Friday, June 28, 2013

Yep, it's summer.....


Seems that summer has finally arrived after so many days of cool dry air. Now the air is thick with humidity and the temps have gone up into the 90's, ugh. Summer is finally here. Along with it, rainstorms in the afternoon, fast growing weeds and plants, and lots of staying inside where it's cool.
I finished up this weaving finally yesterday. It has been on my loom forever, and I got tired of looking at it, ran out of cloth that would work and so I cut it off.


It's a right nice little table runner. It's a mix of hemp, linen, yarn and recycled clothing. Many of these strips are on the flag I made for my Shakori booth.
My waving style is sort of like my clay style, kinda like raku for fiber. Just throw some stuff in there and see what comes out. I'm not following a pattern or really planning anything, just randomly weaving whatever I think looks good.
I think for my next project, I will try and make some sort of plan, just to see the difference. But I have a feeling my weaving is going to be a pretty random thing. I like not having any expectations.....


I also finished up this scarf with the quick knit loom I bought. What a fun little loom for quick projects. I made another scarf in just a day last week, but I didn't really like it, so I took it apart. One thing clay has taught me, if it's not working, just start over.


Summer reading. Why can't I just read one book at a time? I have all of these going at the same time, plus one more I picked up at the library yesterday... I did finish A Walk in the Woods and now Gerry is reading it, and wanting to hike the A.T. I knew that would happen. These were all thrift store finds that I picked up for a dollar a piece, not bad. I love finding great books at the thrift stores!



This is my new favorite. It's about a Chinese girl that survived a Japanese wartime camp, and wants to have a Japanese garden created in memory of her sister who died in the camp. Through the owner of a tea plantation in Malaysia, she meets a gardener who was gardener to the Emperor and the tale of their journey begins. It's beautifully written, found it hard to put down last night.
Ahhh, summer reading and libraries, what's better than that?

8 comments:

Michèle Hastings said...

I like the randomness of your weaving, it looks natural and handmade. I have seen some that are amazing, due to their intricate designs, but personally, I prefer a more homespun look.
I like summer, but could do with less humidity... pots are taking forever to finish.

littlemancat said...

Love the weaving and its random-ness -is that even a word? And oh yes your new favorite book! Tan Twan Eng is a wonderful writer - do read his first one, "The Gift of Rain." I've re-read that one twice because of the beautiful writing,the history,and story telling.
Mary

oldgreymare said...

sounds like your sumer is off to a sweet beginning..don't brag though..we're going to 118 this weekend!!!!! YIKES

June Perry said...

Love those colors - makes me want to go out and buy a loom. Unfortunately, I don't have anywhere to put one.

Lori Buff said...

Your scarf looks cuddly, soft, and warm. In a few months someone will love wearing it for those aspects.

Great book selection, a good library is like a good friend.

Laura Farrow said...

great color and texture in that runner. love it. miss you pal... guess I'll see you post Scotland! xo

Shannon said...

getting sick and tired of something is often what propels me to finish a painting. ha! good for you just stopping and starting over--what a time-saver. nice mix of reads. I read many but not all at the same time. ;)

Amy said...

wow, that weaving is beautiful! I too, love the randomness of art--- with clay, I often just see what form emerges if I have the time for such. and yes, summer reading days are simply wonderful. and your pictures, post after post are stunning. i'm a bit embarrassed at mine....