22 Comments

These are so beautiful!

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Dear Sarah,

The guy who actually started the idea that Sanskrit and German might be related way back when was a German ambassador to India, and therefore it was called Indo-Germanic, or port-int=do-Germanic. But once Pokorny got his hands on it, the name changed to the current Indo-European. Calvin Watkins taught Indo-European at Harvard (yes, I took it) and he has a delightful and enlightening essay in the beginning of the American Heritage Encyclopedia . There is also and Indo-European dictionary at the back which you probably have discovered, and a recent free-standing dictionary of same. When I took the course, there were 400 words, Pokorny found familial relationships, counting, and common agricultural products. Last I heard they are up to 700 words. Say hello to you father.

Jody Williams, aka Jody Fisher '56

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This is absolutely fascinating Jody. An irresistibly delicious deep dive!

And I'll totally pass on your good wishes.

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Beryl and I ... I believe we are soulmates. And oh my goodness, how I love these bangles you've made!!! I would wear those. Jewelry is interesting... have you noticed, when you wear some pieces, you might feel more powerful or inspired or some such thing? Jewelry making is one of my many (can one have too many? nah!) artistic outlets. Funny thing is, I've never worn much of it. But when I put something on, it's because I want the feelings associated with it. Like the peace I feel with the mala I made that I wear as a bracelet. All those beads wrapped around my wrist... It just feels comforting. But I've made hundreds of pieces for other people. Some of them just because I wanted the person I made it for to have it. Others because people have asked me to make them or a loved one something. Without exception, all of the asked for pieces were requested for a particular purpose or feeling. Funnier still, I never mentioned that I have this theory about jewelry. I never told people a piece was for something. They just put two and two together on their own. And that is just the wildest thing to me.

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I love reading this Ellen-- your perspective on, feelings about, and reasons for choosing the pieces you wear is really helpful as I navigate my own relationship with adornment. Because how not to be influenced by their energy and presence and body connection? So so important for not only the wearer but also the maker.

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Is that what garbanzos look like, when they're not in a tin labelled chickpeas? Well I never ... If you ever want to sell your woven bangles I believe you may have a market here. I'd wear one!

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Well golly, I will keep that in mind. I'm so happy you connect with them.

And garbanzos -- aren't they adorable? Little two bean pods--who knew?

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Aug 28Liked by Sarah C Swett

Such an astonishing glow, that subtle indigo, a breathless skip of the heart!

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Sarah, so funny you chose to weave short narrow bands as I am weaving one in Black and White as a symbol of the Dark and Light, the Etherial and the Luminal. As we are coming in to the close of the summer season here in a few weeks, seems appropriate to think about the darkness coming.........

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Oh golly-- it must be in the air, these short narrow bands. Such a vehicle for emotion and time and space, eh?

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These bangles make me think of also weaving one on an inkle

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Absolutely. An Inkle would be perfect.

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What fun! How did you join the ends on the ones that don't overlap?

Oh, wait, they're fringeless, so no loose warp ends, right? Just stitched them together?

And did your felt vest take a dip in the indigo? .... Thanks for another charming Tuesday visit!

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They are fringeless so no warp ends except for single strands at the beginning and end which are perfect for stitching the two ends together.

And yes to an indigo dip for the vest!

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Mental or moral bondage I think I will toss out the archaic meanings for now. I was enthralled by your indigo bast treasures in the most delightful manner. And the view. And the wind. And Beryl's jaunty walk through the meadow. Ah. Sweet autumn. Thank you.

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Oh yes-- do let's toss out all thoughts of mental and moral bondage and instead relish the joy that comes on the wind and catches us up-- ideas for riding the breeze...

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The Bast Bangles are so attractive! The pics are awesome!!! Just right with your felt vest. Wonderful idea to have 'comfy jewelry'! This idea could grow on me. I like that each is as pretty on the inside, as out. Little bits of pleasure against one's skin to remind one of the wonderful day and summer that they were made. Love them and your sharing of how the came to be made!

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Comfy jewelry. That's it exactly. Nothing to pinch. And always both warm and cool against the skin. For Honestly the woven milkweed texture is amazing. So silky. Almost refreshing.

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I am beginning to fear Wednesdays; already with a growing lists of things to learn in weaving, I now have a list of things that inspire me and things I NEED to be woven. I love theses bangles wish, nay, need to make! Oh my poor aching wallet and bank account. Not being able to drive since my knee replacement, has been murder in my funds. I read the gusset, decide I need to try and it is too easy to spend my retirement money. Hiding these things from the hubster is another thing. He no longer believes me when I tell him, “ no my love, nothing arrived in the post… followed by Sou dos of ripping packaging. When will the inspiration stop?

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Happily, bangles don't really need much by way of materials. Any old loom will do. And whatever materials you have on hand. They're deliciously versatile I think. I HOPE your recovery is going well --and perhaps what you actually need is an ankle bangle to celebrate walking again!

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Sep 1Liked by Sarah C Swett

Beryl speaks your thoughts very well.

Marilyn

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Sep 3Liked by Sarah C Swett

I absolutely LOVE going on walks with you both, so happy that you post these lovely jaunts to wherever in your wonderfully delightful world you go!! Inspires me to get off my behind and take a walk as well~ :)

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