The first challenge was to find out where to buy fabric dye. You used to be able to get a whole rainbow of colours at any grocery store in town but apparently that is not the case anymore. In fact, the sales clerks that I asked for it looked at me like I'd just fallen off a turnip truck backwards, bumped my head and was dillusional. All I got were blank stares and shoulder shrugs.
A co-worker told me that she'd purchased fabric dye at Shoppers Drug Mart before. I stopped off at one of the local stores on my way home that day. Yes, they did have it. Black....red....and white, which turned out to be colour remover, not fabric dye. Nothing useful to me, however. I was looking for more subtle colours that would be appropriate for the new medieval garb I plan to make to wear at SCA events.
Last night, after I'd run all over the place looking for dye in the past two weeks, a friend informed me that I could find fabric dye at Fabricland...a fabric store. Well, that makes entirely too much sense for me to have thought of that on my own. In hindsight, it seems so obvious though. It's true what they say, hindsight is 20/20.
I ultimately did find the dye I was looking for at Zellers in, of all places, the sewing notions department. My first thought would not have been to look there but a knowledgeable sales associate pointed me in that direction. I bought several packages in appropriate hues (they only had a few colour choices available), fearful that I might have difficulty finding it again.
So, I head off to the laundromat with the white, 100% cotton, queen size sheet that I'd purchased for $4.99 at Value Village. I followed the instructions to the letter....well, alright....almost to the letter. I rinsed the sheet under cold water to get it wet first. Then, I popped the two loonies into the machine and started it filling up with hot water. I added the whole package of dye.
Next, in goes the damp sheet. After ensuring that the whole thing was staying submerged in the dye solution, I let it run through the complete cycle. The instructions did say not to let it go through the final spin stage and, in retrospect, perhaps that may have been detrimental to the process. The table salt that I added in the cold water rinse stage to set the colour could have been ill advised too.
At any rate, the sheet was mostly blue when it came out of the machine. What baffles me is why there are a number of darker blue blotches on the fabric, and it truly mystifies me how there could be a few pure white patches still visible. Okay, experiment #1 in dyeing fabric was a wee bit less than successful. The material will serve me for making my first trial garb though, and who knows, it might end up good enough to wear to an event some time.
Does anyone have some helpful tips or tricks to employ when I dye my next piece of fabric? I probably did not have all the material wet enough when I put it into the washing machine for starters. I'd say it was more damp, than wet. Also, I think that I should have dissolved the powdered dye in a small amount of water first before putting it into the machine to make sure it was broken down properly. I wonder if air pockets could have dispersed the dye unevenly, hence the dark blotches and white spots? You're supposed to wear rubber gloves? Please help if you can!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
The Dynamics of Thought
The mind is a complex thing and very few people truly understand the dynamics of thought. More than any other factor, it's our 'thinking' that determines our quality of life. Oh sure, outer circumstances play a significant role but only inasmuch as 'how' we think about them.
For example, let's take two people whom we will call Mary and Anne. Both women lose their jobs on the same day. Both had been with their former employers for many years and were not expecting a lay off. Both are in their mid-forties and have not been in the job market for quite some time. However, they handle the aftermath of this experience very differently.
Mary is devastated and cries for days. She views this experience as the worst thing that has ever happened to her. She has no motivation to get up in the morning anymore and falls into a state of despair. She worries about how the bills will be paid, when her unemployment insurance will come in and then when it will end. She does not believe she will be able to find another job. Her self-esteem takes a downward spiral. She doesn't know what to do, so she does nothing at all. Sheer desperation finally forces her to take action, to apply for and take a job that she knows she will hate. She is miserable.
Anne on the other hand sees this as an opportunity to try something new or to go back to school. While initially upset about the lay off, she does not sit back and feel sorry for herself. Within two days, she is at the local employment centre meeting with a councillor to discuss options. Three weeks later she is taking a class to help her upgrade her computer skills, learn how to write a resume and how to prepare for a job interview. Her confidence builds as the course progresses. Before the end of the session, she has applied for and accepted a position that is perfectly suited for her and her skill set. She is ecstatic.
