It’s not exactly a fence made of bones— —but a border of dandelion could be just as disconcerting. It certainly appeared to be so for a passerby who recoiled when she glimpsed the taraxacum officinale merrily blooming on the fringes of my yard— —recoiled as though the golden topped plants were a new form of Baba Yaga fence rather than a bit of perceived horticultural irresponsibility.
Love this post. Have a question, Sarah, Have you ever woven with strips of corn husk? dried or supple? Thinking of trying it but wanted to know if you had any success. Think they would make wonderful placemats or mug rugs. b
Thanks Tina! So true. And they are an amazing weaving material -- strong and supple. Around here they came to replace dogbane as the fiber of choice for Native weavers in the Central Basin -- Idaho and Washington. I also use corn husk cordage (or sometimes just a strip of cornhusk), as bearings for the spindle shaft on my Charkha spinning wheel. It works wonderfully so I alway keep a few strips in the box!
I so enjoyed your artwork. I am eyeing up these very long iris leaves in my garden. I was going to ask you whether one could possibly weave with them? Then I thought no. Better not ask Sarah because she will only encourage me to get distracted from a cubpoard full of wool that needs to be spun. I'm going with your dog. That dog speaks a lot of sense lol x
Iris leave make spectacular weaving material. In fact the first cordage I made was with Iris and daylily leaves. Long and strong — idea. Just dry them first (or use ones that have already died/gotten brown), then dampen and weave (or twist, or twist and weave!). But as you point out — decidedly distracting from one’s delicious stash of wool….
I’ve found endless delight from my own Carter Move Mug made by Fellow, which keeps my hot things hot (and I mean SCALDING!) for 8 hours (really!) and ice cold for 12. I’ve never found any other mug to be its equal and I’ve been looking all my adult 58 years, 4reals. I tell anyone who will listen about them, I love them so much.
Isn't that the truth! My new Carter mug's insulating properties are incredible. Just now testing the cold side of things (a heat wave moving in), but I'm already thrilled to bits by the longevity of delicious hot coffee. Could you tell that was what I have by the shape?
I had no idea lol! I was just shouting out the brand I love for folx bc I figured you might feel weird about doing that here. How wonderful!!
Here’s another one for y’all: drinkag1.com. I started drinking this stuff 3 weeks ago and threw out all my vitamins, supplements, probiotics, prebiotics - the whole shebang. One week after I started I felt a marked change in my energy levels, and for the first time in my entire life my, erm, “constitution” has become regular. My 80 year old mom started two weeks ago and same thing happened to her. Can’t speak for anyone else but we are sure impressed.
I know I sound like some nutjob TikTok influencer, but they’ve been around for 14 years, they have a money back guarantee and *really* good reviews. And even with all that, I still only tried them because my brother (CPA, CFO) recommended them highly, said they were a solid, legit company & treated their employees well. (I’ve gotten super picky about which companies I support with my money, a quality I’m sure is shared with many of your readers.)
Speaking of, I’ve been on a quest to find the perfect wool bra, and I’ve found it! I found a literally life changing wool bra - after trying >12 different ones, I’ve found the *perfect* one. Not just the perfect *wool* bra either. It outperforms every bra of ANY material I’ve EVER tried. And I road tested all these bras by wearing them (or attempting to - most failed quickly) around the clock, 24/7 for ONE SOLID MONTH, including *sleeping in them* (only wool can stand up to this punishment without stinking to high heaven!). Result! The Icebreaker Merino Sprite Racerback! Woooo! I could go on and on (and on) but it’s so head and shoulders above the competition… and it comes in PURPLE!
Well I couldn't agree more. Weirdly I've actually been wearing those very bras for several years! Love them to bits with the only caveat that while the bras themselves have held up beautifully, the nice wide elastic has given out. I don't know if it is the quality of the elastic or something about my skin but wavy elastic is just awkward and bulky and do me any good at all! That said, on one bra I just cut the elastic off and continue to wear it. Another waits in my mending pile for me to actually replace the elastic which I haven't done yet. Might just do the cut and wear thing again as, though not as great as with elastic, they are still awesome bras.
