Things are beginning to leaf out in Nature. Same for my boro'd Gap boot-cuts, the last patch. That's the checkered chain stitch down the middle where you use two different colored threads on the needle that take turns making the chain -- it's pretty fun. I'm not sure what's next stitch-wise on the leaf patch, but odds are it'll be black and white. It's on the upper thigh area and I don't really want to attract attention there, if you know what I mean.
Today is a waning moonday in the light and airy sign of Aquarius. Because Aquarius increases mental activity, our minds may work a mile a minute and mightn't want to stop for, must less tolerate, any obstacles. Aquarius rules issues of the lower legs like muscle cramps and varicose veins, so it's also a good day to avoid having to stand in one place for too long. If you can, put your feet up. In other words, let your mind do the walking today.
If you do have problems with your calves, you could try massaging comfrey salve or oil onto the area. As soon as my garden comfrey gets going again, I'll be making up a new batch of comfrey oil as we are nearly out of salve.
Comfrey Oil: Harvest and tear or cut up enough fresh unwashed comfrey leaves* to fill right up to the shoulder of a jar. It should be loosely packed and perfectly dry. Moisture in the jar or on the leaves can ruin the entire batch. Then fill the jar to the top with olive oil, stir around with a chopstick to get the oil evenly distributed and remove any air pockets. Screw the lid on the jar and set in a cool, dark cupboard on a protected surface as it may ooze. After 2-4 weeks and making sure there is no mold and it doesn't smell funky, strain the plant material from the oil, putting the oil into a clean dry jar. Label and store in a cool, dark place, should be good for one year. This oil is for external use only -- it can be applied as is or used as the base for a healing salve or cream.
*I always use fresh leaves for my oil -- I've tried using fresh root but it always comes out smelling "off" -- if you'd like to use comfrey root, then buy some dried -- it works great, too.
love the alternate color chain stitch you used. i saw that someplace recently and thought i must try it. haven't yet. nice patch.
ReplyDeleteDeanna, I think your beautiful dyed leaf piece came up on your blog right when I started thinking about this -- and Shishi had something about turning over a new leaf -- it's the time, I guess!! I'll have to come see what creations you've been up to -- just got home today.
ReplyDeleteI was just telling my sister last night how I am such a believer in the moon and planets affecting us and how as you post it is ironic how the malidies seem to find me that match. All day my calves have been hurting and a couple other people I know as we had a major discussion on it . amazing!
ReplyDeleteHelen, isn't that something? Same with me this past cycle with Sagittarius, I swear I felt it before I noticed what sign the moon was under. It makes me feel better to realize that this, too, will pass!
ReplyDeletePeggy, where can I find the "alternate color chain stitch"? want to learn it, thanks.
ReplyDeleteHi Herm, I saw it in a book but this tutorial looks pretty good!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.needlenthread.com/2006/11/checkered-or-alternating-chain-stitch.html
Thank you Peggy for the tutorial, i'm glad it is not difficult, i will try it!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for showing us the stitch and the tutorial. I always get a bit gleeful finding something I've never seen before and then realizing I already have the materials and the "talent" to pull it off!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Cheryl --- I know what you mean, I'm the same way!
ReplyDelete