Second String

That's not a bad thing. It means the Murphy loom is free and ready for a new flag warp. It means every single hand written prayer line has been woven into a flag and is now blowing in the wind. (Possible earworm!).



 And it means I better attend to my squeaky beater and get a new warp started on the reel. Over time I have simplified these flags and I am happy with the changes. Less really is more especially when it means more flags get done and they are more fun to do.



I guess I could have also titled this the second coming post, because there are a fair number of seconds here. Second of the seconds, Mouse #2. Caught the day after Mouse #1 and also channeled into the release program. Complete with picture.



 So far after 2 nights of resetting the trap, no third mouse. I do want to say, in Robin's defense (he's probably the most game of my crew for mousing), he alerted me last week by barking and digging around the crates there in the laundry room. I thought he was whining for a dropped kibble that might have rolled behind a crate, but in retrospect, I think he was probably on to those mice. Certainly deserving of an appropriate picture showing just what he can do where rodents are concerned. ;)



Third of the seconds, is another visit up to Howard Prairie to see a man about a boat. I had questions about what kind of boat one of them in my last post was, so, being up for a drive I tootled over yesterday morning for a look see. While I was there I couldn't resist taking some more pics of this lovely resort. It has a long, long jetty that made for a perfect picture taking stroll, and yes, I did get the boat info that was requested.

Flock of seagulls ( BTW, anybody remember that band?). These pictures should all enlarge. That's Mt. McLoughlin in the background, still holding some snow.



Boats at the dock. I was thrilled with how nice these came out. I do love my new camera!





A Pelican!



In farm news, Sunday evening was dang perfect. I grabbed Cooper and we went out for an evening ride. Left at 7:30p.m. and got home just a bit before 9:00p.m. A lovely relaxing finish to a wonderful day. He got to poke along and graze and I just enjoyed doing what I've loved doing since I was about 4 years old. There is nothing for me as magical as riding a horse.

Surprisingly for July in Southern Oregon, yesterday evening marked the start of two days of  rain and very cool temps. As I write this it's 48 F out and I'll be grabbing my rain coat and hat to go feed this morning. A welcome relief.

Parting shot: A true original. Peter enjoyed the trip to Howard Prairie too.

The Attack of the Killer Strawberries

Oh come on, how often can you use a subject title like that? I've been saving that one for a long time. But I really mean killer in a different way. Just how do slang expressions get started anyway? I made myself sit down and finish a home decorating project I started about a month ago. Since my little desk area sits in a windowed alcove, it really needs curtains. Sometimes the contrast and light is so bright, I can barely see my computer screen and the old bamboo roll up blinds were a real pain to deal with. Enter large, lovely and very graphic giant strawberry printed fabric.



I fell in love with it the moment I saw it, but it just isn't suitable for clothing especially for someone in the low five foot range. I don't particularly like handbags, so that left curtains. If I grow another foot or find that perfect pattern for a strawberry garment, I can always follow Scarlet's lead and wear them. Basically the curtains are lined panels.



I've left deep hems and kept stitching to a minimum so the cloth is still in large pieces. Some day soon I'll do the tall window in the studio, but not in this. I have something else picked out to contrast and play with my big berries! ;)

Moving to the outside, the moon and stars aligned and Gene and I found ourselves with some free time on the same day and in the same time frame. It happens less than you may think and only gets worse during summer fire season. The Dennett memorial wind chime finally made it out to the proper location.



Basically we cut a tallish tree that needed to be thinned, cleaned it up, put a cross piece on it and put it up. We also took down all the old prayer flags and put up the first new string.



The old ones are folded and waiting for fall burning season. I'm hoping to have all new strings of flags circling that special area. Some gifted lambs ear was planted around the pole.

Of course Robin was out and about to help later in the day. (Rodger too since nothing goes on in his domain that he doesn't feel the need to supervise).



It was a nice little training session for him. Young dogs like to be in constant motion. While I was working out there he had to learn to stay local. He could investigate, he could dig, but he had to stay in the immediate area. As parting shots, I'll leave you with a few of the best. Let's just title this series, "I am Terrier, see me dig".

