Colour mixing

The sun filtering through the window this afternoon was so lovely that I couldn't resist setting up to paint nearby. I've always found colour mixing difficult, but I've gotten better at it with practice. I usually work back from available yarn types and colours to make a palette. I don't have the patience for dyeing yarn. So though this was to be playing with geometric pattern, I ended up with something much more organic. I can't really use these for my weaving work. Once they are dry, I'll probably add some fine line work. But right now, I can't get enough of acid green, bright orange, pastel shades and a grey or two. 

It all starts with a brainstorm

Brainstorms remind me of my childhood. Now we call them mind maps, but I much prefer the former. The word suggests something of the unpredictability that comes with making and creating. So this is a brainstorm for some new work. Although I haven't had any time for weaving in the past month, I’ve just been offered a residency. I finally get to spend some serious time in front of a loom. Exciting times ahead!

Oranges and Lemons

The trees are full of ripe oranges and lemons. Once seeing them, all I could think of was cake. I had one of those internal fights with myself. While my head was saying 'no baking', I couldn't help but ignore it. After a quick scan of my cookbooks I settled on a Ottolenghi recipe. Orange, lemon and polenta cake for which I substituted semolina. It looks rather pretty once turned out onto a plate, with rounds of caramelised orange slices now sitting on top. All it needs is a light glaze with some apricot jam and a cup of tea. Again, no photographs, you're going to have to use your imagination on this one, and I might have to mark a little more work to deserve a slice. Right now, I'm so thankful it's a long weekend. Back to work for me.