winter rules

Today is February 26th. Winter still rules my word.

My phenological notebook informs me that in past years, the snowdrops and the skunk cabbage should be blooming. Not so, this year. I think of them under all this snow and ice that covers the riverrim. I look for the Symplocarpus on my walks to the post office. Symplocarpus is the only plant I know of that generates it own heat, enough to melt snow around it...but I don't see that happening yet. I do see more snow falling today.



I've finished spinning the bump I've been working on. I spun all of this using the in-hand technique, from distaff to spindle. It was a delightful experience.



Trouble is, I didn't take good notes of the fiber before I started. I'm afraid I don't know exactly what the fiber is. It might be "Korny" , a Shetland Sheep roving that arrived in a box from Cathy. Then again, it might not be.



The eventual use of these singles has yet to be determined. I am undecided as to if I should ply them.



Or not.

contrasts

we are little more than halfway past winter. we have had some extremely cold weather. yesterday, a good measure of snow fell and covered the riverrim.



the world outside is full of ice and snow, and inside, we keep the fires burning to warm our spirits and our bodies. it gets me to thinking about the contrast.



contrast n. state of being strikingly different from something else, typically something in juxtaposition or close association.



opposites.. antithesis....



inverse...obverse,



converse and reverse.



as I take the small glowing bead whorls to reduce the temperature in the cold snow, I'm moving back and forth between fire and ice. Stoking fires, shoveing snow...these are daily chores and I am constantly aware of the contrast.



Burning coals fall into snow, and disappear as they melt their way down to the ground.



Somewhere in the middle is balance.



...and I'm beginning to gather a good collection of whorls!

the art of spinning and weaving

Wonderful old video, "Produced for the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, by the University Film Foundation. With the cooperation of The North Bennet Street Industrial School, Boston, and The Dedham Weavers, Dedham, Mass. The Prelinger Collection"

This silent film has some terrific images of timeless techniques and equipment!