Damselfly Larvae

Pixel6a: 1/263, f1.73, 62ISO, autoWB 4.38mm. cropped

While crossing the creek to get rid of five buckets of walnuts, I noticed a damselfly larvae (Odonata: Zygoptera: Calopterygidae) in the creek.

None Left

Z50: 1/160s, 1000ISO, autoWB, 90mm Laowa macro.

This caterpillar (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea: Papilionidae: Papilio polyxenes) was doing its best to consume the dill it was on. Luckily, there is more dill nearby and the caterpillar is getting close to pupating.

Frog in Grass

Z50: 1/160s, f7.1, 400ISO, autoWB, 250mm.

The amphibians are on the move and this wood frog (Amphibia: Ranidae: Lithobates sylvaticus) was doing its best to hide from me.

Hornet in Goldenrod

Pixel6a: 1/1949s f1.73, 54ISO, autoWB, 4.38mm. cropped

I went out on the property today to collect bergamot and Rudbeckia seeds that I hope to propagate next year.
Among the flowers in the south field, I came across a white and black hornet (Hymenoptera: Vespoidea: Vespidae: Dolichovespula maculata).

Denim Belt Bag

The last few days I was inspired to work on a sewing project I’d been thinking of for a while, a belt bag (or fanny pack), made of denim scraps.

I took apart several pairs of jeans a while back (with the aim to make a yet-unmade jacket) and had the smaller pieces (yokes and belt loops) in a bin with offcuts from other creations.

First I created a plan for the dimensions based on the items that I wanted to fit into the bag (phone, glasses case, and wallet, which I measured) and made a plan for the size of the fabric I would need. I decided on an outer pocket for the phone with a main area to hold the wallet and glasses along with a pocket in the back to hold a mask. The pattern main pieces (3) are 7×12 inches and the sides are 2″ wide (I used 1/4″ to 5/8″ seams).

Then I started to piece the scraps together, trying to take maximize the fabric scraps in a freeform process and topstitched them. I also tried hammering the denim to flatten seams and fount that worked really well. For the front pocket, I created a welt for the zipper and placed it between a lining which I then sewed to the body as one piece. I handsewed the belt loops to the rear so that I could put the bag onto various belts or straps.

The interior is lined with a white canvas scrap. I bagged the main portion lining and pulled it through a side opening which I then sewed shut. I may add some additional hand topstitching to the sides but I haven’t done that yet.
I’m happy with the result and have so far found it to be quite useful.

Large Brown Caddis

Z50: 1/200s, 2000ISO, autoWB, 90mm Laowa macro.

This large orange/brown caddisfly is possibly in the genus Pycnopsyche (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae) and somehow found its way into the house overnight.

Jumping Spider

Z50: 1/400s, 1250ISO, autoWB, 90mm Laowa macro.

Getting the focus and framing correct while using the macro lens is quite difficult (tiny movements affect the resulting frame dramatically). This shot is not quite where I would like it but the subject is so interesting.

This small jumping spider (Araneae: Salticidae) has orange undertones and white hairs and was hiding on joe-pye weed.