something new

/

P1010047
I've got a new project I'm getting ready to put up in my shop in the next few days. A totally new genre for me--well, not completely new, but new in this space. But I'm still thinking it through. This is really just a test-run, if you will. See if there's any interest in them because I'm really enjoying making them--the mixture of modern-day tools, with the steady rhythm of working with my hands. Working alongside my husband, needing his steady hand and knowledge to make it through the whole creative process. The transformation of something rough and raw into something useful, smooth and practical. Seeing the deep color emerge with just the first swipe with a soft, oil-soaked cloth.

P1010050

P1010060

Can you tell I've been reading Wendell Berry? My husband turned me on to him and after just finishing Andy Catlett last night, he may now be one of my favorite authors. I can't quite put it into words yet, exactly what it is that I love about his writing. There's no plot, no drama--it's just about living, and work and rest and home. I filled pages and pages of my notebook with favorite quotes:

"The households of my grandparents seemed to breathe forth a sense of the real cost and worth of things. Whatever came, came by somebody’s work."

P1010055

The book is inspiring me. Inspiring me to be away from my computer; to finally just jump in and start a quilt, but only with the things I have on hand; to read in the evenings and pick up my knitting again; to replace a few missing buttons and patch up a worn-out knee; to put a good, hearty dinner on the table and enjoy the warmth and rhythm of "putting things to rights" before relaxing in the evening.

I'm sure you'll be hearing more Berry-filled quotes and inspiration here in the time to come. I hate it when I come to the end of a good book so I think I'll savor it here for awhile longer.

Be watching this space. Once I get my ideas in order, I'll be showing more of what's above. There will only be two available to start. I'm starting simple and small. We'll see what happens.

Happy Tuesday.