Berlin's Whimsy

Friday thoughts and thank you.

Thank you for all of your "Good Luck" wishes yesterday! I watched the local news last night (something I very seldom do), and learned that my area is suffering the third worst job market downturn in the nation!!! Okay, no wonder...

Another thank you is long in coming:  Megan of Scent of Water sent me a wonderful surprise package last month. That beautiful hand-printed fabric pictured at the top of this post with my handspun yarn encased a fun book inside. The book is new to me and a very pleasant surprise:Knit, Handmade Style. Lots of fun projects inside... (they are pictured in this post).

How is it that Megan knew I needed a bit of a pick-me-up on the day the package arrived? It must be her wise intuition! And if you haven't experienced Megan's beautiful & thought-provoking writing and photography, you're in for a treat. 

And lastly, Cassi started a nice cap to each week by posting a thoughtful quote on Fridays. I'm going to partake today by sharing this (it is a Buddhist saying)...

"You can explore the universe looking for somebody who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and you will not find that person anywhere."

Fun at the dump.

 

The weekend we went to the coast, we attended an annual tradition at the nearby recycling center (it just might be the coolest recycling center this side of the Mississippi!).They hold an annual bash filled with circus acts, a trash art show, recycling love, and a fashion show. It's all a whole lot of fun.

I'm posting a couple photos from our visit.

I'm off to another interview today. I fairly sure there will be a story behind the adventure, but that's for another day. Wish me luck!

Chicken Chronicles: Macho's Surprise

You cannot see what Macho is doing in this photo... And you'll thank me for that when you read further on...

Our chickens are allowed out of their coop and pen for a period of time each day while the kids watch them closely. They are still small enough to become an easy victim in one of our cat's wildest predator/prey fantasies. Strangely enough, of all three of our dogs, our Pug seems the most interested in taking a big bite out of one of our chickens. This, coming from the dog that would usually rather lay on the couch than chase anything much less kill it. Nonetheless, we must keep him leashed while he's around the flock.

Macho seems to be the leader of the flock even though she is most likely a female. And Macho is the most daring and intelligent of the bunch. On this day, we saw the beginnings of a chicken chase and looked to see what the lead chicken had found. Protruding grotesquely out of Macho's beak was a wriggling Jerusalem Cricket.  Alas, I didn't have my camera at that point (Note to self: must keep camera nearby when around the chickens). If you haven't seen one of these fat and juicy Jerusalem Crickets in real life, well they're rather disgusting. They are harmless, however. I remember feeling revulsed at the sight of them as a child----their black stripes alternating with that eery translucent sap color, their size, those big, wriggly legs and antennas, and the way they always seemed to surprise me when I least expected to find one. My daughter feels the same way.

Well, much to her delight, Macho found one and ran around the back of the coop to eat her prize in peace. That's what the top photo captures the image of----her slimy, messy, and delicious meal. My son watched in a kind of rapt captivation-----his face holding an impish grin, while my daughter hung back and groaned in disgust, slightly gagging. I couldn't bring myself to get close enough to document the meal in detail---this benign photo of a corn cob will have to do. Use your imagination. Or don't.

I told you you'd thank me!

Playing Hooky. With Links.

 

This past weekend, I endeavored to teach myself how to crochet. I've perused the basic crochet books in the past but never felt the desire to tackle the project fully. There are a number of reasons why I want to crochet: create my own doilies to use on sewing projects; make one of those bright colored ripple stitch afghans; tackle amiguri; and play with tawashi patterns. The latter projects use patterns that are typically in Japanese with charted designs to follow so I need to be fairly adept at understanding the flow of crochet and patterns before tackling them.

The above photo is of my first attempt at this fun project: Crocheted Dish Sponge Pattern. (Don't look too closely at mine---go to the site)! It's a great design because the "sponge" is very absorbent. In addition, the same designer created a Swiffer Cover("shrug") that can be thrown into the wash and reused! This is a future project of mine, too (once I become a little better at crochet)! I didn't continue using my Swiffer because of the guilt involved with throwing out all of those disposable inserts (plus, they are expensive, too).

In trying to learn the crochet stitches, I found this crochet site entirely useful!! How many times can one person watch a video of a half double crochet stitch? Apparently, lots! (At least in my case)...

I feel a bit smitten with the Japanese Tawashi Patterns and many of them call for that Japanese Anti-bacterial yarn I mentioned in my Japan Swap post. One of my very helpful readers who has an extensive scientific & medical background pointed out the unknown effects of this yarn. It is treated with a substance called zeolite to capture positive ions and it includes aluminum in its make-up. It was interesting to read her researched information and realize how much I just take the newest invention for granted----that I assume any side-effects or health risks will have been tested...

But are they? Right after our conversation, I watched this show  about the possible ill effects of bisphenol A (BPA) ----which is used in plastics----and the lack of actual testing by non-corporate entities with a stake in the product's sales; this stuff is found in everything, including 93% of our bodies now. It made me want to run out and purchase this, or this for my children and I rather than using plastic water bottles (oy, they are expensive, however).

