better soon.

Sally for NE TN

Laura, I have everything turns out ok and you will be feeling better soon.  Sally

Since I will be in my booth, I won't be able to attend the Weavolution meeting.  However, be sure to stop by Dyed Dreams in Barn 3, Booth 3 to say hello.

Janet Stollnitz

we paid for that 86f (33c) day this past Sunday with tornados and 100mph + straight winds Monday night. Here in Georgia there are lots of trees down and 4 people dead. We lost power around 11:30 pm on Monday and got the power restored at 3:00pm this afternoon. Trees down everywhere in the county. Luckily I had cut down two dead trees on the side of the house this winter and the power company cut down a very large pin oak (half dead) in the front of the house this summer. We are all well and I will spent the day tomorrow cleaning up in the kitchen. Cheryl never missed a beat, she woven four scarfs. Something about a "foot/hand" powered loom.

Wow! That's a big wind. I'm glad you are well. Sad for the people who died.

What a country!

Have a good day!

Laura, I'll be praying for your succesful treatment.

And weave a lot of stuff!

Have a joyful day!

Janet, I'll definitely stop by if I can make it past the throngs of customers who will be packing the center aisles of the barns! (Especially if the weather is nice.)

And Laura, you are certainly in all our thoughts at this time. 

My corner of the world is shifting south by about 600 miles - I'm headed to Seattle to attend their April Saturday meeting.  Guest speaker will discuss fibre characteristics.

cheers,

Laura

Just a heads up...Inky is hitting the road next week...(Watch out Waldo, can catch me if you can, Carmen!)

In my corner of the world, I've been glued to the e-TV watching the Decorah eagles raise their young.  There's a camera about five feet from the nest (which is itself 80 feet off the ground...don't ask me how they got the camera up there!) and you can watch mama and papa feeding the babies, sitting on them to keep them warm, and flying in and out of the nest with food!  There are three eaglets, the last one just hatched yesterday.

Watch the live eagle-cam here!

In other news, I may be in Maryland soon, for rather sad reasons.  An extended-family member is dying and I will need to fly out for the memorial service.  :-(

Laura, I wish the better for you, be strong, feed with the love of the family and friends.  I pray for your soon recuperation. A hug . Graciela

I am also watching the eagles.  I have the site on 12-14 hours a day.  I watch whenever I'm in the vicinity of my computer screen.  Just amazing!

The joyous moment of the end of warp came into sight, not once but twice last evening.  Both looms are now empty - YEAH - awaiting the next project(s).  My room mate and fellow weaver, Julia, is working on mug rugs, 200 to be exact.  She agreed to make them for me for a conference IF I kept the loom warped.  As a child of the depression she wastes nothing, so I have kept the loom warped with all sorts of misc. lengths and pieces from the past 10 years of weaving.  The good news is we have used up ALOT odds & ends.

I finished off my sample warp of my 16/2 cotton.  Had some loom difficulties, but all in all it held well.  I found that I couldn't hold the tension as tight as I prefer, but once I adjusted my way of thinking it wove beautifully.  And of course when you have 6 yards, 4" wide and need 150 mug rugs, you weave mug rugs. 

So now it is time to wind warp.  Fortunately Julia has to prep the warp for her loom, I just have to spend the 1/2 hour or so and wind.  My loom on the other hand...  in the past there was a pattern in Handwoven for a Dimity Scarf that used a play on colors, does anyone know what issue?

Spring is coming, of that I'm certain so today I get to head to The Farmstead at Jackson's Mill http://jacksonsmill.ext.wvu.edu/farmstead and work in a wonderful old cabin and clean.  It is time to wipe away all the winter crud, sweep out the winter blahs and then enjoy some time weave on the 18th century barn loom.  Today will be a good day for me, I hope it is for you all too!

I am  a fiber producing mammal.  I have kin in Vermont and more distantly related cousins on a farm near you.

Related to moose? buffalo?

Sure is cute!

Bonnie.

Musk Ox?

I'm guessing quiviet? Not sure of spelling.

Loomyladi,

I think that was Handwoven Nov-Dec 2008, page 52. 

I can relate, the end of the warp is rapidly appearing on my 7 yards of Bonson, and I have a head full of ideas on what I want to weave next! (Where to begin???)

Qiviut is the fiber from the musk ox.