Ahhh, well thanks for the heads up! Ofc I just got mine, so I haven’t had it long enough to know about the elastic wearing out. I will bear that in mind for the mending pile to come! Here’s hoping they’ve made some improvements…
You're always doing the wildest, loveliest things! I laughed out loud when I read "horticultural irresponsibility". My backyard, which to me is an intentional wild place where I have twice seen deer munching (and I live in a small city), would likely be described by neighbors with just that phrase. Oh well...
Tuesday tales are such a joy. One thing leading to another, as they do, after reading today's Gusset, I wandered upstairs in search of my next project, my fingers itching to knit. I had pulled out some garden-dyed yarns from last summer, and thought maybe to look at some of the lovely, lonely books that languish on my shelf while I cruise around online. Pulled down Knitting In America, a beauty given me by my sister-in-law years ago. Thumbed through it, admiring the illustrations (while I listened to a novel which features a Russian folktale), when there you were! Young Sarah making amazing knits! I love a good coincidence!
Synchronicity! I just finished reading a novel that had Baba Yaga as a prominent character?
And I recently had another synchronistic moment. A few weeks ago you waxed lyrical about Palouse chickpeas. A subject that does not usually come up in normal conversation or posts. Then a week or so later a foodie posted on FaceBook about Palouse chickpeas. I thought it was silly; a chickpea is a chickpea is a chickpea, right? But, curious, I ordered a bag. Dang! Who would have thought that chickpeas have terroir?
I cooked some today. Turned half into hummus, and then ate the other half - needed nothing more than a bit of salt and squeeze of lemon.
The book is Egg and Spoon by Gregory McGuire, set in Tsarist Russia. A much better than average children-save-the-world book, with help from Baba Yaga, who is a wonderful character.) Very thoughtful, and I highly recommend it.
Thanks for the recommendation! I haven’t read anything by Gregory McGuire in ages and Egg and Spoon is in our library system, so I just put a hold on it. Goody.
I like the serendipity of your choices - what comes into your mind or your vision or ... That's the way I usually work - and I've had some wonderful surprises that way! We are so accustomed to plan that we don't know how to just let life unfold. Like hot coffee all day long! What a dream!
Thanks for your humorous way of looking at life. I need that, too!
That's it exactly. Letting life unfold takes a lot of practice. And a lot of quiet time away from the bustle --and sometimes even "normal" conversation, filled as it is with talk of what's next, or goals, or projects or .....When we can be blown away by hot coffee for hours!
I just love the Dandelion frame around Baba Yaga! I have dandelion stems all ready to moisten and try out...as soon as I find the time. I also have last year's Lily leaves, and I'm wondering if I can use the leaves on my curing garlic?! This is the year I am determined to try, without specific hard-set goals, but as Liz Gilbert said, guesses as to how it will turn out. Thanks for the inspiring stories and pictures about the possibilities. And congratulations for making Katherine May's list of excellent reads! I always look forward to Tuesday and reading the Gusset.
Isn't that the way of it with leaf gathering? I have various collections and sometimes it seems the collecting is all that gets done before the leaves get dusty and they go in the compost to make room for more. Some (many? a few?) eventually DO get twisted and/or woven, but certainly not all…. And why not try garlic? Whatever you made from it would be deliciously potent
Love this post. Have a question, Sarah, Have you ever woven with strips of corn husk? dried or supple? Thinking of trying it but wanted to know if you had any success. Think they would make wonderful placemats or mug rugs. b
Naive Americans did a lot of corn husk weaving in this country. It works great. You weave/braid it after it has soaked and it is supple.
Thanks so much... I just love the colors, almost like variegated yarn!