Water Logged

Which is probably a good thing after our low snow, low moisture winter. This is shaping up to be a typical spring. Wet, muddy and fairly miserable. Can I say again how much I am loving the new little barn? I need not slog though ankle deep muck to get to flooded feeder tubs. I just go to the windows outside the paddock, pull the hay feeders through, fill them and slide them back in the stalls. They keep the hay off the ground and the horses all have somewhere not mucky to stand and eat. Heaven for all of us.

This of course is the least favorite weather pattern for the small and useless furkids.

I use useless in the most loving way! Everyone that has a short smooth coat wants and needs a little something extra for those forced outdoor marches.

I am always amazed that what takes ages to do on a sunny warm day is accomplished by 8 dogs in less than 5 minutes flat. Hmmmmm.....

Tuesday early morning saw 9 plus inches of the heavy wet stuff, just enough to nix a breakfast date in town. By 4:00 p.m. it was 4 inches with a heavy layer of slush. YUCK!

For spring I think this area should be renamed "The Mudsprings".

Precious little has gone on here, lots of make work. Picking up, organizing the buildup on counters and end tables, pulling books for donation and old clothes that have seen their last winter here at least. The cats were all hauled to the vet yesterday morning

for check-ups and rabies. It was challenging for the barn cats but all in all they acquitted themselves quite well. Buzz was paralyzed by fear, but he never offered to scratch or bite. Juno probably would have been purring in ten minutes time, but a pre-school group was due for a field trip there within the hour and we wanted the cats on their way home before that circus arrived. Rodger of course was cool and calm, walked out of his crate purring and said a cheery hello to everyone.

The rest of the crew will have their rabies shots at the end of the month. Dr. Beth (who use to do big animals) is making a house call. We'll do the all the dogs needing it and also the horses and donkeys. She's excited, I'm excited and vet tech Nic is excited since he's going to vet school in the next year and large animal experience is helpful. I have a nice crew when it comes to ground manners so a good intro for him. Any mistakes are usually met with just a surprised look.

A little sewing has gone on and a little prayer flag weaving and not much else. The prayer flags you've seen a ton of times, but this sewing pattern is new. Simplicity 2841.

It's out of print but still available on the Simplicity web site. This is my first Khaliah Ali pattern and I am terribly impressed with it.

Very well designed and makes quite a handsome tunic to my eye. I will say the instructions are good right until you have to start fiddling with that neck.

It was slow going but the result is well worth the work and once you have that ah-ha moment about what they want you to do, it's all just fabric manipulation. I'll certainly use it again. Might add some inseam pockets because, who doesn't like pockets??!

Parting Shot: The always regal Peter. Looking pretty good for 17 isn't he.

A Right Fine Dumping

Winter came and it conquered with some pretty decent snowfall amounts, about 14 new inches on top of our 10-12 we had before the day and night of downpour. This shot was taken at the start of our big snowfall. It was all welcome and did help with our 5 inch waterfall deficit. We still have a lot of catch up to do. The dogs had a marvelous time. To them it must be magic that those pee spots get "refreshed" every night. HA!

With snow also comes the general knowledge that everything outside takes longer, be it a drive to town or refilling water tanks. Hoses must be hung back up carefully, snow paths need to be broken, trudging around is slower etc. And then there was the completely lost NFL playoff Sunday. Congratulations Patriots! I will admit to not watching the last 1.12 minutes of the game. I was sure it was going to be tied and go into over time or worse, end with a Raven touchdown. When I switched back,

I was pleasantly surprised of course. The Ravens gave that one away. And congrats to the Giants, who fought for every single point against the 49'ers. It was a great game, well played by two teams that were evenly matched. I didn't have the vested interest in this one and enjoyed every minute of it.

The prayer flag warp is just about at it's end. I think I can eek about 4 more flags out. I leave a good amount of space for fringe with these little flags so it does eat up warp. I figure I should get about 15 flags. The green wool warp is ready for winding on and threading. I'll use 4 shafts in plain weave, although for some interest I will probably double or triple up threads every 3 inches or so and try to get a little textural windowpane effect in the weaving. We'll see.

I finished off the new McCalls pattern and while I loved certain aspects of it, I truly disliked others. They have you mark everything with circles, squares and triangles. Really, I can match sleeves and cuffs quite well with just a couple of clips and maybe a dot.

