tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30448730531502966262024-02-19T09:20:29.397-08:00Originative ObjectsLiza Stallsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11638258252513807051noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3044873053150296626.post-86402501731001926782017-08-02T20:05:00.000-07:002017-10-02T18:54:38.328-07:00Bake Oven Memories<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bee Hive Ove</td></tr>
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In May I found myself back at the Depreciation Land Museum with my other son for a Bee Hive Bake oven cooking class.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Class getting to know each other.</td></tr>
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With a small group of six and our teacher we spent the better part of a day inside an old log cabin doing prep work interrupted only by trips to start the wood fire in the oven, then feed and maintain it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Teacher</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mopping out oven</td></tr>
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By the warmth of our fireplace we were rolling out, letting raise, peeling, kneading, cutting, washing, and doing water runs. The comradery of a mutual goal and a shared task brought smiles, laughter, learning, and an occasional snitch of a sample.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My son helping out.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oven Ready</td></tr>
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We observed the magic that happens when the inside of the oven goes from sooty to clean. After placing our various offerings inside the oven's dome and waiting for the baking to be done, we pulled up chairs to our previous work table sharing together in a feast. There were even enough leftovers to divide and send samples home for our families to try along with copies of the receipts (old fashion word for recipes) to make them again.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is it Done?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closed for Baking</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feast</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proud Bakers<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Washing Station</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "";">If you were to ask my son what he remembers the most from the bake oven class, his answer would surprise you. One the way home we made a modern food stop to fill up my growing boy. I got myself a milkshake. By the the time I got home I was miserable</span><span style="font-family: "";"> with food poison. So what he remembers most about that day is that his mother could handle all kinds of weird old style foods, but not a modern milkshake! </span><br />
<br />Liza Stallsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11638258252513807051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3044873053150296626.post-55538921636266484122017-07-09T19:46:00.000-07:002017-07-09T20:05:08.212-07:00A Metamorphosis of a Knitting Project <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Handspun Wool Knitted Slippers</td></tr>
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It all started out after Christmas two years ago. Mom deserved a project for herself after making so many gifts. I dreamed of having a pair of spats or leg warmers that would classily cover up my too short pant leg syndrome caused by God blessing me with long legs.<br />
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Knitted leg warmers seemed like an easy project to work on while I waited for kids here and there so I chose my pattern http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mosey and hand-spun wool. Even though it was a well written pattern and fun to knit as I neared the end reality struck. I tried them on and low and behold I remember never liking leg warmers years ago. Unfortunately, I hadn't changed.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wool Slipper</td></tr>
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What to do now? Turning them into slippers sounded reasonable, But you have no pattern! Ah, I pulled out an old pair of knitted slippers that someone had given me years ago. I wore them out and saved them for a pattern. There are days seeing possibilities in junk pays off.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Welsh Wool Felted Sole</td></tr>
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As I knitted the foot part of the slipper I realized that I had no desire to pick up stitches and knit a sole. So again I pulled out something stashed away, a felted sample of Black Welsh wool. Thick, warm, and easy to cut out and sew on for the sole.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh656Od8fNDnxjy7NZ96slJMLRTOji2DzNB0dVcQIHi5ug-mMKBT3PE3BusBZNhjFnVK74Hmvlbyv8iCa2xCk9IMggT0juDbobKR_D7w1yeWt7vrZ6SPNb38mVnl17lnmhzqP9nCN5nPkc/s1600/DSCN2513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh656Od8fNDnxjy7NZ96slJMLRTOji2DzNB0dVcQIHi5ug-mMKBT3PE3BusBZNhjFnVK74Hmvlbyv8iCa2xCk9IMggT0juDbobKR_D7w1yeWt7vrZ6SPNb38mVnl17lnmhzqP9nCN5nPkc/s320/DSCN2513.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Felted Sole Sewn On</td></tr>
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A leather sole over the felted wool would make them last much longer, but life intervened so that throughout the winter the slippers were tested and worn. Very comfortable, toasty even, causing different family members to request their own pair or try to steal Mom's.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fj_YgD0zFa9LfNgbwIGIfrIvyq03Muv6dh6eCyDYS1KYKPre6SOjKbpsDlJ-7yC780uyGrzazVDYD7yeXAwZwj9xa8DEecs3o2QGPa4wNoXyc4xvzWqSZP0s7OQFN7cpJjjSpmOW0Bc/s1600/DSCN3470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fj_YgD0zFa9LfNgbwIGIfrIvyq03Muv6dh6eCyDYS1KYKPre6SOjKbpsDlJ-7yC780uyGrzazVDYD7yeXAwZwj9xa8DEecs3o2QGPa4wNoXyc4xvzWqSZP0s7OQFN7cpJjjSpmOW0Bc/s320/DSCN3470.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sewing On the Bark Tan Sole</td></tr>
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However the felted soles were showing wear so putting a bark tanned sole on them became a summer project for me. Why summer you might ask; because if I wait for winter they will find their way onto my feet long before they are at the top of my mending pile.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2w5gghLd1FceJ3jbyZTkpynX-fOj7zsEgI71rtxLOcVCC2aELIxDJbnndxJgXrepOUuQM4z3zEE8dbtWG1YlyM3qf6qtBl9JpgjrAkU1RqdsDxEMUL8cx2kBSc6LJBJi7eixae-R3Mxo/s1600/DSCN3525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2w5gghLd1FceJ3jbyZTkpynX-fOj7zsEgI71rtxLOcVCC2aELIxDJbnndxJgXrepOUuQM4z3zEE8dbtWG1YlyM3qf6qtBl9JpgjrAkU1RqdsDxEMUL8cx2kBSc6LJBJi7eixae-R3Mxo/s320/DSCN3525.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: ""; font-size: small;">Hand-Spun Wool Slippers with Bark Tan Sole</span></td></tr>
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Of course there is always a few things I would do different if I did this project again. However, the biggest thing I would change would be the color of my wool. Some days when I look down at the plain, dark brown wool slippers on my feet which are covered with bits and pieces of things I didn't even know were in my house let alone on my floor. I wonder if I am just wearing a new style of dust-mop. Could there be a market for these?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLxI3jJaHUJa3CFkCclsdDSbbJ_MdZhDoBLwWjNxIKLra9FnmFKOFvMnlzBNw4YynhZ8WTIlhK8k9yen1fAh3SQHHoc7RKZrrWtHK8E_vlauRLOFkOxmHvR4TkF8ZdKnF7ZPdUMcCqHLY/s1600/DSCN3526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLxI3jJaHUJa3CFkCclsdDSbbJ_MdZhDoBLwWjNxIKLra9FnmFKOFvMnlzBNw4YynhZ8WTIlhK8k9yen1fAh3SQHHoc7RKZrrWtHK8E_vlauRLOFkOxmHvR4TkF8ZdKnF7ZPdUMcCqHLY/s320/DSCN3526.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking Down at Happy Feet!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "";">The silver stars make me smile and were a surprise found in my stash bought on a clearance sale in the distant past and then forgotten. The wooden beads were from something I took apart and saved. </span>Only one thing left to do on them and that is to add some silver weighted beads to the ends of my fringe ties. These will have to be picked up whenever I get close to a bead shop because I couldn't find any in my stash. Ah! My stash let me down.... : )Liza Stallsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11638258252513807051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3044873053150296626.post-13384154622770567002017-07-04T20:10:00.000-07:002017-07-04T20:10:09.812-07:00Stepping into the Past ( Davis Hollow Cabin)<br />
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Dear old house I wonder what stories your walls of stone and log could share about the people who proudly build you and have taken refuge in you over the years. Maybe this short, long weekend in June of 2017 our group of five Carol, Myra, Bonnie, Susan, and Liza have taken you on a trip back memory lane as we moved spinning wheels, wool picker, looms, and many other fiber related things into you for our weekend crafting get away. Your sprawling space and gracious time worn feel so added to our weekend.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGGHlJYiT9pBSlvggztoWrP_f1kv49WYvpK7BpZD9cEV86-JKszHvDy_cwF_SGKmukepMQSoKvYHCdh2OzbhqU-efF-ehz4Tl7vVw0I5hgAV_rWpoLSKPliAYH_RuyFJUKldk_sRvzKRc/s1600/DSCN3435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGGHlJYiT9pBSlvggztoWrP_f1kv49WYvpK7BpZD9cEV86-JKszHvDy_cwF_SGKmukepMQSoKvYHCdh2OzbhqU-efF-ehz4Tl7vVw0I5hgAV_rWpoLSKPliAYH_RuyFJUKldk_sRvzKRc/s320/DSCN3435.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcoming coolness of the porch</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4LNkfNRRjZ4SIogCBkImArTypPoSr7y7TwtRROLyXdryjPyCA9aDpvVoeUTgkYWpkmtGuaLR3zmymyG5AHjP0MCE48WVe0y3oNsJb8Z3mLhI7TXtHtMICFV5IjbpvIEmO8obuXARfR8/s1600/DSCN3440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4LNkfNRRjZ4SIogCBkImArTypPoSr7y7TwtRROLyXdryjPyCA9aDpvVoeUTgkYWpkmtGuaLR3zmymyG5AHjP0MCE48WVe0y3oNsJb8Z3mLhI7TXtHtMICFV5IjbpvIEmO8obuXARfR8/s320/DSCN3440.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to dig in</td></tr>
