Inkle Loomin' at the State Fair

Once a year at the end of summer and beginning of fall the MN State Fair happens.  And let me tell you, it is a big deal here in Minnesota.  When I first moved to Minneapolis I kinda scoffed at the fair, avoided it and generally disdained its existence.  This year, I volunteered for the Weavers Guild of Minnesota at the demonstration booth and, you know, it wasn't so bad.  I realized that at its core it is still a venue to gather and share ideas, you just had to find it underneath all that fried food on a stick.  I demonstrated the inkle loom, answered questions, encouraged little ones to try their hand at weaving and enjoyed myself.  

My Inkle loom demo.  I am not familiar with the Inkle loom and was a bit dismayed to find out upon arrival that I was to be demonstrating such an unfamiliar piece of equipment, however my co-volunteer, Rosemary, assured me there was nothing to it and she was right.  

First, it is a very simple piece of equipment.  In general, to weave all you really need is a way to put a group of threads, a warp, under tension and the ability to raise and lower threads in order to interlace your weft.  In this case the warp is applied in one continuous loop and tension is created with a sliding knob.  String heddles are tied to every other warp thread and shafts are raised and lowered with your hand.  In your other hand a wooden device acts as a bobbin. shuttle and beater all in one.  

Inkle weaving is ideal for bands no more than 2.5" wide.  Before mechanized looms, it was the primary way that ribbons were woven.  The term "red tape" derives from this type of weaving as it was a red ribbon woven in this manner that was used to bundle up official documents.  Inkle weaving also produces a very strong band as it is a warp faced weave and the structure is tabby, the strongest construction in weaving.  For this reason many cultures developed similar band to use as horse or camel reins.  

A particularly beautiful sample of Inkle band weaving given to me as a thank you for my contributions on the board for the Weavers Guild of Minnesota.

Weekend Fun: At the Salsa Bar

A few weekends ago, Danielle and I played dress up as caterer's for our friend Soren's rehearsal dinner.   I was in charge of the salsa bar, dessert and beergaritas.  I had a lot of fun concocting a variety of salsas from scratch, and trying my hand at quirky signage.
Overall, our taco bar was a success and Danielle and I made a pretty good team.  Nevertheless, neither of us will be making any grand entries into the catering arena any time soon since we both realized how much work and effort it takes to cook a meal for forty.  (especially when you overestimate and actually cook a meal for eighty :-))

Forever Friends

A few weeks ago, Adam and I decided to each design a special friendship bracelet for each other that, ideally, reflected our personalities.  We individually concepted a design and color palette and then presented our proposals, gathered feedback and got to work.  Most of this scheming took place on our way to Wisconsin, much to the dismay of the other passenger and driver.  But they were pretty good sports, especially after they banished Adam to the backseat, next to me, and proceeded to turn up the music in the front.

On my birthday, we officially exchanged bracelets.  We wanted our designs to be similar but not exact.  I love my broken chevron and how we both grounded our bracelets in cream.
It has only been a few weeks, and mine has already faded, but like a true friendship, it can have a little wear and tear and still be good.  I haven't taken it off since.

Weekend Fun:In Oronoco

This past Sunday, a group of ladies and I hit up the Oronoco Gold Rush.   As expected, many things caught my fancy, but, as usual, I left with only a handful of doilies for my ever growing collection.

 I am particularly fond of Native American Beadwork.  I love the work, detail and craftsmanship that goes into making essential items beautiful. It is an aesthetic that I value and strive to put into all my pieces. 

 If only Vintage bikes were easier to ride...

 I liked the contrast of the worn almost smooth wood paired with a clear crystal.  All so simple, humble and chic.

 Still not entirely sure what these were.  I like the shape and the color of the rust.

Pipes!!

Snail Mail

Lately, I have really been into snail mail.  There is something so special and sweet about receiving a home made card or a hand written note.  My birthday was a recent reminder of how much I appreciate these small gestures.  Despite our technologically savvy culture, I still make an effort to mail off something with a more personal touch. 

 I mailed this off to a good friend in a California, a thank you for a lovely day spent in San Francisco.  

On my recent visit to the Minnesota Center for Book Arts, I picked up these.  I am definitely framing the tandem bike, but the others are tucked away for a special note to a special person.  From left to right the letter press companies are ilee papergoods, Wiley Valentine, and egg press.

Birthday Surprises

I celebrated my birthday a couple of weeks ago at and outside of work and it was hands down one of the best birthdays ever.  The excitement all started in the morning in my cubicle.  Lovely Danielle had adorned my workspace with a banner and crepe streamers.  As I floated in and out of my morning meetings, new fun gifts seemed  to appear.  Stuffed animals, flowers, chocolate dipped oreos, cupcakes, cat magnets, butterfly tank tops; everything was so thoughtful.  

After work, Adam, who was assigned as my birthday escort, escorted me to the Local for happy hour where a group of friends were waiting.  Drinks followed by more gifts.  I couldn't get enough of my hand tooled mahogany ring, butterfly cross stitch, crazy cat lady board game, raspberry lambic, and my very own ice luge.  Later we biked our way to dinner at the Red Stag in Northeast.   Thank you Sharon, for planning the whole event and thank you everyone for being a part of my birthday celebration!  

 By far the best gifts have been the cards.  I love that it is so blatantly obvious how well my friends know me.  Even Box Spring and Muffin surprised me with a card.  I think some of these original masterpieces may be frame worthy.  

 Zinnias, one of my favorites, from Beth

 Gourmet carrot cupcake from Jenny.

And of course a collection of cat magnets from Bubbsie. :-)  Work is already brighter 

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. Inspired by Soule Mama.