The collar, that big collar with the large neck opening is set on a stand. Let me tell you, it was a bugger to get in neatly. It is on the outside, that inside facing is ugly though and the next time I make this, I'll make the collar a bit wider and set it right into the neck and face the inside with grosgrain ribbon or something. The last gripe is the sleeve construction. The top yoke/sleeve is wonderful and the lower sleeve piece fits well, but then it is not really set into an armhole but created by sewing up the side seam into the sleeve seam.

It's just not the nicest construction style for a blouse IMHO. It's okay but not great. I wanted great from this pattern especially since it uses a whopping 3.5 yards. I do love the mushroom fabric, enough that I bought more for later since my hefty stash of it was eaten up on this one garment.

The quilt top has been pieced and is ready for batting and backing.

I haven't yet decided on what type of batting I want to use. Maybe a light wool. I also need to get a binding fabric. I wanted it pieced before I decided on that. It's pretty cute and those squares were quite easy and fun. A nice re-entry into quilting.

I've been reading up on linings and honestly, I am disappointed in what I'm finding in my general sewing books. I have an unlined coat pattern that I want to do but need to line my fabric choice for it.

If I want to bag a lining from edge to edge, a fair amount of good basic instruction. If I want to tailor a men's jacket by hand with linings, interlinings and all sorts of stuff, I can find that too, but for a mostly bagged lining with prominent facings, not so much. I realize how this is probably done but some detailed explanations would be handy to have. I think my old Time-Life The Art of Sewing: Basic Tailoring has the closest information and maybe a peek at some of my coat/jacket patterns with linings may have what I'm looking for in the way of concise steps. We'll see.

Parting shot: Stella, keeping Timmy close on a cold winters day. ;)

For those that may have missed it, "Timmy" is the name of her ball(s). As in , "Go find Timmy, Stella!" Or "Is Timmy lost?" or "Hand Timmy over to me." This one rarely works unless she is absolutely sure you are going to toss...Timmy.

So, Does the Red Make Weaving Faster?

YES, it does! It's just plain cheery working on a fire engine red loom, even when the weather is dreary. And let's be clear, no matter what the forecast says about partly sunny, it's been dreary. The weaving has not been. The flags are woven and ready to be cut off and finished today.

I have scads more warp for smaller flags and will retie it all on back later in the week.

I repurposed this little wire shelf pocket thingy from the old armoire. It fits perfectly on Julia and holds my serene little musical lamb safely along with my shuttle and anything else I happen to stick up there.

I had two of these, I gave one to Gene.

Part of Sunday was spent listening to the football games on TV and sewing on the work frock. It's all done except for buttons and hemming.

I'm pleased with it. It will get a lot of use while I work on my fiber pursuits. The directions for this pattern weren't the greatest, but I muddled through. Had to redo the first pocket 3 times. A cross between being mentally challenged and scant instructions. But finally, through trial, error and rereading for the umpteenth time, it was sewn in correctly. Pocket two was a cinch. The sleeves on this garment also provided a little challenge with the addition of a gusset. I think the last time I did a sleeve gusset was on an old Folkwear pattern a lot of years ago. It was fun actually and while I should have just set up the free arm Bernina to do the sleeve cuffs, I stayed on the flat bed Singer and it just took a little more time and effort.

Hey Baby Delta has had a little weaving done on the endless pillowcase warp. It grows, slowly as you all know.I will have to find a narrower use for all this 20/2 cotton because I sure am not going to do pillowcases again in it. The 10/2 would have sailed along by comparison. I can only imagine doing something like a tartan in an even finer thread. And that's just what I will do. Imagine it. ;)

Parting shots: Quiet company

Shake, Raddle & Roll

Aren't we having a musical week so far? Just when one ear worm might have given up, another one comes along!

The homemade raddle has been completed and if I do say so myself ( read pat on back), it works very well.

My old raddle was a loop raddle and I liked it very much, more so than nails hammered into a board, that's for sure. I always get nervous using something with nails in it sticking out around the animals. Something dropped or knocked by accident and you know, I have watchful eyes and bodies all around me when I work, always. Often times under foot so the likelihood of a slip up is enhanced. Using eye screws for the dividers was an idea I jumped on and ran with. I can't take credit for it either. Nadine, my steadfast weaving teacher and mentor, e-mailed me the idea in passing and before that it was from a Peggy Osterkamp book, so it's been around. Eye screws are a lot easier to use than trying to find and bend wire for a loop and certainly safer than nails and not much more expensive. There was a lot of hole drilling and some swearing and I might not have every one quite perfect in line, but the inch sections are accurate.