A lot to think about while learning those crochet stitches.

***What how-to crochet book do you recommend? I'm looking for a book that includes instructions for basic crochet but has room to grow, as well...

On Memorial Day.

Here in the states, it's Memorial Day. For many, it's a three day weekend that heralds in the summer tourist season.

For my family, it's a day of one tradition: taking flowers out to the cemetery where four generations of my family are buried. I haven't always been available to participate in this tradition, as for over 15 years I lived elsewhere. And to be honest, I didn't give the day much thought. I didn't spend much time on Memorial Day thinking of my loved ones. I experience moments throughout my life that remind me-----a certain object reminding me of them, something in my life that provides a laugh and remembrance of my Grandfather's stories, or my daughter appearing from her room in one of my Grandmother's handmade square dance dresses. My loved ones are all part of my life in one way or another.

But I still believe in a day set aside to remember them-----to honor and pass on stories. As we placed the fresh-cut flowers on the graves of my extended family, my kids asked questions: "How am I related to her?... What was she like?... Why is there a balloon on his grave?" My Mom carefully answered their questions and remembered her relatives, too. It seemed astounding to contemplate: "He was your Great, Great, Great, Great Grandpa." Wow, my kids were impressed---he must have been really great!

And little tidbits of information were linked together: "She lived in the house up the street---the house across from the horses you like to visit..." Even I glean more information from each trip to the cemetery----learning more about my relatives or remembering something I already forgot.

I also wondered if I live in the first generation discontinuing the traditions of Memorial Day. As we arranged our flowers at the cemetery, I noted the flowers already placed there from my extended family-----like checking off family member's names. My Aunt had not been there yet----she was coming out later. She would probably smile at our flowers there, notice those pretty pink ones that grow wild along the river below our house. I looked around and there were many other visitors carefully placing flowers on graves, but I also noticed the ages of the participants----I didn't see anyone my age.

Possibly our mobile society is one of the main reasons for my generation's changing Memorial Day traditions. Seldom do we continue to live in our hometowns. I thought about this after making a flippant remark at dinner one night regarding living in my hometown and my aversion of it. The statement settled in my gut like a foreign object. When I studied it I realized I didn't mean it-----what I meant was how difficult it is to face my past in light of my current situation. And I also thought about how strange life is------how life has an uncanny way of forcing you to deal with your past if you do not do it voluntarily. I turned my back on my hometown when I left it after high school----didn't stay in touch with friends and focused on my present life all too much. 

Setting those flowers out there at the cemetery brought up so many thoughts----not only about Memorial Day as a holiday, but my own life, my own generation, and my part in it, too. What will Memorial Day mean in our future? For my kids? Will it be a day for primarily honoring our veterans (important, too)? Will our current gas crisis force us to remain at home, not to move around so much? I doubt it, so many of us feel that pioneering spirit----seeking something, somewhere... In the end, I'm happy that I live here now and can participate in this tradition. That my kids can participate in it, too. At least for now.

Seeking a Swap Partner in Japan...

Do you live in Japan? Or travel there? Are you interested in participating in a little crafty swap with me? Or do you know someone else that might be interested?

I am looking for some of the Tawashi anti-bacterial yarn that is sold in the craftstores in Japan for making Tawashi patterns. We could swap one of those large bags I made this spring (here or here), a set of embroidered linen napkins with a new vintage-inspired design (like the one above), or any other handmade item that you think I could produce for you...!

Please email me if you are interested (include "Japan Swap" in the subject line): Berlinsmith AT yahoo DOT com.

Scrubbie Updates.

 

A couple comments prompted this update to yesterday's Knitted Scrubbie Tutorial. 

SIZE: I found that I prefer my scrubbies in a small square: Cast on only 14 sts and knit until you produce a square (aprox. 3-inches x 3-inches). The square shape makes it easier to get into small spaces and they don't take up as much room around the sink... Oh, and they are fast to knit up, too!!

MATERIALS: Both Mandi & Margie commented on repurposing tulle, netting, and scraps of fabric. And yes, I think the netting from produce bags would work wonderfully for this. Just cut it into strips and away you go! I love this repurposing idea----I'm sure our sisters & moms of the past would have done that same thing.

TULLE VARIATIONS: When you visit the fabric & craftstore, you'll usually find tulle in the bridal department. The tulle I used for the pink scrubbie (above) is called "shiny tulle" and it is rather rough feeling and stiff. Right in that same isle, you'll also find bridal netting tulle like that used for wedding decorations. It's not as stiff as the shiny tulle. This material, knit with cotton, makes a great dishcloth (however, not with as much "scrub action" as the stiff stuff) and a perfect buff for the bath & shower! It's not as rough on the skin. 

And, I must clarify that the scrubbie idea did not originate from me! One of my friend's relatives makes them and gives them to family members.  

