tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-247563892024-03-13T03:03:59.105-07:00abmatic/kThis blog has moved! Head on over to <a href="http://www.abmatik.com/blog">abmatik.com/blog</a>abmatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12098661520175819603noreply@blogger.comBlogger89125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756389.post-19090823652942780092008-04-16T20:57:00.000-07:002008-04-17T08:14:23.489-07:00this blog is moving!Head on over to my new site:<br /><a href="http://abmatik.com/blog/">http://abmatik.com/blog/</a><br /><br />don't forget to change your <a href="http://abmatik.com/blog/feed/">rss feeds</a> too!<br /><br />I migrated all the posts and comments from this blog over to the new one. I'll leave this site up as-is but all the action will be over at the new place. <a href="http://abmatik.com/blog/">See you there</a>!abmatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12098661520175819603noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756389.post-85124969674151113542008-03-31T10:31:00.000-07:002008-03-31T19:22:11.836-07:00now with dreadlocksYesterday I attended an internationally themed bridal shower. No, I've never heard of such a thing either. What is more, in what is truly *not* a logical move, I was chosen to represent Jamaica. I found a crochet pattern on ravelry (<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rasta-hat-2">on ravelry</a> | <a href="http://www.chezcrochet.com/page60.html">on the web</a>) to make a big, floppy, Jamaican colored hat to wear to the party. <br /><br />the hat<br /><a title="rasta hat" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/2370133806/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/3115/2370133806_00c8f8b01e_d.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="266"/><br /></a><br /><br />now with dreadlocks<br /><a title="now with dreadlocks" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/2376640484/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/2386/2376640484_fe6c7d483c_d.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="266"/><br /></a><br /><br />I made the dreadlocks by spinning some large diameter yarn from naturally colored brown wool roving. I lightly felted it by soaking in hot soapy water and then running the entire length of yarn though my fingers a few times. I broke apart the yarn into appropriate lengths but then trimmed the top end with scissors to make things neater. I sewed the dreads down to a piece of fabric (with my machine) so that the ends were tucked inside a double fold tape situation and then sewed the fabric into the hat. That seemed to work well and was easier than sewing each individual dread into the hat. It looked creepily like hair... <br /><br />The event itself involved several sticker-based activities. It took me a while to put the pieces together, but I eventually figured out that the bride's great-aunt is <a href="http://www.mrsgrossmans.com/">Mrs. Grossman</a>. What crafty lineage!abmatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12098661520175819603noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756389.post-47086937140486724672008-03-31T10:02:00.000-07:002008-03-31T10:31:08.712-07:00one yearA few weeks ago I was talking to <a href="http://www.charlesasper.com/">a friend</a> who was about to start a road trip from Seattle to Utah. I raced through my calendar to see if I could possibly drive out there to meet him, but I couldn't quite make it work this time. This is the same friend who once, on a suggestion during a phone conversation, agreed to meet me at a prescribed time on a particular day in Utah when he was driving from Maryland and I was driving from the bay area. We both made it and the trip was great fun. I've been thinking over <a href="http://abmatik.blogspot.com/2007/04/you-cant-beat-expression-like-this.html">the trip last spring</a>, which was exactly one year ago, and wishing that I was there now.<br /><br />One year ago today:<br />devils garden<br /><a title="Devils Garden" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/446209705/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/233/446209705_d47229a29f_d.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="266"/><br /></a><br /><br /><a title="Devils Garden" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/446201688/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/206/446201688_ca064d8fd8_d.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="266"/><br /></a><br /><br />dance hall rock<br /><a title="Dance Hall Rock" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/446207532/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/199/446207532_fcd578cae1_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br /><br /><a title="Dance Hall Rock" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/446212053/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/242/446212053_8b689d3888_d.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="266"/><br /></a>abmatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12098661520175819603noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756389.post-48019480737994506492008-03-19T16:00:00.000-07:002008-03-19T16:10:39.335-07:00Improved Sheep-WashYesterday during a routine academic search for journal articles about the sensitive dependence of coupled carbon cycle climate models to land surface parameter values I came across <a href="http://www.google.com/patents?id=H58AAAAAEBAJ&printsec=abstract&zoom">this patent</a>. <br /><br />What do you think you get from boiling tobacco, adding chalk and tersulphide of calcium (prepared it in the usual way, whatever that is)? Improved Sheep-wash, thats what. Apparently the wash is not limited to sheep (on no!) the author claims that it is "equally efficacious when applied to cattle and other animals." Get yer tobacco a boilin...<br /><br />Oh google scholar, how you do entertain me....abmatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12098661520175819603noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756389.post-964570181564981972008-03-19T14:16:00.000-07:002008-03-19T14:42:02.952-07:00redMy first flower of the spring came out a few weeks ago. By now the cherry and magnolia trees have past their prime but the bright red Nasturtiums on my porch are still going strong.<br /><a title="first flower on my porch" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/2329149107/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/3255/2329149107_08df22a42e_d.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="266"/><br /></a><br /><br />I brought my camera to knitting last week to do some long overdue documenting of the oh-so-fabulous wallpaper at the Mel-o-dee. The bar was opened in 1969 or so and has clearly been untouched since. I found three different flocked filigree patterned wallpapers between the two rooms of the bar and the ladies restroom. My photography does not capture the atmosphere of the dimly lit establishment, but just imagine this wallpaper surrounding tufted vinyl built in benches and lounge tables.<br /><a title="mel-o-dee 5" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/2329138843/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/2106/2329138843_3ce91e23f1_d.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="266"/><br /></a><br /><a title="mel-o-dee 1" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/2329967314/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/3125/2329967314_b6935e20fe_d.