So you know how a couple of weeks ago when Beryl was in charge of writing The Gusset and she said Milkweed gathering season was over? Well it turns out it’s not—or at least not quite. Not that Beryl was wrong—she was just responding to a thing I’d said. And I wasn’t exactly wrong either, for the stems of all the local plants with whom I’d made friends
Very interesting watching you strip it. I always thought the fibers were on the inside and maybe that explains my failure with hemp years ago. Huh. Nice to learn something new every day and many thanks.
Your posts about milkweed and the videos above (which I love) have had me pondering what we might have in our Arizona desert that could be used. Maybe decomposing yucca, or old agave leaves... I think an experiment is in order!
P.S. May I ask what tool you are using in your videos?
What is that tool used to scrape the milkweed? I suppose any knife would do, right? Have u shown something made with the milkweed? Do u blend before spinning?
Dear Sarah, How I love your relationship with Beryl. The week you posted the video that allowed for the amazing reveal of her stump tail delighted me no end. In no small part because as I watched the video, I realized she had a half tail, which I'd never seen before (and in fact, I think you paint her without her tail - or maybe it's tucked). But it reminded me of our dear Nina, an aussie mix with a third tail. And once I got used to it, I found it amusing and jaunty and so expressive. It inspires me that you are so deeply engaged in whatever you're doing. Happy Thanksgiving to you!
"a delicious respite from the insidious tentacles of “never enoughness” (so different from yummy curiosity), that pervades so much—too much—of life" -- yes please, more of that!
My kid, who has been an animal lover since their earliest years, was looking over my shoulder as I read this and informed me that I'm looking at a blue heeler. ?
“I’ve always been a big fan of the freedom of limitation.”
There you go girl... causing my creaky old brain to spark and hark yet again at your wit and wisdom. I’m going to ponder this all week. AND, I am determined to find some milkweed over here in East Idaho, next summer, and explore the fine beauty of it.
Thanks Beryl for your deep insights and be safe at dog parks this winter because there is a doggie respiratory illness spreading as we speak. ♥️
Always so inspirational. My husband constantly complains I take an interest in a new craft, fill boxes with the ‘tools’ and then leave the box in the hall. Of course, spinning has always been at the forefront of all my crafts. When I got home from my drive this morning (enforced day off work) I marveled at the milkweed growing behind my house, away from hungry animals and insects. A new inkling of desire to learn something new. Thank you.
“ Like weaving a cartoon-less tapestry, following this (somewhat bossy) fiber and being free from the need to be faster or more efficient en route to some mythical end point is a gift indeed— a delicious respite from the insidious tentacles of “never enoughness” (so different from yummy curiosity), that pervades so much—too much—of life.”
fascinating…I’ve never done anything with milkweed…perhaps in the future
Wonderful
Thank you
I loved watching your videos and found them very instructive. And fun!
Very interesting watching you strip it. I always thought the fibers were on the inside and maybe that explains my failure with hemp years ago. Huh. Nice to learn something new every day and many thanks.
Belleh rubs!!!!Squee!
Your posts about milkweed and the videos above (which I love) have had me pondering what we might have in our Arizona desert that could be used. Maybe decomposing yucca, or old agave leaves... I think an experiment is in order!
P.S. May I ask what tool you are using in your videos?
What is that tool used to scrape the milkweed? I suppose any knife would do, right? Have u shown something made with the milkweed? Do u blend before spinning?
Your musings make my day. Thank you for your thoughts, cartoons, sweet Beryl, and your always fascinating take on life.
Dear Sarah, How I love your relationship with Beryl. The week you posted the video that allowed for the amazing reveal of her stump tail delighted me no end. In no small part because as I watched the video, I realized she had a half tail, which I'd never seen before (and in fact, I think you paint her without her tail - or maybe it's tucked). But it reminded me of our dear Nina, an aussie mix with a third tail. And once I got used to it, I found it amusing and jaunty and so expressive. It inspires me that you are so deeply engaged in whatever you're doing. Happy Thanksgiving to you!
Beryl belly-up on your lap--priceless.
This post reminds me of Keats concept of negative capability, achieving can be overrated
"a delicious respite from the insidious tentacles of “never enoughness” (so different from yummy curiosity), that pervades so much—too much—of life" -- yes please, more of that!
My kid, who has been an animal lover since their earliest years, was looking over my shoulder as I read this and informed me that I'm looking at a blue heeler. ?
“I’ve always been a big fan of the freedom of limitation.”
There you go girl... causing my creaky old brain to spark and hark yet again at your wit and wisdom. I’m going to ponder this all week. AND, I am determined to find some milkweed over here in East Idaho, next summer, and explore the fine beauty of it.
Thanks Beryl for your deep insights and be safe at dog parks this winter because there is a doggie respiratory illness spreading as we speak. ♥️
I so love peeling things, and even as a child I was enamoured , and now just watching you is fulfilling….love the translucent fibers….
Always so inspirational. My husband constantly complains I take an interest in a new craft, fill boxes with the ‘tools’ and then leave the box in the hall. Of course, spinning has always been at the forefront of all my crafts. When I got home from my drive this morning (enforced day off work) I marveled at the milkweed growing behind my house, away from hungry animals and insects. A new inkling of desire to learn something new. Thank you.
My favorite thought for today.
“ Like weaving a cartoon-less tapestry, following this (somewhat bossy) fiber and being free from the need to be faster or more efficient en route to some mythical end point is a gift indeed— a delicious respite from the insidious tentacles of “never enoughness” (so different from yummy curiosity), that pervades so much—too much—of life.”