There I did it again.

I spent the day alone at the studio, just me and the cats.

 I could tell you how I screwed up the "rethreading" of the Cranbrook, but it's a sad tale, and not that interesting. 
It only points out to me that I need to sometimes stop and think these things through before I plunge headlong into them.  Maybe I would have been saved from threading all these heddles AND the reed not once, but twice.
I could blame old age, or I could claim that people rumbling around in my head with drills and hammers might be the reason.
Either way, I learned something valuable.  And isn't that what it's all about anyway???

I always have company.  Miss Puss is never far away.  It rained intermittently and the breeze coming through the window was fresh and cool.
It was a lovely day.
I've told you how I love the rain, right?  Always have.

 And I finally got it done, using only half the threads I had on this loom from my double binding spree, to thread through an 8 dent reed for a plain weave rug.

 And I did the salad again, too.
I couldn't resist.  It was so good.
I don't scrimp on the salad dressing either.  Since that's all I had.  And it's so good.  Why screw with success, I say.

I totally enjoyed myself today.  Once I got through the hassle of the second rethreading, I was ready to weave.  It was quiet, no radio, just the sound of the rain outside, and Sydney purring on the bench next to me.
The fabric was all sewn into balls, so it was smooth sailing.

The rugs off this warp will be 42" x 68", and when I get this half of the warp woven off, I will tie on the other half of the warp and go again.  The double binding warp was dense at 16 epi, through a 12 dent reed, so to do what I wanted, I had to do it this way.

Do not ask what my first plan was. 

It sucked.

 To think I was once going to sell this loom because I couldn't get it tied up right.

And now it is a sweet, rainy day alone, savoring what I treasure about the studio, once again loving what I had almost forgotten in the months of a monster in my head.

 

Sydney says:

A little less weaving, and a little more scratching.....yup....there....down a little, over.........yup you got it.

 

Desiderata popped into my head today. The words have always resonated with me, and I have always found them comforting.

What a gift.

 Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be critical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.
© Max Ehrmann 1927