Winter Movie 2024: Wisdom of the Loom

It's that dark and rainy time of year, where staying inside seems more appealing than heading outside for projects. Over the years we've watched some interesting winter movies, ideally with popcorn and in the company of a friend or loved one. The movies typically showcase plants in the starring role (no matter how obscure the connection), and either entertain or inform us. Last year we watched Indigo - A World of Blue, in preparation for our year of dyeing fabric with indigo (Indigofera tinctoria). The documentary was produced by Maiwa Productions (which is affiliated with the Maiwa School of Textiles, a favorite source for natural dyes, mordants, and fibers).

This winter we are watching the documentary Tana Bana Wisdom of the Loom, also by Maiwa Productions. After the last several years of dyeing fabric with natural dyes, and seeing how different fibers absorb the dye, it is a natural progression to want to learn more about weaving. Through the documentary, we can follow the experts at Maiwa as they visit small scale weaving studios all over India, Pakistan, Africa, Indonesia, Laos, and more. Many of these destinations are known world-wide for their beautiful textiles. This is a perfect movie for a sabbatical year!

The documentary starts with a brief history of weaving, which is one of the oldest of technologies. Important terms are defined, including Warp (the long thread that runs vertically up and down the fabric); Weft (the horizontal thread that passes from salvage to salvage, also called the Woof); Loom (the frame that keeps the cloth taught); and Tabby weave (the most basic, plain weave of warp and weft threads). The production crew visits small studios all over the world to explore the many variations of weaves that have been developed, as well as techniques to embellish, dye, and enhance the weaving. The small operations cannot compete with industrial scale weaving, but can produce fabrics that are beautiful and original.

I was especially interested to learn about all the variations in weave patterns. For example, in Indonesia, Sumba weavers add a supplementary warp tread to the base weave of story cloths for extra pattern. In Laos, weavers use a supplementary weft thread that extends from selvage to selvage to enhance the pattern with texture. Extra threads are added to create a twill weave that is strong and supple, as seen in denim blue jeans. In India, small threads are added as supplemental welp, and cut to produce texture and pattern. A mushroom weave of cotton and silk enables individuals in Muslin culture to keep silk from touching the skin, but still enjoy silks' luster and sheen on the outside. I enjoyed sewing my wardrobe in my youth, so I was fascinated to learn more about how fabric is woven to produce interesting patterns. I highly recommend Tana Bana Wisdom of the Loom (access is free, but you must create an account to watch).

Field Notes for January

Welcome to Field Notes! I'm experimenting with a "journal" format this year, in which a single post includes brief entries made throughout the month. Entries may run the gamut from photos of landscapes, gardens, or wildlife; interesting articles, films, or books; evidence of seasonal change; night shots of the moon; fun projects to try; experiments; and so forth. I plan to publish the Field Notes before month end, but may continue adding entries and updating the Notes until the next month begins (so check back periodically)! The format may evolve over the year, or vary from month-to-month or season-to-season. In the spirit of "Sabbatical" and trying something new, let's give it a shot!

January 1, 2024

Happy New Year! Time for a fresh start in a new year. After weeks of cold, rain, overcast skies, and short days, today is clear, beautiful, and sunny. The temperature forecast for today is a high of 58 degrees F., and a low of 49. It's a perfect day to finish my thank you notes, start some good intentions, and enjoy the morning sun on this flower bulb collection from Mom and Dad in Alaska!

The bulb collection may include Crocus, Hyacinths, Iris, Narcissus, Daffodils, or Tulips.
The fresh green leaves look so beautiful in the morning sun!

Bulbs are a winter favorite because you can force many of them to bloom out of season in the right conditions (including Amaryllis, paperwhites, hyacinth, grape hyacinth, tulips and daffodils). Bulbs are easy to grow, fun to watch, and many have a lovely fragrance. What a treat!

January 6, 2024

Winter rain brings mushrooms! Some people associate mushrooms with decay (which can be the case), but mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of mycorrhizal fungi and can also indicate healthy soil. I'm always glad to see mushrooms after winter rains (see Mushrooms and Winter is Coming for a couple of posts).

Mushrooms are popping up through the wood chips all over the yard!

January 8, 2024

I'm reading an "antique" gardening book that I've been carrying through time, The Complete Book of Garden Magic, by Roy E. Biles (it was published in 1935 and 1940, and then republished by M.E. Biles and J. G. Ferguson in 1941 and 1947). My copy of the book was previously owned by two gardening sisters, Martha Fuller and Irene (Fuller) Baird, and left for us when we bought their house in Southern California. Martha and Irene were childhood friends of my Grandma Char and her three sisters (Mary Bina, Rachel, and Blessing) when they all lived in South Dakota. Later they continued the friendship after everyone moved to California!

Garden Magic includes many charming illustrations and infographics
(the artist is most likely Joseph Ebertz, according to the Preface)

The book is historically interesting, for seeing what practices, tools, and products were common, what beliefs were held, and what was considered new and cutting edge in the 1930s and 40s! The book was updated in the 1970's, but I wanted to read the original version.

January 12, 2024

Birthday flowers for a January birthday girl!