Michael

ah, ok, Michael, thanks for the upgrade, so musk ox, like Thelmaweaves says!

I visited Palme Alaska and the Palmer Musk Ox Farm recently.  I was totally unaware of this wonderful fiber.  What a treat to get up close and persoal with these beasts that are left over from the ice age.  The babies are adorable and even Ferdinand who tends to rule the paddock was delightful. I found quiviet a couple of different places anywhere from $60 - $80 an oz. 

Thanks, that tells me where to look. 

Water at the river is still running high with runoff from the recent storms. There are three Embden geese which are escaped domestics and two Canadian geese that are wild.

These black butterflies are flying over the bike trail that runs along the American River. These look like Pipevine Swallowtails. The upper side wings have a row of white dots along the back edge and groups of orange dots on the underside (orange dots are not really visible in these shots). But you can see the little protrusions on the wings (like a swallow).

Here are the Pipevine Swallowtails overhead.

Have a good day!
Franco Rios
Sacramento, Calif

Sacramento or American?

Nice pictures.  No butterflies here yet, but we've seen our first Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagles!

Alison

I just returned from a fun teaching/jurying trip to VT to find the peeper (frog) chorus had arrived.  The barred owls have been sitting over the little woods pools for the last few weeks holding extended conversations about the expected arrival.  More snow/mud in VT than here in MA, but I did see two deer and a lot of turkeys on a drive and walk with Susan Rockwell along a Green Mountain ridge.

Laurie Autio

Alison,

American River near the Watt Ave bridge in Sacramento.

We don't get Bald Eagles at all over here, but we do see the Great Blue Herons on a regular basis.

Where are you at that you get to see eagles?

The butterflies are always a happy surprise when they appear.

Have a good day!
Franco Rios
Sacramento, California USA

My son has asked that I share this information with people.  So I am reposting it directly from the facebook page.   I am thankful that my son serves under a man who is not afraid to show his compassion for his fellow man.

By the end of the month my Light Infantry Company will be in a volatile region of Afghanistan fighting a tough counter-insurgency battle that will not be easy. One thing that we have going for us is that we are postured to protect the citizens of Afghanistan at all costs and defeat a determined enemy. The people are the prize, and we've been training extensively in language and cultural understanding and we are ready to demonstrate to the Afghan people and Afghan National Security Forces that we are friends with their best intrests at heart. One way that anyone interested in helping can do is to simply mail care packages. I've provided an address below where such packages can be sent and I will ensure they are distributed. However, as you think of my Soldiers I'd ask that you also think of how you can help us win this war. In Iraq I'd often take my own care packages I'd received out on patrol with me and use the contents to pass out to men, women and children. The effects this can have are priceless and prove to be a valuable asset in winning this complex counter-insurgency fight. Like I said above, the people are the prize. Whatever you mail will be used to pass out to the people of Afghanistan to put a smile on their face, ease suffering, or simply make a strong gesture of friendship that will directly assist us in accomplishing our mission. How could this be you might ask yourself. Well, its simple. When you have good relationships with the people and they know you are genuine and kind it goes without saying. We are in Afghanistan to build that country and give its citizens the right to freedom. Every little bit goes a long way toward accomplishing that goal. Picture if you will one of my Soldiers passing out candy or toys to children in a village that is poverty stricken. Now think two steps forward when those children see Taliban fighters burrying an IED who's sole purpose is to kill my men. Remember the passing out of candy and toys, now think about how those bonds of friendship and kindness now come into play, and trust me I've seen it happen. The people will be more likely to warn us in advance and thusly save lives, lives of my Soldiers and your fellow Americans. Dont think you are limited to helping with just candy etc. Products for men and women alike are also greatly welcomed. Picture this, you send a care package designed for a woman. I take that package and give it to our FET or Female Engagement Team who is comprised of female Soldiers in our Battalion who's sole mission is to connect and empower the oppressed women of Afghanistan. Imagine the bonds you are helping build with a simple package of products that we all to often take for granted but are now being used as your kindness extends from your doorsteps in the United States to the poverty stricken remote mountains of Afghanistan. The power you hold is simply amazing and it all stems from the tiniest things in life we all to often take for granted. Friends often ask me, "how can I help?" Well this is one way that you, yes you, can help my men win one of the toughest missions our Army has ever faced and you can do so with very little effort. I'd like to say that it is my pleasure to have you all as family, friends, and neighbors and nothing makes me prouder than knowing that I'm protecting the country and people I love. If you can see my mission intent in this very short, vague message than you'll understand why helping out is so important. This isnt just a war that Soldiers are fighting, its a war that our country is fighting together and together we can all help each other prevent future attacks on our home soil like we experienced on 9/11. I look forward to hearing from all of you and welcome any kind words and support you can offer my men. The smiles you are capable of putting on the faces of local Afghans and Soldiers have priceless positive effects on the outcome of this war and the future of both of our countries. Thank you, and Mahalo!

