November 2023

It's been another break in time since I posted.  I use facebook much more on my phone now.

Convenience I guess.  Today I enjoyed re-reading previous posts and found I have been doing eco printing and dyeing since 2014!  I have sold many, many scarves at fairs and farmer's markets.  Ronnie continues to make his wonderful handcrafted utensils, bandsaw boxes and so much more.  It's kept us busy and we enjoy the people we see and talk with.  He's very generous with his knowledge and has instructed many people on how he works and how they can do it too!  Especially his bandsaw boxes!

I have also enjoyed explaining to people how I do eco printing.  This past summer I gave a demonstration at the Wilmot Farmer's Market.  The market has a special tent and each Saturday during the summer months it is used by individuals showing their products, how things are made or information about gardening, cooking and so forth.  I enjoyed my day but I was very tired at the end of the 3 hours.

I have read many books on eco-printing as well as following posts from Botanical groups who specialize in the process.  I have learned so much in the past few years and I continue to learn.  

This year I took an on line class with Nicola Brown from Ireland. I learned about "Cooking In The Dirty Pot".  I set up a dyeing station in my backyard where I use a gas tank to heat my aluminium pot.  The process is interesting and I've been pleased with most of my results.  Right now though I believe there is too much rust water in the pot so I'm dyeing too dark.  Also my iron water used to dip fabric into prior to boiling is probably too strong.  More work needed on that.

Remember to Play a Little Every Day!

Peace,

Diane

 March 2022

I'm looking forward to Spring!!!

This week we were told that masks aren't mandatory anymore.  School children don't need to wear them anymore.  They are back at school and some have become sick. I'm not sure how this will all work out.  Hoping for the best.

Ukraine is being attacked by Russia.  No provocation!  Russia just wants more land, resources and people under his thumb!  Hoping for the best.

Winter was difficult this year, very cold and windy.  We didn't get very much snow but what we did have is finally going away.

I enjoyed my new porch the end of summer and fall.  My cat loves being out there on his "perch".  All winter he's been begging to go out!  Now I can let him out for a bit, it's still pretty cold out there!

I love how the porch came out and I'm excited to do more work on the gardens and landscaping.

Before.........................

After!....................

Also, some large pine trees in the front of the house were removed!  I think it looks better opened up a bit. Neighbors and those walking by have positive comments.

Landscaping.......

I'm still eco-printing and working with men's neckties on silk scarfs.  Dharma is the company I purchase from and I tried to order more today, they are not in stock. 

Hopefull soon!

That's all for now,

Remember, play a little every day!

Peace!

Diane

August 26, 2021 Summer is coming to an end.

August has been one of heat waves, floods (not in my area thank goodness), fires in California and nearby states.  The summer has been a poor one with the exception of us being able to get together without wearing masks finally.  Ronnie and I had our vaccinations and now there is a new variant that's making younger people ill!!! The number of cases has gone from 300 up to thousands in NH.  I hate it!  I really don't understand the reasoning behind not getting vaccinated.  It's free to people and there are few side effects.  We are so fortunate to have medical professionals provide us with vaccines.  Anyway................

I've been dyeing and printing scarves and upcycled clothing using the Eco Dyeing and Printing method.  I've been selling them very successfully at the Wilmot Farmer's Market this summer.  We did one church fair in Alexandria and the Hebron fair.  I did well selling at each of those.  This weekend is another big one, The Apple Festival in Newport, NH.  I'm hoping it doesn't rain and that the humidity isn't too high.

I have a new porch on my house finally!  I'm loving it and so is my cat, Buddy.

I will be working with a garden designer/landscaper starting next week.  That's very exciting!

Off to do more dyeing!  Remember, play a little every day!

Diane