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The days flew away all to quickly<br />
as we feasted at your table<br />
shared our lives with each<br />
other and you.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnWSTv_6ph_P6Uxsf_OiDMECqu3IE5iHUh9suiicPOTKXnJ99cytI2KSthAkNSkjyzY22yZ68Xj4EaYv_XoeUg8aH2Szc6AwpB4zowaYCEDvQpPz8sPh5tmznZD1nqyy2DqLJMJIUt4KE/s1600/DSCN3440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZgVwDF3RozKnu28uCpEKY7kV2aID-7v4FirfTFwc19xwwVKaIPJhWVIZUT8jIoOI3-w2Guw7R2QqttbNfiupHnA7JUZrwjYK8O8ZMGKRW7LEe8dUcVTbscr6DQaDnDANzCduwztOpr0/s1600/DSCN3432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZgVwDF3RozKnu28uCpEKY7kV2aID-7v4FirfTFwc19xwwVKaIPJhWVIZUT8jIoOI3-w2Guw7R2QqttbNfiupHnA7JUZrwjYK8O8ZMGKRW7LEe8dUcVTbscr6DQaDnDANzCduwztOpr0/s320/DSCN3432.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Set up for spinning</td></tr>
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The shade of your porch hummed with spinning wheels, the clicking of knitting needles, the swish of looms changing sheds, and the silent fluttering of the opened, cleaned wool from the picker.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGrdH031Z5LuKStyLHfR0e9dhYCf7jZ1meBiKiJacHz8vtoY2DTsvpkg6QmJN3NEXQs-fwEVsKZh9hJBn5m9IWGnC5kFZ0b7wxNBh1367i2Smp0Mf59F8IrtvFzsHAH2R8jaIBSMHWgDw/s1600/DSCN3445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGrdH031Z5LuKStyLHfR0e9dhYCf7jZ1meBiKiJacHz8vtoY2DTsvpkg6QmJN3NEXQs-fwEVsKZh9hJBn5m9IWGnC5kFZ0b7wxNBh1367i2Smp0Mf59F8IrtvFzsHAH2R8jaIBSMHWgDw/s320/DSCN3445.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">loom in waiting</td></tr>
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As we go back to our busy lives and families you will hold a cherished spot in all our memories. Once found your stately peace and tranquility refreshed us and will never be forgotten. We are already planning and hoping to revisit you in the years to come.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZnF7pDIjxv1CQnWHs2a5YIjE9A7y444d4ONysBrPRnQ-uKtXprzddTx18lKVLQmQRMj0_EK_9Zzx_ZTIgYHAx3Q0CRFch0GBXlKWeP-ceEv5s4Fvr4EtpK_E1FHtfUNSLNIPlPgK16I/s1600/DSCN3441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZnF7pDIjxv1CQnWHs2a5YIjE9A7y444d4ONysBrPRnQ-uKtXprzddTx18lKVLQmQRMj0_EK_9Zzx_ZTIgYHAx3Q0CRFch0GBXlKWeP-ceEv5s4Fvr4EtpK_E1FHtfUNSLNIPlPgK16I/s320/DSCN3441.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learning pick up</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4eHAR7NGElTCD6LNRF32MyOo92RryQNJsVMtOCfRXMvYmWqNUuB4WXkDcW_go3wQF1X0PYArbH_6ZSEksGa8ibA6TYCzxVgJekyWHp1rU_Q8XN2_tmMVto7p158t2xO7aIKPhz9dZPg/s1600/DSCN3447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4eHAR7NGElTCD6LNRF32MyOo92RryQNJsVMtOCfRXMvYmWqNUuB4WXkDcW_go3wQF1X0PYArbH_6ZSEksGa8ibA6TYCzxVgJekyWHp1rU_Q8XN2_tmMVto7p158t2xO7aIKPhz9dZPg/s320/DSCN3447.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wool fresh from the picker</td></tr>
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As we slowly walked through your hallowed walls one last time before leaving, our overwhelming thanks went out to all the silent and unseen ones who have kept you in good repair all these years so that our lives could be touched by your charm.<br />
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<br />Liza Stallsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11638258252513807051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3044873053150296626.post-74352338642979905372017-04-18T19:25:00.000-07:002017-04-19T15:14:13.894-07:00Proudly Out Woven by My Offspring<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDWUfHe-F0yBEn5bxHQkuBqV-Ws71_A3ANmEm7I-e9Psc0bH_p218y-79hfgkRIYutpC-zZr3F9-wBOSVSLpF2lYVU2Vxk-PaHsI2_7LjqMLMc-141UY1s3ru4QiozD71nQVhUsHLYok/s1600/DSCN3315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDWUfHe-F0yBEn5bxHQkuBqV-Ws71_A3ANmEm7I-e9Psc0bH_p218y-79hfgkRIYutpC-zZr3F9-wBOSVSLpF2lYVU2Vxk-PaHsI2_7LjqMLMc-141UY1s3ru4QiozD71nQVhUsHLYok/s320/DSCN3315.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Son's Twill and M&O Sample</td></tr>
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The last Saturday in March found my eldest son and I at a weaving class held<span style="font-family: "";"> </span>at the Depreciation Lands Museum. I know, I know, you say, "Why don't you teach him yourself?" But the sad truth is I would never get around to it. Besides it has been awhile and I could use a refresher course. Just maybe it will inspire me to get more of my projects to the finish line too.<br />
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My son has always been a natural at weaving, but the speed of which he caught on to the M&O patterns, the twill, and the double weave just blew his mom away. He was off and running (weaving,) and leaving me choking in his dust.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTffhB6cFS91vaBQo7OWh49hg6o_8tGYUu13rYhaZGF6aA9ALtV8w1N48wieTjsqAlMqfqG6zTeVU0_NKEZkF9inrT1RWJ96kgeKlAXHBwwC8-0P_hYy3Od_s0uy3iC3oKd9JGNqFKUI8/s1600/DSCN3329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTffhB6cFS91vaBQo7OWh49hg6o_8tGYUu13rYhaZGF6aA9ALtV8w1N48wieTjsqAlMqfqG6zTeVU0_NKEZkF9inrT1RWJ96kgeKlAXHBwwC8-0P_hYy3Od_s0uy3iC3oKd9JGNqFKUI8/s320/DSCN3329.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom's Twill Sample</td></tr>
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Now, in my defense, the first loom I wove the M&O on had two separate warping mistakes. (I was glad I got that loom and not a newer weaver.) The instructor and I had to take time out to correct and minimize the mistakes.<span style="text-align: center;">The second pattern was a twill weave. I was the only one on a table loom so the process of weaving goes much slower than on a floor loom with treadles. (Second excuse. lol)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg_yfaZGNbRC4tuJeqnQtR8Q9BVwQxQ9w8WKRTB06cteYE_DMi8qlettlOEg8QFr-dTgHk3Ffg8C1ar2I7668ShkYbEwa8ZPesScNH347gy51Q1TW7rE0w8L4RYkzn0B06zBdu4_Buz2w/s1600/DSCN3321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg_yfaZGNbRC4tuJeqnQtR8Q9BVwQxQ9w8WKRTB06cteYE_DMi8qlettlOEg8QFr-dTgHk3Ffg8C1ar2I7668ShkYbEwa8ZPesScNH347gy51Q1TW7rE0w8L4RYkzn0B06zBdu4_Buz2w/s320/DSCN3321.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Son's Double Weave Sample showing weaving on upper <br />
and lower cloth that was woven at the same time on the loom.</td></tr>
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By the time my son reached the double weave he had found his rhythm, sprouted wings, and was flying right along.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kED6FwL8LYwcTS2YzUluo4o5aHPEQWP3-nqFmnQzRKMNlh-Bk3sXv9ZOYhQLfpRWFbGhPaoIFQ5D2p6kLssjrYvMlQMluZz2OH0dJTfgaJ_C7jJDyyeMuve5wEIXoFeB9EBEMTBFSnc/s1600/DSCN3322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kED6FwL8LYwcTS2YzUluo4o5aHPEQWP3-nqFmnQzRKMNlh-Bk3sXv9ZOYhQLfpRWFbGhPaoIFQ5D2p6kLssjrYvMlQMluZz2OH0dJTfgaJ_C7jJDyyeMuve5wEIXoFeB9EBEMTBFSnc/s320/DSCN3322.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Son's Tubular Bag (No seams)<br />
Double Woven</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCELmUIu5I4MMQexH8XnH2wHGfF2Zx9arU0IL5-nr_tZdZ3znm1C-yTdTv5L5dRyYo9QW1moTzMaf0iZQevxNvlfQJPa_MEtQCex_rp5M0GH7f1wD-RtlRm75iPCPNNYAPPKLd0_dO2nA/s1600/DSCN3323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCELmUIu5I4MMQexH8XnH2wHGfF2Zx9arU0IL5-nr_tZdZ3znm1C-yTdTv5L5dRyYo9QW1moTzMaf0iZQevxNvlfQJPa_MEtQCex_rp5M0GH7f1wD-RtlRm75iPCPNNYAPPKLd0_dO2nA/s320/DSCN3323.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside view of Son's Tubular Bag Sample</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The funny part was that the instructors were so impressed they would tell me to come look at something he was doing or being taught. Can't even count the times I was totally lost as to where I was in my pattern when I returned to my loom, but what parent wouldn't want to stop and enjoy observing their "child prodigy" (Said tongue in cheek.)<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9yLGKx5tF0WDflKeTLAc0ujErRFVkgbRU26LVir7XhT7picEjdg2MM73rGuwZQ9ZGc-Pf1FCsS4ECzlBiltBpQsbKmCcjjDh2MbiO09WlUx7LFUr_c4lEow5qaOY3GbFrYQx6wrpQ94/s1600/DSCN3328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9yLGKx5tF0WDflKeTLAc0ujErRFVkgbRU26LVir7XhT7picEjdg2MM73rGuwZQ9ZGc-Pf1FCsS4ECzlBiltBpQsbKmCcjjDh2MbiO09WlUx7LFUr_c4lEow5qaOY3GbFrYQx6wrpQ94/s320/DSCN3328.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom's Double Weave Sample Photo-bombed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The instructors voted him their star pupil, and asked if he planned to go on to be a master weaver. He just smiled shyly and said "I doubt it."<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWgeGTUnbIKZfVI_KNVzuA3RVtrU5aDq-MQ5M2w5KeNt__1r9ZzCjisTqDjRXh43rH5RkaAMzPo0Oc3cBbc3LWHaJrsKZvdkleH3Cyu8AqdyXlOfpmPqH7ys5D5ejVYrzSiFLXHsKd-qY/s1600/DSCN3324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWgeGTUnbIKZfVI_KNVzuA3RVtrU5aDq-MQ5M2w5KeNt__1r9ZzCjisTqDjRXh43rH5RkaAMzPo0Oc3cBbc3LWHaJrsKZvdkleH3Cyu8AqdyXlOfpmPqH7ys5D5ejVYrzSiFLXHsKd-qY/s320/DSCN3324.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom's Double W<span style="font-family: "";">eave Sample showing weaving on upper <br />and lower cloth</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I would have enjoyed the day even if I didn't weave anything, because of the fellowship with the unique individuals weaving draws. However the magic of double weave has bitten me. I came home and pulled out my one and only book on it. Double weave has always amazed me because that is how they think Jesus's robe was woven. His robe had no seams, causing the soldiers to barter over it instead of dividing it. The quality and fineness of the bye gone eras of weaving is humbling.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlQH7YDj3FRx2GeL7XD3Y4xykWWFM4iIvqLUxjVfqq7gpSCCRQtDHLVrMyVtem1xFv22vnmMqYGNe1wstpIEclA-Au1NnxTmr57a1oPmIPJ9CpTcUBBj_-fA83CPZ6jUdp1kycr_1owPA/s1600/DSCN3320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlQH7YDj3FRx2GeL7XD3Y4xykWWFM4iIvqLUxjVfqq7gpSCCRQtDHLVrMyVtem1xFv22vnmMqYGNe1wstpIEclA-Au1NnxTmr57a1oPmIPJ9CpTcUBBj_-fA83CPZ6jUdp1kycr_1owPA/s320/DSCN3320.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Son's Double Weave Sample showing weaving twice the<br />