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="266"/><br /></a><br /><br />Finally, after drooling over sweaters cut like jackets all winter I've decided to knit myself one (with a nice moss stitch front, pattern from DROPS in <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/103-1-jacket-in-eskimo-or-silke-alpaca-with-a-shape">Ravelry</a>). I ordered a bunch of bulky handspun from <a href="http://www.handpaintedyarn.com/">handpaintedyarn.com</a> in a color called Caoba.<br /><a title="DSC_0160" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/2345269039/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/3082/2345269039_444e9dafc9_d.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="266"/><br /></a><br />I wound up some skeins and started swatching last night. Hopefully I will finish before next winter!abmatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12098661520175819603noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756389.post-63437544229135285572008-03-11T18:26:00.000-07:002008-03-19T14:43:53.500-07:00busy busybut not with crafty things... There has been a real sense of urgency around the office lately. It has good effects by motivating me to get work done but I don't enjoy the elevated stress level. I'm starting to feel a bit more relaxed now, at least enough to show off a few photos.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Spinning:</span><br /><a title="DSC_0246" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/2311456283/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/2226/2311456283_d996cd15b6_d.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="266"/><br /></a><br />Merino dyed by <a href="http://girlontherocks.com/shop">Girl on the Rocks</a> in colorway Europa. I navajo plied it and I've been pawing at the skein trying to decide what to make. It's soft and squishy and probably bulky weight. Any suggestions?<br /><br /><a title="DSC_0270" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/2312272672/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/3189/2312272672_ba930a1e18_d.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="266"/><br /></a><br />Yak! I spun yak! Locks were from <a href="http://www.averbforkeepingwarm.com/">A Verb for Keeping Warm</a>.<br /><br /><a title="DSC_0243" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/2311453873/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/3268/2311453873_46fce19925_d.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="266"/><br /></a><br />Romney single-ply also dyed by <a href="http://girlontherocks.com/shop">Girl on the Rocks</a> this one is called Apollo (after <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/431123340/">you know who</a>). It is a pretty good match to his kitten years, but he is a bit browner now. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Knitting:</span><br /><a title="DSC_0256" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/2312268912/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/3188/2312268912_ef0d7ffdef_d.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="266"/><br /></a><br />A hat! I knit a hat using my <a href="http://abmatik.blogspot.com/2008/01/hats-etc.html">bruised handspun</a>. I never did pick a pattern but I eventually figured out a size that would work and remembered to write it down (hooray!). I have enough yarn left over to knit two more hats (or something else). The hat is lovely and soft but it has already gotten too warm around here to need it. I guess I'll just have to wait until summer for those cold foggy nights.<br /><br /><a title="DSC_0266" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/2312271562/"><br /> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/2396/2312271562_a33fe2b1fe_d.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a><br />I have also mostly completed a sweater. It's made from Debbie Bliss Alpaca-Silk (mmmmm soft) and has been in the works for at least a year now... I have a real problem following directions (or even choosing directions) and my pattern-less knitting projects always require some adjustments. This one is now seamed and awaiting a button band and collar. The neckline is a little funky and I might have to re-knit it but I guess thats what I deserve for trying to make a short row neck without even keeping track...<br /><br />And I have new toys on the way too... A <a href="http://www.bekainc.com/products/handcraf.html">Beka</a> rigid heddle loom and 30 yards of seatbelt webbing. Isn't that every girls dream?abmatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12098661520175819603noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756389.post-62650894554955506862008-02-16T17:10:00.000-08:002008-02-16T17:25:25.757-08:00Get 'em while they are hot!The Tweed Chicken had a photoshoot today out in the lovely spring sun. <br /><a title="tweed chicken" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/2270348158/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2076/2270348158_1e2d8020bf_d.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="266"/></a><br /><br />Why so much attention? Well, I've opened an <a href="http://www.abmatic.etsy.com">etsy shop</a>. Thats right, now you can get your very own tweed chicken via etsy and the US Postal Service. <br /><br /><a title="tweed chicken" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/2270349082/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2053/2270349082_36ea199fe5_d.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="266"/></a><br /><br /><a title="tweed chicken" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/2270347278/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2336/2270347278_9d2794d4bd_d.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="266"/></a><br /><br />I'm also selling wallets made from recycled tyvek envelopes and vinyl banners from the bart station.<br /><br /><a title="recycled tyvek wallet" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/2269559457/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2067/2269559457_9778f822bf_d.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="266"/></a><br /><br /><a title="recycled vinyl wallet" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/2269562111/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2146/2269562111_b063a14db3_d.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="266"/></a><br /><br />You can even get a button to show your tweed chicken pride.<br /><a title="tweed chicken button" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/2269560553/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2117/2269560553_a5ac4d2bc1_d.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="266"/></a><br /><br />I havent actually sold anything through etsy yet, but I know there are a lot of people out there who could use a little tweed chicken in their lives and hopefully this will help spread the love. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.abmatic.etsy.com">abmatic on etsy</a>abmatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12098661520175819603noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756389.post-54222843930648268412008-02-02T12:38:00.000-08:002008-02-16T17:24:48.362-08:00movin on<a title="moving out" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/2207099390/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2253/2207099390_c09f7414d2_d.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="266"/></a><br /><br />We finished our move a few weeks ago but are still getting settled. Im working on acquiring some additional furniture so we can finish unpacking and I can get back into all of my projects. I've been scouring craigslist for the perfect finds but it is so time consuming to find anything that falls under a generic description. We have made one late night trip to ikea, but otherwise have relied heavily on donations from my parents and some carpentry. I have gotten one thing from craigslist though, a table to serve as ground zero for crafty adventures. It is your classic 1950's kitchen table complete with two spring loaded pull-out leaves. I think it goes nicely with my 1950's sewing machines. <br /><br /><a title="New Crafting Table" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/2237619142/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2095/2237619142_38cf893b2d_d.