The same basic set of circumstances...two different outcomes. Why? Because each woman chose to 'think' about her situation in a different way. That thinking sent them on very different paths. Mary was equally able to find a rewarding new job, like Anne did, but her thinking stopped her from even trying. What is your 'thinking' stopping you from doing or being?
For example, let's take two people whom we will call Mary and Anne. Both women lose their jobs on the same day. Both had been with their former employers for many years and were not expecting a lay off. Both are in their mid-forties and have not been in the job market for quite some time. However, they handle the aftermath of this experience very differently.
Mary is devastated and cries for days. She views this experience as the worst thing that has ever happened to her. She has no motivation to get up in the morning anymore and falls into a state of despair. She worries about how the bills will be paid, when her unemployment insurance will come in and then when it will end. She does not believe she will be able to find another job. Her self-esteem takes a downward spiral. She doesn't know what to do, so she does nothing at all. Sheer desperation finally forces her to take action, to apply for and take a job that she knows she will hate. She is miserable.
Anne on the other hand sees this as an opportunity to try something new or to go back to school. While initially upset about the lay off, she does not sit back and feel sorry for herself. Within two days, she is at the local employment centre meeting with a councillor to discuss options. Three weeks later she is taking a class to help her upgrade her computer skills, learn how to write a resume and how to prepare for a job interview. Her confidence builds as the course progresses. Before the end of the session, she has applied for and accepted a position that is perfectly suited for her and her skill set. She is ecstatic.
The same basic set of circumstances...two different outcomes. Why? Because each woman chose to 'think' about her situation in a different way. That thinking sent them on very different paths. Mary was equally able to find a rewarding new job, like Anne did, but her thinking stopped her from even trying. What is your 'thinking' stopping you from doing or being?
Monday, June 27, 2011
The Virtues of Vitamin B1
Rumor has it that taking vitamin B1 - Thiamine - helps to ward off mosquito bites. Unfortunately, there are no documented scientific studies that have proven it. Many studies, in fact, claim that this remedy may be useless. The truth is that the attractant level of each individual to biting insects is based on a complex interaction of many chemical and visual signals. I can only relate my personal experiences and leave you to make your own conclusions.
After my partner began taking Warfarin, an anticoagulant taken to thin the blood & prevent clotting, he became a misquito magnet. Something about the effect of that medication on his system made him very attractive to them. He was getting eaten alive at outdoor events!
Nothing seemed to deter them from their tasty meal. Citronella just attracted them more. Most of the commercial repellents did not work either, aside from DEET. But not wanting to use such a harsh chemical on his body, he went searching online for an alternative. That's when he encountered the controversial information about Vitamin B1, and he decided to try it.
Miraculously, it seems to work quite well. Taking one tablet a day between April and October keeps the misquitoes away. He no longer seems quite so yummy to them. *smile*
![]()
It takes about two weeks to build up the vitamin B1 level in your system and there are many healthy, thiamine rich foods that you can eat to help too....
Sunflower seeds are particularly high in thiamin
Beans, such as black beans, green peas, and lentils
Whole grains such as oatmeal and brown rice
Yeast (brewer’s yeast supplements)
Dark leafy greens, like kale
Organ meats, such as liver
Enriched bread products
Cauliflower
Asparagus
Potatoes
Oranges
Pork
Corn
Eggs
One thing to note, since vitamin B1 is water soluable it is continually flushed from the body and your reserves will need to be replenished regularly either by taking a vitamin supplement or by eating any of the thiamine rich foods listed above. Does it really work? It seems to for us. Is it worth trying? Absolutely! Let me know how it goes for you.
After my partner began taking Warfarin, an anticoagulant taken to thin the blood & prevent clotting, he became a misquito magnet. Something about the effect of that medication on his system made him very attractive to them. He was getting eaten alive at outdoor events!
Nothing seemed to deter them from their tasty meal. Citronella just attracted them more. Most of the commercial repellents did not work either, aside from DEET. But not wanting to use such a harsh chemical on his body, he went searching online for an alternative. That's when he encountered the controversial information about Vitamin B1, and he decided to try it.
Miraculously, it seems to work quite well. Taking one tablet a day between April and October keeps the misquitoes away. He no longer seems quite so yummy to them. *smile*
It takes about two weeks to build up the vitamin B1 level in your system and there are many healthy, thiamine rich foods that you can eat to help too....
