Back from The Hills

Hello Blog Fellows,

Denver Botanic Gardens pond - not very "fall-like"

I'm back at Vavstuga and there's plenty to do. Not a lot of weaving this week, paybacks a B. :) I have a 2400 thread, tiny,(I need to look again how tiny, I want to say 28/1) linen warp I'm getting ready for a tablecloth. Becky warned me it would be one of the worst warps I'd do while here. I'm afraid the one I'm doing for my apprentice project will be even tougher, but both will be beautiful!

There is definitely a feeling of fall in the air. The trees are just beginning to turn, the evening temperature is in the 40's, and full slate of fall classes are about to take over the studio.

It was wonderful being home for a few fast days. I flew into Denver and spent two days with the kids. The Botanic Gardens was lovely. Every season is spectacular and I'm so glad I was there for the bamboo artist's display. Thank you for a great trip girls! And Happy Birthday Tara, hope you enjoy the new door (installed by Gary and Brad while we went to the gardens and Greg worked).

My Girls

After a quick two days with kids we headed to Hot Springs for a few days of catch up at the store. I did lots of holiday merchandise review and ordering. Candles, candy, toys, gifts, yarn ...... Ho, Ho, Ho. It was great to attend a Fiber Friends meeting Friday at Pine Hills. I was happy to see so many there with their projects in hand.

Wiping bugs before movies.

Gary and I did have a fun trip to the new double screen, double feature "Roy's Twin Drive-In" in Hermosa. We watched two new feature films, with Good and Plentys and a (one) glass of wine, from the truck with sound coming over the speakers Ohhhhh, Ahhhh, (yes, it's okay to think "man, what a red-neck"). The theater is a nice summer addition to the area. Glad we made it, but the truck seats are kind of tough to sit in for two full-length movies.

In addition to reading the drawloom weaving text, Damask and Opphamta, cover to cover in the airport and on the plane, fiber work this week consisted of finishing a few block weave wool and chenille rugs I made just before going to Massachusetts.  I got to work on three different type of end finishes which I was waiting to try until after getting to take part in the Swedish Rug weaving class at Vavstuga. I was pretty happy with the results.

Mardi Gras - wool and linen rug in block weave

Same warp as above - wool weft on linen warp in block weave

 The chenille rug needs to have a fabric binding put on when I get home. I like the edge finish, but accidentally clipped the warp threads too short on one end and so have too lose an edge with which to work. Luckily, I saw a couple of rugs finished in fabric bindings at Vavstuga and know I can make this one look attractive. I'll picture it both ways on the blog when I redo it after the holidays. I'm not fond of the bowed ends the red and blue one takes on and would choose a different finish next time (or learn to do the technique more loosely). The multi-color "Mardi Gras" had the best overall finish with a simple turned under hem.

We completed the week with a wonderful smoked pork rib dinner prepared by Gary. Family and friends joined at the house for great weather, food and visiting. I hear Ellie and Gary have been enjoying the "planovers" (a new Vavstuga term)  for several meals since.

Have a great rest of the week. I miss you all but really appreciate the chance to be out east! I'm trying to make the most of it. Next time, I'll share my hand-knit sweater, only one sleeve ribbing and some end weaving left. Maybe tonight.