The end of the month is almost upon us so all I can say is that I hope January has been full of exciting and creative moments for you all.
I haven't been very prolific on the making side of things over the last few weeks but I can boast a very tidy and organised (well sort of) sewing room. The need came upon me to spring clean and delve into cupboards and numerous boxes without labels; time well spent as I feel I have unearthed a few forgotten treasures that really should be in the daylight and used! The sewing machines have also been oiled and cleaned so this years sewing and crafting will be off to an excellent beginning.
So far this month it has been a collector's dream for fallen branches and broken twigs, leaves, pods and bark. I have always brought home pieces of treasure from the ground, but of late I have become an absolute magpie; so much so that I have set up a table in the garage to dry out my collection. With ample time to think as I am walking I have found myself working out how to incorporate some of my ‘findings’ into my work and these two little weavings were a perfect mix of the plans in my head and threads between my fingers.
Although exceedingly simple in both design and execution my appetite has been whetted and I wonder if it might be time to take pleasure in exploring a new craft. Inspired by a big pot of dead grass (an enormous Panicum virgatum) in the garden I decided to experiment a little more. I cut some of the grass stems and shrivelled foliage and brought them inside; the dried leaves were beautifully curled and suddenly I knew what I wanted to do.
My little weaving is a very simple mix of stitch and textured threads but it gave me great pleasure in the making as I was able to include some of the dried grass. My newly oiled sewing machines will be quiet for a few more weeks as I investigate the gentle and I suspect very technical art of weaving.