random thoughts

 the cloth* is growing steadily, there are a couple of 'rules'

there are always two layers (maybe I cheat a bit where edges meet, making three) and two fabrics together must try and be of the same thickness together, so that the all-over feel is more or less the same, weight-wise I (think I) mean; this is an important lesson I learned over at Jude of SpiritCloth

another lesson learnt from her: use fabrics that are easy to sew through, no point in intentionally hurting one's fingers for the craft! So I keep this in mind and test each new bit: does the needle glide through effortlessly, okay, no: not okay 
I must add, paying attention to the chosen needles themselves is worth one's while

also I only use running stitch, in some spots (so far at least) just to join bits of cloth together, in other spots, running back and forth, becoming kantha or quilting (or maybe that involves more layers) creating the beloved ripple effect and at the same time increasing the overall strength

as you can clearly see here: there aren't yet two layers everywhere, but there will be, even though I do like the light effects; I have decided I am going to make a completely new piece with just one layer of cloth, ha.

several things to enjoy about stitching a larger piece such as this design-less one: no worry about what to do, just add on a new bit of fabric; the stitching itself is very restful and almost meditative; the result is at once immediate and non-existent as it continually grows; I find it to be very forgiving

- a collection of finds from several walks -
I always wonder what happened to the birds that have lost their feathers, in this case the woodpecker feathers (as the white one, a dove? and the pheasant's were just the one, nothing to fret about)I found them on a path in the midst of the woods, there were several, not too many to imagine a feast for another creature, nor was there evidence of any bloody remains, but what then? Do they at times lose several feathers at once? Or was it indeed disaster? I use italics as this is how I initially would perceive the poor critter's death, however, if his death served as one then hopes as a meal for another being, well so be it. Unfortunate from his/her point of view of course, but then that is what we are to each other basically: food, I wonder who or what will eat me eventually? and whether I taste any good.....

proof of our hot weather 31C/88F on the porch, so not quite as it should be measured, however out back yet another thermometer-in-the-shade pointed towards 28,5C: meaning Hot & Humid over here;
funny this week, we started off with a cold Monday, followed by a slightly less cold Tuesday, both evenings torrential downpours, so we're not lacking in water! Wednesday lived up to the predictions: sunny, summery and dry. Thursday we could feel the temperature rising up to today: glaringly sunny, hot, humid, heavy weather, thunder and lightning predicted for this evening and as I'm typing this the sky has turned a pale grey.....got my exercise out of the way this morning, both indoors and out, watched part of the Roland Garros-semi-final between French player Tsonga and the Swiss Wawrincka, indoors being the only viable option round midday; the match is still ongoing, but I find it difficult to sit still in front of the telly during the day and so I'm pottering about in the shade! loving this minor heat wave, even cut off a dress from below the knee to above, to help keep me cool & dressed

how one side is defined by the other, I like love the randomness of this kind of 'design'

* I remember having a name for this cloth, but it has escaped me