Yesterday, I spent the morning cutting back the massive Yucca plants that have been growing wild on my compound. These plants are formidable—sharp, resilient, and full of potential. As I worked through the thick, spiky leaves, I couldn’t help but think about the possibilities that lie within them. Yucca has been used for centuries to make strong, durable fibers, and I’m excited to reserve these leaves for a project I’ve been planning: making my own cordage this winter.
When the temperatures finally dip below 85 degrees—yes, I’m waiting for that cool break—I’ll begin the process of extracting the fibers from the Yucca. It’s a slow, labor-intensive task. There’s something deeply meditative about working with natural materials, coaxing fibers from plants that have been growing right outside my door. Plus, it connects me to an ancient practice of using what’s available in nature to create something both functional and beautiful.
But that’s not all. I’ve also been gathering materials for another experiment: natural dyes. The lichen that grows on the Palm trees, and the sorrel I’ve been cultivating all offer the promise of vibrant, earthy colors. Once the cordage is ready, I’ll start playing around with these dyes to see what kinds of hues I can bring out. It’s a way of layering the natural world into every part of the process, from the fiber to the color.
Stay tuned to see how this develops! I’m excited to share the results of these winter projects. There’s a certain kind of magic in watching an idea take shape—especially when it’s rooted in the land around me.
