Scarf Project!

Found a cool hand painted warp scarf project in an older issue of Handwoven magazine.  It features strips of warp you hand dye and then flip them alternately to vary the pattern.  The weft is a single color that blends will with your other colors.  The warp is sett at 30 EPI which is slightly higher than the warp yarn calls for so it packs a bit tighter and gets a bit more emphasis.

The kit from Interweave.com was $60.  I did not like the blue color combo it is offered in and when I went back to look for it the Autumn colored kit had been sold out.  I decided to DIY it.  I have dyed and stuff before, so figured this was definitely doable!

My first challenge was YARN.  There is always yarn, but specific yarns comes and go.  This project is from the May/June 2013 edition of Handwoven Magazine (pgs. 50-52).  The yarns mentioned in the original article are no longer available.  The kits currently on sale offers a different set of yarns.  When I decided to weave this project those yarns were not easily obtainable either so I wound up with a third set of yarns.

In this case the warp is thicker than the weft.  The warp is sett at 30 EPI.  This means in each inche wide of the scarf you would expect to count 30 threads (think about those 700 thread sheets you sleep on).  The weft is sett at 16PPI or picks per inch.  A pick is a single pass of the weft yarn through the warp threads.  You should count 16 per inch.

After all is said and done i think i picked yarns that will get me really close to the original.  The main trait to use for substitution of yarn is YARDS/POUND.  I have summarized the yarns below.  Please note mine came in NATURAL since we will be hand painting them with dyes.

	Warp	Weft	Yds/Lb.
Original	12/2 Silk	30/2 Silk	2950/7440
Kit	5/2 Tencel	10/2 Tencel	2100/4200
Mine	8/2 Tencel	16/2 Bamboo	3360/6720

Tencel and Bamboo are made in the same fashion using by products of processing the hard materials.  Tencel is made from the oils extracted from cotton and is a type of viscose

My hope is I choose yarns close enough to the originals to get the same effects. If anything I might not get the 16ppi but I have prepared 400Yds of warp just in case. Maybe I will use less. I am fairly new to subbing my own yarns. Next time we will talk about my color choices and how that is going. We also look at my hand dyed warp.

Harry Potter & the Half Blood Oyster Mushrooms!

July 3 2015

HOT water, few drops Dawn (the blue stuff)

So this will be a slow and ongoing project.  I am trying to grow oyster mushrooms on old coffee grounds.  This got me interested in mushrooms in general.  I learned a lot about mushroom and how they grow.  How the mushroom is the "fruit" of the plant, not the plant itself!

So anyway it turn out there is this method of remediating grabage, chemicals etc.  Basically they pile everything up, make sure its soaked and damp all through and the innoculate the garbage with mushroom spores.

Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince

The real plant part of the mushroom is called mycelium.  Its the white fibrous or matted mass that grows through the medium it is on.  and literraly removes any type of nutrient the mushrooms can use to produce the muchrooms we know the caps or fruit.  When the plant is finished it has thoroughly decomposed the substrate it on and broken up chemicals into constituent parts, destroyed colors or other chemicals that may be present.  It leaves behind nice crumbly compost loaded with mycelium to be added to another site or garbage pile.

Ahhhhh nice hot soak

The project is this:

• Thoroughly soak a hardback book (cast off from the library) until all the pages are wet through.
• punch a few air holes in a ziplock bag (freezer bag)
• On the inside cover of the book on the bottom spread a handful of sawdust that has Oyster Mushroom mycelium on it (called mushroom spawn)
• See how long it takes to completely impregnate the book with mycelium.
• See How many "fruitings" we can get from the book.
• See what the process leaves behind when its done!!

I filled a container with water as hot as it comes out my faucet.

I added a few drops of dawn dishwashing detergent.  It has mild antibacterial properties.  Hope fully will give our good mushrooms a chance!  Its been soaking for about an hour and has swelled the water is easily soaking through the pages and they are literally just getting mushy.  The water has a purplish/grey tinge probably from the purple bookcloth and the ink.

1 Hour, book almost completely wet through and through

I re-decided from my initial plan and put about a 1/4 cup of the spawn in the back cover, the middle of the book and the front cover!  I then loaded it into a ziplock bag and tossed it on the back porch.  Will be curious just how long this takes to completely cover the book in mycelium.

July 9, 2015
The book has been in its plastic bag for a few days now.  I did not expect the changes it is going through already.  The book has swelled considerably.  Not sure if its the action of the mycelium spreading already.   I kind of doubt it though.  more likely the books components have finally really soaked in the moisture.

