I got an inflammation from softening my skins to my right hand/wrist on the beginning of December and was so pissed off that I wanted not to write anything here. I’m still having the same problem, but by using a spatula I can work a bit – but carefully. I can’t actually clasp almost anything and my ability to use the computer is also still very restricted. This means that my project won’t be ready on the end of February, as I planned, but I have to do some things in Finland. I hope I’ll find time sewing the shoes and such.
This kick in the teeth intimidated me to plan what I really can do now. An injury on right hand is very awkward, when all of your work is mostly writing and doing handicrafts with your both hands.
I decided to spin all wool what I couldn’t spin before Christmas now ready so quick as possible. I have to spin only one skein with the spindle and then the weft is done. Unfortunately I have still lots to do with the loom. When I’m ready, I can dye yarn with heather. I hope I’ll begin to weave wool after two-three weeks or so.
Hemp is ready for spinning. I managed to get quite soft fibres out of my stems, but my purpose is not to make very fine yarn, because the apron is an everyday working cloth. If I don’t have enough time to weave my head scarf, I’ll do it on summer while I’m working in a medieval exhibition.
I have problems with softening goose skins. It’s possible that they don’t have enough fat inside. My teacher Aja is incredible kind and has been softening one of my goose skins during this week, because I can’t clasp the softening iron (I got my nice inflammation from that). If I can’t make all of my skins ready, I have to work with them later on spring or summer and sew my leather frock in Finland.
We took my cow hide up from bark bath on 18th December. I try to get the possibility to cut the shoe pattern and begin to sew while I’m still here. I can finish my shoes later in Finland.
I’m not going to try to weave tablet-woven belt, nålbinda socks and make a leather apron here in Bäckedal. Those are things I can do without any leading also in Finland.