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="266"/></a><br /><br />I do occasionally feel nostalgic about our old place although the nearly constant cold rainy weather of the last two weeks would not have been any more fun with 85% of the walls comprised of unsealed single pane windows. Nonetheless the full southern exposure in the winter was something close to heaven for me on sunny days and I will miss it. <br /><a title="moving out" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/2206305689/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2033/2206305689_2c1cdba787_d.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="266"/></a><br /><a title="DSC_0333" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/2207102378/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2089/2207102378_d322d89906_d.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="266"/></a><br />I made a set of photos of the old place, a retrospective if you will, and you can <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/abmatic/sets/72157603757487960/">see them on flickr.</a>abmatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12098661520175819603noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756389.post-12891761012981415652008-01-13T21:48:00.000-08:002008-02-16T17:23:49.432-08:00I call it cardboard mountian<a title="Cardboard" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/2189626569/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2134/2189626569_1b0b2608a7_d.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="266"/></a><br />This is the current state of our move (well, as of this morning). Believe it or not, there are way more packed boxes than unpacked boxes, most of which are squirreled away in closets and corners. <br /><br />We got keys to our new place today and were happy to discover that it's larger than we remembered so our mountains of crap might even fit. Moving is a good time to take inventory of ones things and I've been trying to reassess. I'm really not kidding anyone here, I'm terrible at parting with things that could be potential craft material, but I did say try.... <br /><br />We had one last sunny Sunday morning to enjoy and now it's goodbye to all that. Wednesday is the big day but you can rest assured that I'll be preoccupied about it for the next two days and probably be so distracted at work that I'll have to go move a carload just to feel better. <br /><br />Important things I have learned in this experience:<br />I have a serious OCD side. To me, this isn't normally obvious but the last few weeks it's been on display and driving N crazy.<br /><br />Compared to the volume of stuff we have boxed up we really don't have much furniture. Just piles and piles of crap. Unfortunately I think the new place will need additional furniture just to accommodate the crap.<br /><br />I now own more fiber than yarn (by volume). This might not be that surprising due to the packing capability of yarn except that I only recently started spinning and even more recently buying fiber. <br /><br />I own far more fabric than either fiber or yarn and it's the heaviest. The fabric had been accumulating in the closet where I never saw it all together so I didn't even really know how much was in there. Needless to say there is a fair amount. This goes well with my three sewing machines (and upcoming back-ache).<br /><br />I might actually enjoy having walls. Oh, and cupboard space. The dishwasher wont hurt either. After we move I can look back at this loft/studio/attic/greenhouse and get nostalgic, but right now I am just ready to get this over with!abmatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12098661520175819603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756389.post-82501664847016604082008-01-06T23:48:00.000-08:002008-02-16T17:23:08.219-08:00hats etc.spinning, spinning, spinning and a hat...<br /><a title="bruise colored" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/2162808591/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2419/2162808591_54ef7aacc0_d.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="266"/></a><br /><br />Ah, just like a fresh bruise.. I finished spinning some merino roving that Karrie helped me dye in late November. I really, really, really like the color... I just need to decide what weight yarn I actually made so I can pick a pattern to knit myself a new hat.<br /><a title="DSC_0346" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/2163609834/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2331/2163609834_39c065541e_d.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="266"/></a><br /><br /><a title="DSC_0356" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/2163609410/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2162/2163609410_fb4729f828_d.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="266"/></a><br /><br /><a title="cato and hat" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/2139173282/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2187/2139173282_f2d2bbef8e_d.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="266" /></a><br />Cato is proudly modeling <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/abmatic/the-inga-hat">a hat</a> I made quickly before xmas. I used most of 2 balls of Rowan Cashsoft DK from my stash (originally purchased at the Webs booth at Stitches West 2007) one light blue and the other in navy. The pattern is the <a href="http://eweniquefiber.blogspot.com/2006/11/free-knitting-pattern-inga-hat.html">Inga Hat</a> and I found it on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com">Ravelry</a>. I knit the hat using size 6 needles instead of size 5 which resulted in a really big hat, but it fits the recipient well. Oh, and the yarn is yummy...abmatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12098661520175819603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756389.post-63788452619830402862008-01-03T11:30:00.000-08:002008-01-03T12:09:44.319-08:00multiplyingFirst there was <a href="http://abmatik.blogspot.com/2006/04/new-lady-in-house.html">one</a><br /><a title="Singer 301" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/124804972/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/44/124804972_a26d24ebf2_d.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="266"/></a><br /><br />then there were twins<br /><a title="twins" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/2163608830/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2259/2163608830_274eccb552_d.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="266"/></a><br /><br />and now a whole family!<br /><a title="sisters" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/2163608764/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2023/2163608764_18087df73b_d.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="266"/></a><br /><br />Ive been keeping a bit of a secret from you... In November after a tip-off from <a href="http://www.girlontherocks.com/knit/blog/">Karrie</a> I went to the <a href="http://www.east-bay-depot.org/">East Bay Depot</a> and adopted a twin of my singer 301 sewing machine. The new 301 looks pretty, has a nice box and all of its attachments, but it also looks as if someone poured motor oil everywhere inside and then let it sit for 30 years. It was completely seized when I took it home but after some elbow grease and a good dose of advising from my dad the gears are all turning. With enough time spraying solvent into it I think I can get it running again.