Folk Fibers Blog
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THE SECRET TO ORGANIC SOIL MIX
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Organic Soil Mix 1 wheelbarrow-load Vermiculite 1 wheelbarrow-load Peat Moss 1 wheelbarrow-load Aged Manure 2 4-inch pots Blood Meal 2 4-inch pots Rock Phosphate 2 4-inch pots Green Sand After a couple years of working on organic farms, and managing a greenhouse, I have a clear understanding of what makes a successful soil mix. In the diagram above I extracted the basic ingredients to illustrate the raw materials. The option to use comercial pre-packaged potting soils are widely available at nursery and garden supply stores, but you can also make your own potting mix! Making your own mix allows you to control the types and...
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LOOKING FOR RAINBOWS TOPLESS
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Working on a farm is not romantic. The work is humbling, but the rewards are virtuous. I swapped stories the other day with Kim, one of my farm friends. I opened up the conversation with the question, "what was an early farm experience that confirmed your love for working on a farm" Kim said her first farm job was in Newark (outside of Rochester) New York at a farm called Peacework. On her first day she was assigned to do some transplanting in the greenhouse. She had a lot going through her mind and was nervous that her speed and technique may not be up...
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DEAR MOM,
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My Selvedge Magazine arrived today, and to my surprise a pair of long wool mittens came with it! The mittens are an incredible addition given by ESK-Life, they are made in Scotland, a blend of cashmere and mohair, and very soft. Thank you so much for the generous gift subscription, I wish I could thank you in person with a great big hug + kiss!
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SASHIKO
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I feel in love with quilting by virtue of sashiko. When I hand quilt I always use shashiko thread for durability and function, but most of all because of the beautiful history that defines it. Sashiko is a Japanese hand-stitiching technique, traditionally used by fisherman and farmers to repair holes in fabric. The plain-stitch technique originates from the working class and remote communities. It evolved from the need to protect, or mend, clothing and fabric. The basic technique is a small running stitch that follows the grain of the fabric, whereby horizontal rows of stitches are considered stronger than vertical rows. While the geometric...
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MY LITTLE STUDIO
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The truth is every surface of our house has turned into my work space. One of these days I will document the real craziness. But I wanted to show a little peek at my new set-up. It's wonderful how black paint seems to make everything pop! Even rings true at grocery stores and farmers markets. If you haven't noticed before, next time try to be conscious of what farmers market booth draw you in...I bet they have black bins holding their produce.
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STORING SEEDS
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A Garden's success depends in part on the quality of seeds planted. It is a shame to let seeds deteriorate inside a drawer or closet when simply putting them in an air tight container, inside the refrigerator, or freezer is the better option. I am writing this because I realized many of my friends and family were making this common mistake, so perhaps it can be helpful to share what I know on seed storage. Conditions essential to good seed storage are just the opposite of those required for good germination. Good germination occurs when water and oxygen are present...
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COCHINEAL
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You may have heard of carmine red, sometimes used in paints or in food as a red pigment coloring. Carmine red is the chemical extrapolation of cochineal red, a classic form of organic dye made by pulverizing the exoskeletons and egg castings of the cochineal insect, found largely in Arizona and Mexico. Research indicates it can take up to 70,000 crushed insects to produce about a pound of cochineal dye powder, which can then be used to dye yarn, fabric, and other materials. It’s even used today for both fabric production and in a variety of foods and drinks you...