width of you warp.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I know that the instructors are already working on choosing three different weaving structures for next years class. Hopefully we will be able to attend. Will we see you there?<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1nJG-dhThCn5RRaJtTmj8Qn1fUxaV48-oer2oBR61v060FPUTI9v-Y0jFpP3z72qp_Fp28APRRZDBb0CWdSFPKrOEfluCK3nF89WNkVujSN2kSX9WoeOsO-rKIjt5p5426mNplZHnxhA/s1600/DSCN3326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1nJG-dhThCn5RRaJtTmj8Qn1fUxaV48-oer2oBR61v060FPUTI9v-Y0jFpP3z72qp_Fp28APRRZDBb0CWdSFPKrOEfluCK3nF89WNkVujSN2kSX9WoeOsO-rKIjt5p5426mNplZHnxhA/s320/DSCN3326.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom's<span style="font-family: "";"> Tubular</span><span style="font-family: "";"> Bag (No seams) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "";">Double Woven</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Liza Stallsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11638258252513807051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3044873053150296626.post-75721709690287186902016-05-08T12:28:00.000-07:002016-05-08T12:28:27.237-07:00 Finger Weaving Tidbits and Images<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmw_evvjxiQZ-eposFIUFJznM0SjTUA87DiA8OBREqg8-0WV92rQ51o4MHiA9XZNuBA3AJjzmXCGlxw4vNgrK0VQ4slyBYumV5pdItrJa2dHbbkR0scSFVMxdYEbE14l9egPDAhZfq3Wk/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmw_evvjxiQZ-eposFIUFJznM0SjTUA87DiA8OBREqg8-0WV92rQ51o4MHiA9XZNuBA3AJjzmXCGlxw4vNgrK0VQ4slyBYumV5pdItrJa2dHbbkR0scSFVMxdYEbE14l9egPDAhZfq3Wk/s320/033.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Every time someone sees one of my a finger woven projects I am asked the same questions. "How did you learn to do that? Who taught you?" These are simple questions, but the answer to them are never quite so simple. If I am honest, I say, "I really don't know," and then I get an interesting yet varying array of looks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1PEwzvpAAglyjpW4cAJwi7hjyn-1o_eitzCZ1sexLlUFJgrakGJiX1e1Q2vprYNjPN6b0NO7AwmO_NFCQdwyblNM2aaCIaBxhbu0OJhEDnFAKbu7g7466K0zYUd6rifwFUKks9HZRj4/s1600/PC010009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1PEwzvpAAglyjpW4cAJwi7hjyn-1o_eitzCZ1sexLlUFJgrakGJiX1e1Q2vprYNjPN6b0NO7AwmO_NFCQdwyblNM2aaCIaBxhbu0OJhEDnFAKbu7g7466K0zYUd6rifwFUKks9HZRj4/s320/PC010009.JPG" width="320" /></a>But the truth is, I really don't know. I braided horse manes, my hair, cords, and yarns, and even did Macramé as a kid growing up. Somewhere in that mix up maybe I learned, but I don't ever remember doing a project with it. When my husband brought me one of his first braintan hides, placed it in my hands, and asked, "what do you think of this?" I replied that I would love to braid with it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1PEwzvpAAglyjpW4cAJwi7hjyn-1o_eitzCZ1sexLlUFJgrakGJiX1e1Q2vprYNjPN6b0NO7AwmO_NFCQdwyblNM2aaCIaBxhbu0OJhEDnFAKbu7g7466K0zYUd6rifwFUKks9HZRj4/s1600/PC010009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZKHRfQNyU-afl2W6OBJ5fWby74nF5CRZVXVpj_nVQRKm5lM8VSDJHj1QCSkOvmHCduJFYkQtqtB2JMa9PbyDmBxbTzV1wDoyKbM-aHl_LyHIsrnbmaia08LLipUs6qS5dSBErPTed8so/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZKHRfQNyU-afl2W6OBJ5fWby74nF5CRZVXVpj_nVQRKm5lM8VSDJHj1QCSkOvmHCduJFYkQtqtB2JMa9PbyDmBxbTzV1wDoyKbM-aHl_LyHIsrnbmaia08LLipUs6qS5dSBErPTed8so/s320/023.JPG" width="240" /></a>After actually braiding the leather, doing some research, and showing it to others, I realized what I was doing was called fingerweaving. I searched out and bought several books on the subject and through them, I've studied how others do it. The resources share that in Canada, many years ago, they secured the strands at both the top and the bottom before braiding. Curiosity about this drove me to connect with a fingerweaver in Canada and ask if he did it this way. His answer was yes. Hmm... that is not how I do it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZKHRfQNyU-afl2W6OBJ5fWby74nF5CRZVXVpj_nVQRKm5lM8VSDJHj1QCSkOvmHCduJFYkQtqtB2JMa9PbyDmBxbTzV1wDoyKbM-aHl_LyHIsrnbmaia08LLipUs6qS5dSBErPTed8so/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3CxbCkja3z3lyFOFNBSvWTsfqfGwDZkX1QMoD1eOfyGthwAk7CsDIN-EPepOVgRQvL2eQTWkLyjZD-h6TM_Oqk5HytLV_7REce4LlJHDahU3htgsUsfpyDvwBPmfCWu4ZWbSlv1mDJQ/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3CxbCkja3z3lyFOFNBSvWTsfqfGwDZkX1QMoD1eOfyGthwAk7CsDIN-EPepOVgRQvL2eQTWkLyjZD-h6TM_Oqk5HytLV_7REce4LlJHDahU3htgsUsfpyDvwBPmfCWu4ZWbSlv1mDJQ/s320/002.JPG" width="240" /></a>After reading another book, the author's way sounded so complicated that I gave it a half-hearted try, then shook my head, and went back to my way since the results look the same. There are still a few books out there on fingerweaving that I would like to buy because they are not something my local library carries. However, I am not sure just when or if I will pick them up. I can get good results fingerweaving, so I am always pulled to buying books on other subjects that interest me first. Somehow, I always run out of that green paper stuff that people want in payment for their books, before I run out of books on my bucket list.<br />
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The books have helped me stretch and reach out to try different patterns other than the basic diagonal fingerweave which comes so naturally to me and is my favorite to do. But some of the other patterns look cool enough that they are worth the effort.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcs7j7eSqd0-kGQjovj5ria1aiY2eCA6iN3zYdJuUjkAb1HJS1n0w4qkr9-BhRJGOFKe01g01S2mEz6oj-6p8a7zhQoLYU_lhqHjEomLIK30FoQHfctMqTdgu9ONtjqEj7UsZmXZuo9t8/s1600/strapc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcs7j7eSqd0-kGQjovj5ria1aiY2eCA6iN3zYdJuUjkAb1HJS1n0w4qkr9-BhRJGOFKe01g01S2mEz6oj-6p8a7zhQoLYU_lhqHjEomLIK30FoQHfctMqTdgu9ONtjqEj7UsZmXZuo9t8/s320/strapc.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWxzk6rBTySgG8fantctoKxV1yjZnvaL0Hq17c8awFGrzOvNxIbGujEg4sflvvDvkq93ZqtWzYGh2dzYZ4xVAcawz30Xget6Mmgon1BidkigPpynCyv0pPWA1x_hktv1Q0TYd44HiyHs/s1600/pin+cushion+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWxzk6rBTySgG8fantctoKxV1yjZnvaL0Hq17c8awFGrzOvNxIbGujEg4sflvvDvkq93ZqtWzYGh2dzYZ4xVAcawz30Xget6Mmgon1BidkigPpynCyv0pPWA1x_hktv1Q0TYd44HiyHs/s320/pin+cushion+7.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: ''; text-align: start;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: '';">The following are a few pictures of some of the many different things I have fingerwoven. I tend to have my own style, and often mix leather with wool or braintan leather with bark tan leather. Are you surprised? ; ) A couple of times a year I will fingerweave a small sample project out of yarn so that I don't forget how to do different weaves. It may not be perfect, but I want to do enough to know that I could pick it back up when needed. Unlike my beading projects, where I often feel like I let too much time pass between them so that I am constantly relearning the same things.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3j1eAEemR3n8mM0Edn6IuY4M1Hf0c50A2_fkJVJ85Qqw3H7lzS2zjgXYJfA_8RxcuPug7nFzTKYgFsydKZBNWNrs1U1sKMl3G5EJJ5SAiGLg4Lg0ipuXyGouMvzW7rOrnEYvBUAntars/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3j1eAEemR3n8mM0Edn6IuY4M1Hf0c50A2_fkJVJ85Qqw3H7lzS2zjgXYJfA_8RxcuPug7nFzTKYgFsydKZBNWNrs1U1sKMl3G5EJJ5SAiGLg4Lg0ipuXyGouMvzW7rOrnEYvBUAntars/s320/021.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBZpoX7AtDK7nx2tl5HzvpKuO6eh5nj49lKksiMGvbOBcIFDbjCj9JaldUIJg6bfCHAMQUhDQOXwcbSCliivfqzB0jzvBJv-24OPdS8-d1JZF3c0Xzo1dhmDanfmPolb1F8L41N8eY48/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBZpoX7AtDK7nx2tl5HzvpKuO6eh5nj49lKksiMGvbOBcIFDbjCj9JaldUIJg6bfCHAMQUhDQOXwcbSCliivfqzB0jzvBJv-24OPdS8-d1JZF3c0Xzo1dhmDanfmPolb1F8L41N8eY48/s320/017.JPG" width="220" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_zK-PqtO3P10-iM6RkE3qPcZrBppOfPLlbx-lBOeUnmNlrzp2n3PP7xL9d7cxD6IgtUewR610xVVbBAIeXS2HkKhg_YZgf0KVmirAlvd82w0m01slOEv0Y62_Y06JXdP14lsESIYYrQ/s1600/Nora%2527s+diagonal+belt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_zK-PqtO3P10-iM6RkE3qPcZrBppOfPLlbx-lBOeUnmNlrzp2n3PP7xL9d7cxD6IgtUewR610xVVbBAIeXS2HkKhg_YZgf0KVmirAlvd82w0m01slOEv0Y62_Y06JXdP14lsESIYYrQ/s320/Nora%2527s+diagonal+belt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Liza Stallsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11638258252513807051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3044873053150296626.post-33718651942251934232016-05-02T14:46:00.000-07:002016-05-02T14:48:07.907-07:00A Small Catch of Felted Fish <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Enjoyable! Pure fun, that is what these fish are. I actually have no
idea how many of them I made, because I gave so many away. All the stages
involved in making this fish are delightful. This project started because I
wanted to learn to knit with more than one color. I figured that a knitted toy
would be a safe project because even if it wasn't perfect it could still be
loved. So the pattern was bought, the needles found, and the 100% wool yarn
chosen for its felting ability.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0lXHE2tK3UKDQD9xVBiKVF6M9dY6MOpcSIoUbFxkCmlBOD2tTJrH6OwnQlMeElO5YMeSKVumb_72-vgaW5eS9tCLRWz6iBdoH36RLIxZKnyZM-FoGPGl1-ms-2VMA8MY1kyRHITJp9Mw/s1600/PC120021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: ''; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0lXHE2tK3UKDQD9xVBiKVF6M9dY6MOpcSIoUbFxkCmlBOD2tTJrH6OwnQlMeElO5YMeSKVumb_72-vgaW5eS9tCLRWz6iBdoH36RLIxZKnyZM-FoGPGl1-ms-2VMA8MY1kyRHITJp9Mw/s320/PC120021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The total freedom to mix and match bright colors in the fish was
exhilarating. Added to that was the ability to change colors whenever I felt
like it. I tried many different two color patterns, liking some enough to use
again and only doing others once. I even made a mistake when doing the tail that
I reused in designing other fish. It made the fish tail much fuller and more fan
like.</div>
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Because you felt these fish they are knitted bigger than you want.