Aren't they so fun?! Now, on with the weekend! We have chickens to round up!

Knitted Dish Scrubbie Pattern Tutorial

  

It almost makes washing dishes fun! Oh, I'll be honest, I love washing dishes----one of the few cleaning chores I actually enjoy. And the little scrubbie fits right within one of my philosophies: if I can make a household chore fun by adding a colorful and charming tool to the task, I'm all for it! 

I must also preface this by thanking Cassi for writing up a tutorial on how to write a tutorial! Very helpful!

 

Knitted Dish Scrubbie

Materials: Cotton worsted weight yarn, such as Peaches & Cream; 3 Yards of medium tulle; a scrap of cardboard or an empty paper towel roll (optional)

Tools: US Size 9 Knitting Needles; Scissors or Rotary Cutter & ruler with cutting mat

Pattern makes one scrubbie that measures approximately 3 1/2-inches x 5-inches

First, Prepare the Tulle:

 

Step 1: I'll warn you, tulle is very unwieldy to work with. I found this method reduces the frustration that can result from handling a big chunk of tulle. Fold the tulle in half lengthwise and then again lengthwise. Carefully lay the "tulle sandwich" on a flat surface and weight it down. Make an initial cut to one short side of the sandwich to even it out and then with either scissors or a rotary cutter and ruler, cut strips of the tulle approximately 1 1/4" wide. You only need approximately 4 strips for one scrubbie, but while you have the tulle tamed, you might want to go ahead and cut the whole thing at once. 

Step 2: Knot each end of the tulle to another to form one long "tulle yarn." An overhand knot works the best. Pull the knot tight but not so tight that it breaks. Cut off the excess. Continue knotting the lengths together.

 

Step 3: I like to wind the tulle onto a length of cardboard or a paper towel roll so it does not become tangled, thus creating my own ball of tulle yarn. 

Make your Scrubbie!

Loosely cast on 15 sts holding both the cotton yarn and the tulle together. 

 

Continue knitting the scrubbie in garter stitch (knit every row). Don't worry about the tulle being straight in the stitches, it'll work itself out...

When your scrubbie reaches 5-inches or desired length, bind off loosely, knot excess thread, and cut the extra (or, make a little loop to hang your scrubbie right at your sink).

 

Now go wash those dishes with a smile! Happy Weekend!

Chicken Chronicles.

 

The only way to open the door to the outside of our chicken's pen in the morning is to reach waaaay in and flip the latch and, BANG, the trap door drops open. Equally surprising and not unlike children on that very last day of school, the chickens come running out with their twiggy legs a blur and their heads pointed straight ahead towards their target: outside!

It truly is a sight to see.

Once outside, they begin their morning work. They check their pen for treats and treasures, they bicker, they stretch their wings, and follow each other around. They are generally a busy bunch.

We usually have some kitchen scraps to give them in the morning and they have come to expect these treats. They walk to the fence and crane their necks in expectation. 

This morning they received a leftover sandwich and soon we witnessed one of the most entertaining of chicken performances: the chicken chase. All around the pen the chicken with the sandwich ran, around and around and around, with all the other chickens following close behind. After a few laps, the lead chicken ran back up the ramp into the pen and one after another all the other chickens followed. Soon, they all slowly returned to the outer pen, no sandwich in sight. We could only guess what kind of scuffle took place in the pen over that sandwich. Funny stuff...

Windstorms.

 

We had a fun weekend all swirled up in a big windstorm of life. Our own smaller transitional dust devil of a life doesn't quite follow the usual routines that my friends' lives do, but it's quite fun to be a part of those predictable routines again.

I'm still thinking about the experiences of this past weekend: familiar friends, community, the back-water feeling of that little town, the salty smelling air, and the sound of the ocean always present like a community heartbeat...

I'm also thinking about those growing & changing kids, life ever-evolving, all so notable when it's not so noticeable every single day. Strange how that works...

 

It was still very difficult not to steer my car towards "home" and walk into my familiar house with a big long sigh like the past year hasn't really happened... throwing all our stuff on the kitchen counter and plopping down on our couch to settle in for a relaxing evening that never will happen that same exact way again. I also had to hold myself back from strolling into the yard and checking on my herbs... Are they still there? I don't know.

There were a few tears shed by all of us this weekend but they weren't the desperate tears of the unknown like they were all those months ago... I guess we're slowly progressing but I'm still not sure what we're progressing towards. Growth? Security? Familiarity again? All of those things would provide the ultimate sigh of sighs within me, but lately what I dream of the most is seeing those peaceful and happy faces on my kids again---the ones that were there before all of this. There have been a lot of questions from my kids this past week---questions that answered my own questions about that wrinkle that crops up on my son's brow from time to time, and my daughter's serious eyes when she doesn't see me looking. My kids' own worries and questions---I'm glad they ask them, though they are difficult to answer. Yes, we're progressing... ever so slowly.