earth-mother tendencies!

blogging has been low on my 'to do' list recently and, as usual it seems like i haven't done anything - but the useful thing about blogging is it makes me take stock of what i have been up to and i stop and acknowledge what i have 'achieved' - usually it's bits and bobs rather than anything identifiable but it's all a bit more progress along the way

work on the memory piece has slowed down while my attention has been turned towards eco-dyeing again - with the wood burning stove back in action it's been time to get some pots on the go - mostly i've been scouring stuff for future use, but i've also done a few samples on silk:

they are all hot, simmered bundles, and i used dog rose leaves and hips, eucalyptus leaves, apple and oak bark - except one (bottom middle) which a cold rust wrap - i am particularly happy with some of the leaf ones and the colour from the apple bark

i also made some rhubarb leaf mordant which i aim to combine with some barks ...... to see what happens - and i am planning to dye various bits of clothing with the pomegranate rind i've been drying, i really like the shades of ochre it gives, on it's own and with a bit of onion skin

the experimenting with pots theme has also been happening in the food side of the kitchen - lots of new concoctions with veg and spices have been produced, consumed and approved, expanding our list of favourites to make more often - for me the main aim has been to use veg which mick doesn't usually like in ways he finds acceptable, and it's been pretty successful so far as he voted most things 10/10 despite the inclusion of parsnips, sweet potato, broad beans, squash and chard ..... not all in the same dish, but almost - it's been good to try out some new recipes and get some value out of the recipe books and stash of spices