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Monday, December 21, 2015

Year's End




Christmas preparations are well under way.   I see lights every where, homes with trees showcased in the living room windows and traffic is heavy on the roads as everyone dashes to and fro.

We'll be staying close to home for the holidays, just hubby and me!   Our time with the grand kids will happen after New Years when things quieten down a smidge.   Its all just fine with us as we don't get too cranked about Christmas anyhow.   Its an awful lot of pressure on a young family for one day and so we actually prefer to do it at a quieter time.

Our daughter in law sent us a picture from a recent photography session and they are making selections from the professional's cd to purchase.   So the copy I have (for now) has their watermark but its still a great one of the grand kids.   So here are my little darlings!   Ethan (3 1/2 years old) and Madison (nearly 10 months old). I want to know how they got Ethan to sit still that long!


As of now I have completed sorting all photographs from the Family Collection. Boxed up anything not being done during the scanning phase, such as negatives and slides.  Its become more compact but still is a sizeable lump in the studio.  But its a far cry from ten box loads it was three weeks ago!


To be fair, the two Home Depot boxes are full of negatives, slides (to be viewed and done later) and a lot of scenery and travel shots that won't be done for a *long* time. The main portion is the envelopes top right and the stack of albums from the blue lid and up.  The plastic box with the blue lid and down are full of documents which will be used for genealogy and the ongoing family tree at Ancestry.  Most of them will be scanned as well to be part of the permanent record.

 I'm researching scanners and various on line articles on how to do this project right the first time. Its looking like the Canon scanner we have is likely suitable for the job.  Now wouldn't that be nice?




So the anniversary date of when I first started this blog is coming up on January 8th. Its hard to believe that I've been at this for eight years!  Some of you have even been following my antics for all those years too.  (big warm thank you!)  Some of you are newer to the blog and enjoying reading older posts.  I've heard from many of you via email, become fast friends with many and had some even come to visit me.

This is when I like to do a 'give-away' to readers as a thank you.  This time the gift is a recently completed huck lace guest towel ,  of 10/2 mercerized cotton and with a fine bamboo weft.  It features extensive hemstitching as well.   Now I must admit that its not entirely perfect and is what we call a second with a treadling error. Its still lovely and only weavers would know.... your house guest will never notice as they dry their hands.

So how do you enter the draw?  Well, I would like you to write a comment (see blow the post and click on the 'comment' word)  and tell me what you like about my blog? .... what keeps you  coming back?  

**Please be very clear with your name and an email to reach you.**  

I will make the draw by old fashioned, well stirred  "name in a hat" style and announce the winner on January the 8th.



 In the mean time, the good news is,  I am back to the looms once again!  I have made a good restart and it feel great to be back on the bench again.  This break away from weaving has been beneficial in a few ways in that my knee has had better time to heal but I was still productive every day, and now I can get back to the looms feeling energized and ready to start the new year!

I have been weaving for a time most afternoons and I'm happy to tell you that I have completed one scarf and started another. Plus I have two towels done on the Megado.   So I'll keep on and hope to have some show and tell for you some time soon!   Here are some pictures:


An eight shaft elaborate point twill, woven "network style". What you can see there is one repeat measuring 7 1/2 inches.


I've shown this one before but it does show the scarf being "treadled as threaded".  I had wound the warp forward to start the second scarf and suddenly realized I had forgotten to take a picture!  I was feeling pretty good about finishing one scarf and eager to start again!


Purple and teal towels done and I'm moving onto a pretty shade of blue cottolin next!  I'm having fun again...


I'd like to wish you a Happy Winter Solstice, Merry Yule!
and Io Saternalia!

For the more traditional of you out there, Merry Christmas !  We hope you enjoy time with family and friends and no doubt there will be good food and lots of it. I hope Santa brings you some yarn as well as other goodies!

I hope 2016 is a healthy and happy year for us all. I know that I'm sure looking forward to seeing happier times and definitely more weaving in the weeks and months ahead!

Remember to leave a comment for an entry into the draw for the guest towel give-away January 8th!    I will be back with a New Year's Day post about what is on the loom AND  my annual studio year in review....

29 comments:

Linda said...