<br /><br />Fast forward to January 2008 and an unanticipated craigslist find. Ive been looking on craigslist for the table which goes with the singer 301. I've seen them on there before and I'm not in a hurry so I figure that if I look long enough I'll find one. My RSS feed picks up a lot of other sewing machines though and yesterday I saw a little featherweight listed for $100 (they usually go for $200-$400). I couldn't resist and drove down to Mountain View to pick it up last night.<br /><br />Its not in perfect condition - it looks well used - and thats the way I like it. I dont want a machine that cant be used! It runs and all the parts and attachments are there - even the original manual!<br /><a title="DSC_0366" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/2162808019/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2121/2162808019_0cc80b8236_d.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="266"/></a><br /><br />Look how tiny it is!<br /><a title="DSC_0376" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/2162807527/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2408/2162807527_5114c96f5e_d.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="266"/></a><br /><br />Just about everyone I talked to said I was crazy. 3 sewing machines in a studio apartment?<br /><br /><a title="moving" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/2163009033/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2364/2163009033_5e99b19db5_d.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="266"/></a><br />Well there is another bit of news I have yet to share.... We are moving. Our new place is still in Berkeley about 2.5 miles south of where we are now. It will have walls. More on that later...abmatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12098661520175819603noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756389.post-30970016450395352082007-12-30T19:50:00.000-08:002007-12-30T20:01:48.047-08:00swarms<a title="DSC_0262" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/2146582293/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2023/2146582293_bc02ba1a64_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />of cats! Apollo, Bart, Graphite and Streak spent the holidays together this year and everyone got along surprisingly well. You might notice that the top photo has a swat-in-action but there were no serious disagreements. Feeding time was a bit intense though, lots of meowing and jockeying for good position when the bowls hit the floor.<br /><br />patiently waiting<br /><a title="DSC_0265" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/2146586837/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2075/2146586837_0bbe4309ee_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />swarming<br /><a title="DSC_0263" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/2147378624/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2404/2147378624_eafd2cf638_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />chow!<br /><a title="DSC_0266" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/2147383826/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2082/2147383826_fd1235016f_d.jpg" border="0" /></a>abmatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12098661520175819603noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756389.post-10673725274069978232007-12-03T08:56:00.000-08:002007-12-03T10:43:59.359-08:00getting my ducks in a rowor tweed chickens as the case may be...<br /><a title="an army" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/2080952351/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2183/2080952351_7accd8a7cc_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />show them your toes ladies!<br /><a title="toes!" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/2084563358/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2160/2084563358_ff18705f87_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />its all tweed chickens all the time around here these days... I'm weaving and stuffing up a storm to get ready for the <a href="http://www.bazaarbizarre.org/sanfrancisco.html">SF Bazaar Bizarre</a> on Dec 15th! I dont have a table, but you can stop by <a href="http://www.girlontherocks.com/knit/blog/">girl on the rocks</a> for some of my creations including tweed chickens, tweed chicken buttons, and recycled wallets made from vinyl banners and tyvek envelopes. I'll be at the booth too helping out and sporting my <a href="http://abmatik.blogspot.com/2007/11/apron.html">new apron</a>. <br /><br />apollo gets in on the tweed chicken action too..<br /><a title="bff" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/2080952887/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2235/2080952887_6ccd4ad0fa_d.jpg" border="0" /></a>abmatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12098661520175819603noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756389.post-60115116502359742362007-11-12T09:01:00.001-08:002007-11-12T09:13:45.870-08:00apron<a title="Apron #3" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1976827816/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2160/1976827816_22eb475ab5_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I've been working on this little number for wearing while crafting and also for when I help <a href="http://www.girlontherocks.com/knit/blog/">Karrie</a> at the <a href="http://www.bazaarbizarre.org/sanfrancisco.html">Bazaare Bizarre</a> on Dec 15th. <br /><br />The apron features the infamous <a hre="http://abmatik.blogspot.com/search/label/rainbow%20canvas">rainbow canvas</a> which I love so dearly as well as twill tape ties and vintage polka dotted double fold bias tape. I have made multiple variations on this theme but I'm really in love with this one - the "miniskirt" version. In fact, I like it so much I have a hard time taking it off when I leave the house..... <br /><br /><a title="Apron #1" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1934860687/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2180/1934860687_61070430be_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Apron #2" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1935693358/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2158/1935693358_5c472c33d5_d.jpg" border="0" /></a>abmatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12098661520175819603noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756389.post-22952117074430249002007-10-31T15:33:00.000-07:002007-10-31T15:35:50.007-07:00Dressed for the Holidays<a title="Tweed Chicken 1" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1809964363/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2190/1809964363_38506a3b81_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><a title="Tweed Chicken 2" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1810808442/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2299/1810808442_b02694f21b_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />She is all dressed in her holiday best. Get this chicken some ice skates!abmatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12098661520175819603noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756389.post-45731260124577280042007-10-29T11:12:00.000-07:002007-10-29T11:12:44.570-07:00Beyond<a title="DSC_0188" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1715653117/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2295/1715653117_3e4ae0cdbb_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a title="DSC_0347" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1716516002/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2113/1716516002_9abdfd3d56_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a title="DSC_0069" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1715644995/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2188/1715644995_ce884c8856_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a title="campsite and tub" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1716507574/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2211/1716507574_7e490f0ba9_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />We are back from the desert and beyond. It was beautiful and vast and very, very windy. The same wind collapsing (and blowing away) our tent was fueling fires in so cal. Check out this <a href="http://alg.umbc.edu/usaq/images/USA5_2007294_aqua_1km.jpg">satellite image</a> with smoke, dust AND Von Karman vorticies. More of our photos <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abmatic/sets/72157602650924743/">on flickr</a>.