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Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Harvesting Cochineal

Ready for harvest:

I planted these cactus a few years back and was very surprised when I found cochineal on them. If I do not take it off, it destroys the cactus pad. Today insecticides are used to get rid of it. 
But not at my house. Look at my harvest:


I scrap it off with the knife. It seems to work the best. But I can feel all those little cactus needles in my hands. Next time I wear protective gloves. I am half way thru my harvest. Will let it dry.
Can you see the deep magenta color on the border of the paper plate?
Anybody out there have experience with this whole process?


Saturday, April 21, 2012

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Weaving with plastic liners and yarn


I can't stop weaving with plastic liners till I get it the way I want it. Started a new piece where I combine it with yarn in honeycomb. Lets wait and see how this will work out. I do hope it will show the texture well.

Finished woven Prayer Shawl

Washed it and it got actually softer.
Love the little playful fringes.
Colors should we good for either gender. Plain weave with acrylic yarn, not to have to worry about washing

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Lacy Shawl washed and drying outside


It turned out nice, very lacy, lots of interesting little design elements included and it drapes well.
And look at those fringes. When the shawl is dry, I have to even them out and the shawl is done.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Finishing projects this week

Fringes on shawl done. Now I just need to wash it..........
One more shawl to go, a table runner and my first rose piece.
Very eager thou, to do another weaving piece with plastic bags.........
Have a great idea, maybe it will work? If I don't try it, I will never know.

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Prayer Shawl

In the past I have knitted prayer shawls. But why not weave them.
Here is my first try:


Baby blanket finished

finished babyblanket
All bright, saturated colors don't look together as strong as they did in sections on the loom.
Quiet pleased with the outcome. It is very soft, washed it in the washing machine, perfect for a baby.