Saturday, May 22, 2010

Knitting Outdoors .... Shearing Day Rewards

I have a lovely new spot in my backyard. It's a two-seat swing and it's the perfect spot to sit, swing, and knit while listening to the birds chirp away. The swing has a drink holder built in under the arm rest and an awning to keep the sun off. Without the awning, I turn quickly into a tomato. I need to pick up a couple of cushions for it though. The metal back starts to be uncomfortable after a while. This afternoon was the perfect time to sit for a bit with my knitting and enjoy the quiet. Well, sort of quiet. Pooh didn't like being ignored and let me know this.


The last two Mondays have been Shearing Day at my friend Sandi's farm. The first Monday saw 16 sheep sheared, and this last Monday saw the additional 18 done. Sandi insisted on giving the three of us each a fleece for helping. I fell in love the the one from "Cream", who is a Coopworth/BFL cross. It's her hogget fleece and so pretty. Photos are : (left top) the fleece; (right top) closeup; (left bottom) crimp shot; (right bottom) lock length.













Saturday, May 01, 2010

Spinning in the Warm Sun ... Alpaca Fleece

Today has gotten off to a slow start. It's suppose to be about 80 degrees outside today so I'm getting ready to hang laundry outside. Then, I will sit with my wheel and spin for a bit.

Pat has plans for us to head out to a flea market in the morning. This is nice, but, the stop after that is better. We are stopping at the alpaca farm who just had it's Shearing Days this past Thursday and Friday. Last Saturday, on the way home for CT Sheep and Wool, a detour to the farm was made just to visit. I really want some pure white alpaca to blend with some other fibers. The owner told me she will have some and will put it aside for me if I come up this weekend. Yippee. Now, there is a beautiful silver gray that might find it's way home with me too if it's still available........