Patt with Two T's

  Ice dyeing became a new passion about a year ago. I learned it during a brief workshop with my Creative Endeavors group, and I loved how unpredictable the outcome was. The powdered colors bleed through ice creating Monet-type patterns on silk and other natural fibers.    The process takes at least two days. First, all the fabric needs to be washed in a specific detergent--I use Synthrapol--to release all the oils and dirt from the material. Then everything is soaked in soda ash, sodium carbonate, which allows the dye to permanently adhere to the material. Cotton can be soaked longer; silk and rayon can break down in the soda ash, so keeping it timed for about 30 minutes is important.    While these are soaking, I set up 6-8 tubs and lay out which colors I want for each.    Once it soaks and is squeezed of excess liquid, it's laid in a tub on something that keeps it off the bottom of the tub, like a cookie rack. I have used aluminum baking dishes with holes cut into the b

1/2/2018   According to  ophthalmologist , everyone will eventually have cataracts and need surgery. This was my day.  Last month, I learned about the different types of lenses one can get and hoped I'd "qualify" for multi-focal which would correct both near and far and eliminate the need for glasses. These are paid out-of-pocket because they're elective over choosing near or far sight lenses only. Unfortunately, I did not, so opted for the far distance lens. I have been excited about getting this done because my sight has been affected, especially when driving.   But having any kind of surgery, even one considered "easy," isn't so easy. First, I learned I'd be using 2 eye drops twice the morning of the surgery and then 4 times a day every day for a week, then 1 drop 3 times, then 2, until the fourth week, which is only once a day. Yikes! I hate putting anything into my eyes! The nurse suggested I practice with saline first. I did that the week