<br /><br /><br />Apparently Ive been tagged by Jena at <a href="http://eloomanator.eloomanation.com/">eloomnation</a>. Ive never done one of these so I supposed Ill give it a go. There are also apparently rules:<br /><p>1. Link to your tagger and post these rules.<br />2. Share 7 facts about yourself: some random, some weird.<br />3. Tag 3 people at the end of your post and list their names (linking to them).<br />4. Let them know they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment at their blogs.</p><p>well then, here I go:<br /></p><ol><li>Im currently obsessed with <a href="http://abmatik.blogspot.com/search/label/Tweed%20Chicken">tweed chickens</a>.</li><li>I am a closeted (or maybe not so closeted) crazy cat lady. I have been hoarding the brushings from my cat <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/abmatic/sets/923954/">apollo</a> and plan to spin his fur into yarn and knit him a hat (or maybe sweater.)<br /></li><li>I once had a pet duck. It met its demise at a young age at the beak of a hawk.<br /></li><li>I have spent a lot of time sailing small boats. In high school it was every weekend, and in college it was 5 days a week. This is funny because I hate getting wet.</li><li>I have an immense collection of jackets. I love coats, sweaters, fuzzy things--you get the picture. Again this is funny because I have spent most of my life living in northern California where to most peoples observations it does not appear cold.</li><li>I can do a fairly accurate chicken impersonation. (these are turning out very poultry-related arent they...)</li><li>I cant think of a seventh interesting/quirky item right now, maybe someone can leave one in the comments?<br /></li></ol>And now to pass it on: Amber at <a href="http://yarnjunkie.blogspot.com/">Yarn Junkie</a>, Carmen at <a href="http://lazycrafter.wordpress.com/">Rosebrier</a> and Cara at <a href="http://lazycrafter.wordpress.com/">Craftin On the Couch</a>. If being tagged makes you upset then ignore me!abmatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12098661520175819603noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756389.post-74482495533663693632007-10-16T12:39:00.000-07:002007-10-16T12:39:51.411-07:00there it is<a title="DSC_0005" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1574528668/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2058/1574528668_82af963883_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a title="DSC_0010" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1573644315/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2127/1573644315_88db8b6642_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a title="DSC_0032" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1573630265/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2190/1573630265_9b191f519e_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The wedding quilt: "What a Bunch of Squares" pattern from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0811844420?ie=UTF8&tag=abmatick-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0811844420">Denyse Schmidt Quilts</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=abmatick-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0811844420" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" /> with a pieced back. It is machine quilted with unevenly spaced vertical lines and I added an embroidered patch with the names of the recipients and their wedding date. Most of the work was completed in the span of a month (actually, most of it the first week) - check out the progress in <a href="http://abmatik.blogspot.com/search/label/what%20a%20bunch%20of%20squares">blogland</a> and on <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/abmatic/sets/72157601533575805/">flickr</a>.<br /><br />I really like it, and while its a big weight off my shoulders to have it done Im sad to give it away!<br /><br /><a title="wedding quilt" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1573639019/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2214/1573639019_5ea7916517_d.jpg" border="0" /></a>abmatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12098661520175819603noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756389.post-41622115321146471452007-10-14T22:54:00.000-07:002007-10-14T23:19:07.450-07:00the EC<a title="the cat initiates the new crock pot" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1574515698/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2304/1574515698_70739d6051_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Or, more accurately, the <a hre="http://www.el-cerrito.org/news/article.html?aid=258">ECCWGS</a> (El Cerrito City Wide Garage Sale). I love the idea of a whole town organizing garage sales on the same day. It makes any particular junk-finding probability so much higher! This year's find? A crock pot. A fantastic shade of red-orange and free to boot!<br /><br /><a title="DSC_0037" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1574516388/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2410/1574516388_66a11ecd4b_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />the instructions were with in in the box -- dated 12/29/1973. There are some "exciting" recipes in the booklet made even more fantastic by the by-lines for the titles and the super cute little illustrated vegetables and meats. They are quite similar to the box of recipe cards we found last year but without the <a href="http://flickr.com/groups/vintage_recipe_cards/pool/">heart stopping photos</a>. <br /><br /><a title="DSC_0066" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1575156332/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2132/1575156332_86db6797a1_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The cat had to check it out also. He even had his head stuck down inside but I was too slow with the camera, so all you get is the feet.abmatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12098661520175819603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756389.post-54229883526087452952007-10-09T11:10:00.000-07:002007-10-09T11:23:50.383-07:00spinning away<a title="DSC_0110" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1522249228/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2413/1522249228_75d34d4518_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Im slowly getting better... This is one strand of domestic white top and one of something grey-- honestly I dont really know. Im just practicing with all the pieces of roving ive got in my bag. I have also been really enjoying spinning some merino roving dyed by <a href="http://www.girlontherocks.com/knit/blog/">Karrie</a>.