I've been loving meeting Beryl. Dogs are so good for keeping one in the moment. Watching my dog see a feather fall from the sky lets me fully embrace the magic that can happen in my tiny backyard. So happy she has joined your life.
My first spindle , made in ~1970 was a wooden curtain rod holder filled with washers , a dowel through the holder and the washers, and string. It worked fine, but I had to keep adding twist.. I added on a cast iron floor flange, and that sucker spun forever. It also landed with a resounding crash when either the backwards loop over the dowel gave way, or I hadn’t added enough twist. Children on the ferry to San Juan island were fascinated.
That's fabulous. A curtain rod, washers and a dowel. Oh me oh my. kid bliss! And grown up bliss too as I can totally identify with the pleasure of pulling out a spindle in moments like that -- even though I've not yet had the pleasure of Ferry spinning...
Oh such fun to have a dog! And Beryl settling in nicely is a bonus! Thanks for showing the new journal too. I haven't ever numbered mine, so that is a new idea. Giving a presentation on Tapestry to the NCWG this Saturday. Wishing myself luck. And, back to the fun of it!
OH Cheryl, what bliss to think of you too. Just the other day I was remembering our conversations about Agnes Martin and how much you taught me about minimalism in your work. Plus... Linen....
My first spindle--no money, took a scrap 2 x 4, with a hand saw cut a roughly 4 inch square, used the saw to cut off the corners, used a hand bit & auger--quarter inch drill, and drilled the hole. Found a quarter inch dowel, cut to around a foot, whittled the point and notch--inserted dowel, and that was my drop spindle for a number of years. I still have fond memories of it.
I recently chronologically organized and stored all my journals from 1990 up to now. Whew! What a job...but what a river of delight & satisfaction flowed over and through when I finished! Of course, it probably wouldn't have taken as long if I hadn't fallen down the "read-through-the-old-journal-rabbit-hole". But it was SO worth it, because this morning I needed to look up something in the Aug/Sept 2020 journal, and was easily able to find the desired journal and entry. I'm glad that you are continuing your works of love - spinning and cartoon-journaling. Seeing your Hepty makes me want to take mine for a spin. SO GLAD that I ordered one when Henry was still making and selling them. It is a dream to spin on. Now to decide on what fleece to spin....
Oh my word Bonnie, what a marvelous thing to do. And to revisit your former self -- what was past Bonnie thinking about, focused on? I'm often amazed when I do that, both at how much has changed --and how much has totally not.... Also, love sharing the Hepty happiness.
How fabulous - the last journal started on one of my sister's birthdays, and finished on mine! Ear scritches to Beryl too. I wish you many mini adventures together, and look forward to reading about them.
I feel even more privileged that I managed to get one of your son's spindles - it is one of my favourites, and definitely the one I take out and about unless I need a smaller one. And I am filled with such joy to see your growing relationship with Beryl, as you discover each other and find more and more things to love.
Oh Freyalyn-- So love that you too have a Hepty and use it regularly too (and I agree -- the only others I use are way lighter cross arm Jenkins spindles). And Beryl -- oh my. What pleasure. How did I luck out like this?
Sometimes my life seems too small and routine to draw about, and then your blog comes and inspires me all over again! Watching you and Beryl meld your lives together is such fun. I acquired a young cat a few months ago and every day I marvel at what a wonderful and lively addition to daily life a four-footed friend is! Thank you for sharing.
It's a fascinating thing isn't it -- deciding/ noticing that the minutia of one's own life is absolutely fascinating --and an endless source of material for pen and ink. SO glad you're going for it. Cuz new cat??? Oh my goodness yes. Endless entertainment (and drawing practice cuz --fur!)
Your post is fascinating to me fiberwise, of course, but also geographically! My ex- husband’s family lived (some still) in Sandpoint, Idaho. I spent many vacations flying from Connecticut to Spokane, or taking the train, and traveling in that beautiful area. Fond memories of C d’A and Pend d’O!
OH my, I love that. Not a part of the country many Connecticut-dwellers know about. My son lives in Sandpoint, and Beryl (my new dog) came from a rescue in C d'A. Those lakes. Oh my goodness yes. And train rides from Spokane or Sandpoint to Boston. The best.
How wonderful to have the voice of Beryl added to your posts! And her picture so whimsically drawn. And your reflections about getting addicted to spinning. I am only addicted to weaving and tapestry, but it consumes my thoughts and my time, and fills my days with joy. It's too bad i learned so late, and never had time to lean spinning. But Kamiak Butte!!! that must be Palouse, and I wish I could have hiked there too. I'm sure Beryl loved it too.
I've been loving meeting Beryl. Dogs are so good for keeping one in the moment. Watching my dog see a feather fall from the sky lets me fully embrace the magic that can happen in my tiny backyard. So happy she has joined your life.
Isn't that the truth? Those delightful and spontaneous canine leaps of joy remind me to notice when I feel those things as well. I feel so fortunate.
I enjoy your posts, your take on life and your interactions with your new pup.