You then add them to your washer with a load of towels being washed in hot
water. I loved letting the children put the fish into the washer themselves, and
also letting them find the fish in the load of wet towels that was taken out of
the washer. Their eyes would grow big as they realized the fish had shrunk in
the felting process. Many big fish were knitted and given away to friends so
they could have the fun of felting the fish themselves with their own children
watching.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHwDXVC7Yk7775wRpuR_PR12r8n2tStuS1FGUtCYGM-lqJD2kdN-zzG_cxRlK1KOAFgyV9Sg_KtebTsK2LxEI5Vq7js0U3yUJWaKgi4ZPJ9hCZmVb3OfGjR3I8IhdEzq8W_U60KHSOL10/s1600/DSCN2776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHwDXVC7Yk7775wRpuR_PR12r8n2tStuS1FGUtCYGM-lqJD2kdN-zzG_cxRlK1KOAFgyV9Sg_KtebTsK2LxEI5Vq7js0U3yUJWaKgi4ZPJ9hCZmVb3OfGjR3I8IhdEzq8W_U60KHSOL10/s320/DSCN2776.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The last step is stuffing the fish. Usually this job went to the
children. Their small fingers work perfect for poking stuffing through the
fish's open mouth until it went from a flat fish to a plump fish. Usually much
giggling went along with feeding the fish in this manner.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNzfz_PkwxhavJFNE6vxTAlKazGhfdfA5KQqK3g3CbvGZ_m-hQ79_g2O34hoUsStfGppiloh3JRO-mLzTGrwnodi5rrJkcTDRh7FKXuQj0gbDoDdVsOirxaMf_aPM_7NspRLQoS4zZcSo/s1600/DSCN2779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNzfz_PkwxhavJFNE6vxTAlKazGhfdfA5KQqK3g3CbvGZ_m-hQ79_g2O34hoUsStfGppiloh3JRO-mLzTGrwnodi5rrJkcTDRh7FKXuQj0gbDoDdVsOirxaMf_aPM_7NspRLQoS4zZcSo/s320/DSCN2779.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSqhFJbprxKu4ODfHBr_xoyQVY_PisZOaMV36PDnFTUPF6oEeWoOz4nwNzx2yeH0fTX0LttAKIxPGLPJ0ug6Nc44qdhr86b2Y74VprXsaLYSzdeU8MEOYGQQKbNNyc43WSEVVabftNFD4/s1600/DSCN2772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSqhFJbprxKu4ODfHBr_xoyQVY_PisZOaMV36PDnFTUPF6oEeWoOz4nwNzx2yeH0fTX0LttAKIxPGLPJ0ug6Nc44qdhr86b2Y74VprXsaLYSzdeU8MEOYGQQKbNNyc43WSEVVabftNFD4/s320/DSCN2772.JPG" width="320" /></a>A optional step was to add eyes so that the fish could see the child
who love it. Buttons worked for this as did just some yarn and simple embroidery
skills. Whether the fish had eyes or didn't seem to matter to the children who
loved them. They would often run off with them before I had a chance to get the
eyes made.</div>
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My goodness, I think of have talked myself into digging out this pattern and making some more fish. I wonder if my children would think they were to "old" for felted fish fun. Ah, maybe you are interested in making some too. The pattern can be found here. http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/felted-fish</div>
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Though I bought mine through a yarn shop so you might be able to find it in one too.</div>
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<br />Liza Stallsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11638258252513807051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3044873053150296626.post-28913004523192073782016-04-12T14:49:00.000-07:002016-05-02T14:49:38.534-07:00Weaving for Bears<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX5TL_ETj69GoEZcvyRuEhEE9-wdy_ogAlC44yLBTpZrh4Ocw-g6_xPnYL0zxSuNL2DhnALJmS0c2m3x1kglDgKGKXBuSXnHe8q0DsJXHgpIwud9hgqyfydz3uwBEr2htKCMx0aA6S0E8/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX5TL_ETj69GoEZcvyRuEhEE9-wdy_ogAlC44yLBTpZrh4Ocw-g6_xPnYL0zxSuNL2DhnALJmS0c2m3x1kglDgKGKXBuSXnHe8q0DsJXHgpIwud9hgqyfydz3uwBEr2htKCMx0aA6S0E8/s320/005.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibl3ofIIIExFeerx7lRXQppkB7hRgznyZHzl3xRmz-IskfXZKYGsG6upWt4QO9JjcbOOD162rfPzSQCFvXuLxgMl1zolI9JGbx_XLKoyD7BUHLyXZhRRKeRsilTeDgd9fKc5Snd6PeFw8/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibl3ofIIIExFeerx7lRXQppkB7hRgznyZHzl3xRmz-IskfXZKYGsG6upWt4QO9JjcbOOD162rfPzSQCFvXuLxgMl1zolI9JGbx_XLKoyD7BUHLyXZhRRKeRsilTeDgd9fKc5Snd6PeFw8/s320/006.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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These pictures are years and years old. As I look at them I am pretty sure they are from another era of my life when the children were small and projects done at home by ourselves were satisfying. These handmade items were woven by my children for the very bears that model them. Easily contented models are such a blessing.<br />
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All were woven on a little Brio weaving loom that I picked up off Ebay, I think. I had it for years and the children had done many projects on it when a weaving friend stopped in and said the magic words, "You know that loom folds up right?" No, I did not. It was shipped to me unfolded and I never thought to even check if it would fold. lol What an extra blessing that is! It stores much easier, and with less chance of damage. Of course now the children have moved on and are no longer concerned about dressing teddy bears. The little loom sits quietly folded up on the shelf now, but hopefully the memories made beside that little loom will last a lifetime.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsECcnlvTP7uHK_LbdkQk_7ux440sQohGJkqdx0FtOS0GnMJkngivSY_qdGK4pdVI-XkYVSAx_F-IJEZq0FnWEwk8O6Re3vsMTuo6U5gwT1H1S0Fc_fpCTcoDUmdvGARxFcYCrx3kuW_I/s1600/DSCN2769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsECcnlvTP7uHK_LbdkQk_7ux440sQohGJkqdx0FtOS0GnMJkngivSY_qdGK4pdVI-XkYVSAx_F-IJEZq0FnWEwk8O6Re3vsMTuo6U5gwT1H1S0Fc_fpCTcoDUmdvGARxFcYCrx3kuW_I/s320/DSCN2769.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaxKVgRinbED879bGugNJ7Bw8tL2etp54RTctM-xu8Q6HOD3t0b2G6cL-6WZXJhob5VeEMl03v3OwZ5gk4BDx09T9OIaB25Hr6AcP4hpNubBUcIeBKUtn-F60W3FSSmxs3rFHh77ltobA/s1600/DSCN2768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaxKVgRinbED879bGugNJ7Bw8tL2etp54RTctM-xu8Q6HOD3t0b2G6cL-6WZXJhob5VeEMl03v3OwZ5gk4BDx09T9OIaB25Hr6AcP4hpNubBUcIeBKUtn-F60W3FSSmxs3rFHh77ltobA/s320/DSCN2768.JPG" width="217" /></a>Liza Stallsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11638258252513807051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3044873053150296626.post-40631010182786431482016-04-06T09:44:00.001-07:002016-04-06T12:08:51.426-07:00Hometanned Leather Jester's Bag<div>
Ideas can be good and they can be bad. At one point this last year, I
dreamed up a way to make a leather bag from seven triangles. They were all the
same size however each triangle was a unique leather differing in bark tan
or braintanned, and smoked, or dyed color. Sure, it is a one of a kind bag. Not
practical, but an oddity that I can use to show people some samples of my
husband’s tanning.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahXTJxk_MoFzRl2Y9d-9mrl29U21jCAz2WT0-DWUq2LxcJkdWmQ3Tih-7ub7avw2ZrDUAU_hBXKKpGOSF7rQPyhI8cs917r7ppgae__jLTsal7jVeMESNYQZS4uxGmYheqrYG6P9A6tM/s1600/DSCN2712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahXTJxk_MoFzRl2Y9d-9mrl29U21jCAz2WT0-DWUq2LxcJkdWmQ3Tih-7ub7avw2ZrDUAU_hBXKKpGOSF7rQPyhI8cs917r7ppgae__jLTsal7jVeMESNYQZS4uxGmYheqrYG6P9A6tM/s320/DSCN2712.JPG" width="240" /></a>Front View</div>
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I can honestly say it wasn’t one of my brightest ideas. Hand sewing the triangles the right way was a bit mind boggling once you got so many together. Also, figuring out a good way to close it required a few days of pondering, but is a quite simple procedure. However those challenges were meet and conquered. (Patting myself on the back)<br />
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Back View</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihJj-uuVP4qGFgZnYUgS2lLm2fV8TuPOrjcG-ON2Wwd7AeEjiqep5VlD8CupIco_YTlS9fxLMyVbwIe4aM0cUaFEIWFL6weW-NfhT2rghYs6aBHRYewBiezzTmmQxib3Kgk9h_jDyTf8A/s1600/DSCN2714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihJj-uuVP4qGFgZnYUgS2lLm2fV8TuPOrjcG-ON2Wwd7AeEjiqep5VlD8CupIco_YTlS9fxLMyVbwIe4aM0cUaFEIWFL6weW-NfhT2rghYs6aBHRYewBiezzTmmQxib3Kgk9h_jDyTf8A/s320/DSCN2714.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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It
reminds me of something that would belong to a jester. Being creative is good,
but there are also many ways in which it backfires on you. Somehow I don’t think
that my hometanned triangle jester’s bag will ever make it as profitable selling
item, but I might be surprised. Life is strange like that. <span style="font-family: ''; text-align: center;">Actually it is quite roomy and in all these pictures it was stuffed with two Walmart bags.</span><br />
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Bottoms Up<br />
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<span style="font-family: '';">Can I at least get brownie points for creatively using up my leather scraps? lol</span><br />
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Liza Stallsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11638258252513807051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3044873053150296626.post-7814677069415380972016-03-24T07:36:00.000-07:002016-03-24T07:36:54.079-07:00The Sweetness of Spring (maple Syrup)<div>
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It has been a few years since my family has really made maple syrup. Oh, we
played at it by tapping one tree--just enough to show my children how it was
done and give them a chance to taste the “genuine nectar" which also caused the
family to divide into two camps. There are those who like real maple syrup and those who
don’t. The score is two to four by the way. I will leave you guessing which is
which.<br />
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With one of the children interested in making more than just a couple of
pints of syrup this year, we upped the ante to eight buckets on varying trees.