Very Respectfully,

CPT MICHAEL P. BRABNER

Charlie Company Commander "THE COMANCHES"

 FOB BOSTICK

 C CO, 2-27 IN BN, 3rd BDE, 25th IN DIV

 APO AE 09310

Inky found an interesting place to rest while waiting for a co-worker. Also, in this corner of the world, there is an established colony of traditional weavers!

Inky, the traveling loom on suitcases!

In western NY, we're still trying to wake up spring. Its late! Daffodils were out finally yesterday and birds are talking it up.

I have two warps ready to wind on & thread. One is for a guild workshop this month in doubleweave, the 2nd is a chenille scarf.

That is one way to use "lost baggage." I have sat on my luggage any number of times. What a great picture. I am clueless as to where Inky is.

Michael

Last week I stayed 3 days in Mo i Rana, a town 280 km from here. It was 3 days of work, so there was little time to go and see things during the day. But I spent the 3 days in the meeting room of the town council where I could look at a big tapestry on the back wall. in the evenings I went out shopping a little, and found a book on the local specialty in weaving: Fellåklær.

Fellåklær are woven blankets fastened to sheepskin that were used for bedcover. They are traditionally woven in monk's belt, overshot or skillbragd which is a pick up tecnique much used in that part of the world. Those bedclothes with sheepskin were woven until the 1960'ies.

When i read the book in my hotelroom at night I realized that I had some cotton yarn for the bottom weave that I bought at a flea market some time ago.

Next evening I went out and bought some woollen yarn for the pattern.

Next time I go to Mo i Rana i shall go to the local museum and see their collection of old fellåklær.

Eva

held at Arrowmont School of Crafts, April 7-10.  Just posted some photos of my class and other things (fashion show) at my blog:  http://tapestry13.blogspot.com

Tommye

Not weaving, but I went to the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles on Sunday!  They had some fabulous embroidered wall hangings, some gorgeous quilts using discharge and colored thread, and a collection of Mayan weaving that was just to die for.  Definitely worth a look if you are in the San Jose area!!

I also found a book on Lao textiles and the work of Carol Cassidy that is a real treasure - I stopped by Carol Cassidy's studio when I was in Laos and still remember the absolutely gorgeous, intricate weaving there.  I was too broke to afford anything of hers, but it was beautiful.

And, in other news, I scored reservations at The French Laundry today!!  They have only 16 tables and competition is EXTREMELY fierce to get a reservation (they take reservations two months in advance), but I not only managed to get a reservation, I got it for the exact day of our first anniversary!  I feel so lucky, I should get lottery tickets!!  I'm totally walking on air.

Hi everyone.  Here is a shot of the view from my kitchen window.  Just yesterday the lawn was green(ish) and bare of snow.  Looks like we might get some flooding when all this melts!  12" so far and still coming down.

Bonnie.

ACK!  Guess I'll settle for the grey dreary day!  Hope you don't get flooding. :(

Laura

OH NO Bonnie. (NO, NO, NO Snow!)

To console you, here are some examples of the fine work produced by the Conner Prairie Weavers. (Inky was impressed.)

Sally your pillows are lovely.  Our guild is trying to get a friendship coverlet project going.  :)  Still looking for two more people so hopefully we'll get them.

cheers,

Laura

Actually, Inky and I were in northern Indiana earlier this week, and the Conner Prairie Weavers (who wove the pillows) are located at a historical village just north of Indianapolis. I saw purses made from traditional coverlet patterns being sold at the airport under their label, really unusual and quite lovely. (Woven for that purpose, not old coverlets cut up and "repurposed", which drives historical textile expert Marjie Thompson bonkers. ;-)

The Indianapolis airport is where you'll find the seats made out of "baggage". Actually, the airport is only a few years old, but I found it was really nice and held some engaging public artwork throughout. In terminal A, they had huge transparent murals stuck to the 2-3 story windows with flowing graphics, bright colors, and poetry written in 500+ point type. Watching the sunrise and light come through to revel the words was pretty cool!

