This is where I am with the current jigsaw puzzle, finally got the frame completed.
This is one of those puzzles where I searched for ages for edge pieces that don't exist and finally realized everything I needed was already there. It just needed bringing together to close the gaps. There's a sermon there, folks. I bet Pema Chodron, Buddhist teacher, said something like that only better.
Today was another hot day for April
and since I'd forgotten to close the downstairs windows overnight, it was very cool. At least to start with.
My days start now with contemplative weaving.
This scarf is not skilled, the selvedges (the sides) are wavy and the fell line (the top bit) is, too. But what I'm getting from it is a peaceful time every morning, calming rhythmic work for its own sake.
I'm also picking up skills from all over, little gems from different videos. I can apply it to my next project. There doesn't seem to be just one person teaching all the tips I need, so it's a research journey and I'm so glad when I find out something I didn't even know to ask.
I now know how to thread the heddle differently to get a better selvedge. I know why some weavers use more than one warping point. I know how to set up the backstrap belt so that the warp can be advanced. A lot of small things that make a difference. All found on different videos.
Then, speaking of mad skillz, here's what I saw at the library today. In the knitting group
S's latest sweater, look at that wonderful stitch patterning.
And the children's librarian, Caitlin, a skilled knitter, has created these animals to go with books for the library storytime.
See the rabbit's cardi, with carrots on it?
These are so cool. Next she's knitting a monkey.
And how about using your own mad puzzling skillz with a Haggard Hawks puzzle?
Happy day everyone, life's a puzzle anyway, may as well enjoy!
Your weaving is lovely. I start and end my warp in a hole rather than one hole and one slot. It seems to make a difference. There is so much information out there.
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly what I just found out! I looked at my weaving and noticed -- two slots! That's before I found out that the holes create a better selvedge. Next time!
DeleteI knew the answer to the puzzle the minute I saw it! Weird! Unless there's more than one answer. Probably everybody else will know, too. I like your weaving. If I had another life, I'd love to be
ReplyDeleteI'm publishing both halves of your comment. I can't edit them together, but they work fine.
DeleteLiz. Please fix? I was going to say that I want to be a professional weaver and know how to do all that stuff Joanne does. I accidentally hit "publish" too soon.
ReplyDeleteNp!
DeleteI learned back strap weaving this week, so there's time for you. As to attaining Joanne's skills, that's another thing!
DeleteI once spent over an hour hunting for edge pieces that weren't to be found. I even complained to my daughter about it when she came over to see me. About 10 minutes later I realized that the puzzle was not square, and when I squared it up, the pieces came together and I wasn't missing any at all. i know how you felt!!
ReplyDeleteIt's one of the things they don't tell you!
DeleteAnd look, authentic knitted overalls, with pockets and everything. Carrots in Mrs. Bunny's sweater. Be still my heart; I am in awe.
ReplyDeleteI hope you list all the tips and tricks you have found and/or deduced for your rigid heddle loom.
I'm a bit pocket obsessed, so when I sqeeed over the coverall chest pocket nobody was surprised. And that cardi and the stitch pattern on the dress!
DeleteThere is an excellent lesson in the puzzle alright, Boud.
ReplyDeleteCaitlin’s did a beautiful job on the rabbit. Love its sweater. The pattern on S’s sweater is beyond my ability and a beauty!
Aren't they great? every week S unfurls some new sweater in great designs.
DeleteS's sweater is beautiful, and those knitted animals are too. They and their clothes and pocket are totally "squee" worthy.
ReplyDeleteAren't they lovely? Made my spirits jump.
DeleteThe knitted rabbit with its carrot sweater is so adorable! The cow is darn cute too.
ReplyDeleteI can see kids loving these, and holding them.
DeleteCrafting, any crafting, seems to be the perfect tonic for calming and helping with your mental health.
ReplyDeleteI love your colours and how they’re turning out
This particular piece of weaving is definitely calming even when there are mistakes. I'm fixing them with minimum annoyance, a nice change.
DeleteI could not love those knitted animal characters more. They are absolutely works of art to my mind.
ReplyDeleteWoman! This jigsaw thing is becoming way too addictive for me. I got a puzzle at a Goodwill recently that was all still in the enclosed bag so I know all the pieces are there which is a relief of sorts to begin with and last night after supper I sat down and began work it, listening to a podcast, and before I knew it, an hour and a half had flown by. Is this healthy? I don't know. I didn't think I'd really like this puzzle so much but I am falling in love with it. I'll post a picture this evening.
I'm still just a piece now and then sort of puzzler, happy to walk away after I've got a couple of pieces fitted. But there are worse things than time spent puzzling, after all.
Deletemy aunt was an accomplished knitter. she made me a sweater/cardigan with a fancy stitch pattern when I was growing up that I loved. somehow, I don't remember, it got lost and I asked and she made it for me again. decades later I don't remember what happened to that one either.
ReplyDeleteI hope someone else is wearing it anyway.
DeleteI have a complicated puzzle of London I'm getting ready to start. It'll be a challenge. Next week we're due for daily rain and Rick will be away so I might make good headway. I love those animals. That cardi is darling!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good plan for wet weather. Probably accompanied by tea and a little something.
DeleteIt won't let me sign in so I remain Ann On A Mouse. I just finished the 1500 piece Goliath. I hope that Philistine champion was more handsome than this turned out to be, I really don't like the art. I don't think I'm going to glue this one.
ReplyDeleteAs far as that word goes, I used to be Riparious but not anymore.
Thanks
Tom the Ann On A Mouse.
Thanks, Tom aka Ann, on or off a mouse. Good clue. Do you usually glue puzzles? I tend to break them down to pass on. I can understand wanting to preserve your accomplishment, though.
DeleteIt was just about 87 here too but on Tuesday. Back to reality next week, but it’s still pretty nice until then.
ReplyDeleteI think it's all reality! I don't mind cooling off a bit though.
DeleteThe knitted rabbit is adorable! And your post reminds me to finish the puzzle I started ages ago!
ReplyDeleteI tend to keep on, slowly, at puzzles till done. They're out in plain sight, so I can't forget they're in progress.
DeleteI can't imagine knitting that sweater (either one of them, to be truthful!). Way beyond my skills for sure.
ReplyDeleteSandy is a truly skilled knitter. Also a very nice woman who gave us tips when we were using the swift, on how to do it better.
Delete