Not trying for that business level, but definitely willing to put more effort
into it than previous years. Grandpa pitched in with a loan of spiles and sap
buckets with lids. We are moving up(!) from our years of milk jugs, open buckets, and
spiles made from our elderberry tree.<br />
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As usual, we had good intentions, but it took us awhile to gather it all
together and get out there. The unexpected early warm weather was not helping
those who procrastinated either. But we did get out there and collected it
faithfully twice a day, even if it meant working by flashlight. Oh
the anticipation of the unknown, what will you find? Will the sap level be a fulfilling surprise or a little disappointing? Why is the unknown of a sap bucket something to look forward to, but the unknowns in life bring frustration, worry, and anxiety? Hmmm... I might need to think about that awhile. Even the adults enjoyed the twice a day dose of "Christmas" expectancy that happened when the sap lid was slid back to reveal the contents within. <i>Oh Lord, please help me "see" and enjoy the small daily wonders that You have placed in Your world for me to discover and find amazement in. Help me not to rush through life and overlook the personal touches of Your love that You have surrounded me with.</i><br />
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Usually we boil the sap most the way down over the wood stove in the basement, bringing it up stairs to cook down once it reaches the stage of careful watching. However the warm weather was working against that plan, and most of it was boiled down in our kitchen. We tried to use the wood cook stove one day, but ended with roasted people long before we ever got to the end of boiling the syrup.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhqmjjcqs38nW6i0nHlK-KwfZ3X18uPiLpCESBFQTpmrFb_Ff5zhjkJ4GfrKNKtmLxqfl_aM1hTL4XmlS82F8VkkgmJ_HTXkswITPd2UbAOxcGyIADL6FgUxTHyhyphenhyphen9VGiqcA9zj4NS89E/s1600/DSCN2661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhqmjjcqs38nW6i0nHlK-KwfZ3X18uPiLpCESBFQTpmrFb_Ff5zhjkJ4GfrKNKtmLxqfl_aM1hTL4XmlS82F8VkkgmJ_HTXkswITPd2UbAOxcGyIADL6FgUxTHyhyphenhyphen9VGiqcA9zj4NS89E/s320/DSCN2661.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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The day with the biggest haul of sap started out with sparks of delight in my son's eyes, and ended with fiery darts shooting from my eyes. I fell asleep and woke up to a house full of smoke caused by the maple syrup I had charred. It was so bad I am still not sure I can save the pan. I was sooo mad at myself for ruining my son's joy, but thankfully he is like his Dad so his only comment was, "It is just syrup, Mom."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_YVOTiGPAOndaoC82Bze_QDs5FSzL0ybcUoSj_J6lnAWMk2rd0DX-LpYAbB4N89Yr2vmYKYpMfnWA7uGnNs6frY1-Cd-q2IQ9sMKppj5zlsWKQ1XH6Rkks5Nbhmwnys15XB3y4dPmgyI/s1600/DSCN2664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_YVOTiGPAOndaoC82Bze_QDs5FSzL0ybcUoSj_J6lnAWMk2rd0DX-LpYAbB4N89Yr2vmYKYpMfnWA7uGnNs6frY1-Cd-q2IQ9sMKppj5zlsWKQ1XH6Rkks5Nbhmwnys15XB3y4dPmgyI/s320/DSCN2664.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhqmjjcqs38nW6i0nHlK-KwfZ3X18uPiLpCESBFQTpmrFb_Ff5zhjkJ4GfrKNKtmLxqfl_aM1hTL4XmlS82F8VkkgmJ_HTXkswITPd2UbAOxcGyIADL6FgUxTHyhyphenhyphen9VGiqcA9zj4NS89E/s1600/DSCN2661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>We have brought our syrup making season to a close with the total of seven pints this year. The total would of been much higher if mom hadn't of tried to make burnt offerings. The boys got to visit their second cousin's real sap operation which has fed the dreams and plans for next year. Along with visions of using Grandpa's long sap pan that was found in a shed.<br />
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There is a sadness in knowing Grandpa's sap making days have gone, but also a joy in knowing that a grandson is interested in not only hearing the stories of old but of working towards carrying on a tradition. Seeing my son hand Grandpa a pint of syrup made from this spring's sap run was truly a moment of sweetness for me.<br />
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Liza Stallsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11638258252513807051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3044873053150296626.post-8784133646742667612016-03-21T21:06:00.000-07:002016-03-21T21:06:57.496-07:00Rawhide Ramblings Creativeness and the love of learning new things is something that has deep
roots in many of my family members. Some years ago my husband had the longing to
try to make some parfleche items (items made from raw hide). Parfleche is a French word the trappers and traders used to describe these items, not what the Native Americans themselves called them. Obviously, there
are not many books on this at the local library, and it was back in the days
before so much information was available online. So after doing what research
he could on line and acquiring some gorgeous adult “picture” books on
parfleched items. He was ready to try his hand at making something. He made a
knife sheath which I thought turned out rather cool. Remember I am not biased or
anything, just a loving, supportive wife. lol<br />
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He also studied about and made one flat case with long braintan fringe
(Probably reserved for special items) , one parleche envelope (Though these were
usually made in pairs from the rump of the animal.) These were his first
attempts and they have traveled to different events to be shared with people, but those who
I love sharing the history about them most are children. Opening the
envelope up and explaining that this would have been like a suitcase that they
might of traveled with or kept their possessions in, and then asking the children
how many of their toys and treasures would it hold really awakes a child’s
visual image of differences between the mass of possessions we accumulate today to
the few and dear things treasured in the past. I always tell them to look for
the parfleche items in the old pictures. Explaining that sometimes they will be
leaning up against something and sometimes stacked up so you only see them from
the side.</div>
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Rawhide can come from different animals. My husband used cow, however I do have
one small flat case that he made from Caribou raw hide. It is much softer. My
research has told me that buffalo rawhide is much more pliable then cow and would have made better envelopes and flat cases. (I hope to some day actually feel the
difference with my own hands.) Sadly, once the Native American people were
confined and no longer had access to the buffalo they started making rawhide
trunks and boxes from cow hides. (The quality of their work was still amazing!) This is probably the result of two things.
One, the cow raw hide available to them was much stiffer and worked better for
trunks and boxes, and two, they were forced to leave their nomadic style of life
which benefited by the use of the flat cases and envelopes instead of the rectangle shaped boxes and trunks.<br />
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I can't say that my husband ever got into making many prafleche items, but the few he did make encouraged me to learn the history about them, and appreciate the work that went into them. When I study the pictures of the original parfleche work I marvel at the artistic ones (usually women) who found a way to bless their world with beautiful, personalized, and useful items.<br />
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According to the book The American Indian Parfleche by Gaylord Torrence: "These beautiful containers are most closely associated and probably originated with the peoples of the Great Plains, where they were integral to the nomadic way of life, providing a means to store and transport a family's food and possessions. They were made by women from more than forty tribes..."<br />
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Note: I am not Native American. I live in the Eastern part of the United States of American. I love history and have done some research on the Parfleche items used is the west, however I am limited to what knowledge I can find in books so if you have better knowledge about any of these items or know how to link me up with a more accurate source of knowledge please share with me. I am always learning, and am very much aware that some of what is recorded in the old books is not always labeled and described correctly.<br />
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A mini one just for fun.</div>
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Liza Stallsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11638258252513807051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3044873053150296626.post-891906274916783722016-02-29T17:47:00.001-08:002016-02-29T17:47:40.089-08:00The Craze of Colored Potions (Dyeing Wool)<div>
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Oh how deep I have fallen into the fiber hole. First, I learned to knit.
Then, I mastered making my own yarn on a drop spindle. Obviously, the next step
is to own a spinning wheel. Wait, two are better than one right? Wool comes from
sheep so let’s add a few sheep to the farmette. Turn around twice and a few
sheep becomes close ten, and oh, spring lambing will multiply that number. Sheep
mean work, daily care, lambing, hoof trimming, the chore with the biggest
learning curve—shearing, washing, picking clean, and carding my wool. Woe!
There is a lot of time involved it that. Maybe some years it makes sense to
send the wool out for processing.<br />
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Now that all the work is done, it is time for the magic to begin. Dump,
pour, swish, and dabble, add warmth and patience, now the color is no longer in
my potion but has transferred itself onto my wool. The magic of it is
contagious. No, I don’t always get it right. Surprises can be both good and bad.
