Test Strips

There's an amazing trim and ribbon shop just down the road from where I live, called the Palms Haberdashery. It's amazing partly because it's within walking distance, but mostly because you never know what you'll find there. Ribbon is sold by the roll, sometimes flawed, sometimes shop-soiled, and seldom in colours you'd expect. It's cheap enough that you can buy ribbon just because it's lovely, and probably find a use for it some day.

My stash of broad satiny ribbon is growing; I can't print on it with fabric ink, as it won't withstand the heat of curing. But oil-based blockprinting ink gives a very sharp print with a nice texture. I couldn't put it up for sale without knowing how it washes, though, so I made some test strips to throw in with my laundry. It's on about 10 washes now, and I've been recklessly washing it with jeans and towels - it's holding up well! Just a few more washes, to be certain...


... and I think I'll make headbands from these.

I just found out that my Rocketmail account is dead, and can't be reactivated because it's no longer supported. I've had that account for about 10 years. I tried to remember to check it every few months, because people do still contact me on it, and I had some juicy emails stored on there too. All gone. It's the end of an era.

Oh, and if you want to go looking for the Palms Haberdashery, it's on Lower Main Road in Salt River, but not where the sign for Palms Haberdashery is. It's on the opposite side of the street. Where the sign says Palms Remnants and Halaal Food. Haphazard, yes.