With the addition of a metal rod I can lock in the warp threads easily. Julia's third prayer flag warp is on and being woven. This one will be all small single thought flags. I also have found that threading Julia is a dream. The shafts are held in a sling of sorts to lock them in, but you can tilt that sling allowing your shafts to be at different levels, making picking out correct shafts for threading quite easy.

You can also loop that sling closer to the breast beam making the reach less. All quite nice to work with.

The mixed green and blue scarf is off the loom and finished.

I love it. I've made notations that this combination at a slightly tighter and more even set would make lovely fabric for a jacket. I think if I do a little searching and maybe splurge on one more large skein of Nature's Palette I would have enough to do a two to three yard warp at about 36". I'm going to have to do some more formal calculations to be sure though. It plumped nicely after wet finishing and although quite a mix of fibers nothing puckered or stretched. It played nice.

The scarf itself is the first one of a bunch for the humane society's annual auction and ball.

The prayer flags from the last warp have been completed. They have their bells, the fringe has been knotted and thread ends clipped.

The silk itself does like to shed, but this is just part of the character of the flags themselves. I am still very happy with the all white warp and think I will keep that and the present threading for the time being.

On farm news, we've had two glorious days. Notice the "had" in that sentence. We'll be paying for those nice days with the rest of the week calling for a rain and snow. I did get out and do some planting. Lily of the Valley, which is my very favorite flower and some sort of thing with the name Lucifer in it. If it comes up it will be bright red.

Sadly the farrier is due out today. Pity he didn't come yesterday. We'll be slopping around in mud and pouring rain. Oh joy. Morgan is pretty easy to work with. Instead of taking each of the horses out of the paddock through the field of mud and muck, we'll bring the trim tools into the high and dry (it's all relative you know) part of the paddock and just trim them up there, under the trees or in the shelter. The hardest part will be keeping Imp and Nick from making off with a rasp or nippers no doubt.

The hay arrived Saturday and instead of unstacking we just backed the horse trailer into the barn and I'm feeding out of that. If we need it, we can always throw the hay out. 50 pound bales feel light as a feather compared to the ones I've tussled with all winter. A full one fits right into the front end loader like a charm. Life is good!

Get set...GO!

Finally, now that all other warps are threaded, sleyed and either ready to begin weaving (or the weaving has commenced), the pillowcase warp is getting some much anticipated attention. It is the first time I have used 20/2 yarn to weave although I've had that huge cone sitting around taunting me for a year. I have new appreciation of those that tackle 60/2 or finer for their weaving. No more than threads.

It has no weight on it's own to speak of and being so light, every rough part of my hand (and that would be most of it) catches as I am spreading into the raddle. Otherwise, it's behaving fairly nicely. A good tug at the next tie point usually brings the bundle all in order so I can go back and with claw like hands, continue counting and spreading. I got just about half done yesterday morning before I had to leave for town. Today is finish spreading and wind it all on. Might even get to a little threading before I start in on weaving the green scarf warp.

The Prayer Flag warp is in progress. I am doing some sampling and have what I think will make a prettier finished flag.

It's been slow going getting the prayers written as the next ones to be woven are Rainbow Bridge flags and the prayers always make me puddle up. There is something wonderful and healing in putting those sad beautiful thoughts down on silk though and when I'm done writing them, I feel lighter and cleansed of spirit. A meditation.

On farm news, we have had some interesting tracks around the place. A few raccoon paths, lots of squirrels, rabbit and a fox. Dennett and I have been taking some fun morning walks along the riding trails I use. Unfortunately, the ground is so muddy I dare not ride even on the occasional sunny day. It's just too dangerous for both of us. The horses have been enjoying the renewed brushing and work on their coats with the shedding blade though. The goats seem to have found a spot or two that has new growth to nibble and the arctic willow by the front porch is breaking out in thousands of small leaf buds. Spring is going to come this year sooner or later, mud or not and I am waiting for it with happy anticipation. It's a very short season up here in the mountains, often we go right into summer with just a week or two of spring, most of which is spent drying out. The birds think it's spring already and are filling in the still barren landscape with chirping and song. They know a thing or two I reckon. Blink and I might miss springs entrance all together.

