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Mary DeLoria's avatar

Psst! Sarah! Brother Drum Carder in Silverton, Oregon, bought out Patrick Green and apparently offers parts and support for the PG drum carders. One reason why I bought a Brother - they're geographically close & great to work with.

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Sarah C Swett's avatar

Well that's fabulous to know! Thank you so much. I was just thinking that I'm eventually going to need some new carding cloth, so that's where I"ll go.

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BarbaraJean's avatar

Happy trails to you and Beryl, until we meet again! 🎶

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Sarah C Swett's avatar

And to you (and dont' forget to take a few dog videos to keep your girl happy, eh?)

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Dita Runkle's avatar

The motto at our place is “if you can make it why buy it”.

So very satisfying.

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Sarah C Swett's avatar

Isn't it just! Satisfaction and extra affection for whatever we've made. It's the beset.

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Jeni Hankins's avatar

"But ideas are slippery creatures, with their own way of going about things—as I’m sure you know." Yes, indeed! I loved reading these plot twists. When I find myself with a sewing, knitting, musical, or writing dilemma sometimes I come full circle to my own metaphorical "sack of buckskin." As you say, ideas are slippery creatures and strangely it's easy to forget that we've already solved a particular problem before. Yet, I can still remember the pictorial wooden panelling in my grandmother's bathroom even though she passed away 32 years ago. What strange things, brains. I loved spending this time with you in your world with Beryl and the fleece.

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Sarah C Swett's avatar

And I love having you here Jen--as well as getting to slip into yours. Our creative spirits apparently have private chats when we're not looking. ❤️

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Kelly Bell's avatar

Buckskin is almost infinitely useful

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Sarah C Swett's avatar

Isn't it? SO many things we can do together.

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Sandi Rosner's avatar

Enjoy your July! I'll be looking forward to your return.

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Sarah C Swett's avatar

Thanks Sandi. You too. Knit on with glee

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Colleen Ware's avatar

the sounds in the walk are so soothing. Oh my. A catastrophe creatively averted , and traditional tools resurrected and loved. Delightful. thank you

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Louise M Abbott's avatar

Hi Sarah! Love your “adventures”. So happy you are planning to enjoy a responsibility free July!

I try to practice a “Me Monday” every week and it is great ….. and mostly successful! 🥴 Enjoy! Isabel.

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Sarah C Swett's avatar

Me Monday! Isn't that a fantastic idea. Perfect way to carve out that kind of time on a regular basis. Thanks Isabel🧡

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Liz Whitehead's avatar

Sarah - I take the drum carder story appearing today as a sign. Two hours ago I visited my good old Clemes and Clemes drum carder in the basement storage cage, where it’s been since I sold my too big house and moved to a sort of too small apartment. I wondered if I should sell the carder since it hasn’t had any work since I moved. But I think the right answer is to bring it upstairs and give it good use. There’s plenty of good clean fiber to be processes and spun this summer! Thanks for providing clarity!!! I hope you and Beryl have a fun July.

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Sarah C Swett's avatar

Wow, that is some amazing timing. I can certainly report that I'm feeling all cozy and reconnected with mine after the drama. And though I'm excited to reconnect with the hand cards too, there are other things I'll clear out first as these two are useful old friends. I hope it proves true for you.

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Joanna's avatar

As always, it’s great to be in on your process. 🙂

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Sandy S's avatar

Love that smooth movement of your repaired drum carder. A pleasure to see you getting it running again. Now you can really enjoy your No Plans July!! May you and Beryl have the best of times!!!

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Sarah C Swett's avatar

Thank you!

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Sally's avatar

You saved me! Also have broken belt on my drum carder. Now I just need to find me some buckskin, and practice my low-profile weavers knot which I have seen but never used. Thank you!

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Sarah C Swett's avatar

Wow! What delight. And now I'm intrigued by the idea of using a low-profile weaver's knot instead of my bulky square knot. What a fun thing to learn. Thanks.

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June Covington's avatar

I have been ruminating in Ms le Guin's essay. It fits perfectly with my current art residency. Her words are such a gift to the world. Thank you for the drama filled tale. I broke my left wrist last week, and have been improvising all my work ever since. Your tale suits my mood perfectly.

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Sarah C Swett's avatar

Oh gosh, so sorry about your wrist. Also curious as to how (or if) your improvisation will influence/shift/energize your work. And delighted that you too are taken with Le Guin's essay. It makes me want to madly twist cordage and then knot a string bag for carrying ideas and things....

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June Covington's avatar

I am using the shift to rethink everything! I got out my (long neglected) water colors, which was soothing and easy to do one handed.

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Sarah C Swett's avatar

It sounds weird to say “how wonderful” — except — how wonderful! Watercolors are delicious and yes, so soothing…

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June Covington's avatar

I am finding good work-around for weaving. I have a suitcase full of woven panels that all want to become something. So, I have been spending time tidying them up and getting them ready for a small art show in August.

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Sarah C Swett's avatar

How fantastically satisfying. One of those "rainy day" projects that finally has a moment . Or more aptly, a "broken wrist" project..

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Sharon Hays's avatar

Such a wonderful read. I'll miss this little spot of comfort, but I have made some kal plans for July so I will be busy. I'm liking your idea better and better.

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Sarah C Swett's avatar

Oh goody. A new project for the month sounds perfect. I'll miss writing and connecting too-- The Gusset is a foundation to my weeks--even as I know that after 10+ months of making plans about moving, preparing, making it happen, then doing all the fussy stuff on this end, it's time to truly pause, breathe, and see what shows up. Have a lovely time.

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Sunny M's avatar

Thanks for this: lovely as always, and it was just the inspiration I needed. I've recently been gifted an entire llama fleece, leaving me at once elated and intimidated, as it's my first ever full fleece... (Serendipity always pushes me in at the deep end of the pool .) Also thanks for the link to the hand carder article. I will definitely be trying Rita Buchanan's technique. Happy no plans July!

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Sarah C Swett's avatar

Wow! I totally understand the slightly daunting thrill of diving into an entire fleece. First few locks are sometimes the hardest -- then off you go.

And doesn't Rita's technique look fun? I love how Linda described it as a Dance.

Wishing you lovely times with both.

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Emily Conway's avatar

Enjoy July!

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Sarah C Swett's avatar

Thank you!

The days have been packed around here so I’m ready. Well, one more slew of visitors next week and then…. In the meantime, I’m so appreciative of the replays of your talks.

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Emily Conway's avatar

It does seem to take an awful long time to get to the actual break. I’ve been on my own in my house for a week now (everyone comes home tomorrow), and I’ve really needed it, to put it lightly. I am glad you are enjoying the talks. We are enjoying doing them!

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