Good morning, all. If you’ve not read the comments on yesterday’s post, might I suggest you do so? From Parisian ducks and the red-legged partridges of Portpatrick, to the sometimes-silent parrots of Buenos Aires, Australian pelicans, the egrets of North California, and the hummingbirds of Tennesee, Arizona or Texas, it was wonderful to read your litany of birdlife from all around the world. On this morning’s walk (which was very still and cold) I was excited to hear a couple of loudly drumming woodpeckers – one east, one west – competitively staking out their territory.
My post today covers a completely different subject: belt clasps and buckles, about which we’ve had quite a few enquiries since discussing the inkle woven belts I’ve been wearing with my Land o’Cakes and Coofle sweaters. I thought I’d show you a few examples of the buckles I have in my stash, the majority of which are very easy to find on marketplace sites like eBay or Etsy. Some of you seem to be having difficulty in finding such findings (ahem), but figuring out their nomenclature, having a sense of the required measurement in mm, and knowing the correct search terms to use, can make a big difference to pinpointing exactly what you are looking for.
I’ve found that this type of useful belt fastening, for example, goes by the name of “quick-release clasp” or “quick-release buckle”. You can find the plastic kind in different colours, or there’s also various types of metalic finish.
I think the heavy brass clasps (which can be found surprisingly inexpensively) are particularly pleasing.
Another option to fasten a belt is with a ‘D ring’ (bottom) and ‘webbing sliders’ (top) also come in useful for fastening and adjusting straps and belts.
The wooden clasp above is a vintage item that’s been hanging about my button box for a few years, waiting for a project. As a child of the ’70s I’d think of it as an ‘S belt’ or ‘snake belt’, but I’ve noticed that various marketplace sites describe such fastenings as a ‘cinch clasp’ (I used this term to find the nifty metal fastening below)
So there are certainly a lot of different options for finishing and fastening your hand-woven belts – all fairly easy to source online.
. . . it’s nice to finish a belt nicely, and I’ve found it interesting to explore the different ways in which I might do so.
I’m going to weave another belt this afternoon. What have you got planned?
See you tomorrow
Kate x
KDD & Co 
Kate today the parrota of Buenos Aires are very quiet as are the street, maybe the parrots ate also in quarentine or its just ghe colder autumry weather that is creeping in.
We have been in quarentine now for the last 3 weeks and the govt delared another 2 weeks so finding activities to keep busy is the name of the game. I am.a weaver? Knitter and felter and have had to stop doing all these wonderfully creative activities as my body aches too much. So i have tirned to my very old and tattered Bero book and made scones and a victoria sponge.. i am also reading a book by Tracey Chevalier called a Single Thread, embroidery, Winchester Cathedral and prayer kneelers.
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that ‘Single Thread’ book sounds very inspiring, Karen. I hope you enjoy it, and your baking, while looking after your aching body.
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That wooden belt clasp is gorgeous!
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I had completely forgotten about the cinch belts we wore in the 60’s, with just such a clasp as the one you show!
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Yesterday our governor declared a stay-at-home mandate until the 10th of June. So today, I finally decided to start knitting my Hillswick Lumber by Ann Feitelson. I imagine that the mandate will finish before I’m done with the cardigan but hope springs eternal!
