goddess bookcloth

Goddess bookcloths are my Solstice gifts this year. The triangular shape symbolizes the three lunar phases --growing, fullness, letting go. Giving moon phase cards has become a tradition, maybe bookcloths will become one, too. Some have found their way out into the world already, but a few more are being made and mailed every day.

The bookcloth was inspired by a beautiful soft sculpture Venus doll I saw in a magazine. My take is sewn from homemade cloth -- remnant strips sewn onto a remnant backing -- and homemade fringe. I played with interfacing as a stiffener but decided a bookcloth should be nice and thin with just a little bit of fringe to mark the spot.

I'm hoping to set up a page on the sidebar with a few goddess shapes to use for various projects, in case anyone is interested.

Happy weekending and, of course, happy new year! xo

this dark morning

 I love getting up in the morning when the house is still dark. Only in the winter though, in the summer that would be too early for me. Some mornings I'll turn on the party lights in the kitchen -- they're up year-round so I don't call them holiday lights. This morning, after letting the dogs out and making my latte and going back to bed to write morning pages, I lit my Solstice candle. And took pictures. Then I went back to bed again and just waited until it was light enough to start writing.

I'm still focusing on making my Solstice gifts. I think we're are at the point where I can call them New Year's gifts. A little early for Valentines.

Anyone else in my position?

crosley moonday

By no means am I a techno gadget kind of person, in another life I might've even been a Luddite. But I love the retro vibe of Crosley, my new companion in the sewing room. We are going to be good friends.

Today is a waxing moonday in the sign of Aquarius. This last growing moon of 2011 feels special to me because we are still in the deepest part of winter darkness. The inner workings of what is to come are just beginning to stir, all we need do is nourish and nurture ourselves on all levels.

The lower legs may be influenced by Aquarius today and for the next two and a half days. Our legs represent going forward in life or making a change in our circumstances, seeming to connect them with courage. The only changing of circumstance or leg strain for me will be walking the dogs and going from the sewing room to the fridge and back. Oh, and pushing the sewing machine foot pedal.

I hope you are having a pleasant moonday on all levels.

shine

The crocheted hat was made and given to me by my grandmother, Lucia, one year. It was a pretty big deal because she had more than 20 granddaughters to make hats for. As I recall, she made mittens for the boys, another 20 or so. I don't think we all got them in the same year either, so it was special when your turn came up. My extended family is large on both sides, I tried to add up all my first cousins and think it's around 92.

I love the clearing energy of fresh garland and simple lights. I love the house still and ready for everyone to come over. And I love to remember that we, all of us, light up each other's lives. I know that each person who stops by to read this web log shines a little light on mine. As do all you whose blogs I visit.

Happy weekending! xo

new life

Joy to the world, the light has come.

On Winter Solstice we celebrate the light's return and the many possibilities it avails. I'm trying to take it slow though by remembering that stillness and quiet in the dark incubate new life. 

Yes, I'm trying. xo

snowball-lit moonday

Early morning in the sewing room with the new snowball lights. I've got a thing for snowballs lately.

I've set up a separate project page for the snowball cloth on the sidebar. In the style of others who've documented their creations from a single large piece, I'll do the same with my vintage, handmade snowball bedspread. Homemade chenille is what it is. There was so much time and labor, not to mention determination, in its making that it deserves to be parcelled out thoughtfully.

Today is a grayish waning moonday in Libra where I live. There is snowcover over ice over snow over ice. Not fun to walk on but it actually is a good thing -- snow insulates the earth and prevents heaving of plant roots plus it fertilizes the soil. Yes, that's right, as snow crystals fall through the atmosphere, they collect particles of this and that -- nitrates, sulfur compounds, potassium, and calcium and more. Maybe yellow snow isn't the only kind to not eat, maybe we shouldn't eat any snow!

Libra is an air sign that affects the health of the kidneys, hips and bladder. I've read that the life force is stored in the kidneys and is best strengthened during the winter with rest and warming nourishing foods. Very much like bulbs are buried to overwinter before blooming in the spring. If we don't follow through with this self-care, we may feel the consequences in the spring. And today is the perfect time to draw on Libra energy for balance between celebrating and resting.

Doesn't "snow crystals falling" sound magical? And speaking of magic, has anyone dyed with snow? I think I'll bury a bundle today.

making

Today I'm:

::making cloth from strips sewn onto a thrifted background

::making fringe from little clumps of yarn

::wondering if it'll come together the way I see it in my mind's eye

Happy weekending and happy making, too! xo