?While visiting the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival this year, I purchased a Lucet.? A Lucet is an ancient weaving tool dating back to the time of the Vikings.? It was used then and now to make a strong square cord, intended for? tying, lacing and decoration.??

I purchased my lucet from the Stephen Willette company.? It is made of? walnut hardwood and smooth to the touch.? Paying attention to the demonstration, I could see many uses for this tool.? The demonstrator explained how to use the lucet to braid a cord of wool roving too.? I certainly have plenty of wool roving!? And yarn and string, and cord.? After all, I am a craft supply hoarder.? I had visions of me making beautiful cording from my stash.

Since it is small and portable, I took it with me the next day on a car trip.? I was able to follow the picture diagrams and begin cording.? Here are some photos of the steps to take when beginning a cord.

?Thread the lucet as shown.? The fork on the right has one loop on it.? Pick up that loop and pull it over the leading thread coming from the left.? Pull tight to the right.? Then turn the fork clockwise and repeat.? Continue turning the lucet clockwise after each stitch.?

also, check the diagrams on this site, Finniwig Studios
The only thing I didn’t like was that my cords were loose and floppy looking.? I wanted tight strong cords.

I did some research and realized that while my mechanics were correct, my technique needed improvement.? Like with crochet and knitting, you need to get into a rhythm and find a tension that is comfortable for you. ?

So, while my first attempts at cords are not exactly what I would like to see, I went ahead and kept making cords.? Hopefully, soon, my cords will be tighter and more formed.? Until then, I will enjoy the process of learning a new handcraft.? It is relaxing and makes a cord in no time at all.

I went ahead and finished a few cords and they are improving.? I had some charms so I added the charms to one of the cords to make a bracelet. ? If you have used a lucet, tell me about it!? And I would be happy to hear any tips you have for me, to make my cords better.

Time for a book update.? I recently updated the book list on this blog.? After reading Solomon’s Puzzle by Loris Nebbia,?? I next read Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Piccolt.? Interesting transition from one book to the other.? Both main characters had lots of issues to deal with in life but one handled his problems in a positive manner and the other chose the path of destruction.? It really made me think a? lot about how both teenage protagonists had so much to deal with in their young lives.? One came from a “good family” and chose to be a victim in life.? The other came from a totally dysfunctional family and through circumstances, ended up with strong community support and good friends to help him get through the ordeal of life. ? Neither one felt safe confiding in people, even those closest to them.? Both boys felt so different, that no one would believe them or understand.? In our quest to “fit in” we humans forget to reach out for help.? So afraid of rejection, we choose to alienate ourselves, thereby creating the very thing we hope to avoid.? For some there is a happy ending.? Thanks to both authors for giving my brain food to digest.

And here is the photo update on the needle felting project I am working on.? It is almost complete, and I think I found the perfect button to put on the flap.?

The idea of a bucket list may seem a bit overdone but I have been intrigued by the notion for a few years.? When I hear someone mention their bucket list, I often feel that I should have such a list.? A well thought out script of what I hope to do before I get to meet my Savior.? Of course this would probably be the same thing as keeping an organized day planner with weekly goals and tasks, organized by different areas of my life.? Would I need to be an organized person in order to have such a list of? “must do” activities and goals.? I kind of enjoy my eclectic life. ? Is being easily distracted by new ideas and totally ADD counter to having a bucket list?? I mean seriously, sometimes I think my mind works at the level of a puppy’s.? Oh look a squirrel.? Oh you have a cookie!? I want a cookie!? Really.?
Or is? a bucket list maybe a list of things you are looking forward to in life?? I am giving this whole concept some serious thought.? I think I need to come up with a different name than “bucket list” though.? Any suggestions?? I think I will go eat a cookie now.

Here’s a peek at a special project I am working on.? I am making it from a knitted square of wool that I wet felted.?

There will be more to come on this issue but for now let me just say
Rasberry Jam, Rasberry syrup, Red Wine Rasberry Vinegar, Rasberries on cake, Rasberries in a bowl, Rasberries eaten al fesco directly off the bush.. well you get the picture