Identify This Plant

This picture was taken on our business trip to Orlando this month. The depth of color in this plant intrigues me and no one seemed to know the name of it. Anyone know?

Cocoon Jacket Progress Report II

This is the right-back that I am fringe-twisting. I have only six days before committing to the guild show. Fringe-twisting, finishing and beading should go quickly if I can set aside the time but I have serious concerns as to whether there is time to surface-design the jacket and, in my opinion, it needs it. Who said it's easier to work under pressure? (-:

Cocoon Jacket Progress Report I

Hopefully, posting pictures of the cocoon jacket will help me to be acountable. I cut the fabric off the loom today and am a little concerned as I have warp left over. Hmmmm... what does this mean? Will this be a blouse rather than a cocoon jacket? I also didn't take pattern into account when I planned this jacket so, fish may be swimming in every direction. lol. And I should have counted the number of repeats (since they are fairly long) in order that the pattern would match barring any treadling errors. Surface design should help. (-; In this picture, the panels are ready to be joined in the back.

God's Paintbrush

This picture of Sierra, and pictures to follow, inspired me while in Orlando and a reminder of how awesome are the colors in God's creation. Try as I may to mix dye in the colors and in the same proportions, I will never duplicate it! Do I see a colorway here?

A different type of stitch holder

It is nice to take an occasional break. The most recent for us was business-related but I had many hours to knit on HeartStrings Scotch Thistle Lace Stole and enjoy the sun in Orlando. I realized after I got halfway through the shawl and was ready to start the other half that I did not have a stitch holder or contrasting yarn to hold the stitches so that I could continue knitting. Don's boss is a resourceful guy and provided this line for me and it actually works better than yarn or a pin-type holder and it's probably in your garden shed - weed-eater cord! The yarn is Jojoland Melody Superwash in color #MS08. I love the way the color is changing gradually and actually am looking forward to finishing and blocking.

Will a deadline help?

Among projects I hope to finish this year is this cocoon jacket I began weaving in uh... December, 2006 for a special friend's art opening where we were asked to wear red. No, I didn't wear the cocoon jacket and it is still on the loom! Next month, Chimneyville Weavers and Spinners Guild (my guild), will have a show entitled "Make It Red" with one of the goals being awareness of women's heart issues. I only have to hem-stitch the last half, join the panels, bead the collar, wet-finish and surface design the fabric. Can it be done? Will it come off as planned? Here's hoping!

Note the fish or ichthus in the fabric, 3 of which have a bird's eye. These represent 2 of my very good friends and me.

Happy New Year!

At the beginning of each new year, as with life, I often reflect on the past year, look forward to the year ahead and how I can better my life by balancing faith, family, friends, fun and rest. This next week will be spent with plenty of time to reflect, to read, journal, knit and plan how to best spend the days ahead. There is something refreshing about starting with a new calendar, don't you think?