<br /><br />This weekend I received a package in the mail (always exciting) with musk ox fiber my friends found in Alaska while doing field work. So exciting! Its got some plant material in it and smells like animal, but its much cleaner than you might expect to find. The cat is pretty interested in the smell and spent a good 10 min sniffing around after I opened the envelop. Im going to need to find myself some cards that can handle it.<br /><br />I also have for you today an indication that we have made progress on the <a href="http://abmatik.blogspot.com/search/label/what%20a%20bunch%20of%20squares">wedding quilt</a><br /><a title="DSC_0118" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1521387651/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2089/1521387651_577ce908ac_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />and a furrier version<br /><a title="DSC_0121" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1521388729/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2165/1521388729_8609d761e7_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We have actually finished all of the sewing and just need to snip off the tails of thread hanging out and take some photos before we can deliver it. Winter is coming at some point (its even supposed to rain today) and they might need it!abmatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12098661520175819603noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756389.post-16234492643042730532007-10-08T13:01:00.000-07:002007-10-08T13:02:12.501-07:00rules for lifeadd this one to the list:<br /><br />dont chase kittens on roofs. they have four legs and claws, you only have two feet and possibly slippery shoes.<br /><br />thankfully, my dad is mostly ok and suffered only a broken arm and smashed face after falling 8 feet from the roof while trying to "rescue" his kitties (the cats subsequently spent the entire night on the roof and loved it). the injuries could have been *much* worse but let this serve as a lesson to everyone else--dont do it!<br /><br />the felines in question<br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><a title="DSC_0065" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1435835400/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/1170/1435835400_aeea421ded_d.jpg" border="0" /></a>abmatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12098661520175819603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756389.post-40870653515826352792007-09-30T23:12:00.001-07:002007-10-01T00:00:10.892-07:00babies and such<a title="baby blankets" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1464912598/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/1440/1464912598_055024e41b_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />More <a href="http://abmatik.blogspot.com/2007/06/simple-flannel-baby-blankets.html">baby blankets</a> for more babies... They are everywhere!<br /><br />I wish I could find a better resource for cute flannel prints. Joanns is always disappointing and my local fabric store often does not have the prints I like. Does anyone have a good suggestion for buying flannel prints online?<br /><br />In other non-crafty news, N played a show with some folks on Saturday at Mamma Buzz cafe in Oakland. It was the first non-<a href="http://deadhensons.com/">dead hensons</a> show of his I've been to in many years. Maybe there will be more in the future?<br /><a title="DSC_0078" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1463684927/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/1339/1463684927_034fa9e989_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Ive also been out enjoying the remnants of summer (oh, who am I kidding, it could go on like this for weeks). I went out to Point Reyes for a day of hiking and being near the ocean. There is just something special about waterfalls at the beach.<br /><a title="DSC_0014" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1464448696/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/1004/1464448696_50ae871096_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a title="DSC_0026" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1463599285/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/1031/1463599285_b987e96e0c_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a title="DSC_0041" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1464464586/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/1118/1464464586_e4f9b2001b_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />more craftiness to come soon...abmatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12098661520175819603noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756389.post-91674410961872799752007-09-24T22:47:00.000-07:002007-09-24T23:23:26.716-07:00fall comes earlyIt was strangely autumn-like last week despite still being September (in my world fall starts the last week in October and turns to winter around the second week in November). I woke up Saturday morning to the sound of actual proper rain. It was a strange feeling which triggered in me a desire to put on sweaters and wool socks and maybe even a Halloween costume. (the weather didnt last long, it was back up to the 70s again today) All the wintry feel got me in the mood for indoor activities, at least for a few days.<br /><br /><a title="wedding quilt" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1434962303/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/1254/1434962303_b5855e69b9_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I finished machine quilting and sewing binding to the top of the <a href="http://abmatik.blogspot.com/search/label/what%20a%20bunch%20of%20squares">wedding quilt</a> a few weeks ago. Now we are almost done hand sewing the binding to the back. There has been a distinct lack of photos while Ive been working on it as the hours between 9 and midnight dont have very good lighting (funny how that works)<br /><br /><a title="wedding quilt" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1435832958/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/1140/1435832958_4755f08071_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a title="wedding quilt" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1435833374/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/1099/1435833374_b557322508_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Ive been spinning again (a little). I picked up some wool after abandoning the silk hankie I had been working on and remembered why I thought spinning was fun.<br /><br /><a title="spinning" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1435833102/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/1344/1435833102_975f4a0f19_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a title="mead" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1435837924/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/1179/1435837924_09d56dad3c_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The <a href="http://abmatik.blogspot.com/2007/09/adventures-in-making-mead.html">mead experiment</a> is going well. My dad added a water trap to the bottle to prevent explosions and we tasted our concoction this weekend. I was very skeptical but it was really, truly, not bad. Im excited to see how it turns out in the end.<br /><br />And speaking of bees, N and I joined my dad for a look inside the hive using his "bee suits" which are really painters coveralls with mosquito head nets and gloves.<br /><a title="bee suits" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1435837786/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/1425/1435837786_8b86b0d5da_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The figs and pears at my parents house are out of control this year.