I finished the sculptural piece I was working on - only to find it photographs terribly, believe it or not, the grass helps LOL. I think it turned out ok, but I wish I hadn't messed with semi-spherical shape I was originally working with.

I have also been spinning this for a number of weeks.

I started out spinning it as thinnly as possible, but it was so boring, I navajo plyed what was on the bobbin and started again. It was still pretty fine and I felt like I was getting nowhere, with all that effort to get the spin into the thin singles. I started to do a bit of research into my wheel (Ashford Traditional) and found out that the new flyers have three ratios. So I was spinning one night contemplating purchasing the necessary flyer when I started to pay attention to the flyer I have.... it actually has another ratio I'd never noticed, just thought it was a decorative element LOL And it does make a difference to the amount I am spinning too. So I rocked up to my guild on Wednesday and proceeded to tell my story, which I thought was pretty funny. Then the two ladies next to me spinning on their traditionals suddenly realised that they had all those ratios too!!! And we solved another mystery too, the 'Mother of All' moves so the flyer grooves can be lined up with the big wheel. OK. Another story. I did a printmaking class a few months ago and I want to do some more collographs. So I have started to arrange to use the print workshop one weekend soon. BUT, I have received a discouraging email from the workshop teacher basically saying that I am too inexperienced to do this on my own. I don't know what to make of this. I don't think it is a complicated process, am I missing something? I print my linocuts at home, I've had plenty of experience inking up etched plates (I did plenty of that at Geelong), the printing press seemed simple to use (maybe she is worried I wont be able to set it up??). I had planned to take all my own stuff: inks, rags, tartalain, paper and even a soaking tray and I am preparing my collograph plates at home. The only thing I assumed would be at the workshop would be the press, and the blanket thingy. She even offered to do the printing for me. Which could be an option if I find that it is all too hard. But most of the fun for me is getting the skills, experimenting etc. So, I'm going to forge ahead, but make sure I'm as prepared as possible before going out there, just so I minimise the risk of appearing like a complete dick.

Orange merino and silk yarn

It is very hard to photograph the wire to show the shape of the piece

Wire vessel in the Grass

I was tagged by Dijanne: 20 things about me 1. I am a Tasmanian but I now live on the mainland. 2. I am a civil engineer 3. We are about to renovate our house 4. I do not want to get married. I have known this since my late teens. 5. I love romance novels, I have since my early teens :-0 6. I like to read other stuff too. I am currently reading the biography of John Monash. 7. The book I have read the most times is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin 8. I have been ‘into’ textiles and fibre for a long time, but more intensely since my 4th year of University. My flatmate made a huge needlepoint rug. I did a few needlepoint cushion covers. We followed patterns in a book she had which used Celtic motifs 9. I decided to ‘be an artist’ early this year. My creativity has decreased because it is hard to find my own path. 10. I have had a photo of one of my quilts published in Australian Quilters Companion. I felt guilty because I don’t subscribe to the magazine and haven’t bought an issue since. 11. I met my partner at an Engineering Society Cocktail Party at University. We were very drunk. We have been together pretty much ever since. 12. I am an agnostic verging on athiest. I was bought up christian, I didn't change because I hated christianity, I just didn't believe the story anymore. 13. I lost 24kg a few years ago 14. I have put about 5kg back on. I have very little willpower around food. So much of it tastes so bloody good. 15. My favourite foods are vegemite on toast and Oysters, natural. 16. My natural hair colour is mouse brown. I colour it dark brown. 17. I was bought up by my dad. 18. I lived in Vietnam for 6 months in the mid 90’s 19. I was an excellent recorder player as a teenager. I also played the trombone. 20. I try to get 8 to 9 hours sleep every night. I know that I'm meant to tag others but I'm sure almost everyone I know did the '100 things about me' meme.... except CAROL!!!

I have obtained a good quantity of copper wire from a local generator place (nice blokes), but I've found I can't solder it readily as there is a coating on the wire (as the nice blokes and Riscy told me!), initially I planned to scrape the coating off before soldering, but it is a real pain, so I'm looking to other uses. Here is what I wore to the concert this weekend:

As alluded to yesterday, I'm also making a sculptural peice which I'm hoping to have finished by the weekend.

Wire Necklace

The amazing wisteria, towards the end of it's flowering.