Homemade Center-pull Yarn Ball Winder

 Supplies needed:

• Kraft Parmesan Cheese container, wash and remove label and lid
• sharp scissors that will cut through plastic
• emery board
• 1 rubber band

 First, cut the top and bottom off the container. Then, make a hole near the top. Use the emery board on the cut edges to smooth them out. Add the rubber band to the top, just under the hole you made.

 To use, thread the yarn through the hole from the outside to the inside and tie a looped knot to keep it from being pulled through the hole.

 Wrap the yarn in varying directions to form a ball. The rubber band helps to hold it in place. When you have all the yarn wrapped around the cylinder, use a crochet hook to draw the end under a layer of yarn. Then, cut the knot to release the ball of yarn and slide it off the end of the tube.

There you go, a center-pull yarn ball. Incidentally, I've found that balling yarn this way is also easier on my hands.

Asian Coleslaw

This is a somewhat healthier version of coleslaw.

Asian Coleslaw:
1 head of cabbage, shredded
1 carrot, peeled and grated
1 cup of sunflower seeds, chia seeds, hemp nuts, flaxseeds, walnuts, almond slivers, etc.
2 TBSP honey or sugar
3 TBSP of soy sauce or to taste
3 TBSP of kombucha or apple cider vinegar or to taste
1/8 tsp ground ginger or 1" grated fresh ginger or to taste
1/8 tsp garlic powder or 1 clove fresh garlic, minced or to taste

Combine ingredients using the nut/seed mixture of your choice. Adjust the flavors to suit your taste keeping in mind that they will strengthen as the slaw marinades. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Keep in mind that the flavors may be too strong if left overnight. I like the leftovers the next day, but not longer than that.

Art Inspiration

 There is no scarcity of art inspiration where we live. So many different patterns and color combinations to try. The above makes me think of fish and would make an interesting fabric stamp.

 This one would make an interesting quilt or cross-stitch pattern. Maybe it could be a nice coaster or potholder?

And this one just makes me want to start doodling. It would also make a pretty repeating design in blackwork.

Hani Looms

 The Hani people are known for their weavings. At a museum in Jianshe I was able to get pictures of two types of Hani looms. Shops selling woven products usually have a loom set up at the front of the shop and someone working on it to draw in customers.

Kitchen Cabinet Curtains

Before: The glass panels fell out of this cabinet along about 2007 or 2008 and I added this pink dragonfly seersucker to help keep dust out. At the time, it was the only piece of fabric I had that was large enough to cover both sides. I've been wanting to change them for quite some time.

A few weeks ago, my husband helped me switch to this love blue sunflower print that makes me smile every time I see it. It's so cheerful. And, with all the rain and cold weather we've had this summer, it's been nice to have a spot of sunshine in the kitchen. Maybe I'll use the fabric scraps to make a new dish mat.