I've been busy sewing and have a few tote bags made of waxed cotton and canvas with a zippered pocket on the inside. bag dimensions: 16.5" w x 14"h. pocket is roughly 9" w x 5" h. Etsy store should be up soon, still working out some details. If you're interested send me an email: franklinstreetbags(at)gmail(dot)com. Perfect for the market, rain or shine.

Example of blind stamping

Large A2 cryo knife

Beaver stick

Knife by Fred J. Birck, ca. 1913-25

all photos courtesy of Jeff Peachey

I have only minimal experience with book conservation, but as a preservation technician for several years, and as one who has worked in libraries and archives for nearly a decade, I think I can safely say that Jeff Peachy has some wonderful ruminations on the craft. He obviously knows what he's doing and speaks on a number issues that come his way during his daily practice. Well worth a look see. And he has footnotes! His tools look good, too.

Photo courtesy of the Rue des Archives/The Granger Collection, New York

Erich Abram, Lino Lacedelli and Achille Compagnoni during the ascent of the 28,250-foot K2 in July 1954.

"Achille Compagnoni, one of the first two men to reach the summit of K2, the world’s second highest peak and among the most dangerous, died Wednesday in Aosta, in northwestern Italy. He was 94."

more here and here.

Old Town Clothing

Within a week I have had made a pair of corduroy pants, which cost when done $1.60. They are of that peculiar clay-color, reflecting the light from portions of their surface. They have this advantage, that, beside being very strong, they will look about as well three months hence as now,—or as ill, some would say. Most of my friends are disturbed by my wearing them. I can get four or five pairs for what one ordinary pair would cost in Boston, and each of the former will last two or three times as long under the same circumstances. The tailor said that the stuff was not made in this country; that it was worn by the Irish at home, and now they would not look at it, but others would not wear it, durable and cheap as it is, because it is worn by the Irish. Moreover I like the color on other accounts. Anything but black clothes.

Henry David Thoreau
May 8, 1857

Kiln shed

Main fire box.

Frank stoking the fire.

"Peep" hole

Inspecting the flame.

Junji and Willi

Sealing up the stoking ports.


Spring firing at Willi Singleton's noborigama kiln, Hawk Mountain, Pa.

Spent the weekend helping to fire a kiln. My brother has been helping out for nearly a decade and I was lucky enough to be able to join him this time. When we arrived Saturday evening they were stoking the main fire box. By the time our shift came around early Sunday morning, they were stoking the second chamber. By 4 in the afternoon all the chambers had been fired and the kiln was sealed up. In about three days, after the kiln has cooled down, the pottery will be removed. Think barn raising and sitting around a campfire all wrapped up into one. The flame is mesmirizing and has something just a little bit holy about it.

Willi on firing: "Firing is not something to be rushed through as quickly as possible. The Thanksgiving ritual of spending all day cooking the turkey and side dishes is more like my idea of firing: gathering with friends and spending all day (or two) enjoying the undertaking. The memorable Thanksgivings in my life have been as much about preparing the food with people you enjoy and care about as sitting at the table and partaking of the meal. My firings, which take place twice a year, have been made possible by the friends and family that gather kiln-side and work in concert. It may not be gourmet cooking, but the warmth and camaraderie can be felt, and the opportunity to interact with the powerful flame leaves an impression on participants. It may look like a party at times, but there is serious work going on and the experienced stokers know that good timing and focusing on the flame is paramount." from "Slow Clay".

Working with a group of people, many of whom I had never met before, was a blast. Thanks to Willi, Celia, Tom, Bev, Junji, Micah, Charlie, Audrey, Andrew, Frank, Barney, and many others who made the weekend so much fun.

Maryland Sheep & Wool, 2009
a bit more here.

Camping equipment advertising cards ca. 1920's