I have had a very positive response from people when deciding whether or not to make cowls (that wrap around in a continuous length) rather than simply making scarves.  So, this new one is going to be a cowl....I am making it slightly narrower and shall let you see the result.  The red one (which was a scarf, but now has ends sewn together) is already sold, and has gone on a trip to Germany for the weekend!!.. I must say that wearing my scarf-turned-into-cowl is so comfortable and easy to wear.  Last but not least, the coat is coming on well.  I did have a rather large hiccup and sewed the sleeves on inside out (!) but I have now rectified that, and the coat actually fits better.....every cloud has a silver lining! Hey ho - this week is half term, so probably not too much time for playing .....

I couldn't resist adding a picture of these swans.  They live in the local park and I have been watching them regularly over the last year.  They are so grown up now....I am wondering if they will soon fly away in search of their own mates.  I shall be sad to see them go!  On a cheery note - I have now started to sew the coat.....so far, so good.  The sleeves are almost ready to cut out.  I have stretched my brain somewhat because I wanted the design to be vertical rather than horizontal.  I only have a 24" loom so I'm severely limited.   I have a feeling that I may eventually be talking myself into buying a 32" (I think that's as wide as the rigid heddle loom goes).  It would give me an extra 8" though - so I shall see...........Mind you, as people keep on asking me if I do workshops, I suppose I need another loom???!!!

A quick resume of my week......looking back on it, I can see I have been quite productive!!  I am sure that this is partly due to the bad weather, as it means I am happy to stay inside more and be creative.  As you can see, we have had some sun - I always make the most of it!  I finished this red scarf, and wove. the sleeves for the proposed coat.  Today I plucked up the courage and cut out the body!  It was rather nerve racking and it is rather hit and miss.  I have discovered that I haven't really woven quite enough, so the coat will probably be too small for me!!  Never mind - if it's good enough I plan to put it in an exhibition in the summer, and then maybe I shall need to let a small person have it!!! All this keeps me very happy!!

I belong to a local stitching group - so the other day I decided to actually do some stitching......on my weaving! I quite like the idea, so shall continue to play........this week I have spun, stitched, woven, walked as well as a considerable number of things and, although I am always itching to get back to my loom, I know I function better to have variety in life.  It certainly stops me ever getting bored!  Over the last few weeks we have been doing quite a lot to my little house.  I can't believe we've been here almost three years.  The final bit was finished last week - the bathroom.  It is really good and feels quite luxurious.  The trouble is, there is nothing more to do......so, maybe we'll have to start again!!!

We've actually had some sunshine this week - so I have made the most of it.  I wrapped up well and did a batch of dyeing as I need more yarn for the sleeves of my coat!  The finished garment will probably look a bit strange because of all the different colour ways ..... oh well!  Its only going to be me wearing it -, thinking about it , if I was really unhappy I could always dye the whole piece after completion (only just thought of that!!)......As usual, I spend as much time as possible on the beach - often stopping for a coffee.  I just love to watch the sea and this afternoon went to the end of the (very cold) pier and just looked and dreamed.........

As you can see, I have now started another scarf as I get very itchy fingers if there's nothing on the loom!  Meanwhile spinning and dyeing is going on in the background.  Have a good week everyone x

At the risk of repeating myself, here are some more photos of 'The Coat" that is now two thirds woven.  I have almost run out of warp, so before I weave the sleeves I need to do some more dyeing......unfortunately it rarely stops raining at the moment which makes dyeing difficult!  The sun did shine one day last week - so here is a picture to prove it!  Have a good week x

I have changed my computer and it has taken me some time to sort everything out - including photos!  Anyhow, I think I am now up and running.......I've probably put some of these pictures on before - but I am just practising!!   I have snatched moments during the holiday period to weave and am planning this piece to go towards the next coat!  It really does feel like mid winter now - which means I don't get outside to so any dyeing.  Never mind - Spring isn't far away.......