Your blog is one of my favorites because of the combination of inspiring weaving, generous and friendly weaving help, and simply feeling as if I'm visiting with a good friend. I was happy when your loom recently sold to a nearby weaver, but must admit that I would have loved to bring it back to Illinois!

Deanna said...

I enjoy reading about your weaving and family happenings. I'm wishing you the best and to continue with your writing.

Nancy said...

Susan I love reading your blog!! I drool over the beautiful photos of your weavings as I contemplate can I do that! we've never met, but I feel like I'm part of the extended family. I cried when you wrote your tribute to your Dad. I love the posts and photos when Padre (Wayne) came for his visit. Your Blog is like sitting with a girlfriend over a cup of coffee. Looking forward to your happenings in 2016~ Nancy

(camelheights on raverly)


Merry Christmas!

Robin said...

I love seeing your beautiful weaving, and love that your blog is educational and inspiring! Thanks for the chance to win the towel!

Unknown said...

As a new weaver, I often find it difficult to regularly spend time at my little loom. I find great motivation in your blogs. Your journeys through major surgeries, and you drive to get yourself back to weaving are commendable. My favorite part of the blogs are the photos of your amazing work. Your weaving is absolutely gorgeous.

Congratulations on your upcoming anniversary.

Suzanne Bass
srisubass@att.net

Unknown said...

I love the weaving inspiration you share, along with the practical knowledge, too!

Thanks!

DianeOart said...

I love your blog to see your beautiful work, weaving is a lifelong learning experience and it's nice to see how you are mastering the skills. I'm so glad to see you back at the looms... wishing you a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year hopefully less surgery and pain.

Ernie said...

As a new weaver, I find inspiration from your projects. They not only show me designs that expand my horizons, but help me gain a vision of how colors work together. I follow your posts on Ravelry, but I love the "bigger view" that your blog allows. It feels homey here.

tktl said...

Merry Christmas and congratulations on your blog anniversary!!!

I am always amazed at what you do with a loom and string. You are an inspiration. I should say this more often!

(My young sons prefer the train pictures.)

Alexis@cobcottagecraft.com
tktl on Ravelry

Terry said...

I am a long time reader of your blog and enjoy your homey, friendly approach to weaving. I love your designs and color, and gain a lot of ideas to try to implement into my own weaving, as a mature weaver of only two years, learning from blogs and books along with the occasional video. Thank you for taking the time to blog and share. I have waited all of my life to be able to take the time to learn how and to share and enjoy the fruits of my weaving. Thank you for some help along the way!
Terry

Gjeani said...

Hi Susan, I love your blog for more than one reason. You write about your life and you are a good writer. You weave the most beautiful shawls I love the yarns you use and everytime I see a finished one I think where are my beads? I want to do this! I also love you explanatiom of techniques you use, like the hemstitching etc. Hope you will be a blogger for many more years in good health. So have a Merry Christmas and a happy newyear and happy weaving�� Giny

Linda said...

Merry Christmas, Susan and Bruce! Holy smokes, those grand babies are growing up too fast! Glad to see you will be able to spend some time with them over the Holidays....totally 'get' the appreciation of quiet and home and avoiding the mayhem of the Holidays. Thank YOU for creating such a wonderful resource for an ever-increasing following of weavers. I can't count how many times I've referred back to your articles for technique (....and still do as I learn with the Gertrude...what goes up / what goes down and which 20+ cords to set). The ripples cast from the pebbles of your blog travel far and wide. You will probably never know just how many people you touch (maybe that's a good thing?). Peace, love and good health to you and Bruce in 2016!

Beth said...

I've been following you for quite some time. As a handweaver, I find your work top-notch, inspirational and, simply beautiful. Thank you for allowing me (and all the others) a peek into your life. Your grand kids are adorable!

barbara said...

Hi Susan - Merry Christmas to you and Bruce. My your grandchildren are beautiful and growing up so fast. You asked, why do I read your blog? I love when I see there is a new blog from you, I usually get a cuppa, and sit down and enjoy reading the blog - to me it is like a personal visit with you. There is always "eye candy" with your photographs; interesting stories, tips on weaving, and by the end of reading the blog, I feel like I had just dropped in for a visit. Thank you for taking the time to write the blog - not an easy thing. Also thank you for not feeling that you have to have a new blog every few days. All the best in 2016 to you and yours.
Weaverly yours .......... Barbara

karensspinzen said...