I believe there are enough dyeing methods to keep me busy learning the rest of
my life. I feel a little witch like concocting my potions, I better practice my
evil laugh.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYGxDQ57JGXhVJnP7V3h8-zH3XWRS4EJL8bpmG0XJ3_nEw7RcvXFJDm1u0CSPzXdvsWLrTDPYG7mBCphtq8WO2JhdZWtJ-f_7taW-zyvxweXElSnvRGnMz2s_CuY7exZQHTNhba7zepeE/s1600/DSCN2462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYGxDQ57JGXhVJnP7V3h8-zH3XWRS4EJL8bpmG0XJ3_nEw7RcvXFJDm1u0CSPzXdvsWLrTDPYG7mBCphtq8WO2JhdZWtJ-f_7taW-zyvxweXElSnvRGnMz2s_CuY7exZQHTNhba7zepeE/s320/DSCN2462.JPG" width="240" /></a> I’ve only been using food dyes, but know that the colored potions hole
will be both deep and wide. No, this is not a neat, tidy project, but through
pictures and explanations of them I hope you will be able to catch some of the
magic of it.<br />
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Supplies: What I use 1. Wood cook stove with<br />
warming shelf.<br />
2. Two quart glass jar or<br />
jars.<br />
3. Vinegar and water.<br />
4. Kool aid packets or<br />
Wilton icing colors<br />
5. Soup can and plastic<br />
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clothes hanger.<br />
6. Glass casserole dish<br />
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Step One: Fill jar about 3/4ths full of water with a swish of vinegar added to it. I never measure either of these exactly. Put in lots of Kool aid packets (can even mix colors) or a dab of Wilton icing color. Put lid on jar and shake until mixed well. Should look dark like above picture. You can no longer see through the jar.<br />
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Step Two: Skein or loop your yarn around two chair backs and tie it so it will not tangle. It will be in a big long loop like later pictures show. Now put it into the jar. The flash makes the yarn show up inside the jars better than it does in real life. Push in down so it is all covered by the dye.<br />
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Step three is patience let it sit. I usually let mine sit all night. In the morning I wake up to a jar of colored yarn sitting in almost clear water. The yarn will only hold so much dye so if there is still dye in your water remove yarn and place more yarn in the dye jar.<br />
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Here are pictures of the yarn in the morning. Notice the clear water in the jar. *Note* Jar<br />
on far right in left picture has nothing to do with dyeing. lol It is a science experiment.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj57BwlBYJZ8AH1QdY1QUxXnBMYDG7SYQXFc99i7BjFGFaAJVlFfEGGyZ4pq1hY4UJlughQKuG3E-81eeQlUZ2DZRDpdhR08_OsX7SjG20oVT0-OZFM8KPWuPSUZzES-EsEb9nxCGia_OU/s1600/DSCN2464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj57BwlBYJZ8AH1QdY1QUxXnBMYDG7SYQXFc99i7BjFGFaAJVlFfEGGyZ4pq1hY4UJlughQKuG3E-81eeQlUZ2DZRDpdhR08_OsX7SjG20oVT0-OZFM8KPWuPSUZzES-EsEb9nxCGia_OU/s320/DSCN2464.JPG" width="320" /></a>This is a picture of the wet yarn. I ring it softly out by hand. You can see the almost clear water in the bottom of the bowl.<br />
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The next step is to hang, weight the wet yarn, and let it dry. Here is where I use the hanger and soup can. In the picture you can see that I have plenty of dye left in my jar for another round of dyeing. Also, it is interesting that the cotton yarn I used to tie the wool doesn't really take the dye. You need to use another method for dyeing cotton.<br />
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The last Step happens after the yarn is dry. I lay it in a glass casserole dish and place in my oven of wood cook stove for ten minutes at the temp of 250 degrees. I set the timer for five minutes, turn the yarn over in the dish at that point, and set the timer for another five minutes.You are only suppose to have to heat treat it once to make the color fast. Just for good measure I heat treat it two mornings in a row. I do it in the mornings while my fire is still warming up. After all that work I don't want to burn it.<br />
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On the left are two yarns dyed in the same dye batch. Lighter one was a white hand spun "unknown" wool and the darker one was a gray Finn wool just like I used in my son's Christmas hat this year. Only it is spun finer. . <br />
The yarn in the right picture is hand <span style="font-family: "";">spun white Icelandic.</span><br />
I made a big skein or loop of it and dipped different parts<br />
of it into three different dye jars. Thus making a multi colored<br />
yarn. <br />
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The far left yarn is naturally gray wool dye with blue Kool Aid packets. It might be hard to really see here, but it came out a cool denim color. On right yarn I used red Kool Aid packets over gray yarn and got a wonderful, earthy red heather.<br />
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You may even dye the wool roving like in the picture<br />
below on the right.<br />
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The left show a picture of three balls of gray Finn wool that where spun and dyed with Wilton coloring. Notice the subtle shade difference. These can be a real plus. When you ply them to gather you get the heathered green yarn in the picture below.<br />
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Below is a picture of a project I am making with four plys of the red heathered yarn mentioned above. The neat thing about this picture is the yarn was originally the same color as the gray yarn in this picture before I dyed It.<br />
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Everyone has their own favorites. Mine are: I prefer to dye a single strand of yarn before it is plied. Dyeing over a light grey gets me the colors I like best. But I am in no way done learning yet so that may change. </div>
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Have I made you want to mix up your own magic potions?</div>
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Liza Stallsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11638258252513807051noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3044873053150296626.post-37585181690924321562016-02-28T05:31:00.000-08:002016-02-28T13:30:25.838-08:00Handmade Braintan Drum Pincushion<div dir="ltr">
Years ago I saw an ad in one of the Interweave Press Pieceworks
magazines for a pincushion contest. As usual, my brain fired off an image of
something totally different than what they were asking for, but I thought why
not give it a go. What could it hurt? So I let the idea roll around in my head
till I thought I had a workable idea. I then made a phone call to my Dad, asking
his advice. Was my idea even doable? He thought I could do it, and offered to
make the tinwork for me, but was more than willing to help me once I said that I
wanted to do the work myself. Now I had to block out a time slot in my schedule
to spend a day in Dad’s tin shop to make the first step of my “pincushion”.
What? You ask, why in the world would you need to work in a tin shop to make a
pincushion for a needle work contest? But when making a mini drum you need a
form, yes, usually the hoop is wooden. But since my Father has a tin shop it
would be easier and more fun to make it out of tin. Basically I made a tin can,
with a lot of little quirks added to it.</div>
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I wanted both sides of the drum to be filled with raw wool because that
is what was used in pincushions years ago. Running the pins through the raw wool
coated them with a thin layer of lanolin which caused them not to rust from the
moisture in the homes. Yet I also wanted the drum to have some weight to it.
Just a can filled with wool would easily side around on your work space. To fix
this problem I had to create an area in the middle of the can that was sealed
and would hold the sand that would give my mini drum weight. Another personal
touch to the can was using a tool from the tin era that had been lost until my
Dad drafted up the design and had a few of them remade. I got to choose a simple
but decorative design of ridges that run around my can. This could be done the
hard way, but by using the tool Dad had remade it was easy. (Extra cool! Dad)
The last step to the can was to pre-age it so it didn’t look shiney and new, but
had an heirloom look to it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQjfQg6U57OehtuYVp1lMaN9mpw2J8CT2Sqx9tnb5ajeYBR4xorTkwxoUE_WYsPUW2Ld-eGB0nzQNBPRbWeiMAEg9S2NTGtYEEnht5K1e4X0niSqjHu46UpWjVv5QqdXi87mbi6a1C68g/s1600/tin+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQjfQg6U57OehtuYVp1lMaN9mpw2J8CT2Sqx9tnb5ajeYBR4xorTkwxoUE_WYsPUW2Ld-eGB0nzQNBPRbWeiMAEg9S2NTGtYEEnht5K1e4X0niSqjHu46UpWjVv5QqdXi87mbi6a1C68g/s320/tin+2.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOTZQflwwk2c7WyQWFwbguyBU3Bp41euK8Slyfrs2of1elLQdGsOEcLdqRBSvMCQ599VfSfW53RzxPXWLMOpmrP7YOEqpJpc2sY39666-znOKEGCI6_iuDUTDwuCigHU2_FPh6yv_s29Q/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOTZQflwwk2c7WyQWFwbguyBU3Bp41euK8Slyfrs2of1elLQdGsOEcLdqRBSvMCQ599VfSfW53RzxPXWLMOpmrP7YOEqpJpc2sY39666-znOKEGCI6_iuDUTDwuCigHU2_FPh6yv_s29Q/s320/026.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
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Now I had to design the drum’s top. I wanted the top to have two
colors of braintan arranged in a pattern. I pieced it together and then took
blue wool sock yarn and did a simple embroidery stitch over the top of the
seams. Now for the very center of drum top, a very small beaded rosette in red
and white beads gives it a special touch while also covering the area where all my
seams come together and could damage a needle if it was forced through them. The
bottom piece of braintan is the very same size and shape as the top only it is
all one piece.<br />
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Most drums have a cord or leather thong that laces through the top
and bottom as it travels around the drum. I wove a mini, chevron finger woven
strap made out of red, white, blue wool sock yarn to use on my pincushion drum.
I tell myself this is because I wanted to add color, but I am pretty sure it was
just to keep the project as difficult as I could. ; ) The finishing touches
where adding a feather and a few brass beads.</div>
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Yes, I did send it in to the contest. lol They probably had no idea
how to “grade” it. My drum pincushion arrived home again with a nice letter
stating I didn’t make it into the few top spots that would be recognized in
their magazine. No surprise to me really. <br />
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Today as the loss of my Father is very fresh in my life, (The evening of
the 7th of February my Dad took his first stroll in heaven.) I look at this
mini drum cushion which brings sadness, yet joyful memories of a life long
relationship with a man who taught me so much. Thanks Dad for believing in me
and giving me the confidence to follow my own drum beats.<br />
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Liza Stallsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11638258252513807051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3044873053150296626.post-43828359003018676232016-02-27T11:45:00.001-08:002016-02-27T11:47:17.755-08:00Snow Humor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ah, creativity comes in many forms. One of my children built these in such a way that his father had to pass them on the way to the shop. We all got a good laugh out of it. I hope that by sharing it, it brought you at least a smile and brightened your day too.Liza Stallsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11638258252513807051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3044873053150296626.post-47950354905151812902016-01-19T08:36:00.001-08:002016-01-19T08:36:27.381-08:00Knitting From Christmas Past<div>
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Years ago when the hands and feet of my children were smaller, knitting
went so much faster. I had gotten a bunch of wool yarn on sale and decided to
make all my children new mittens for Christmas. As usual it started out to be a
simple pattern, but ended up much more complex with each one having their own
pattern. I started out making the oldest child’s mittens first. I had to work
through the “kinks” in the pattern and in my record of row keeping. Basically,
in simple English, that means I turned out two mittens the same yet different
sizes. Being the wonderful daughter she is, my child proudly wore them and loved
them in spite of their imperfection. Lucky Mom! Unfortunately this is not the
only time I have done this to her. The last pair knitted were for my youngest.
