I went to a slow stitch class years ago and was handed SOMEONE ELSE'S Grandma's napkin to stitch on. It took much fortitude for me to to put the needle through it. And you are right..I don't want to offend the linens much less my Grandmas! However your approach may help me to consider some use of the stained ones...
Footnote #4 I can definitely identify with. Not having internet at home would be interesting and also probably more peaceful than not. I also love #7. I did not know that black tea, which I drink gallons of, is called red tea in China. Thank you, Sarah.
Going to the library (where I am now) to use the internet certainly gets a person out of the house! And sometimes that’s a fine thing. We’ll see about wintertime, but just now, it’s weirdly restful.
It takes a while to work through them all doesn’t it? So many lovely pieces of cloth. Who wove them? How were they used? What would they like to do now?
Reading this was like an adventure novel. I read along, excited for the next tidbit. What is she going to do? Is she really going to do THAT?! Oh my, yes, she is and it's amazing! Whew! I'm breathless with awe.
what Wonderful woodland paths to traverse!!! and LUPINES!!!!!! So Many Gorgeous Lupines! they are in full bloom here in SW PA at the nature preserve, darker in color, but not nearly so many! a Very Favorite Wildflower. ❣️
Love the neutral colours. It really helps the texture of the weaving to be the star! I often weave with recycled clothing(especially socks and t-shirts but strive for high colour contrast). Now I am looking forward to using all the old household linens and bedding that have been waiting their turn! You are so inspiring Sarah. Thank you🥰
It is interesting isn’t it, to shift from wild colors to neutrals and then spend some time with all the subtleties of that? I’m really enjoying noticing the relative value, warmth and coolness of each—even as the brassy mustard sheets continue to beckon..
Oh Sarah! You are a wondrous textile vagabond…inspiring so many of us. Thank you! And the retreat - can you tell me more about how to venture to this imaginary island? 🥰
If you click the link in the newsletter below (About the isles of curiosity) there is another link to other years so you can get a sense of what it is about. At least I think that’s how it works!!!
I have jealously hoarded the old aprons of my foremothers and NO ONE of my progeny will consent to give them a home. Perhaps they may become loom food. Thanks for giving me permission.
Welcome home! So many firsts, lasts, and everything in between! My husband died 4 months before yours. This blog and your walks with Beryl have been comforting and touching to share as you walk along the widow's journey forward. My own 8 year old cattledog/border mix (love dog Ripley) has been by my side throughout my widow's journey. Keep on writing!
Oh Golly Jeanne—what parallel paths: widowhood, heeler dogs and all. It’s all pretty huge isn’t’ it—and changing all the time. Hard and heartbreaking and interesting and compelling at once. Thank you so much for your lovely words. And I’m glad you’re here.
I don't really have any old linens. I have a few old hankies, but I think of doing something to save the embroideries, they have so much personality. I do have some old sari silk scraps I bought that im saving for embroideries and weaving. I think it's a perfectly lovely idea to not have internet at home at times. I have a hard time shutting it off in my day to day.
I am indeed walking barefoot. Not always, but on some trails it is my absolutely favorite. Of course I’ve been building up my callouses for years, which helps. But oh my does it feel good.
Sarah - I sent you an email but think this may be the place to best reach you. I am about to buy the Sweater Somewhat Slanted directions and was also wondering about the bag from a box. is that for a shoulder bag (are there directions for handles???) or something that sits on the floor? Thanks!
Hi Betsy! The bag on a box teaches weaving the bag itself — how to warp the cardboard box and weave the three dimensional shape. The handles and such I leave up to you. On my first one, I attached the handles to a lining. On others, I’ve woven strips and stitched them to the box/bag once it is off the looom… The actual function of hte bag is up to you — and depends on the size and shape of the box you choose. One with a big square bottom might well sit on the floor. One with a narrow bottom would be a better handbag. Box choosing is a whole thing in itself!
I went to a slow stitch class years ago and was handed SOMEONE ELSE'S Grandma's napkin to stitch on. It took much fortitude for me to to put the needle through it. And you are right..I don't want to offend the linens much less my Grandmas! However your approach may help me to consider some use of the stained ones...
Footnote #4 I can definitely identify with. Not having internet at home would be interesting and also probably more peaceful than not. I also love #7. I did not know that black tea, which I drink gallons of, is called red tea in China. Thank you, Sarah.
Going to the library (where I am now) to use the internet certainly gets a person out of the house! And sometimes that’s a fine thing. We’ll see about wintertime, but just now, it’s weirdly restful.
Forgot about that! Yes, wintertime may be another story.