Sunflower seeds are particularly high in thiamin
Beans, such as black beans, green peas, and lentils
Whole grains such as oatmeal and brown rice
Yeast (brewer’s yeast supplements)
Dark leafy greens, like kale
Organ meats, such as liver
Enriched bread products
Cauliflower
Asparagus
Potatoes
Oranges
Pork
Corn
Eggs
One thing to note, since vitamin B1 is water soluable it is continually flushed from the body and your reserves will need to be replenished regularly either by taking a vitamin supplement or by eating any of the thiamine rich foods listed above. Does it really work? It seems to for us. Is it worth trying? Absolutely! Let me know how it goes for you.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Handmade Glass Beads by Louise Ingram
I originally connected with Louise on Etsy. I fell in love with and purchased a goddess bead she had created. I was so impressed with the bead I received that I asked her about purchasing a bulk lot of them to sell at events. I've been showcasing these beauties for her since 2009.
Each goddess bead is a miniature work of art. Her work is absolutely amazing! It's hard to believe that Louise has only been lampworking (making glass beads) since 2006. She is primarily self-taught through online tutorials and books, although she did take a couple of classes last year to learn some new techniques.
In June of 2010 three of her Space Monkey beads headed into orbit on the Space Shuttle Atlantis as part of a special project initiated by Beads of Courage. Sam Supernova, Mike Mercury and Ray Gamma were honoured to be a part of Beads in Space.
You can see of more of Louise's incredible work on her website or in her Etsy shop.
Each goddess bead is a miniature work of art. Her work is absolutely amazing! It's hard to believe that Louise has only been lampworking (making glass beads) since 2006. She is primarily self-taught through online tutorials and books, although she did take a couple of classes last year to learn some new techniques.
In June of 2010 three of her Space Monkey beads headed into orbit on the Space Shuttle Atlantis as part of a special project initiated by Beads of Courage. Sam Supernova, Mike Mercury and Ray Gamma were honoured to be a part of Beads in Space.
You can see of more of Louise's incredible work on her website or in her Etsy shop.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Upcoming Event: Georgetown Highland Games
We have participated in the Fergus Scottish Festival for many years now and vending there has been fairly profitable for us. So, we decided to try branching out to another similar event this year, the Georgetown Highland Games. It takes place this Saturday, June 11th at the Georgetown Fairgrounds, 1 Park Avenue in Georgetown, ON.
From the outside, it does not appear to be a well organized as the Fergus event. We don't even know what time we have to be there to set up or what time the event is over. The first indication we were even accepted to vend was when the bank statement showed that the cheque had been cashed. A week or so after that we received a short, message via e-mail stating that we were 'in'.
No other information was forthcoming, so I've sent an e-mail to several members of the committee to try and clarify things for us. What I do know is that all the events seem to get started at 8:30 a.m. and that all the awards ceremonies begin at 5 p.m. We're aiming to be there at 7 a.m. to set up shop.
The Georgetown Highland Games are committed to promoting and preserving Scottish culture & heritage in our community. This year is the 36th year for this local event.
2011 Admission Prices
Adults: $15.00
Seniors & Students: $8.00
Children 12 & Under, with Parent: Free
Parking: $5.00
Dogs Welcome - On Leash At All Times
Come on out and visit us there! It looks like it will be a fun day.
From the outside, it does not appear to be a well organized as the Fergus event. We don't even know what time we have to be there to set up or what time the event is over. The first indication we were even accepted to vend was when the bank statement showed that the cheque had been cashed. A week or so after that we received a short, message via e-mail stating that we were 'in'.
No other information was forthcoming, so I've sent an e-mail to several members of the committee to try and clarify things for us. What I do know is that all the events seem to get started at 8:30 a.m. and that all the awards ceremonies begin at 5 p.m. We're aiming to be there at 7 a.m. to set up shop.
The Georgetown Highland Games are committed to promoting and preserving Scottish culture & heritage in our community. This year is the 36th year for this local event.
2011 Admission Prices
Adults: $15.00
Seniors & Students: $8.00
Children 12 & Under, with Parent: Free
Parking: $5.00
Dogs Welcome - On Leash At All Times
Come on out and visit us there! It looks like it will be a fun day.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)