Off the Loom & Onto the Plane

I did indeed manage to get the prayer flags off and finished. With the different warp colors used they remind me of a plaid or madras of some sort. I also attached the bells differently and the blessing ring. The ring can be easily snipped off without any damage done to the flag itself. It's on a different colored thread for visibility.

This most likely will be the last update until I return on the 23rd of June. The farm and all the animals will be in Gene's capable hands and we talk at least once a day, usually twice. It is always bittersweet leaving though. I am homebody's home body. Other than my much enjoyed trips to town, I like being home. On the other hand, the draw of my folks and New England for a short respite from farm life is wonderful too. The days are lazy, the company and food can't be beat and there are enough furry friends in the household to ease the soul.

Bag is mostly packed and today will be spent on the few last minute things and lots of critter time before I head out in the wee hours of the morning on Tuesday.

I hope all of the wonderful people that come and visit my blog regularly have a great few weeks. I'll be keeping up with your posts for sure. For those finding themselves here by some magic, please check out some of the great blogs on my list. Lots of wonderful things to read about!

To those in the Beverly MA area with pet lobsters, watch out, I am armed with butter and lemons! ;-)

He Came From Outer Space

Okay, Smoochie loves to smile and I was lucky enough to catch this mug yesterday looking up at me. I can't begin to describe the sound effects that go along with this grin but suffice to say they are joyful and plentiful. Gene and I have always referred to the dogs as aliens. They swing between being extremely in tuned with us and their surroundings and then swing to the "What was he/she thinking?" moments. That's Pogo and Charlotte being polite on the floor while Smooch is trying to get me to pick him up.

It is certainly spring in Oregon, a very short one too in which every single bush,tree and wildflower is showing it's stuff. The hills in the valley are purple with vetch and lupins and I mean purple rides over the green like a bright haze. The wild roses are blooming along Highway 66, the dogwoods are putting on their show and very nice up here glowing in the sea of dense evergreens. Wild lilies, trillium and something that looks like Solomon's Seal is blooming, even the Oregon Grape is putting on a bright yellow show. Wild strawberries are peeking out here and there too. Here is some of it.

On other news, the windows have arrived!!! Now, we just need to get them in. I want to move the Murphy Loom out there once it's been enclosed. I can't think of anything more relaxing than watching the season's offerings while weaving on my much loved Murphy.

I have rescheduled my trip. Gene is doing really well, up and active but still on some Advil when his back gets tired. I'm heading to MA on June 2nd so things have gone back to hyper speed. Smoochie, Dennett and Miss Bea have all been victims of my less than impressive summer clip job, but they are cool and clean and don't know that I would flunk out of any grooming competition in heartbeat. Gene even got a summer clip. Heads are easier than wiggly dogs and certainly than kicking bleating goats!

I have two prayer flags woven on the warp and a few more to do. I might have time today to finish the weaving. Not sure how it will go.

 Over Memorial day weekend I had time to put a few rides on the various steeds and had a wonderful time on all. Such a good group of horses. I marvel at their talents and kindness. Nick I took on a walk, like I did when he was a baby. We leave on a lead rope and once past the farm proper I let him off leash so to speak. He can graze while I walk and always follows. In fact if I get out of sight he comes racing to where I am and usually gets a treat for his efforts. None of my horses are as tuned in to me being lead mare as he is.  Out on a trail Cooper will stay close but around home, that wise old bird knows just where he is and if the grass is good I can walk alone. ;-)

The sock has come along slowly, but the heel turn has been done and now we're knitting towards the toe. I am loving this yarn.

 These are also for my Dad but another pair will be started in a different color for my Mom and she too has requested a cashmere scarf! Once the flags are off when I'm back, Ill do up some wonderful confection for her. I have cashmere on order already.

Lest you think I have dropped the ball on shopping, I haven't! I did miss the great sale at Web-sters due to Gene's injury but found some interesting cotton ribbon yarn when I poked through the store yesterday.

  Filatura Di Crosa Malva 85% cotton and 15% polymide. I can see this woven up as a couple of colorful summer wraps. The colors sucked me right in. I love that they run in a linear fashion instead of a variegated way.