I cut a few extra holes in the bag for better air flow.  I also probably need to get a larger bag for it.  it is literally jammed into the bag its in now.  it initially fit really nice but now with its swollen state it is straining against the zip lock.

July 27, 2015

So almost about three weeks.  The book looks mostly unchainged.  It is still very swollen and while the colors in the covers are bleeding a bit there is no wholesale mycelium covering the book.  However I did move it to the cooler darker basement to see if that has any effect!   Check back for new pics and more information

August 7, 2015

So the book has been in the dark cooler basement for two weeks now and the changes are amazing.  I took some pics but they are hard to see.  The mycelium is clearly working its way through the book!  It seems the handful of spawn put in the middle of the volume has done the most work.  I have a few pics.  By no means is the book consumed with mycelium yet, but it is well on its way.  Been saving coffee grounds to try next!

Easy to see the mycelial creep!

August 28
There has not been much change to the book in recent weeks.  I have noticed a new spot of black mold :(.  Not sure what this means but it seems the mycelium has stopped expanding or itsworking its way through the book.  In other news I innoculated by second shot at coffee grounds and it seems to be working spectacularly.  Pics soon.  It seems the mycelium is spreading quickly through the coffee grounds.  I have them packed in a ziplock bag with some airholes cut in the bag.  I tried to make them drier than my first try which turned into a giant lump of green mold.

September 20
Lots of pictures today.  It seems the entire outside of the book itself has beencovered with mycelium.  In fact the black mold is gone!  The entire book has a lovely earth mushroom smell.  I have decided I will see if we can get it to fruit!  I cut down the center of the giant ziplock and excposed the book to air.  I found a nice shady spot in the back yard on top of a disused plant stand and we will see how this goes!

"Amish" letter fold!

Wow, its been a long while since I posted here on the project parade.  Trust me there has been heaps and loads of projects.  Just very little time to write about them.  This one I want to share since there are only a few obscure references to it and no real clear instructions.

The Amish letter fold is a nice simple way to fold a letter sized sheet of note paper into its own envelope.  i will detail the folds and provide a free PDF to print a Generic form which is basically a small box on one side in which you write your return address!  And When folded it lands in exactly the place it should.

The fold itself is super simple and only consists of 5 easy folds!  So without much more ado.  Here is the Amish Letter fold:  On the flip side of the paper I have edged it in blue marker so you can see where the folds wind up.

Step 1.  Write your letter or note on one side of your note paper.  Keep the opposite side blank (unless you would like to doodle, rubber stamp, mixed media art work etc.  Up to you; remember it has to go through mail machines.

Step 2. Create a small fold for alignment by folding the paper in half the long way but only crease about 2 inches at the bottom.  I marked the crease so you can see it (upside down despite my best efforts sorry!)

This pic is upside down - stupid blogger wont upload it properly

Step 3.  Fold the bottom two corners into the center to meet on the small crease you created (airplane style).

Step 4.  Bring the top right corner down to meet the edge formed by the previous folds.

Step 5. You now have three triangles covering your written words and a small rectangle of text still visible. (as in the picture above)  Fold the long edge of the large triangle in half bringing the upper point to the lower point (the edge being folded has NO BLUE LINE)

Step 6. You have something that looks like the picture below:

Step 6. Flip it over (see below).  Fold the top right corner down!

Step 7.  All finished.  Add the addresses and a stamp and you are good to go.  Please ask questions in the comments!  Have fun with this!

Prayer Flag Project 2014

Good Good Good Vibrations!

We all share the "positive" messages we see and like on facebook.  All the life building, feel good, up and at 'em inspirational messages other people like.  Take a few minutes, get your favorite down on a simple piece of cotton cloth and send it to me!

I would like to hang a few strings of hand made "prayer flags" over my backyard to celebrate the beginning of summer on June 21st.   I would like to have people submit their own prayer flags to me to add your energy and good will to the mix as well as spread your good vibes to the winds. You will find instructions below on how to submit your “prayer flags”. I will include them in the mix of flags to hang over the yard.

What are prayer flags?

A simple piece of cotton cloth. Tibetan Prayer Flags are inscribed with auspicious symbols, invocations, prayers, and mantras. Tibetan Buddhists for centuries have planted these flags outside their homes and places of spiritual practice for the wind to carry the beneficent vibrations across the countryside. 

