Samhain

 

I love these little ghosts, but more often than not these impressions get swallowed up by the rest of the process. One of these days I'll remember to pick a wet one up and set it aside to perk. All the small cloths -- and they were mostly small -- are in a damp ball in the tub. I washed and rinsed them by hand and tomorrow I'll put them out in the weed dryer.

I had intended to lean as blue as I could, but when faced with the rainbow, I just had to grab onto both ends.

It was so fine out today. Just warm enough to call up a little humidity. I have no science around this but I think it helps the dye dust cling to the salt crystals. Makes for less dye wasted and better distribution when mixing colors. 

I have been doing this for a long time and there are still ways to screw up, but, knock wood this looks like an outstanding batch.

The only variable I didn't have control over was the temperature which was just enough for me to break a sweat.

I had good music on the box. A trio of hairy assistants patrolling the perimeter of the deck.

Soft breezes with the barred owls down in the woods warming up. All in all, a very fine way to spend my time.

I kept stopping to look around and take it all in. I do that a lot lately.

--A green tree frog jumped out from under the canvas lawn chair. I hurried to douse him with fresh water in case he'd picked up some salt from my mess. He hid in the Swedish ivy which, any day now, needs to come in before the first frost.

Even at noon, the sun was so slant, so sly, peeking through the lattice.

The bundles are all linen or damask. Most of it was so worn that when I tried to rip it, it shredded.

Each bundle carries a dozen or so threads. This different handling yields more blended colors. Less heathering. 

I soak this all up the way the cloth soaks up the dye.

Since it began, this my diamond year, I've been looking at things and thinking, "this might be the last time I ..." 

So, rather than just hit "record", I give things my full attention. 

I don't see this as morbid, just mindful. If I'm the least bit careful, I have a good ten years. I plan to live acutely. Make every moment a diamond.

And this piece. I really hope the colors hold, but this cloth is more about the weight and weave.

 It's another of those perfect, lightweight linen tablecloths. I plan on making a winter version of this. Maybe a little longer with some kind of sleeves. I'll wing it with care. This is lifetime cloth.

It was a big, glory filled day. We are tired and will hide from the candy goblins come dark.