Linen Pillows in work

For all non-weavers, thrums are the un-woven ends of the warp that get cut off when the weaving project is done.  They can be anywhere from 12 to 36 inches, and are grouped in knotted sections.  Some weavers are quite clever and find something useful to do with all that extra thread.  I still struggle with the choice of making something for something’s sake, or saving it all till something inspires me, or just throwing them away.  Sometimes I think this obstacle of sorts is what keeps me from humming too happily through my weaving projects, especially when I have extra nice (translation, expensive) thread on the loom.

That said, enter my current project, pillows to replace the mohair pillows that are currently on my couch.  I wove those, too, but they are obviously too hot for year round use in Arizona.  I am glad to report that as of this hour I have woven 25% of the length required for two pillows!  The pattern I adapted requires alternating colors in the weft, which I always find confusing in the beginning phases.  It’s harder for me to establish a rhythm, but I eventually get it going.  At least with this project I don’t have to obsess over perfect edges, although it is a good time to practice them.

Of course in the midst of all this angst of getting the weaving right, I did finish knitting several projects – the cowl is completed, and I also knitted up a “shawlette” – a fancy word to describe a small shawl that doubles as a scarf.  Not satisfied with the way the organic cotton Vicenza shawl came out, I embarked on another version that is currently in work (about 50% complete), using a softer cotton that is variegated green, white and brown.

Green seems to be one of my new themes, and that extends to missing my herb plants, which I had in abundance in Northern California.  In my travels to the local AZ farms, it seems that raised beds is the way to go, if you know what you are doing.  Not to give in to the norm, there are a lot of plants that we inherited (in ground) that have died an ignoble death, not through lack of watering.  Today I embarked on a new adventure and planted rosemary, sage and thyme.  Small plants, right next to irrigation lines, so we’ll see if they take.  There is a slight possibility that the bunnies may take a liking to them, but that’s ok.  It’s a start.  With cooler weather on the way, there would be nothing better than to be able to cook with fresh herbs at the ready.  Having watched the sun pattern, they should be getting the required 6 -8 hours of sun each day.  Hope springs eternal!

Noro Shawl

Cashmere Cowl