And now weaving, too?!

Well folks, today I busted out my loom. Yeah, I know it sounds impressive, but it's a vintage Spears Weaving Loom, Size 4. It is complete with instructions and all the pieces, save for a hex nut that I probably lost. This is archaic, even as rigid heddle looms are concerned. Circa 1954 to be exact, but hell, if people can weave with string and clay weights, there's no reason why I can't get this thing rigged up. Of course I'm using yarn for the weft that is WHOLLY UNSUITABLE, and I recommend anyone who stumbles into my unfinished, scatterbrained universerse to choose your weft wisely, but seeing as it came from the thrift shop and I have no idea what else to do with it, weft it is. It is a three ply laceweight cotton/wool blend. One ply is cotton, one ply is wool, and there is also a binder thread. The yarn catches on the loom like mad, but after setting it up, it shouldn't be a problem. My goal is a scarf for my dad. I've been wanting to make him one with handspun, but haven't found the right fiber. I wanted it to be lightweight, yet manly. We'll see what happens. I can guarantee it will be boring as fuck. But I believe it will turn out nicely. Stay tuned...

Well, I don't know if it is scarf material, but it sure is fabric. I'm so excited! There's actually about 9 inches of woven fabric wrapped around the front beam! Setting it up really is a pain in the ass, but was so worth it. When I'm finished with this, I'm going to try to weave some of my art yarns. The yarn I'm using is really really sticky. At first I thought I needed a large shed, but I've gotten used to it and can tell if there are stuck threads. So far, so good! Done with my first shuttle (oh god, I almost wrote bobbin! This is a whole new world for me!!!) Gonna wind up some more and work on it tomorrow. In the mean time, I started new projects, working on some in progress, abandoned others and am generally going crazy as usual. Pics to come :D

If anyone came here searching for instructions, someone has posted them here

Mmm mmmm good

Well, today I finally got something done...I called my college that I was AWOL at and began the readmission process. A small feeling of relief has come over me. I feel much better, but still have a ways to go before everything is fixed. This morning I made ropa vieja in the crockpot, and I must say, the oven has been relegated to a time-out. It's too fucking hot to cook! The crockpot is my new bff! The ropa vieja turned out awesome with white rice, and on Thursday, I'm making crockpot lasagne.

Dreamin'

It's early and I'm awake, and somehow in the middle of REM sleep, I finally discovered a use for my camel hair roving. Yes. Camel hair. I've been thinking about making an art yarn hobby horse for a while, but forgot about it. Camel hair would make some awesome reigns and bridle for my horsie. I definitely will make this project someday...when I have enough artyarn for the mane :D Maybe I will try my hand at braiding.

Later that day...

I find it hard to believe that I'm drinking Tepache, a Mexican fermented drink that I made for Cinco de Mayo, but I won't drink beer. Been thinking about mixing up a batch of Mavi, but I can't till I make some space in the fridge. Next time I make tepache, I will definitely use much less sugar than recommended. Mixed with selzer water, it is much more palatable. Also, more cinnamon and ginger, less cloves. It's still yummy and tastes great on this f'in hot August day in NY.

O Blog Where Art Thou?

I've missed you bloggity blog. Besides not feeling well and being stressed out at work, not much has happened until about a week ago! First of all, I went to the insubordiknit weekend workshop for my b-day and it was awesome!!!!!! Magicstix and I had so much fun with the women of Spin City and we even made some new friends :D Also, at one of the Queens Library groups, M gave me a pair of hand-knit socks and the new Cookie A. book. Yippee! I'm on vacation now. I got one bobbin ready for Aeolian and have to dye more camel/silk for the next bobbin. Also, I've been mulling over an Alice yarn-The White Queen, and I need some burgundy wool for cocoons. Lastly, I have to get on my fair isle pulse warmer chart for steeking and dye up the yarn for those, too. Made some yummy cookies tonight-Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Pecan cookies. Tomorrow we're going to Fette Sau and tuesday we'll have ropa vieja. I can't wait!!!