Traditionally, prayer flags are used to promote peace, compassion, strength, and wisdom. The flags do not carry prayers to gods, a common misconception; rather, the Tibetans believe the prayers and mantras will be blown by the wind to spread the good will and compassion of the meanings of the flags into all pervading space. Therefore, prayer flags are thought to bring benefit to all. By hanging flags in high places the Lung ta (Wind Horse) will carry the blessings depicted on the flags to all beings. As wind passes over the surface of the flags which are sensitive to the slightest movement of the wind, the air is purified and sanctified by the intentions of the flags..
The prayers of a flag become a permanent part of the world as the images fade from exposure to the elements. Just as life moves on and is replaced by new life, Tibetans renew their hopes for the world by continually mounting new flags alongside the old. This act symbolizes a welcoming of life's changes, acknowledges the impermanence of all things and an understanding that all beings are part of a greater ongoing cycle.

Why would I want to participate?

Why wouldn't you? The project is a great family project, involve the kids, your friends. It is relatively inexpensive. It will make you sit and think good thoughts for an hour or so as you create your flag(s). Make you realize the things your grateful for. It is creative! When was the last time you sat down and “colored”.

How can I participate?

By creating and sending me you very own prayer flags. Make as many as you want, there are a few simple guidelines to follow on the next page. But, whatever, you get it to me and its doable I will fly your prayer flag!!

When I need your flags!

I would like to hang the prayer flags to celebrate the start of summer. So have your flags to me by the 18^th of June and I will include them in the hanging. I do not need to know who you are, you may include your return address if you wish. I will photograph each one and if you let me will attach your name to the photo as well.I will create a Flickr online album so everyone can view our flags. 
Instructions

Material:

If possible please use 100% cotton as they last the longest and hold the inks/paints etc. the best. They also move the most in the wind. Again, go crazy, avoid t-shirt material as it will curl very quickly and not get blown about much.

Colors: (suggestion only)

The traditional colors are blue, white, yellow, red and green. So use cloth in these colors or colored inks/paints etc. That being said, go crazy.

Media Suggestions:

Colored sharpies, fabric paints, india ink, the best bet is use black sharpie designed for laundry marking. Again be creative! You send it..I'll fly it.

Suggested Shapes:

• 8" x 9": Small image, kid sized canvas
• 4" x 9": Suitable for your favorite quote or affirmation
• 4" x 12": Slightly longer quote or larger pic
• Pennant 8.5" x 11":  typical pennant shape
• 18 x 22: large canvas suitable for a group effort (every one adds their positive thoughts to the flag)

Pennants:

Pennant: triangle 8.5 x 11 (draw lines on a piece of copier paper from two corners down to a point in the middle of the opposite end)

What should I put on it?

Again, the guideline is anything positive. Your favorite quote, favorite prayer, favorite saying, the things you like people to say to you. Pictures or symbols that mean a lot to you. A list of things your grateful for.  A list of people your grateful for.  Just draw a smiley face. Remember, every flag that is hung includes "you" as well.  So the simple feeling of being happy as expressed by the smiley face will be for all people, everywhere!  want inspiration do a google image search on prayer flags!

I am done, what do I do now?

Be sure its dry. Fold it gently, put it in an envelope (of whatever size you need) and send it to me at

Flag Project!

1427 N New Street

Bethlehem, PA 18018

Anonymity: No need to tell me who you are if you don't want. If you do want me to know then just sign your flag in sharpie!, when I photo it I'll include your name. I will create a Flickr gallery to hold the images.

  

I love granola.  Unfortunately most granola are too high in fat, carbs and other things we too easily load up on.  I have experimented with a few home made granolas.  I consider this a project in the works but here is my latest.  They are tasty and are really not that bad as a snack...you could certainly do worse..

Great Granola Bars

Each bar is 140 Calories, has 4g Fat, 22 G carbohydrate, 4g fiber and 4g protein.

4 C. Old Fashioned Oats
¾ C dry roasted sunflower kernels
2 Tbsp. Brown Sugar
2 Tbsp sweetened coconut
2 Tbsp whole flax seed
1 Tbsp ground flax seed
1 5 oz. Package craisins (any flavor I used cherry)
1 Tsp. Cinnamon (or other spice)


1/3 C Black Lentils (Indian grocery)
1 1/2 C Water divided
1/3 C agave syrup



Mix oats, sunflowers kernels, brown sugar, coconut, flax seeds, ground flax seeds, cinnamon and craisins in a large bowl. Mix with hands to be sure ingredients are well mixed and distributed.


Cook 1/3 C black lentils in 1 cup water (put both in small pan bring to boil reduce heat and cover until water is absorbed about 40 – 50 minutes. While still hot pour into food processor (or blender). Add additional ½ cup water and agave syrup, blend or process until smooth. (gross looking grey paste I know, but its a really good for you paste).


