Ready to speak

Two weeks later the washed ipu were cut, cleaned, filed, fitted and glued.

The glue dried and a week later three were oiled and straps were braided from hau.

They are named and completed.

SW 2013

I'll start with a summary of the damage report:

fiber ... yarn and hardware.

There was reconciliation with Molly.

There were daily visits to A Verb for Keeping Warm's booth and Lisa Souza's booth. Because it's good to visit kind souls and beauty.

I took Andrea Wong's class on "Knitting in the Portuguese style", where the yarn is tensioned around the back of one's neck. I've seen pictures of South Americans knitting in this manner, and apparently this method is also used in areas of Asia and the Middle East, too. The tension created by looping the yarn around the neck actually assists in maneuvering the yarn at the needles. The left hand thumb flicks the working yarn over the right needle tip. When I use this technique I'll need to swatch to get gage. It's quite different from "English" and "Continental" methods that I currently use interchangebly.

I also took Galina Khmeleva's class on "Spinning for Lace Knitting." Great introduction to precious fine fibers and spinning with a traditional Russian supported spindle.

The left photo shows samples of singles on spindles as well as plied yarn in balls. The right photo shows my sequential single of cashmere, buffalo, pygora, and quiviut winding onto the plying spindle with white silk. Oo-la-la.

The yarn on the round card is from class; the yarn on the square card is my practice yarn after class. Plies need more twist, I see.


Here's a fitting toast to the entire experience. It was wonderful.

Funny

...in an interesting way?
or in an amusing way?
I received too much information
so I shut off the source.
Rampant activity despite words.
Why would I subject myself to all that.
Self-esteem, not pride.
Actions speak louder than words,
even with penpals.
If there's a proposal
for something real,
I'd like to hear it.

Vertigo

...in the Seattle Library, caused by more than the heady books.

Transit

On the train.

This is the love letter I get with each flight, coming and going.

I can do that

...or maybe I can't: rather than sending an email I went to the teacher and said that I could not participate in an annual event due to a previous commitment. I just cannot send written regrets for important events - I need to speak either in person or on the phone. Am I the only one who feels this way?

Earlier in the week I presided over a Board meeting with a full agenda. We are getting things done. Also gave a talk to a graduate class and illustrated considerations of professional practice that extend beyond analysis and drawings. It's about developing an idea and transforming it into something real, tangible, and useful. I admired the campus and energy devoted to learning. I need to be close to places like this, places that expand the mind.

Well on the way to the southbay I could take a detour and pick up a ticket to a performance by a group I haven't heard in a few years. Interesting program, great performers, new hall. Would be good to check it out.

I felt the power of songs from the soul, guitar, rhythm and flamenco. Blows me away every time. Head and heart became full.

So the next day I skipped getting the ticket to the upcoming performance. Too expensive and too far anyway. Could use the funds for another purpose. I'll make another opportunity to see the new concert hall later.

Spun (spinned?) fiber: 1/4 oz in fingering-weight 2-ply. I plan to spin another 1/4 oz in thicker, worsted-weight, 2-ply. Then I'll spin another 1/2 oz into a 3-ply. Plies are supported long draw.

Worked on making drums. I forgot how much finessing and craft was required to fit the heke on the 'olo. Ran out of patience. Need to find another time to continue this project. At least my lungs survived the process.

Went to see an exhibit on a whim. Well, a whim planned several weeks ago. Tactile experience of books - covers, pages, images - enhances the words and the time needed to experience the thoughts conveyed by the words. Artists and binders stood at the tables and answered questions about their creative process. I saw a few books I would have loved to acquire. Yet I asked the price of only one and then knew that this experience needed to remain with me in spirit because I could not afford to keep this beautiful speciman of art and thought. But my hands, heart and head learned what pleased them.

Finalized and sent a letter to the Board of Supervisors. Represent.

All in a week.

Seattle (revolving doors for some people...but not for me) here I come.

Santa Clara here I come.

Waiting to speak

Washed and drying.

Ethos

Tonight I heard Meejin Yoon speak at UC Berkeley about early and recent work. It was refreshing to see architecture steeped in the ethos of "making".

The question is WHY is this so refreshing - when in fact it should never have been ignored or deleted from the architects' skill-set?

Those in the audience who regard "making" as a novel idea are likely out of touch with the way things get done in the real world.