I thought I would show you all what I'm doing that is keeping me from working on hope chest things. This week, I've been washing wool in connection with an upcoming crafts workshop for the 4-H kids next week. The workshop will teach how to felt wool with both the wet felting method and needle felting. I did this same workshop with another 4-H mom a couple of months ago with the kids from our county. We're now going to repeat the experience with even more kids, and probably some adults, at the District 4-H Contests next week. My friend Karen is in in charge of actually teaching the kids how to felt and I am only in charge of teaching some about wool in general and preparing enough material for the kids to felt. I think I have the easier job!
The wool in this particular fleece is beautiful, and very soft! But it has quite alot of what spinners nicely call vegetable matter, so I've had quite a bit of picking and teasing to do. But the fleece was one that my husband would part with - mostly because of the VM. It came off of one of our Shetland sheep. Though the picture doesn't show it well, the color is a beautiful black, charcoal gray, and silver mix with a bit of brown as well. Shetlands are naturally colored and quite variable. I really like all the silver in this part of the fleece. It washed up well and if not for the bits of hay and weeds, I would wish I could keep it myself. But then, I'm starting to think that about all the wool I handle. I think I could become a wool addict! Alas...I'm hoping the children will be willing to pick out the stray bits that I've missed.
That looks like a chore. The kids are lucky to have knowledgeable women to teach them about these things!
ReplyDeleteI have never done this, but one of my daughters has a deep longing to raise wool and spin. Hats off to you..it's quite an undertaking.
ReplyDeleteOOOh! Are you a spinner? I must have missed that. I just started buying fleece and have just washed up some beautiful Romney(such shine) and Corriedale(so crimpy and soft). I really want to try Shetland. I love to spin it. Do you coat your sheep? Is it a spinning flock?
ReplyDeleteI'm finally learning how to spin. It is something that I've wanted to do for some time. My husband loves all things sheep, and I would classify our flock as a spinning flock. We go back and forth on coats. Send me an email, if you wish,(see my address on the sidebar) and we'll talk!
DeleteHi! Love the post. I'm going to be getting into sheep soon, (Shetlands) as a 4H project!!!!! So excited!
ReplyDeleteI love your blog. I'm 15, and sometimes I get the urge to collect things for when I'm out of the house. I found a green tea kettle I love....and asked my mum to get it for me, put it away, and give it to me when I graduate! She hinted about something, too, so I'm hoping I have a secret hope chest....
Anyway, I'm the author of three blogs....two I think you might be interested in.
nhfarmerwife.blogspot.com I'm writing this one for my mum. She homeschools us, bakes, gardens, is our 4H leader, rides sidesaddle, and so many other things....this is where I record all her recipes and tips and all.
youngyankeelady.blogspot.com This is one I'm writing for girls like me....because I've searched far and wide for it and haven't found it! It is old-fashioned etiquette advice, vintage inspired outfits, everything. Maybe Abigail would like it!
sevencousinsproductions.blogspot.com This is where I do posts about the amateur movie company the cousin's and I do. Join our mailing list!
Sorry for the long comment! I really love your blog and hope that you'll visit mine! Thanks!
Thank you for your comment and for the links to your blogs! I love to see what other young women are up to and Abigail will as well!
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