Pink carnations in January

January 16, 2024

Our gardener, Mr. Nguyen, gave us a beautiful poinsettia for the Christmas holidays. The bracts are an especially deep red, which made me curious about whether they could be used for dyeing. From the growers' label, I learned that the Aztecs used poinsettia bracts to create a pink dye! I haven't wanted to remove the beautiful red bracts from the plant, but I have been collecting any that drop off. I wonder if any pigment is left once the bracts dry and drop (might be a good solar dyeing project for warmer weather)! For more information about poinsettias, see History, Facts, and Care of Poinsettias, from North Dakota State University.

Festive Christmas Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)

January 20, 2024

I'm notorious for seed starting that goes wrong. I typically overwater the tiny sprouts and end up killing them with kindness (and dampening off disease). Still, I feel compelled to "try it again" this time of year (it's either that or clean something). 

 

Preparing to plant some lettuce and spinach seeds indoors using coconut coir pellets

January 24, 2024

All month I have been enjoying the bulb collection from Mom and Dad. The pot is in a sunny corner window in my home office. Every day there is something new to see. The Muscari bulbs (Grape Hyacinth) emerged first, with their tiny blue/purple bursts, and then the cheerful yellow-orange tulips started unfolding. It's like having a spring garden right on my desk!

Enjoying my desktop garden!

Landscaping: The Plan

Two years ago I reported on an initial site visit from a landscaping company (see Landscaping Site Visit). A year ago I reported on the site survey of our property that was done in preparation for our landscaping project. The post included screenshots of several key areas, including the entry, the front yard, and the back yard (see Landscaping: Site Survey). A year later, I'm now reporting on the landscaping plan. The schedule has been prolonged because of the pandemic and a backlog of landscaping jobs ahead of us in the queue.

Entry (planting plan): curved path from the street to the front porch

The landscaping plan has been a year in the making, with many meetings, conversations, and changes in scope during the process. The plan is beautiful, and is comprised of several views, including a concept plan, elevation views and drainage plan (we're on a gentle slope), the planting plan, irrigation plan, electrical plan, and materials schedule.

Front yard (planting plan): patio, sloped aspect, and oak tree

The planting schedule is filled with California native and wildlife friendly plants for our microclimate (they are described and recommended by Calflora and Calscape). These screenshots are taken from the planting plan and show plant placement. Many of the names are familiar to me, others are new and need to be researched. The plant collection should attract the birds, pollinators, and critters that we hope to see. The plan integrates legacy trees, plants, rocks (with moss and lichen), and garden features, with more California native plants, infrastructure improvements, and new garden features.

Back yard (planting plan): the dense vegetation that forms a barrier, and raised bed

Now, we just need to implement the plan (we're hoping it won't be another year to put it into action). We have already spent two years working through all the stages and processes to get to where we are today. Now that we can see the beauty to come, a long wait would be unbearable!

Sabbatical, Seasons, and Seasons of LIfe

Our theme this year is "Sabbatical, Seasons, and Seasons of Life". That's a mouthful, but it represents my goals for 2024. I'm self-proclaiming a year of sabbatical, in order to focus on several big projects and endeavors, and to pursue some new and different interests. Sabbatical conveys taking time to rest and restore, and exploring new horizons. Life has been pretty hectic and relentless for a long time, and I find myself re-evaluating my goals, pursuits, and priorities. Time for change! The last sabbatical I claimed was in 2018 (see Looking Ahead to 2018 – Sabbatical). Time for another one!

Nature is a big part of rest and restoration, and provides all kinds of inspiration. I love the seasons and the transition from one season to another. Each has its own beauty (or bane, in some cases)! Even here in the San Francisco Bay Area (where you might think the temperate coastal climate offers no seasons), we have distinct weather patterns, microclimates, and whole palettes of plants that offer up seasonal change. I'm looking forward to spending more time in nature and in the garden, observing flora and fauna, and looking for inspiration.

Seasons: (top row) Spring and Summer
(lower row) Fall and Winter

As with the seasons of nature, the seasons of life also change. I have to admit, I'm not getting any younger, and neither are any of the family and friends that are travelling through life with me. I want to honor that and see what the next season of life has in store and what it might look like. What has come to the end of its season of life, and what is just beginning? What no longer serves my life, and what would enrich it? It should be an interesting year of adventure. As always, I hope you'll join me on the journey!

Looking Ahead to 2024 - Sabbatical

Happy New Year to you and yours! Let's make it an interesting and memorable year, full of life, learning, and experiences. This year my theme is "Sabbatical, Seasons, and Seasons of Life". I'm self-proclaiming a year of sabbatical for myself, in order to focus on several big projects and endeavors, and pursue some new and different interests. I need the time.

I feel the winds of change blowing, and I want to be present to see where they lead. I'll continue posting during this process, since gardens, nature, and life are just too interesting to not take notice.

Clockwise: Field notes from nature and projects
Seasons and seasonal change
Seasons of life, transitions, and new horizons
Travels and adventures near and far

In the spirit of sabbatical, I plan to enjoy the seasons; nature, gardens, and plants; and this season of my life. I hope you will walk along with me on this journey!