Knitted one and went to get more yarn only to discover that I was out of red.
(Had one less ball then I thought.) What now? Why just make the second one a
different color of course. Who needs matching mittens anyways? If any of my
children ever strike someone as being “different,” it might just be their
mother’s fault.</div>
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These are old pictures. Please forgive the bad, shinny backgrounds. I've come a long way with my photography skills. lol There is still lots of room for improvement though. Ever learning is my motto.</div>
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Liza Stallsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11638258252513807051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3044873053150296626.post-79308346212533920472016-01-15T06:58:00.001-08:002016-01-15T06:58:20.261-08:0021 Century Braintan Backpack <div>
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I know that many people use braintan leather for re enactment clothing, and
historical projects, but sometimes it is just plain fun to bring its use into
the 21 century. After watching colleges and businesses give away simple backpacks
for promotional advertising and also seeing them sold at stores I got the “why
not” idea of making a similar style backpack out of braintan. Of course since it
is made out of leather and braintan at that, fringe became a necessity. While I
am at it, l twist the fringe for a cooler look and braid a one of a kind
braintan strap for it too. There are a few things I would do different on the
next one, but I really like this bag. I would of loved to bead on it, however,
that would of drove the price so high I decided it was best to keep it simple. In fact it is supposed to be for sale, but I keep eyeing it up for mine. ; ) Either
way is ok, because I can always make another. Wouldn’t you want one?</div>
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The second picture shows the true color, but the other pictures show better detail.</div>
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Liza Stallsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11638258252513807051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3044873053150296626.post-38556114294632213012015-12-31T12:24:00.001-08:002016-01-04T20:25:12.081-08:00Knitting to Help Santa 2015<div>
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This year I thought I had Christmas covered, but certain events happened
and I realized I was short of both gifts and money which over the years has
occurred many times in my household. So since yarn, knitting needles, and ideas
abound in great quantities at our house, it was knitted gifts to the rescue this
year. Fingerless gloves and mittens seems to be the craze, and I know my tech
loving daughter at college would probably enjoy a pair. Off to search for a
“simple” pattern and to take a gander at what yarn can be found in my stash.
Picked the pattern from the every expanding raverly.com. pattern base. Careful!
It can be like falling down a rabbit hole. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cozy-cuffed-mitts" title="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cozy-cuffed-mitts">http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cozy-cuffed-mitts</a>
was the winning pattern. Fairly simple because I don’t have to knit each and
every row different . Been there done that. Found many, small tattletale (Can
see they were spun on my Jenkin’s Turkish drop spindle.) balls of mernio single
ply that had been spun years ago before I had a wheel. Somehow being some of my
first spun yarn they never “looked” good enough to be used, but they jumped to
the front this time because my color choices have thinned out some. Plied some
of them with a white wool and some with a gray wool I’ve spun recently, and Wow!
Even my youngest son who help me run my ball winder was committing on how nice
the yarn was. As usually there were sessions of knitting both forward and
backward, thankfully knitting forward occurred more often. They were finished
before Christmas and I tried to convince my daughter that since I knitting them
it was her job to tuck the yarn ends into invisibility. She laughed at me and
said, “But Mom, they are MY Christmas gift.” Guess who ended up tucking them
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The mitts turned out well. They are a little big for her were the mitten
and cuff meet, however considering she wasn’t here to try them on as I knitted I
am pleased with them. The major thing I would change if I made them again would
be to use a thinner yarn, I wished the whole way through knitting the mittens I
had double plied the yarn instead of triple plied it. Mainly just because she
didn’t need a heavy mitten for sprinting between buildings at college.</div>
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Ah! Once started down a course one must finish it, a second pair of
fingerless mitts were needed for her sister. Not being smart enough to choose
the obvious and quicker method of knitting them both a pair from the same
pattern, it was back to the raverly pattern search. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/scrappy-mitts" title="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/scrappy-mitts">http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/scrappy-mitts</a>
was the chosen one, this time for two reasons. Reason one, my daughter had
always told me she didn’t think she would like fingerless mittens because she
dearly loves the knit each and every row different cable mittens that I made
her, so these would make her smile and at least reach for them in fun. Reason two,
they used little bits of different colored yarn which worked well with what was
in my stash. I cast on and started knitting. Agh, only eight rows in and the
can’t follow a pattern disease hit. Thus her mitten ended up based on the above
pattern (which is well written), but entirely different. Needless to say I learn
my lesson and tucked my own yarn ends in on these mittens. I mean why waste the
breath to ask when you know you are going to get the look. ; )</div>
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Wait, there is yarn left over! A matching hat is always a good idea, so I
made up my own hat pattern based off the mittens I made her. Finished it off
with a little button on top, and reminded her she was loved as I tucked in all
the yarn ends. The occasional dreaded compliment was spoken. (Look out Mom!
Cover your ears.) Hey that is cool. Can I have one? At times like these having a
smaller number in the family tree would be handy. But what can I say, I would
like one too.</div>
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My boys are not impressed with fingerless gloves. What good are mittens or
gloves with the ends open? So I decided to knit my youngest a hat. I tried the
searching the ravery.com pattern base again. Just couldn’t find what I was
looking for, so it was time to ask for help. Someone suggested the bun hat.
(With that name I would of never found it.) <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bun-hat" title="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bun-hat">http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bun-hat</a>.
I tried to start knitting it at night. Nothing was going right, too tired, so
off to bed. Spent the next morning undoing the previous nights attempts so I
could start fresh. Made a phone call to a fellow knitter for advice. (She keeps
me in line.) Finally, I wrapped my brain around how to enlarge the pattern.
What fun this pattern was. My son picked out the design he wanted knitted into
his helmet and we graphed it out. He also asked if I could put a red plume on
top of it. The end result just makes me smile and causes a rousing, battle cry
to silently rush through my head. Can you tell this hat was made for a child by
someone who inner child is not buried very deep?</div>
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Oh by the way the gray wool is 3 ply hand spun Finn from our flock, the red wool is a from my stash and silver is a shiny, slippery yard sale find. (Not fun to knit with!) I balled six small balls of it on my ball winder. Putting each ball in a different zip-lock bag with an end sticking out. Took the bags to my spinning wheel and over spun it to get it thick enough. Put the six ply ball in it's own zip-lock back, and let about two feet out to untwisted as needed. Pretty sure being willing to do that means I might be crazy, but the end results help make up for it's knitting difficulty.</div>
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Liza Stallsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11638258252513807051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3044873053150296626.post-15523420320955046422015-12-28T09:58:00.000-08:002015-12-28T10:37:16.191-08:00Braintan Toting School Gals<br />At some point in your life you must admit that your family is different and
there are no others like them. This has probably happened to my children many
times over the years, but I am certain one of the times was when my daughter
came home from school and told me she needed a book cover for her math book by a
certain date. For whatever reason an image of a patched leather book cover
popped into my head, though a more normal mother would of got the image of a
brown paper book cover or at least something along those lines. But no, I could
not shake the image of a leather cover, so off to check my braintan leather
scraps supply. I measured, cut, stitched, fringed, and thought I had it right,
but no, some of the leather stretched. Grrr... now what? Buttons to the rescue.
The end result was a one of a kind, never to be recreated braintan leather book
cover that she used all year. Nothing like your mother helping you stand out in
a crowd.<br />
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My daughter told me that she liked it, and got many comments on it.
Since it would not fit any of her books the following year, she reluctantly
handed it down to her younger sister for her math book that year. At the end of
the school year I thought we might have to donate it to the teacher because it
would not fit another book, but my younger daughter found a book on her
bookshelf that was a close enough fit. Needless to say I have made many braintan
leather book covers, even beaded ones, over the years, but never another patched
one. Hopefully they will remember their years of toting a braintan book cover
through school fondly and know that their mother loved them.<br />
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<br />Liza Stallsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11638258252513807051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3044873053150296626.post-72102755628975634282015-12-27T04:09:00.001-08:002015-12-27T04:09:18.796-08:00A Basket of Buttons<div>
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This project was born out of a need for a Vacation Bible School craft and a
love for buttons. I truly wish I had pictures of button baskets that the
children made that year at VBS, but someone else took the pictures of them.
Somehow I never manage to get a copy of them. We had close to 150 children make
a simplified version of this. Each one was as unique as the child that made it.
My poor craft helpers spent hours helping sort, bag, and prepare over 50 pounds
of buttons before the children every got them, and my dear father got roped into
drilling the holes in the all the wooden bases. We had some good times of
fellowship over those buttons, however many of them I fear thought that their
leader was over ambitious, crazy, and total unrealistic of what the children
were cable of doing. (They may have been right.) The kids on the other hand
loved the challenge and thrived on my belief in them that they could do it.
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I have taught adults to make these too. It is always a fun class full of
laughter and amazement as each individual basket takes on it’s own design. No
two ever turn out the same. </div>
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This particular button basket was made specifically for my mother. I used
copper wire instead of the floral wire used in the VBS baskets, and I also chose
to use a nicer base. A major part of the fun in making one of these baskets is
in the choosing of the buttons. The possibilities seem endless. Using all white
and older styles of buttons on my mother’s basket gave it more of a classic
look. Basically, she ended up with another pretty knickknack to dust instead of
a woven basket with many possibilities of usefulness.</div>
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Liza Stallsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11638258252513807051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3044873053150296626.post-28390115680917391932015-11-26T18:48:00.001-08:002015-11-28T11:14:19.705-08:00Unfinished and Unruly Basket Project <div>
This project has a mind of its own, and is currently in the “unfinished”
project pile. It was started years ago on my birthday weekend. At that time in
my life I had young children and was feeling the need for some “Mom alone time.”
I decided to give myself the an unusual birthday gift of allotting the whole
weekend for a project. With a trip to the grocery store for a large supply of
cereal and easy foods that the kids could fix for themselves done, I now had to
pick what project to work on. I decided I wanted the freshness of a new project.