<br /><a title="figs" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1434968433/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/1052/1434968433_771b0af7a8_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I recommend baking them and serving over ice cream. mmmm<br /><br />The kittens are out of control too...<br /><a title="4lbs of cat" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1435834500/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/1052/1435834500_42c1d85ede_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Streak has reached a whopping 4lbs and is twice the size of his sister who is just starting to recover from a really terrible cold. He hardly fits in the scale anymore!<br /><br />The scenery is always nice up there, but notice the dark color in those clouds. Definitely not a summer look.<br /><a title="DSC_0099" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1435839142/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/1317/1435839142_b9ee63d7cb_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Its not a bad view from our apartment either, the cat always seems to find something to stare at<br /><a title="apollo" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1434963897/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/1053/1434963897_248c1f5ad4_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And sometimes I do too.<br /><a title="sunset2" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1434962599/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/1339/1434962599_fa8badc029_d.jpg" border="0" /></a>abmatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12098661520175819603noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756389.post-79266135376405694082007-09-02T20:37:00.000-07:002007-09-03T21:53:40.902-07:00Diagonal Weave on a Weave-it<a title="Tweed + tweed chicken" href="http://flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1303978573"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/1329/1303978573_0ea041c62b_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I like tweed a lot. My whole motivation for getting a weave-it loom was so I could make tweed. The instructions for twill (diagonal weave) provided with the weave-it loom are a bit confusing and I imagine they deter many people from trying it out. That, and the regular woven squares are really cute too!<br /><br />For more info on Weave-it looms and what you can do with them check out <a href="http://www.eloomanation.com/">Eloomnation</a> and the "week" of weaving over at <a href="http://www.girlontherocks.com/knit/blog/">Girlontherocks</a>.<br /><br />This is a my attempt at shedding some light on the process and hopefully clarifying the instructions for how to make your very own "diagonal weave" square. I made a full <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/abmatic/sets/72157601818582930/">set of photo-instructions on flickr</a> complete with notes. Below I have my general rules and tips. I should point out that my definitions of tweed, twill, diagonal-weave, stitch, and strand may not be strictly accurate but hopefully they are logical.<br /><br /><br /><a title="materials (and companion)" href="http://flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1304755680"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/1283/1304755680_3a04832321_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />To make a diagonal weave square you will need:<br />weave-it loom (I think all the sizes will work but Ive only done 2" and 4")<br />weaving needle<br />two colors of yarn<br /><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/abmatic/sets/72157601818582930/">instructions</a><br />tweed chicken for company (not strictly necessary)<br /><br />You will wind the white yarn around the loom (diagrams 1 & 2) and then weave in the black yarn with the weaving needle (diagram 3). <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/abmatic/sets/72157601818582930/">Full photoset with instructions on flickr.</a><br /><br />Diagonal weave (as the Weave-It loom instructions call it), or twill, is made by going over and under two strands and offsetting the stitch by one strand each row. This is the basic pattern you will follow, and it helps me to keep that in mind when Im trying to remember what to do next.<br /><br />The weave-it diagrams for diagonal weave (courtesy of <a href="http://www.girlontherocks.com/knit/blog/">Karrie</a>). Also a very useful <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/girlontherocks/1313473963/">chart</a>. Click through to flickr for a few clarifying notes.<br /><br /><a title="Diagonal Weave diagram 1" href="http://flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1307646912"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/1293/1307646912_68a75f520c_m.jpg" border="0" /></a><a title="Diagonal Weave diagram 2" href="http://flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1306763623"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/1171/1306763623_2464ea7701_m.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a title="Diagonal Weave diagram 3" href="http://flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1307647376"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/1116/1307647376_02903c3a05_m.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Half-way" href="http://flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1304814868"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/1165/1304814868_5a1075b4ed_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Tricks and Tips for diagonal weave<br /><ul><li>The very first row is different than all the others in two ways.<br /><ol><li>Row 1 is a 1-1 row, meaning that it is woven under one-over one all the way across (starts with under). All other rows are 2-2 rows (over two-under two) with some exceptions in the edge stitches.<br /></li><li>The yarn at the end of the first row should go to the outside of the corner pin (see this <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/abmatic/1304782694/in/set-72157601818582930/">photo</a> and <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/abmatic/1307647376/in/set-72157601818582930/">diagram</a>)<br /></li></ol></li><li>Rule 1: The black yarn should always overlap one stitch with the previous row and advance in the correct direction. This should help you decide whether to start the row with an over or under.</li><li>If you are weaving standard twill (not changing directions) the rows originating on the right-hand side will always begin 2-2 while rows originating on the left-hand side will begin 1-1. They both continue across with 2-2.</li><li>Rule 2: The black yarn should always go around the white yarn on the edge stitches. This means that if you end by going under the last strand you need to go over it at the beginning of the next row. This will also help you catch mistakes when you start the next row. If you make a mistake you will not be able to both begin the row correctly and follow rule 2. When doing herringbone tweed you will have to be extra diligent to make the edge stitches are "captured".</li><li>Mistakes arent hard to fix, just weave backwards with your needle to the location of the mistake.</li><li>The last row can be very tight and difficult. Try doing it in sections so you can get more leverage on the needle.<br /></li></ul><a title="tweedy" href="http://flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1303956793"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/1210/1303956793_4c55d080fc_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><p>Herringbone tweed is made with this same advancing stitch pattern but with directional changes. This poses a few additional complications. At the apex of the direction change there is a full two stitch offset (as opposed to the normal one stitch offset). I do one direction change in the example, but I like to do them every 5-6 rows for a more typical tweed look.