Thanks Sally and Laura for some warm words on this bleak day.  Yes, it's snowing AGAIN and I've heard it could be a repeat of a few days ago -- another 12" ??

But what really brightened things up is that the auction towels donated by Laura arrived today.  Laura, I hope you don't mind that I shower you with praise in this public forum.  The towels are scrumptious and I just love them.  I'll revel in good memories every time I use them.

Thanks so much!

Bonnie.

Great - glad there was some brightness to the day.  And we have white stuff falling from the sky here, now, too.  :}

cheers,

Laura

The day started out with heavy rain and the weather radio going off at 5:45am tell us we were under a severe thunder warning and the tornado watch was extended untill 1:00pm (great!) Not a good way to start off a craft show. By 10:00am the rain had moved away leaving a windy and overcast sky. A few tents and a number of displays got blow down. By 1:00pm the sun was out but it was still very windy. Vicki Allen a weaver here on Weavolution stopped by to say hi, It was a nice visit. Later that evening we went to a awards show for "Georgia in Bloom". One of Cheryl's handwoven scarves won a first place ribbon and a cash award in the textile division.

Managed to do a Power Point presentation in both English and a no-doubt fractured French this afternoon.  I think my brain blew a gasket....

cheers,

Laura

who is decidedly uniligual

Franco,

Boulder, CO is where we're seeing the bald eagles.  I know the spot you're talking about very well.  I grew up in the area.

Take care!

First a swanky hotel and then the Pro Football Hall of Fame. That's a big clue. Anyone know where Inky is this week (without Googling?)

And can anyone tell me why there is a large "orange juicer" on top of the Hall of Fame museum?

do you mind if I ask what is pictured with you in your avatar?  thanks joanlvh

Franco is holding two of his bunnies.

Michael

It is amazing how when you leave near someplace you never visit.  Five years in CANTON, OH and I never once went!  Although back in the day there used to be an incredible ice cream parlor not too far away. 

You are correct, Loomyladi!

I've been coming to this area of Ohio for more than 10 years now, as we tend to have long-term relationships with our clients.

It's my impression the Canton area has great amenities, and we love visiting Palombo's in North Canton for lasagna and Italian sausage when we are here. (And I think I know the ice cream place you are referring to — do they sell frozen custard?)

FYI, gas in Indiana was $3.99 a gallon last week, is averaging about $3.80 in Ohio, and I paid $3.57 in Jersey before I left for this trip. (And Jersey girls don't pump their own gas. We only have full-service stations, like Oregon.)

I am sure our weaving counterparts in other countries are thinking all those U.S. gas prices sound cheap compared to the cost of their fuel. What is gasoline going for in California, Alaska, or Hawaii these days?

P.S. My thoughts are with all of you in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan and Canada. I suspect this system may have given you yet *more* snow?

A few days ago when I filled my tank, here in the San Francisco/San Jose area, it was $4.23 a gallon for the "regular" (non-premium) gas.  And still rising!

I am feeling perky today because I'm wearing my Kodachrome jacket!!  I finally finished the last few touches yesterday and decided to wear it to work to celebrate, and so I could actually wear it before shipping it off to Handwoven (it's one of the finalists in their Garment Contest)!  So I am collecting lots of dropped jaws and "You MADE that???" and feeling pretty good.  :-)

Out here weather has reverted to spring/summer normal: highs in the '70s, clear blue skies.  We'll probably have a few showers between now and the fall rains, but winter is basically over.  Yay!

My corner of the world is a little happier and less stressful today.  We brought my dad home from skilled nursing home.  He had major heart surgery and had a tough time.  Today marks 4 weeks since we started the journey.  He is home now and we'll learn how to use home health care but at least he is home and alive!  Hopefully now I'll have more brain cells for weaving and dyeing! (not dying - hospital humor, forgive me!)

So glad to hear that your father is making good progress.  So hard to watch loved ones struggle!

