spinning my wheels
light rain for 24 hours broke a 65 year record for a dry spell at this time of year
but today was dry and not too cold so I worked another 2 hours raking leaves and pruning
I think it’s done for now – after all it is November these seed pods are so cheerful I brought some in
they are the seeds from Iris foetidissima – one would assume from the name that they smell bad
and this large polypore – possibly Ganoderma applanatum or “Artist’s conk”
is growing at the base of the Japanese plum
there is a very small one just starting, on the right
the white underside will turn brown when scratched or drawn on
there is an abundance of cinnamon coloured spore dust on it and the tree, it is as hard as concrete
I want to try dyeing with it but had no luck even trying to sawing it off
with the month drifting along November’s backstrap weaving is finally started
handspun, 2 ply wool in both warp and weft
the pink is a blend of several natural dyed colours from a few years ago
50 grams of Bombyx silk spun on the IST Crafts Turkish spindle and plied on the wheel
I have quite a collection of drawings done on conk, some picked up at garage sales and some by a local artist. I probably have 7 or 8 examples and love them all! Your newest backstrap piece is so subtle and gorgeous–what a long way you’ve come with this!
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Kerry – I remember the painted conk from my childhood, my Mom had several. Alas, none of them survived. Getting close to the finish of the backstrap samples/blanket. Have to confess I’m looking forward to the end, plan to do a simple crochet around to finish. Already planning the monthly challenge for next year.
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