Cape and apron

So... I have been hung up on the ruffles on the dress that I am making, so I deviated from the dress and decided to make an apron.  The apron is very ruffly and full in the front, as I was sub-consciously practicing ruffles...  I guess the apron didn't keep me busy enough because I decided to make a collared cape.  And the cape turned out stunning.  It is dark blue on the outer part, and lined with a green grass print.  I even added a white lace ruffle around the neck.  I found the pattern in a book about making historic attire.  the diagram was very small, so I think I did pretty well considering the small print.  I will wear this to Old Town this Saturday, while I sit with the ladies.  Hope I don't knock anything over with the cape.

Old Ivory and Blue Sky Dye Day

Yesterday I dyed some combed blue faced leceister wool (thank you Susan) with two new colors.  I was excited about trying the Blue Sky, and not sure what to expect from the Old Ivory.  Here is the wool before I got started:

The bfl is so soft to work with.  And the fun part is you never know what you are going to end up with.  Here is the fiber about half way through:

Ok, so then I decided to add some Turquoise Blue.  

I can never seem to keep it at just two colors.

I let it sit for about 40 minutes all wrapped up.  Then steamed it for about 40 minutes.  Pulled it out and let it cool in the sink for about 10 minutes (I will spare you the picture of it), then rinsed it.  To my surprise, the blues did not bleed at all:

Will it be yellow?

The Ivory is changing as it is drying.  Next weekend I will spin singles and then ply this against itself, probably just a two-ply yarn.  

Late last night the turquoise became green.  More on the Blue Oyster mushrooms later.

Blue oyster mushrooms

Ok, here is day 2 1/2 of the blue oyster mushrooms experiment...  These mushrooms thrive on cooler temperatures.  Perfect for the temperatures in our upstairs kitchen.  Harvest should be ready in 12-13 days and counting.  

Will have to watch them day and night...  Hope we don't screw this up!

Dyein

Not sure how but Sundays have become way too busy these days...  I was lucky this past Sunday, and enjoyed some time home without many of the usual vices.  What to do...  hmmm.  Had some tea and headed upstairs.  Went through some Christmas stuff looking for the pickle ornament.  Then I moved some boxes around and made some extra space in the kitchen to dye wool.  I have been holding onto this Peruvian wool in my stash, and it finally called out to me.  Here is a picture of both experiments hanging to dry.

I mixed egyptian red with scarlet red.  Turned out brilliantly red.  And mixed turquoise blue with gold to get greens.  So I am guilty.  Reds and green..  Christmas... I know.  sheesh.  So anyways, I also experimented with black, and made some very black black.  Threw a little yellow on the black.  Curious combinations.  Not chrismasy, and not like a bubble bee.  It is already dry today, I am going to start spinning it after dinner.

Kitchen Creek

The spirits and the children danced as we relaxed for the night at one of our favorite camping spots.  Check it our here:

http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDfxMDT8MwRydLA1cj72BTJw8jAwjQL8h2VAQAzHJMsQ!!/?ss=110502&ttype=recarea&recid=47426&actid=31&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&position=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&navid=110130000000000&pnavid=110000000000000&cid=FSE_003705&pname=Cleveland+National+Forest+-+Cibbets+Flat+Campground

With good company, and extra food & tents to share we enjoyed hiking, walking along in the creek, and staying up late partying with the boys.  There were so many stars I felt recharged.  Here is a good picture of the boys on a huge log, with their new found friends.  5 boys... sheesh!

The creek and the steep trails are what draw us to this magical place...  And, sliding down the rocks on our butts into the water!  Palu and I opted out this time.  Palu lost a tooth (yikes), and Gabe saw a baby "water snake" and showed it to us.  

Finally I got to see hotel whiskey whiskey, and share moonshine cherries with all.  Cherish these memories already, and planning to go back the weekend after next.

Pieces of my heart

Found these pieces scattered in my stash, turned them into beautiful 3-ply yarn.  Interesting how sometimes the saddest moments can become happy, once again colorful.   And, their meanings can change so quickly.  I plan to get an inkle loom, and want to make guitar straps with this someday soon.  

Sunday Breakfast

We enjoyed a hearty breakfast this morning, couldn't help but think about the family that was visiting us last week, and the week before.  We ate at the Mission at 1250 13th St in East Village.  This place always has wonderful food and brings us fond memories...

no pictures of me, as I am sick!  not the most pleasant sight.  The boys let me take their picture.