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happy knitting, Bev
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I am knitting! walking! some garden time too… cooking lots… all those things help tons… and I always still have my normal workload. On a different subject, Kate, might you please share where you buy your buttons? which always are great… I am waiting for a delivery from Textile Gardens.. there website is great. A knit friend told me about them last week. Do you use a different source? thanks and thanks much for the daily emails which i am just loving.. Susan
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maybe I’ll do a button post at some point, Susan – I have (ahem) quite a large vintage stash
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It would be great fun to see your new stash… love the new so interesting orange shade in Millorchy… it’s incredible… stay safe, Susan
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Someday, I hope someone compiles a handy “Search Visual Dictionary” reference that provides images of various components of things and the name(s) those things are commonly referred by. I would find this useful for crafts and art, of course, but really, for everything. For example, I’ve been searching for reusable methods to keep face masks tight flush against the nose and cheeks for my two college-aged children, who are both providing “essential services” in our locked down community. So far, “nose clip” has yielded devices people stick on their noses while swimming, and I haven’t quite found a way to make them work with masks reliably. “Nose Clasp” hasn’t given me anything useful…
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search terms are difficult, aren’t they? Thinking of your children, and their courage, Kathleen
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Cinch clasps! My ever stylish Mother wore “cinch belts” with softly pleated or gathered wool skirts from the early ’50’s on. The belt was a broad – 4-5 inch, 10cm etc – wide band of elastic, usually black, affixed to a metal clasp of equal depth. All to show off the modish “New Look” tiny waist. Your wooden clasp is very handsome. jdu
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In London the Chiff chaff have arrived, mandarin ducks on a pond in Highgate. Starlings have taken over a swift box and the garden full of Goldfinches. Knitting on my needles. Life goes on. Xx
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I’ve got my next tablet-weaving warp lying on the living room floor – I really need to start it. It’s from the Applesies and Fox Noses book, which I just love.
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ooo – I recently acquired that book – it’s incredibly inspiring – and am looking forward to exploring tablet weaving (which I’ve not yet tried)
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My house is home to dozens of belts my Nan made us on her inkle loom. Every family member has a belt for their suitcase, so it can be easily identified on the airport conveyor. The handmade colour and texture sticks out a thousand miles in amongst the airport sterility. I have belts I can no longer wear, I’ve expanded! The children use them to dress up. The loom now sits in my bedroom alongside her spinning wheel, it’s a cheerful half moon shape. Her swift sits next to mine, so does her niddy-noddy. I miss her and the inkle loom is the most ‘her’ of the objects, it’s a pleasure to have it.
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After I walk the dog and pot up some seedlings, I’m working on a somewhat rogue (colour-wise!) LGF cushion. I’ve had small quantities of Aran-ish weight yarn in my stash for ages – two gift skeins from prior owners of Shilasdair (madder and meadowsweet), two natural grey skeins I acquired in Iceland a few years ago, and a skein I bought at shilasdair last year on a very fun visit (beautiful colour – meadowsweet plus indigo.) I’m excited!
I have very happy memories of last year’s visit to your neck of the woods (from vancouver) – I ran the Glencoe marathon so finally saw some of the scenery variously described by you…gorgeous. And got some good Scottish mud in my shoes!
Stay well everyone – I feel this test will leave our communities stronger.
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that’s a wonderful marathon to run, Julie. And an LGF cushion in Shilasdair yarn – what a treat!
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Thank you – and saving my pennies for some more of your special yarn once the right project calls to me. All gorgeous and I wish available in Canada (but then it wouldn’t be so special!)
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I am not a fan of belts. I like to feel my belly free – however, I do think the woven belts you have made are really beautiful and suit you very well. Whether or not I connect fully with your chosen topic of discussion, I truly enjoy your morning essays. I was so hoping you would have written this morning as I sat down with a cup of tea! :) and there it was! You bring a much needed pause and light during a very confused and depressed time. You inspired me to wake up early this morning and walk with the silent crows among the fading daffodils and bright tulips. I thank you deeply and sincerely for this inspiration. I hope to knit one of your sweaters or cardigans design very soon, and I really hope that you will publish a book of poems… “Too late – I’ve fallen.” LOL! One day later and I am still smiling and laughing at that line!!!
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Love these findings!
I’m knitting small hearts at the request of my local icu. Relatives can’t visit or stay at the moment so the hospital is giving a pair of hearts. One for the patient and one to go home with the loved one. It’s heartfelt work. I hope it provides some comfort.
