Friday Read

 

Audible.com

 

Weaving a Mat

You can always tell when The Man is not home: Crafty stuff happens.

I started the t-shirt project yesterday and worked through the evening and into the night.

The weaving went fairly quickly even though each pick of weft yarn (aka t-shirt loop) was beat into place with a Tapestry Beater.

 

 

End of Warp, a few picks of edge border before going to bed.

 

 

Finished up today:

Edge border hemstitched, packed down, and knotted.

 

 

 

Size of mat off the loom ~ 14.5 x 23 inches (before wet-finishing). Not too floppy it stands up by itself.

 

 

I am very pleased with the results.

 

 

This afternoon I warped the 20" Schacht Flip again with a 72" length of warp. The first warp - a sample - was only 42" long.

 

 

 I am planning to make a second duplicate mat and have leftover warp to sample another idea.

 

 

Something New from Something Old

Started a new project today with old t-shirts.

 

 

I cut across the "body" of the t-shirt to create t-shirt loops, about one-inch wide. It was easier to use the scissors (brand new) vs the rotary cutter (old blade).

 

 

Seven of my old t-shirts.

 

 

 

 

Oh, Frosty

 

 

Pretty Good

We received 0.73 inches of rain yesterday. I know it doesn't seem like much but since it hasn't rained for a couple of months it felt really good.

This morning it looked pretty good too.

Sunday Read

 

Library Audiobook

 

Shelter In

We are expecting a little rain this weekend. It's been so long since we've received any, too long.

 

 

 

 First thing this morning I covered the chicken coop with feed bags.

 

 

 

Not too pretty, I know, but it helps to keep the rain and wind out of the coop. Anything to keep the Ladies happy.

 

 

Pump House WIP

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fluke Antonym

 fluke: an accidental advantage; stroke of good luck

Monday, late afternoon, a neighbor called The Man to let him know water was geysering out of the Pump House. The Man was able to talk Peter through the steps of turning off the Main water shut-off valve as well as turning off the pump inside the Pump House. The Man called me - from Ventura - to let me know.

Tuesday, early morning, a soggy Pump House.

 

 

Thursday, early this morning, The Man discovered a puddle of water in the garage and watched water seep out from the bottom of the hot water tank.

 

 

As the saying goes, "After all, tomorrow is another day".

We can hardly wait.

CA Cold

The mornings have been beautiful and chill.

 

Sunday 7:54a

 

Monday 7:29a

Tuesday 7:32a

Just Sitting

 

 

January Shipping

Saturday was shipping day for the charity items made by the Straw Bale Knitters.

Two 8 lb boxes were mailed to Leslye Borden of Handmade Especially for You.

 Fifty scarves and six hats donated for January 2025.

 

Just Listen

Last night as I listened to the conclusion of Louise Penny's book, "The Grey Wolf" I was also looking at hat patterns to knit on Ravelry. When I went to bed I felt as though I didn't fully comprehend the book's ending (nor did I find a hat pattern).

First thing this morning I scrolled back to the Chapters I had "missed".

 

 And then, outside - without distractions - just listened.

 

 

Saturday Read

 

Library Audiobook

 

Friday Read

 

Library e-book

 

Thursday Read

 

Library Audiobook

 

Deep Stash

Yesterday, Nancy S. asked me if I could use this mixed bag of white and cream-colored acrylic yarn to turn into Scarf balls. I thanked her and said I could.

 

 

 It appeared to be yarn from someone's deep stash and looking at the price tags it brought back fond memories of our early years in SLO.

Back in the 90's we frequented Law's Hobby Center and got lost in the rows and aisles of Craft and Art supplies. The store closed in 2008 after a long run of 45 years.

 

 

It is nice that their legacy lives on in memories and yarny goodness.

 

Delicious Delicata

I decided to bring Roasted Delicata Squash to our monthly potluck. It's easy to make, delicious, and I had three sitting on the kitchen counter.

First thing this morning - even before coffee - I preheated the oven to 425°. Next I scrubbed the squash with a veggie brush - you know you can eat the skin.

 

 

Here is how I split squash: I bury the knife into the skin as far as I can then pound the squash against the cutting board until the squash cleaves in half. Needless to say The Man was horrified when he saw me hacking away on the kitchen counter. He was afraid I was going to crack the ceramic tile.

Just to be safe I take the cutting board out to the garage and use the work table surface.

 

Once halved the squash is easy to cut into thin half circles. Next I tossed the pieces with olive oil, pepper, and a dash of salt.

 

 

Lots of space allowed between the pieces. You want it to roast not steam.

 

Roast for 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Flip the slices over and roast for another 10 minutes. Turn once more and roast for 5-10 minutes more.

Crispy, soft, carmelized yumminess. Easy-peasy.