Friday, July 29, 2011

Summer Heat Came Today

I am continuing to spin Shetland with a goal of having a natural dye day. These skeins are Ollie, who used to be moorit, and Mickey, who is oatmeal. I an now spinning Robbie, who is a white dual-coated Shetland wether. My goal is a natural dye day soon.
It's too hot to go outside, so I spent some time reading about dyeing with plants. All my information has come from Anne Bliss's book, North American Dye Plants. It's pretty straightforward. She has one recipe for everything. I'm so sorry to see it's out of print. The more I read in my two new books, the more I realized what I don't know. I don't want to ruin my handspun yarns! I'd like to get some pretty natural dye colors for hat kits.

I see I haven't mentioned that I joined the fitness center associated with our hospital and healthcare system. I went on Tuesday, had an interview with Sue, my trainer, a wellness specialist and also a woman exactly my age. I have prepaid and committed to a year at this point, recognizing that it's getting hard to get up from my yoga mat, it's time to be proactive. I've missed swimming, they have a saline pool and that's where I started. I spent 20 minutes bashing through a lap swim and another 20 minutes catching my breath. I have an evaluation scheduled with Sue on Tuesday. This was a spontaneous decision and I don't know what's next. It does mean I have to drive to town more often than I would like, but I'm also looking at it like a prescription that I don't have to fill. I've decided to ask Sue about exercises to strengthen my back so I don't tire so quickly when weaving.
I decided that since it was so stinking hot today, this would be perfect to wash and dry the rag rugs. They are a completely different color today than they were yesterday!

And because it's so stifling hot, I thought it would be a good day to wind a warp and tie onto the existing one. Now begins the part I don't like. Trying onto an existing warp. I put in my earbugs and went to work. I'm more aware of lyrics when music isn't just background noise. Eric Clapton shot the sheriff and Neil Young shot his baby, down the by the river. Yikes!
I was spreading fabrics and colors around, trying to see what I want for my next sets of placemats. I cheated a little. I went to Hiliary for inspiration. I can't think of a better thing to do when trapped indoors by weather.
My weaving assistant was a total no show. He completely crapped out on me. I'm on my own for selecting the colors.

5 comments:

Michelle said...

Brian is signed up for four weeks of swimming lessons at the McMinnville pool starting Monday. I should walk while he swims, but I'm sure I'll be scurrying around getting stuff done while I can do it unimpeded! Good for you, though, and it really is a prescription for good health.

Purple Fuzzy Mittens said...

So... When is this natural dye day and am I invited? :-)

Theresa said...

It got hot here too. Bleck!!! The yarn looks lovely, of course I think the natural natural colors are great too...
Good luck with the fitness program!

Evelyn said...

Great idea to pre-sign for a year at the gym!

Robin said...

My cats have always loved getting in and sleeping in boxes. What a cute picture!