It would be easier to list what I don't like about your blog. ... Okay. That's done!
I am fascinated by your color sense. I adore your complex patterns and love the "simple" ones.
Thank you for sharing your journey!
Karen

Liz aka Fibergeek said...

Love your blog. What you weave never fails to inspire me and educate me. Love the color gradation on the twill shawl.

Anonymous said...

Huzzah! Susan I am so very happy that you are weaving again! Absolutely love the picture of your beautiful Grandchildren, they are growing fast. Your little Grandaughter is beginning to look a lot like you did as a child - see, I really do look at the photos you post. ;-)

Susan, I have read your blog for years and feel we have gotten to know each other through it. You are talented weaver that I much admire and aspire to weave as beautifully as you do.

I send my very best wishes to you and Bruce and Miss Callie for a very Merry Christmas!

Margaret Bernstein said...

I found you by accident, but come back again and again for inspiration as I learn the finer points in weaving. You are a lovey role model , not just as a weaver, but as a strong and caring human being. Continued healing and joy.
hugs

Cathy said...

Your blog is one of my favorite weaving blogs. You have a beautiful sense of color and I don't think I have seen anything you've woven that I didn't like. And you include enough about what is going on in your life that you feel like a friend. I'm looking forward to at least another 8 years!

And oh my goodness, Madison looks just like you! They are both adorable!

Celeste said...

Let's see, what do I like about your blog: Well, first off it is a connection to the wonderful creativity that you show and inspires me to keep trying new things. Secondly, the instructions you give for doing hemstitching have really helped me in my efforts. And thirdly, your blog shows your love of BC and family and the reality of your struggles and successes.

So, Merry Christmas Susan! Have a wonderful, inspirational, joyous new year.

Celeste Colbourne from La Scie, Newfoundland

Brenda said...

I read your blog because someday, I want to be a weaver.

Ms Fink's Grade Two Class said...

Thank you for all your inspiration, advice and dedication to weaving. I think the thing I like most about your blog is looking at the colour choices of your work. Wishing you and your family good health and happiness.

Caroline said...

Your weaving is always so inspirational, I always look forward to seeing your new projects!

Coastal said...

HI

I love to read your weaving posts and of course your photographs are excellent. Have even used a draft or two that you have posted. Your waving is outstanding. And I enjoy your personal blogs as well, good photos and you really care about what you write and post. I am Joy and I have a 40" Macomber 8 harness loom, currently on vacation in a corner of the living room. My knees are acting up.

Anonymous said...

I love your blog! I would love for you to write more often but then that takes away from your beautiful weaving! I'm so glad you are back to it! Debi

Unknown said...

Susan, I'm so happy that you are feeling better and are back to your looms! As always, your current pieces are stunning and inspiring. I appreciate all that you share on your blog - your weaving, experience, photos, family life and peaceful way in the world. Once more, I know you're an inspiration to many and so helpful as you continue to share your support and knowledge. All the best to you for 2016. ~xo, michele

rene said...

I love your blog and have been following for a while. The only 'complaint' I would have is that you don't blog often enough. :) Your pattern choices as well as your colour choices inspire me. I love your attention to detail (finishing techniques,etc). All the best in 2016 and please feel free to pick my name.

Unknown said...

I have been following your blog for many years. I love your work and hope some day to have time to make at least half of what you do. Your blog keeps me weaving.
Level if interest: very high :)

Peg said...

Thank you, Susan, for being one of my guides. As a relatively new weaver I look for examples of excellence for inspiration, and when I found "Thrums" I could see that fine weaving is possible with patience and precision. You combine colors I would not have tried and with glowing results. Seeing a new post on "Thrums" is like visiting a distant friend - in Oregon we often have similar weather to yours - and a fellow member of the bionic body parts club - my new knee is almost a year old now! We know the pain of losing friends and family that happens as we age. And I believe we share the excitement of starting a new project and the pleasure of a well-warped loom. Please keep writing and sharing your journey!