Add the sweetened bean paste to the other ingredients. Mix well until all in=gredients are combined and “moist”. Turn out into oiled jelly roll pan or cookie sheet (with sides). Oil hands a bit and press the micture completely into the pan evenly.


Bake in a preheated 275 °F until golden brown (maybe 1.5 hours) the longer you bake them the crunchier they will get.




Remove from oven and using a pizza cutter or sharp knife cut into 18 pieces (on the length cut in half then each half in thirds, on the width cut into three should yield 18 6 x 1.5 inch bars. Allow to cool completely when cooled about ten minutes remove to wire rack to kep crunchy or leave in pan for chewy granola bars.

Amish Friendship Bread, Part II

I like the coffee cake but its really not what I am looking for though a good alternative to make if following the standard directions.  I guess my real issue is that you make a largish quantity of the fermented gak but only put 1 cup in the cake.  I have been baking breads for quit a few years now and know how much flavor is in that fermented goodness.

The direction for the cake are feed it when you receive it 1 Cup each Milk, Sugar and flour.  Stir briskly and then stir every day.  You then feed the mixture again on day five and day 10.  Using the resultant mixture to bake the cake(s) and have enough left over to give to friends.

MY next "experiment will be to use all the resultant sour to bake either a cake or sweetbreads.

there is always enough mixture stuck to the sides to perpetuate the mixture for another round of feeding/baking.  Not sure on a recipe yet but that is the direction I am headed

Bubbly Goodness

"Amish" Honey Cake

Amish Friendship Bread.  The very phrase strikes fear into most bakers.  One of your friends is trying to foist off a cup of gooey sludge saying it makes a great cake.  All you have to do is feed it twice.  Stir it once a day and then bake your little heart out.  Oh, and by the way you'll have enough gak left over to "share" it with your friends.  By share, I mean hard sell like a televangelist with expensive taste in recreation drugs.

Now it is fairley easy, low maintenance and if you dont follow the rules it hardly makes a difference in the final product.  Your friend will usually give you instructions and some recipes to bake.  The cake is not bad, they freeze well and have stead many a bake sale with endless product.

The starter is milk, flour and sugar in a 1:1:1 ratio.  The starter you receive has been passed from friend to friend as is a living yeast culture.  It rises and falls and get a little beery but over all is not too bad.  The cakes are like pound cakes (or should i say 10 lb cakes) in that they are bundtish, heavyish but tasty.

My long interest in these type of cultural phenomena has led to make these on occasion over the years but I have always been dissatisfied with the results.  I mean you only use a cup of the starter but the cake is risen using baking powder.  I wanted to develop a cake that took advantage of the natural yeasts to add some lightness to the cake.  So here then is my "experiment"

Amish Honey Cake

2 1/2 C Flour
1 Tbsp. Baking Powder
1 tsp. Salt
2 Eggs
1 C Starter (amish friendship bread)
1 C Milk
1 stick (1/4 lb) of butter room temp
1 8oz. Pkg cream cheese room temp.
1 C Sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 C Brown Sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
2 Tbsp flour
2 Tbsp butter (melted)
1/2 C chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
2 Tbsp Honey

CAKE:

DRY:
In a bowl mix the 2 1/2 Cups Flour and Tbsp of baking powder, set aside.

WET:
Cream butter and cream cheese well.  Cream in sugar.  Add eggs one at a time mixing well between eggs.  Add cup of starter, milk and vanilla.  Mix until sugar is dissolved.  Add dry ingredients to the wet and blend well (about a minute).  Pour into a greased/floured 13 x 9 x 2 pan.  Set aside.

TOPPING:

Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, 2 Tbsp flour and chopped nuts in a small bowl.  MIxuntil ingredients are combined.  Stir in 2 Tbsp of melted buter with fork.  Make sure butter is worked in well and mixture resembles crumbs.  Spread the topping over the top of the cake.  Measuring out 1 tbsp of honey at a time drizzle the honey all over the topping.

Allow the cake to rise about 2 -3 hours.  This will give the yeast some time to ass some lightness ot the cake.  Bake in a 350° F oven for 40- 50 minutes until cake tests done.  Allow to cool completely before cutting.

Overall the taste is as I expected, it is definitely lighter.  not sure if its due to the action of the yeast or just the baking powder being left alone to do its thing.  I allowed the case to rise for 2 and 1/2 hours.  the finished product is nice and tall.   Moist as I expected.  The topping kind of melted into the cake ans in some cases sank down in it which is good but I had hoped it would cover the top better.