Sarah (drsazmac)
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a comforting activity in all respects, Sarah
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I’m going to make oatcakes! Being shut in has led me to re-explore my daily surroundings instead of rushing past them as usual, and I’ve made some small but pleasing changes. The kitchen, in particular, had become an archaeological dig of jammed, stacked, and disorganized tools and ingredients, and I took most of the day yesterday sorting and purging the baking cabinet. In the process, I found a well sealed package of *Scottish oatmeal* — not the flaked, rolled stuff that we usually get here in the States, but a nice, medium grind of meal. I’ve just sifted through your posts to find the oatcake recipe, and will be testing it this afternoon. If the sun comes out and I can have tea and oatcakes outside, it will be a perfect day. (Our resident flicker, whose main job is to rid the elm of its insect life, has taken up the hobby of drumming on our chimney cap. He’s very earnest about it, but not especially talented.) Sending greetings to you, Kate, and all homebodies making the most of little things these days.
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hope you enjoy your oatcakes, Oona!
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The wooden clasp is amazing! Will have to keep my eye out for something like that!
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Should have posted this yesterday, but our SW Ohio woods and backyard are full of woodpeckers—at least 5 varieties at any given time. But our big excitement this year is the pair of Pileateds that have been visiting our feeder for the past two months. This is a first as we normally only see the male, then the male and the young later in the season. The best part is hearing them making their approach, they’re so very loud and chatty. We are daily thankful for the presence of all kinds of birds, for their song and their stunning colors, even the ones who might appear ordinary.
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Filling small fair-isle hand knitted neck purses with a mixture of dried stress relieving herbs to breathe in when things get on top of you and sending to friends. Works for me.
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Darning more socks – the only known downside to hand knitted ones, though I’m learning to enjoy it. Good to have the time to do it
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What lovely clasps! I use a belt with quick release plastic clasp when traveling by plane, saves the faff of taking the belt off at airport security. If you wanted to make your own, you can find plastic clasps easily in outdoor shops in the spare parts or repair category.
Last night I un-knitted a project. Lovely as it was, everytime I tried it on it didn’t feel like me and I wasn’t happy with it. I knew I wouldn’t enjoy wearing it. So I bit the bullet. It was so quick to undo 1 year of on-and-off knitting! Oh so freeing though. I’ve got my eyes on one of your cardis now.
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My ex librarian brain enjoyed this – search terms and keywords, so essential to finding what you need!
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Loving your clasps and buckles, really makes me want to make belts. I might have to get the inked loom! I live on the Isle of Arran with coast and forest right on my doorstep, my morning walk was so enjoyable as usual listening to a Buzzard overhead and seeing all the trees beginning to bud – nature just carrying on while the rest of the world is in turmoil. Also lots of birds in the garden including beautiful goldfinch and Siskin.
I’m crocheting a blooming flower cushion, it’s very therapeutic.
Thanks again Kate for your daily offerings. Stay safe and well.
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I’ve been exploring the inkle loom and pick up patterns. Do you use pick up techniques or do tablet weaving for your projects Kate? It’s a rabbit hole of exploration that’s for sure, certainly keeping my mind busy 😁
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I look forward to read your blog each morning with my coffee— always thought provoking . As the virus stretches across the globe with its destructive arm, you are reaching out with musings of courage, discovery and joy.
Thanks to your family!
Susie from Florida
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On our morning walks, at the south end of the Rhins of Galloway, it is the larks filling the sky with music; and the noise of rooks, house sparrows and jackdaws nest-building. I love that you are writing daily, Kate. It is always such a pleasure reading your essays, and now poetry. I am intrigued with the inkleweaving. Do you think it would be something I could teach myself to do, from some of the books you recommended earlier? I’m sure my DH could put a simple loom together from the instructions I have found. Anyway, thanks for your daily offerings. Hope you and Tom keep well.
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Hi Jennifer, I have just read your comment and was wondering where about you are. We are in Portpatrick and before the current restrictions, loved our walks at the Mull and my favourite beach, Port Logan. Hope all is good down your way. I too am loving these daily posts from Kate
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I’m knitting – when I’ve finished my current project I’m allowed to send for the Land o’cakes kit!
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