Silk Rods Answers from Fiber Market Place

I am sorry to have to answer this way but I can not seem to stay connected to FB tonight to answer questions about using Silk Rods.

First, with the rods you do not need to degum them if you wish them thinner. Just spritz with a little bit of water and then like peeling skin off or that of an onion - slowly and gently start on the side and start peeling. I like to sometimes use a steam iron and a thin cloth and just steam a bit to open it up and then peel.

If you are wishing to add them into spinning yarns I just open the ends a bit when wet so it is a Tad bit fluffy that way it will grab on. You can also sew, bead, paint and stamp on them but remember not too close to the edge or the fibers can come loose.. If you are painting or stamping not too wet or again you will release the fibers.

If you are using the cocoons I can send you a degumming recipe because they have more (worm spit) in them and requires a bit more to loosen them apart.

I hope that helps but if you have further questions just leave a comment here and I will promise to answer you. I am sorry for the computer issues - dial up sucks and so does figuring out how to work around computer temper tantrums.

Stay White or Color?? You Vote

I have a nice big bag of Alpaca fiber waiting for me to go through and then wash. I love the white but also thinking some should be turned into something colorful - ANY Suggestions???

Critic in the mind and on the ground

It is not only hard when the chatter in your head does not stop or say the kind and supportive things you heart needs but when your hens join in it is enough to make you want to go back to bed.

I tried to get a better natural picture of some fiber I placed on Etsy (Red Poppies) but still it is not right. The fiber is much richer, deeper and bolder red. Yep, my hen is right "Not Right Mom".... Don't you just hate when your hens are right???

What did you do this weekend?

Can you hear the sea calling you?? This weekend I had the dye pots going and the creative juices flowing... This is 50% silk and 50% rayon hand painted hand pulled roving - I have named it "Conch Shell" and is up for sale on my Etsy Shop www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com

I have placed many new silk rods, silk cocoons and fiber up in the shop and many more to come tonight as long as my attention holds out. Oh to just be able to create things and have someone else sell it for me... Any one know of someone, some where, some how??? Where have I heard that song before??

I gave myself permission to sit in the forest Monday afternoon and read a book. I had a sweet little fox watching my from under a large scrub oak bush. The birds where singing (almost too much to keep a thought on the book) and for once there was no wind.. Three hours of reading, breathing and understanding that I work myself into the ground without time to just "Be Here Now". Yes, I also watched "Fierce Grace" from Ram Dass which spoke of his recover from a stroke. I will be viewing this for the third time and still I an hearing very necessary words of wisdom.

So What Did You Do?

Driven To ...

Today is another over the top windy day at the farm and I must say I have had it.

This wind not only effects me but also the animals. Chief this morning bit Little Wynonna on the nose, drew blood and scared the poor thing - he is in time out and got a big time scolding. Sherlock got pissed off that I asked him to stop pooping on the kitchen deck so he decided to bash the banister and knocked out three more of the spindles. Devil Goat decided she did not want Llama's in THEIR pasture and bit Mari (little Llama Girl) and so Mother and Devil Goat got into a huge fight and I could not believe I broke it up - was more concerned that a llama would get hurt then what would happen to Devil Goat. In kind, Devil Goat plowed into me and Yep, face plant for Grace.

The wind is still howling and I had to get the mail because I had a movie waiting for me - need to remember I am much thinner and should place rocks in my pockets. Thought I would do the "Flying Nun" thing (how many remember that show?) and was a bit weird..

The howling is so loud I have the TV turned up as high as it will go to just hear the words barely. So I think I will find the headphones to watch my movie. Dinner is a Mexican Rice dish from the freezer and a bottle of beer. Not much of a beer drinker but tonight I think I will start with that and see where it goes from here... Have I ever mentioned "I HATE WIND" - I know you are sick of me saying it but just think how sick I am of being surrounded by it.....

What a WILD night

The lightening, thunder and YES RAIN made for a bit of a rocky night - so bad that I forgot to close the hens door to their coop - that's a first...

So this morning they greeted me at the shop door to tell me what a horrible caretaker I was - not to thank me for all the care and loving I have given them each and every day but rather to point out my one time mishap.. I told them if they wish me to be less tired and more focused they could help out and pull some weeds in the driveway. That sure shut them up..

So back to their coop they went to eat their breakfast and take a short morning nap - If only I could have that nap... Might just have a clear working brain. Yeah, when will that happen??

WHAT THE **** ?

Tuesday was one of those days you can not believe, understand or wish to ever repeat. We wont go into all the strange but screwed up things that happened to me, my electrical systems, animals fighting who never fight and just a whole bunch of horrible feelings but this one I am still wondering WHAT THE ???? Seriously

My middle finger began swelling up and turn black and red without me doing anything silly, stupid or "Grace" like. I was simply walking outside and noticed it. No, I do not give the finger so it was not that someone got mad by my hand expressions. I have no idea what happened. This is a picture of it today and trust me it is a million times better then on Tuesday.. There is no pain, I even could spin and I also shorn three goat girls without it hurting.

SO WHAT THE (you fill in the blank) ??? Any ideas??