Thanks Tina! So true. And they are an amazing weaving material -- strong and supple. Around here they came to replace dogbane as the fiber of choice for Native weavers in the Central Basin -- Idaho and Washington. I also use corn husk cordage (or sometimes just a strip of cornhusk), as bearings for the spindle shaft on my Charkha spinning wheel. It works wonderfully so I alway keep a few strips in the box!
I so enjoyed your artwork. I am eyeing up these very long iris leaves in my garden. I was going to ask you whether one could possibly weave with them? Then I thought no. Better not ask Sarah because she will only encourage me to get distracted from a cubpoard full of wool that needs to be spun. I'm going with your dog. That dog speaks a lot of sense lol x
Iris leave make spectacular weaving material. In fact the first cordage I made was with Iris and daylily leaves. Long and strong — idea. Just dry them first (or use ones that have already died/gotten brown), then dampen and weave (or twist, or twist and weave!). But as you point out — decidedly distracting from one’s delicious stash of wool….
Baba Yaga!!! She’s one of my favorites, and this is a very playful instance of her evocation. Love this, Sarah!!
I’ve found endless delight from my own Carter Move Mug made by Fellow, which keeps my hot things hot (and I mean SCALDING!) for 8 hours (really!) and ice cold for 12. I’ve never found any other mug to be its equal and I’ve been looking all my adult 58 years, 4reals. I tell anyone who will listen about them, I love them so much.
Isn't that the truth! My new Carter mug's insulating properties are incredible. Just now testing the cold side of things (a heat wave moving in), but I'm already thrilled to bits by the longevity of delicious hot coffee. Could you tell that was what I have by the shape?
I had no idea lol! I was just shouting out the brand I love for folx bc I figured you might feel weird about doing that here. How wonderful!!
Here’s another one for y’all: drinkag1.com. I started drinking this stuff 3 weeks ago and threw out all my vitamins, supplements, probiotics, prebiotics - the whole shebang. One week after I started I felt a marked change in my energy levels, and for the first time in my entire life my, erm, “constitution” has become regular. My 80 year old mom started two weeks ago and same thing happened to her. Can’t speak for anyone else but we are sure impressed.
Well that sounds like amazing stuff. Nothing like the bliss of regularity, eh? And energy! Thanks for the info.
I know I sound like some nutjob TikTok influencer, but they’ve been around for 14 years, they have a money back guarantee and *really* good reviews. And even with all that, I still only tried them because my brother (CPA, CFO) recommended them highly, said they were a solid, legit company & treated their employees well. (I’ve gotten super picky about which companies I support with my money, a quality I’m sure is shared with many of your readers.)
Speaking of, I’ve been on a quest to find the perfect wool bra, and I’ve found it! I found a literally life changing wool bra - after trying >12 different ones, I’ve found the *perfect* one. Not just the perfect *wool* bra either. It outperforms every bra of ANY material I’ve EVER tried. And I road tested all these bras by wearing them (or attempting to - most failed quickly) around the clock, 24/7 for ONE SOLID MONTH, including *sleeping in them* (only wool can stand up to this punishment without stinking to high heaven!). Result! The Icebreaker Merino Sprite Racerback! Woooo! I could go on and on (and on) but it’s so head and shoulders above the competition… and it comes in PURPLE!
Well I couldn't agree more. Weirdly I've actually been wearing those very bras for several years! Love them to bits with the only caveat that while the bras themselves have held up beautifully, the nice wide elastic has given out. I don't know if it is the quality of the elastic or something about my skin but wavy elastic is just awkward and bulky and do me any good at all! That said, on one bra I just cut the elastic off and continue to wear it. Another waits in my mending pile for me to actually replace the elastic which I haven't done yet. Might just do the cut and wear thing again as, though not as great as with elastic, they are still awesome bras.