Woohoo!! So excited you found a use for those hankies and things!!! I’ve still got some in a drawer, waiting for some adventure…
It takes a while to work through them all doesn’t it? So many lovely pieces of cloth. Who wove them? How were they used? What would they like to do now?
Yes. What would THEY like…love responding to the energy embodied in fiber and other matter. So cool to listen to what they want and need…
There is a real joy and lightness to re-using or rehoming those loved things from long ago.
There is indeed.
Your posts are so peaceful and thoughtful. Thank you.
I have a pile of old linens that I’ve been afraid to cut apart. This post feels like permission to give them a second life. Thank you, Sarah!
I hope you have a wonderful time together. What delight to find out what else they might become.
Reading this was like an adventure novel. I read along, excited for the next tidbit. What is she going to do? Is she really going to do THAT?! Oh my, yes, she is and it's amazing! Whew! I'm breathless with awe.
Yes! And there's a choose your own adventure element, considering which rabbit hole to go down!
Ha! What a delight you are. Thanks
The brilliant green of new spring leaves- stunning and enticing! And the blooming lupine! There’s nothing like wild nature blooms on a walk.
Isn’t Lupine amazing? Just glowing and blooming because that is what it does.
what Wonderful woodland paths to traverse!!! and LUPINES!!!!!! So Many Gorgeous Lupines! they are in full bloom here in SW PA at the nature preserve, darker in color, but not nearly so many! a Very Favorite Wildflower. ❣️
The wild lupines around here just blow me away — in the woods, meadows—that pale purple periwinkle. So love that they are there too.
Love the neutral colours. It really helps the texture of the weaving to be the star! I often weave with recycled clothing(especially socks and t-shirts but strive for high colour contrast). Now I am looking forward to using all the old household linens and bedding that have been waiting their turn! You are so inspiring Sarah. Thank you🥰
It is interesting isn’t it, to shift from wild colors to neutrals and then spend some time with all the subtleties of that? I’m really enjoying noticing the relative value, warmth and coolness of each—even as the brassy mustard sheets continue to beckon..
Oh Sarah! You are a wondrous textile vagabond…inspiring so many of us. Thank you! And the retreat - can you tell me more about how to venture to this imaginary island? 🥰
I think you need to be a paid subscriber to Anna Brones’ Creative Fuel Newsletter —then it goes to everyone. https://creativefuel.substack.com/p/snippets-and-small-parts
If you click the link in the newsletter below (About the isles of curiosity) there is another link to other years so you can get a sense of what it is about. At least I think that’s how it works!!!
Xoxoxoxox
Thanks Sarah 🥰
I have jealously hoarded the old aprons of my foremothers and NO ONE of my progeny will consent to give them a home. Perhaps they may become loom food. Thanks for giving me permission.
Welcome home! So many firsts, lasts, and everything in between! My husband died 4 months before yours. This blog and your walks with Beryl have been comforting and touching to share as you walk along the widow's journey forward. My own 8 year old cattledog/border mix (love dog Ripley) has been by my side throughout my widow's journey. Keep on writing!
Oh Golly Jeanne—what parallel paths: widowhood, heeler dogs and all. It’s all pretty huge isn’t’ it—and changing all the time. Hard and heartbreaking and interesting and compelling at once. Thank you so much for your lovely words. And I’m glad you’re here.
I don't really have any old linens. I have a few old hankies, but I think of doing something to save the embroideries, they have so much personality. I do have some old sari silk scraps I bought that im saving for embroideries and weaving. I think it's a perfectly lovely idea to not have internet at home at times. I have a hard time shutting it off in my day to day.
Oh, those old embroideries and their personality! I was just looking at a couple today wondering what they want to be…
Did I see right , you are walking barefoot? I had to rewind and stop the tape several times. I do t know how you do that on such poky paths.
I am indeed walking barefoot. Not always, but on some trails it is my absolutely favorite. Of course I’ve been building up my callouses for years, which helps. But oh my does it feel good.
Sarah - I sent you an email but think this may be the place to best reach you. I am about to buy the Sweater Somewhat Slanted directions and was also wondering about the bag from a box. is that for a shoulder bag (are there directions for handles???) or something that sits on the floor? Thanks!
Hi Betsy! The bag on a box teaches weaving the bag itself — how to warp the cardboard box and weave the three dimensional shape. The handles and such I leave up to you. On my first one, I attached the handles to a lining. On others, I’ve woven strips and stitched them to the box/bag once it is off the looom… The actual function of hte bag is up to you — and depends on the size and shape of the box you choose. One with a big square bottom might well sit on the floor. One with a narrow bottom would be a better handbag. Box choosing is a whole thing in itself!