</p><br /><ul><li>At the apex of the direction change offset weave the opposite pattern from the previous row. This will be a full two stitch offset.</li><li>Rows originating on the right-hand side will begin 1-2</li><li>Rows originating on the left take some more planning to satisfy both rules 1 and 2. I suggest ENDING the previous row with 1-1. This can be accomplished by backstitching one (see <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/abmatic/1303953073/in/set-72157601818582930/">photo</a>). If you do this left rows begins with 1-2. Otherwise you will have to begin 1-1-1 which I feel is invasive to the pattern.<br /></li></ul><br />The finished square on the loom:<br /><a title="Finished!" href="http://flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1304850430"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/1133/1304850430_723b3e0c57_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />and off:<br /><a title="Finished, off the loom" href="http://flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1303974971"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/1315/1303974971_dc8b4d9ca0_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Please let me know if you have any questions about my explanations, the <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/abmatic/sets/72157601818582930/">photo-tutorial</a>, or diagonal weave in general. Ill do my best to answer them!abmatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12098661520175819603noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756389.post-57771230085934718002007-09-02T16:46:00.000-07:002007-09-02T17:20:41.834-07:00Adventures in making MeadMy parents have bees. Its my dad's army of 30,000 (or 50,000 depending on the season). <a title="bees" href="http://flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1300416167"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/1171/1300416167_d2a42f05b6_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />After extracting honey from the combs using a centrifuge (or gravity + time) there is still a lot of honey clinging onto the inside of the comb. Honey is so viscous its hard to remove it from the wax. My dad decided he was going to make mead from this honey which would probably get wasted otherwise. <br /><br />We heated the comb in some water on the stove to melt it.<br /><a title="wax and honey" href="http://flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1300412997"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/1420/1300412997_da12c8fca2_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />its kind of a disgusting mess of wax and bee parts. <br /><br />After cooling in the bathtub we removed the now solid wax and bee parts from the liquid.<br /><a title="pulling out wax" href="http://flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1300399485"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/1251/1300399485_f4bd7ad80d_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />My dad tested the sugar content of the mixture with his hydrometer (left over from his beer making days) and determined that there was more than enough sugar for the yeast to eat. <br /><br /><a title="testing the density" href="http://flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1300395781"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/1222/1300395781_ebe3a58a45_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a title="yeast" href="http://flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1300388651"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/1162/1300388651_884cda0aa4_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />yeast and yeast nutrition for mead<br /><br /><a title="in a jar" href="http://flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1300392175"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/1060/1300392175_56ca2d1ec0_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />getting ready to shake<br /><br /><a title="resting" href="http://flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1300385145"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/1329/1300385145_fdc2afec5f_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />all situated for fermentation. My dad plans to add grain alcohol and maybe more honey later on. The mead looks relatively vile and is still going to need some filtering but we havent figured that part out yet. It is really just a test batch to see how the process works as there is SO much more honey where this came from...abmatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12098661520175819603noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756389.post-59931095785287026012007-08-27T18:16:00.000-07:002007-08-28T17:03:04.833-07:00The Tweed Chicken<a title="DSC_0003.JPG" href="http://flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1249822333"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/1073/1249822333_c2394d7897_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A handspun approach to the <span style="font-style: italic;">tweed chicken</span> concept.<br /><br /><a title="DSC_0004.JPG" href="http://flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1249821357"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/1180/1249821357_dd4d7a04fe_d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />She joins a small but illustrious line of previous tweed chickens of both the <a href="http://abmatik.blogspot.com/2007/06/behold.html">woven </a> and button variety and she is my entry to this month's <a href="http://whipup.net/whiplash/">WhipLash contest</a>.<br /><a href="http://whipup.net/whiplash/"> <img src="http://static.flickr.com/56/127394092_591ed1b07a_o.gif" alt="whipup"></a><br /><br />This month's theme is Zakka, a concept I had not heard of before and I'm still not sure I understand but Ill make my own interpretation anyway. Just to be redundant, this is how <a href="http://whipup.net/">WhipUp.net</a> describes Zakka:<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">a cultural phenomena/fad that is all about a certain style, but it is part of a broader feeling that comes from within their history and religion and philosophy<br /><br /></span>Seeing as how the tweed chicken is part of my personal history and philosophy and a fantastic fad among friends (well, ok, maybe its just me...) I think this particular tweed chicken, with it's extra handmadeness is a perfect fit. <span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><br />She is made from one diagonally woven (<span style="font-style: italic;">twill</span> or <span style="font-style: italic;">tweed</span>?) weave-it square made with handspun yarn. Only a few yards of yarn are needed to make a weave-it square which is perfect for scraps of handspun yarn (which I seem to have a lot of--I am still learning). The comb, beak and feet are crocheted from sock yarn.<br /><br /><a title="twill weave-it square" href="http://flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1262234510"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/1054/1262234510_0c8b5d42d3_d.jpg" border="0" /><br /></a><br />Apollo likes to get in on the action too.<br /><br /><a title="DSC_0005.JPG" href="http://flickr.com/photos/16989706@N00/1249823329"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/1149/1249823329_def6e59d6d_d.jpg" border="0" /></a>abmatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12098661520175819603noreply@blogger.com2