Ahhh, well thanks for the heads up! Ofc I just got mine, so I haven’t had it long enough to know about the elastic wearing out. I will bear that in mind for the mending pile to come! Here’s hoping they’ve made some improvements…
Congratulations on your star turn recommendation, Sarah!! That must feel really good. 🫶🏼
You're always doing the wildest, loveliest things! I laughed out loud when I read "horticultural irresponsibility". My backyard, which to me is an intentional wild place where I have twice seen deer munching (and I live in a small city), would likely be described by neighbors with just that phrase. Oh well...
Teehee! Yay us for our wild, habitat nourishing ways...
Tuesday tales are such a joy. One thing leading to another, as they do, after reading today's Gusset, I wandered upstairs in search of my next project, my fingers itching to knit. I had pulled out some garden-dyed yarns from last summer, and thought maybe to look at some of the lovely, lonely books that languish on my shelf while I cruise around online. Pulled down Knitting In America, a beauty given me by my sister-in-law years ago. Thumbed through it, admiring the illustrations (while I listened to a novel which features a Russian folktale), when there you were! Young Sarah making amazing knits! I love a good coincidence!
When my brother was a young child, he called dandelions “little suns in the grass.”
That's the best. And so utterly true.
Synchronicity! I just finished reading a novel that had Baba Yaga as a prominent character?
And I recently had another synchronistic moment. A few weeks ago you waxed lyrical about Palouse chickpeas. A subject that does not usually come up in normal conversation or posts. Then a week or so later a foodie posted on FaceBook about Palouse chickpeas. I thought it was silly; a chickpea is a chickpea is a chickpea, right? But, curious, I ordered a bag. Dang! Who would have thought that chickpeas have terroir?
Chickpea terroir! Makes me smile with delight. Sooooo good. Indeed, perhaps I"ll go put some on to soak.
And Oh my but I do love that kind of synchronicity. What was the book you were reading?
I cooked some today. Turned half into hummus, and then ate the other half - needed nothing more than a bit of salt and squeeze of lemon.
The book is Egg and Spoon by Gregory McGuire, set in Tsarist Russia. A much better than average children-save-the-world book, with help from Baba Yaga, who is a wonderful character.) Very thoughtful, and I highly recommend it.
Thanks for the recommendation! I haven’t read anything by Gregory McGuire in ages and Egg and Spoon is in our library system, so I just put a hold on it. Goody.
Most fun free roaming chicken!
Each week your creativity brings me so much joy. Thank you
When you turn your cartoons into a book, please let me know. I need it!
Oh gosh. Blush. Thanks. hmmmmmm.
I like the serendipity of your choices - what comes into your mind or your vision or ... That's the way I usually work - and I've had some wonderful surprises that way! We are so accustomed to plan that we don't know how to just let life unfold. Like hot coffee all day long! What a dream!
Thanks for your humorous way of looking at life. I need that, too!
That's it exactly. Letting life unfold takes a lot of practice. And a lot of quiet time away from the bustle --and sometimes even "normal" conversation, filled as it is with talk of what's next, or goals, or projects or .....When we can be blown away by hot coffee for hours!
So love the you see and feel and notice it too.
This is just beautiful! The dandelion border is lovely with the variable colours. I second Beryl's suggestion for a portrait :)
Thank you! I love the colors of those dandelion stems. It’ll be interesting to see how they change over time.
I just love the Dandelion frame around Baba Yaga! I have dandelion stems all ready to moisten and try out...as soon as I find the time. I also have last year's Lily leaves, and I'm wondering if I can use the leaves on my curing garlic?! This is the year I am determined to try, without specific hard-set goals, but as Liz Gilbert said, guesses as to how it will turn out. Thanks for the inspiring stories and pictures about the possibilities. And congratulations for making Katherine May's list of excellent reads! I always look forward to Tuesday and reading the Gusset.
Isn't that the way of it with leaf gathering? I have various collections and sometimes it seems the collecting is all that gets done before the leaves get dusty and they go in the compost to make room for more. Some (many? a few?) eventually DO get twisted and/or woven, but certainly not all…. And why not try garlic? Whatever you made from it would be deliciously potent