My first spindle , made in ~1970 was a wooden curtain rod holder filled with washers , a dowel through the holder and the washers, and string. It worked fine, but I had to keep adding twist.. I added on a cast iron floor flange, and that sucker spun forever. It also landed with a resounding crash when either the backwards loop over the dowel gave way, or I hadn’t added enough twist. Children on the ferry to San Juan island were fascinated.
That's fabulous. A curtain rod, washers and a dowel. Oh me oh my. kid bliss! And grown up bliss too as I can totally identify with the pleasure of pulling out a spindle in moments like that -- even though I've not yet had the pleasure of Ferry spinning...
Just delightful! Your posts make my day, and inspire me to get off this computer and get to creating. Thank you Sarah! xoxox
Thank you for sharing your way of doing life. You inspire me to more easily follow my own path.😻
I couldn't ask for anything more, for following one's own path--it's at the core of, well, everything, eh?
Oh such fun to have a dog! And Beryl settling in nicely is a bonus! Thanks for showing the new journal too. I haven't ever numbered mine, so that is a new idea. Giving a presentation on Tapestry to the NCWG this Saturday. Wishing myself luck. And, back to the fun of it!
Well, are you talking a out tapestry even as I type? Well, perhaps the time zone is off, but I trust it is going brilliantly.
I'm meandering right alongside, looking, thinking, enjoying you and Beryl. cheryl
OH Cheryl, what bliss to think of you too. Just the other day I was remembering our conversations about Agnes Martin and how much you taught me about minimalism in your work. Plus... Linen....
My first spindle--no money, took a scrap 2 x 4, with a hand saw cut a roughly 4 inch square, used the saw to cut off the corners, used a hand bit & auger--quarter inch drill, and drilled the hole. Found a quarter inch dowel, cut to around a foot, whittled the point and notch--inserted dowel, and that was my drop spindle for a number of years. I still have fond memories of it.
Thank you very much for your posts.
Ha! Exactly! Saw off those corners and its almost round. And OH the pleasure of the whole thing. Couldn't agree more.
I recently chronologically organized and stored all my journals from 1990 up to now. Whew! What a job...but what a river of delight & satisfaction flowed over and through when I finished! Of course, it probably wouldn't have taken as long if I hadn't fallen down the "read-through-the-old-journal-rabbit-hole". But it was SO worth it, because this morning I needed to look up something in the Aug/Sept 2020 journal, and was easily able to find the desired journal and entry. I'm glad that you are continuing your works of love - spinning and cartoon-journaling. Seeing your Hepty makes me want to take mine for a spin. SO GLAD that I ordered one when Henry was still making and selling them. It is a dream to spin on. Now to decide on what fleece to spin....
Oh my word Bonnie, what a marvelous thing to do. And to revisit your former self -- what was past Bonnie thinking about, focused on? I'm often amazed when I do that, both at how much has changed --and how much has totally not.... Also, love sharing the Hepty happiness.
I love you girl, you just make me smile!!
Blush! Thank you. Makes my day.
How fabulous - the last journal started on one of my sister's birthdays, and finished on mine! Ear scritches to Beryl too. I wish you many mini adventures together, and look forward to reading about them.
Now that is fantastic! What is not to love about unexpected Date synchronicity. And happy birthday!
Beryl is adorable!
I feel even more privileged that I managed to get one of your son's spindles - it is one of my favourites, and definitely the one I take out and about unless I need a smaller one. And I am filled with such joy to see your growing relationship with Beryl, as you discover each other and find more and more things to love.
Oh Freyalyn-- So love that you too have a Hepty and use it regularly too (and I agree -- the only others I use are way lighter cross arm Jenkins spindles). And Beryl -- oh my. What pleasure. How did I luck out like this?
Sometimes my life seems too small and routine to draw about, and then your blog comes and inspires me all over again! Watching you and Beryl meld your lives together is such fun. I acquired a young cat a few months ago and every day I marvel at what a wonderful and lively addition to daily life a four-footed friend is! Thank you for sharing.
It's a fascinating thing isn't it -- deciding/ noticing that the minutia of one's own life is absolutely fascinating --and an endless source of material for pen and ink. SO glad you're going for it. Cuz new cat??? Oh my goodness yes. Endless entertainment (and drawing practice cuz --fur!)
Your post is fascinating to me fiberwise, of course, but also geographically! My ex- husband’s family lived (some still) in Sandpoint, Idaho. I spent many vacations flying from Connecticut to Spokane, or taking the train, and traveling in that beautiful area. Fond memories of C d’A and Pend d’O!
OH my, I love that. Not a part of the country many Connecticut-dwellers know about. My son lives in Sandpoint, and Beryl (my new dog) came from a rescue in C d'A. Those lakes. Oh my goodness yes. And train rides from Spokane or Sandpoint to Boston. The best.
How wonderful to have the voice of Beryl added to your posts! And her picture so whimsically drawn. And your reflections about getting addicted to spinning. I am only addicted to weaving and tapestry, but it consumes my thoughts and my time, and fills my days with joy. It's too bad i learned so late, and never had time to lean spinning. But Kamiak Butte!!! that must be Palouse, and I wish I could have hiked there too. I'm sure Beryl loved it too.