Cheers,

Laura

The sun is shining in Central WV.  Yesterday was beautiful and today promises to be more of the same.  The asparagus is in overdrive, the rhubarb is flourishing, and I can't get the garden plowed because it is too wet!!!!  Keeping fingers crossed for a few days of sunshine and NO RAIN!

Joan,

The critters on my avatar are Red Satin Angora rabbits. You can just see the tops of them in the picture.

My lovely wife Tracy was a nationally ranked Angora rabbit breeder. It was Angora wool that got me started on my fiber adventure.

Here is another picture of some happy French Angoras

Have a good day!
Franco Rios

My day is going very slow! I am warping the old loom I have been putting back together and trying to get working. I had to rebuild the back takeup roller, tighten up what seams like a 100 bolts ,replace bunches of wood screws and make shuttles. Then I put some old string I had on to warp it and see what else it needed and it badly needed tredles. The loom has just 2 heddles so just two tredles needed but there was nothing but a board with one string in the end of it. After much looking ,trips to the wood shop and drill press,and trial and error I have two working and the whole loom is  fine.Yesterday I got my warp thread and today I rebuilt my warping board. It is made out of plastic pipe that is parts from a silk banner painting frame and needed a few additional pegs. Then I wound the thread and now I am 1/2 way through tieing them on. I guess that is called Dressing? Anyway soon I may get to start weaving .

 Just had to share with someone that would understand.

Hope you are all having a great day. We have SUN!!

Marlene in Sunny Oregon.

Here I am celebrating my 60th birthday on April 14th :-)

Thanks for the photo Ellen.  I wish I could be sitting at your table with you.

Joanne

Happy birthday Ellen - many happy returns.

cheers,

Laura

Tillykke Ellen!

Trying to get back on track after a stress filled couple of weeks - thinking about the general session address for Quebec in June but not concentrating well enough to write - yet.  Staples come out of my ankle on Tuesday so I'm hoping to be able to weave and spin after that.  :)

At least spring seems to have finally arrived!

cheers,

Laura

Happy Birthday Ellen and Happy Thoughts Laura!  Here's a Texas Hill Country flower for you from the prickly pear cactus.  They are in full bloom here, not for long as we are in a bad drought but they are beautiful while they are here!  Deb Mc

Gorgeous!  What a day brightener.  :)

cheers,

Laura

I hope your days will be full of happiness and fulfillment!

Have a joyful day!

Don't you hate it when your bird blinks when you try to take a picture?

Good purchase at the thrift store. 7 ounces of cotton yarn for 2 dollars US!

Great purchase! Avalon Weaving Loom #9922 for one dollar! Plastic loom, a bag of loopers, yarn, instructions. Looks like it was never used. Instructions are copyright date 1977. This is gonna be fun.

Have a good day!
Sacramento Calif.

Happy birthday Ellen!  For your birthday, my spouse taught one of our cats to "high-five!"  And I thought she was dim!

I know we're nearly done with the month, but seeing the topic pop to the top several times today reminded me of the worst job I ever had.  I started on April 1 and the joke was definitely on me!

A warm thank you to all of you who sent me a Happy Birthday greeting :-)

Ellen

a belated Happy Birthday Ellen, Many happy returns of the day! 

The sky has been clear here for 3 days running and the temps. almost up to normal during the day for this time of year.  Nights still a little cool, but the greenhouse is yielding great salad greens for the last month anyway!  It is still good weaving weather and I am exploring tablet weaving on a newly assembled copper pipe tablet weaving loom.  will put pics up shortly,in the meantime -

http://evelynoldroyd.wordpress.com/2011/...

Chocolate Bunny photo by Catherine Amundsen

Have a joyful day!

Happy birthday, Ellen. I think that the marmalade is so sweet as you. Thanks for sharing.   What was in the packages? I'm curious.

And for you:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CstGyjX6fpU

A little late but evenso i wish you " een gelukkige verjaardag" from Belgium.And many happy weaving years to come.

Just this afternoon we were spending time with friends at the coast and were talking about our stay in Denmark and how great it was to meet you.

Thank you very much to you three as well. Yes that was a lovly Birthday Breakfast with my husband's homemade strawberry jam :-)

The packages held 1) an electric cone winder from my husband. 2) on top a lovely present from a weaving friend from the USA: a very unique quilt and a lovely and sooo soft cachmere/silk handspun knitted cowl! So lucky, aren't I? And that was just the first day. Three days later I had the REAL BIG celebration with 30 guests!