A twine weaving project sounded like fun, and I had been given this gorgeous
multi colored yarn recently. A small, twine basket would be a fun, relaxing,
me-time project for the weekend. The family was told of my plans and t<span style="text-align: center;">he basket
was started. The farther I twined the more it didn’t look like the image I had
in my mind’s eye. Upon turning the basket over I discovered it looked more like
a turtle shell. It just would not listen to me. This was to be a fun project
with no pressure so it you want to be a turtle shell I am done fidgeting, and
fusing with you. You have my permission to be a turtle shell. (There I am still
in control.) Of course the weekend ended before I could finish a twined turtle
so the project was put up.</span></div>
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Upon getting the project back out about a year or so later, I got the
wouldn’t it look cool disease and decided to add brass beads to the edges.
Adding the beads was a lesson in patience, and a awkward mixing of skills since
I had to use a crochet hook and pass the threads through the beads twice. The
first pass being doable and the second pass being a “why did I think this was a
good idea procedure.” I must admit to really liking the end result though. The
designing of bottom of the turtle shell needed to seep in my mind for awhile so
the project was put away for a later day.</div>
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Time passes and a lot of pictures of turtles have been examined. A few were
even printed off. The strands were divided and about five rows were twined on,
starting the bottom of the shell. The thought of <em>I will need to make a
turtle for in the shell</em> occurs and the search was on for a thin, brown yarn
that would work. A small skein of a rich, brown, silk blend was bought.
Thoughts of the turtle project were interrupted by life, and put off because it
is no longer an easy twined basket “we” (Obviously it has some say in the
matter.) are designing. If ever finished it will probably either be my lifetime
twined masterpiece or a why did I ever think that was possible glob of
intertwined yarn. I have thought that if displayed right it kind of takes on a
jelly fish look, however it whispers, “Turtle, I want to be and am a turtle.
Please help others see me that way too.” So it sits unfinished on the shelf
waiting rather impatiently for me to interrupt my life long enough to either
finished it or mess it up completely.</div>
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Liza Stallsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11638258252513807051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3044873053150296626.post-16368409386849441282015-11-26T07:28:00.000-08:002015-11-28T11:12:10.883-08:00Globe Trotting Braintan Camera Bag<div>
The need to protect my camera was what prompted the making of this bag.
Deciding that I wanted something a little fancier than the regular poke style
bags I had been using, I chose to work with contrasting colors of leather.
Adding the laced edging to the opening of the bag was kind of an after thought,
but I really learned to appreciate it later. The laced edge kept the opening
stiffer and made the camera slip in easier. The abalone shells on the draw
strings were from my small stash of abalone that my kids had drilled holes in
with my pump drill. I was pleased with how it turned out and how perfectly it
fit my camera, however it did not stay with me. <br />
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Agreeing to help run an old high school friend back to the airport after her
visit with family (Country folk, who don’t go to the city often, need moral
support and an extra set of eyes to read signs.) meant that I would have to get
up in the early hours of the morning because of the distance I live from both
her and the airport. I asked my husband to set the alarm and trustingly went to
sleep. I bolted awake for no apparent reason, looked at the clock and groaned. I
was to meet her in ten minutes! This was not humanly possible. My alarm had not
gone off! Praise God for His internal “alarm” that woke me up that day. I called
them apologizing and reworking our routes so that I could meet them on the way. My husband and I were rushing for the door with no thoughts or time to grab
anything extra. Perfect timing at the meeting spot and I was off to the
airport with them. Enjoying our ever shortening time together as she was headed
to her home in another country and every one of us in the car living with the
knowledge that her cancer had returned.<br />
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Upon arriving at the airport she smiled and whipped out this wonderful,
unique gift for me. My heart swelled with her kindness and cheerfulness. I so
wanted to give her something that was mine for her to keep as a reminder of our
love even though we live worlds apart. Realizing that most of my “stuff” was
left at home, I reached into my purse, slipped my camera out of it’s bag, and
offered it to her. She refused saying, “That’s yours.” The battle was on. lol I
won. (Being much more insistent than her) This little, leather bag now resides in
another country as a link between two people whose friendship has endured both
time and distance. (With no lack of leather, sewing skills, and ideas...the
making of another camera bag is a new adventure to look forward to.)</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Praise the Lord she is still </span>battling on and I’ve had the privilege of
seeing her again! Life with all of all of its ebbs and flows is most precious to
those who have teetered on its edge.</div>
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Liza Stallsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11638258252513807051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3044873053150296626.post-5237754348444217762015-11-02T18:18:00.000-08:002015-11-02T18:18:02.526-08:00My Original Elf Sock<div>
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<div>
Oh the joy and satisfaction of watching wool turn from roving into strands
of yarn as it passes through your hand and off your finger tips, but now comes
“the what do I do with it” part. I’ve plied the individual strands and made
yarn, however my confidence in that yarn has yet to be tested. What to knit
becomes the question. Socks? No, I don’t think the yarn will hold up to the
wear. A scarf? No, I hardly wear them. A hat? Do I really have enough spun for
that? Plus, what if it doesn’t hold up to knitting and unraveling as I make up
my pattern. A compromise is planned. How about a miniature sock? No one wears it
out and I have a keepsake of some of my first “quality” handspun yarn. There is
a learning curve that must take place before you reach the “quality” stage; well
at least there was for me. Ok, a mini sock is the plan, but since I have more
yarn than needed I feel comfortable with designing my own, because even if the
yarn doesn’t hold up to being ripped out I know I have more. </div>
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How proud I am of my little, useless product. It reminds me of an elf with
its pointed toe. That cuff needs something...think...think... Aha! I have it
buttons. Off to raid my old shell and bone button jar. Finished! Satisfied and
smiling inside and out, my first project with my own homespun is done. </div>
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May I present to you the very first of my Elf Socks.</div>
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And it all started from the first few balls of "quality" yarn made and plied on my Jenkins Turkish Drop Spindles.</div>
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Liza Stallsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11638258252513807051noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3044873053150296626.post-87097584298360524722015-10-31T14:13:00.001-07:002015-10-31T14:13:07.494-07:00Braintan Gift Bags<div>
I have a habit that started long ago of making braintan bags and gifting
them to others. The habit started years ago after my husband lost his job, and
things were financially tight. When I needed a gift for someone I would have to
make it. I had sewing skills and braintan leather available so the obvious
result was making one of a kind “gift” bags. The habit has stuck even though I
don’t have to give homemade gifts today. I find joy in the making of them and
in the gifting of them, well, that is, unless I’m in a time crunch. These bags
were given away. lol I no longer remember to who or even for what occasion. My
hope is that they were a blessing to those who received them.<br />
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Liza Stallsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11638258252513807051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3044873053150296626.post-63615276205502740722015-10-29T15:48:00.002-07:002015-10-29T17:32:59.798-07:00Lonely Sock 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ok. Let me be honest, not everything I do turns out well. Sometimes I lose
momentum and objects stall and are never finished. That is the case with this
sock I designed. I really like how it turned out, however there is a major
problem I never managed to knit the second one. I have a really bad habit of
just knitting off the “cuff" that is making up the pattern as I go and not
writing anything down. If my knitting gets interrupted for too long of a time
period, it can be challenging, to say the least, to knit a matching one. By the
time I got back to this one, the person I was making it for had outgrown it
which resulted in lost drive to start and finish the matching sock. One lonely
cool sock is not much good, anyone know of someone who would find one hand knit,
wool sock a blessing?</div>
Liza Stallsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11638258252513807051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3044873053150296626.post-74571129611631226472015-10-29T10:11:00.000-07:002016-03-02T13:25:35.371-08:00Braintan Vest 2015<div style="font-family: '';">
Bragging Rights. lol I promised my son a long time ago that I would make him a vest of the braintan from one of the deer he took during deer season. A lot of time passed and a few days ago he reminded me of that promise because he wanted to take it to camp to show off of course. Camp is like tomorrow!!!</div>
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So mom dropped everything to make good on her promise. (Good thing his Dad already had his deer hides tanned!) Thursday he search the web for vest pics he liked and tried on a vest we have for size. Here is what he picked <a href="http://americasuits.com/cullen-bohannon-hell-on-wheels-leather-vest" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="http://americasuits.com/cullen-bohannon-hell-on-wheels-leather-vest">http://americasuits.com/cullen-bohannon-hell-on-wheels-leather-vest</a> so Friday I grabbed a brown paper bag and a big gift box (for making my pattern) and fabric (for sample), I was off and the timer was ticking. Trying to get it all out of one hide. Had to get a little creative and support some of the thin places. Also tried to leave growing room as it seems that he is getting taller every other day. It is definitely not an exact copy, and the front pockets will be added later. I left them out because of the time factor. But it turned out better than I thought it would with the time crunch.</div>
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Used my new industrial sewing machine, and the top stitching could be a whole lot better. (lol Still trying to get use to a new style of pedal.) But if you go by the re-enactors three foot rule it looks a whole lot better. It is not finished yet. Have to roll and trim the bottom and sleeve edges under and hand sew so they will look like the back of the neck. Plan to do that in the car on the way there. ; ) I couldn’t resist taking a pic of it before he left. Guess mom and son are alike...we both want bragging rights to this vest. Will post pics again when it is finished and has the pockets.</div>
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So here are our pictures!</div>
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<span style="font-family: "";"> Would look even better over the right shirt! But my son is not a fan of being a model so I was lucky to get these.</span></div>
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That color work on the back. It has a story behind it. I decided to use the thicker leather for the back and back yoke because if the back and yoke lay nice it goes a long way to helping the front stay in position and hang right. I did not have enough leather so I split the back yoke into two pieces which would of resulted in one seam up the middle. Only Mom made a huge mistake I cut two lefts instead of a left and a right. I did not have enough leather to cut other. Frustrated I walked away, stewed on it for awhile and came back with the idea for the color work. (That way I could use smaller pieces of leather.) My Dad always use to tell me the only difference between a master craftsman and another is that they can hide their mistakes. Not that I'm a master of anything, still very much learning.</div>
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He carried it off well, just a slight smile, nod, and a quiet thanks when someone commented on it. One of his friends shot the biggest buck this year. (It will be his life time record I think.), so hopefully this vest goes a long way to making them even at camp ; )</div>
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<span style="font-family: "";">A lot of prayer was going upwards as I was working on this vest. In a letter I got from him, he mentioned that he has had complaints about the smoke smell in his room. lol Trust me there are over 6 boys in that room, the last thing I would be complaining about would be a smoke smell,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "";">The update is I never did put the pockets on the vest. It turned out so well without them my gut feeling was to stop while I was ahead. ; ) </span></div>
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Liza Stallsmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11638258252513807051noreply@blogger.com0