And to Jeannine: Yes, that was super, and actually the weather has been finer this last week than it was when you visited last summer! Sunshine and as warm as 20 C! How's that for April in Scandinavia?!

Thanks again, all of you. 

Ellen,

Belated birthday wishes! This year will mark one of my "benchmark" birthdays, too! We have two guildmates that will be turning 80 in May, and if I have the energy and wherewithal they currently have (when I am at their age), I will be *quite* happy to see several more decades tacked on!

Sally

Franco,

I LOVED your Easter post. You made me realize I forgot to take Inky to see the Easter Bunny this year—oh no! I'll work on something for next year. (And thanks for creating this lively and always interesting forum!)

Sally

P.S. Be careful, your birds look A LOT like Easter Peeps candy chicks!

As, spring is taking its time getting here - it was -25C with the windchill yesterday and it's lightly snowing today, I spent the weekend winding 3 warps and got one on the loom.

I actually like winding warps, but it's a bit of a process getting set up to wind them, so I decided to wind 3 - 2 for tea towels and a rug warp.  Now, no excuses for having an empty loom, at least for a while!

Thank you Sally :-)

I am sure weaving is good for both body and mind and will keep us going strong for years and years!!!

Ellen

Better late than never....happy birthday Ellen. And greetings to the Aussies out there on this ANZAC Day.

I know what it is like when you are backpacking and traipsing about the countryside but, ahem, really, I think Inky needs a change of clothes ;-)

Laverne,

You are SO right... ;-)

Yep, stinky Inky has been in that outfit since Convergence last year!

I went to my local guild and spent a couple of pleasant hours finishin off a warp (5 tea towels!) and when I went outside I was amazed that it was actually WARM!!!!  I watched a thunderstorm move in across the valley and it was moving fast, fortunately, it did not leave us any lasting memories.  Someone to the East was probably not so lucky!

Nice to hear from you, too! I think you are out and about at the moment, aren't you? Hope you are enjoying it all :-)

Ellen

Your little bunny is so sweet.   Reminded me that it is time to mate my Angora rabbits.  We need some wee little ones around here.   I just need a nice bright sunny day.   And by the time the babies arrive, my Southdown Baby Doll Sheep will arrive.   What a wonderful spring this will be!

My corner of the world has been wet and windy!  The roof on a big barn across the road blew off last night, and we've had 6 inches of rain the last week.  AND, it's supposed to get worse tonight.  As I huddle in the basement in the middle of the night with dogs, husband, and baby chicks, I think about that beautiful project that took me forever to warp sitting on my loom on the second floor!  I will be so mad if the whole thing blows away.  I know many of you have had storms, too.  Heed the warnings and take shelter!  

every day is as happy as this one, for you. 

Alaa

Inky sure loves living the highlife!

now is Beet Bundt Cake. Taste test results coming soon! I have a bumper crop of beets from my winter share at the CSG, community supported garden at Genesis Farms. Earlier this week was Roasted Beet and Feta salad.

On the looms: 12 or so yards of the endless rug warp on the Lilstina; and a naked Baby Wolf waiting for a dish towel warp exchange due in June.

And did I mention I just notice a big chunk missing from my chimney, which could explain the wetness on the hearth, dang! Repairman coming tomorrow to let me know if it's fixable, or I need a second mortgage ;)

Here's breakfast! Strawberry, banana, oatmeal. That's what the parrotlets are having for breaksfast. The little birdies really like the oatmeal. They also get a cup of seed mix for all day browsing. And yes, I make oatmeal and fruit for my morning meal too. Life is good!

Have a joyful day!

Here is a real live Easter Bunny that hopped past my window around Easter, while I was in my holiday house.

finds me enjoying another weaver's work!

Wow! What are those and how are they made?

Have a good day!

These were bracelets, but I am not sure of the materials. (polyester or cotton?) I took a workshop at Convergence last summer in this knotting technique, somewhat like macrame, but the end result was a beaded-looking effect. (Can't find my notes right now, I hate that!) These bracelets reminded me of that workshop.

I think after our l-o-n-g winter and plenty of grey skies aka "April showers," my eyes have been starving for color!