Open Farm Day

Saturday we had the opportunity to go to an "Open Farm Day" at a sheep farm in Wahoo, Ne called "Ewe and Us" which is owned by the McClure family.   I had seen a news story about this farm back in January and followed them on facebook, so was thrilled to hear about a chance to visit.

We saw the new lambs, watched a shearing demonstration, asked tons of questions of the very patient owners and I came away with a gorgeous fleece for spinning!  

Lots of beautiful lambs and I was surprised at how many sets of twins there were!

All their sheep wear coats to protect the fleece until shearing.  This is her "before" picture and below is "after" shearing...what a difference!  Behind her you see the next candidate for the shearing demonstration still wearing her coat.

Such a pretty fleece and there were many to choose from for sale.  I really had to keep hold of myself and not get carried away with buying!  This is my first experience with a raw fleece and I am anxious to get started!

It was an interesting visit and hosted by gracious people who made everyone feel welcome.  You can find the news story with video from January here and their website is here    They have many fleeces available to purchase and, as time permits, also offer classes in spinning, weaving, and felting and I will be keeping an eye out for those opportunities myself!  

Button Obsession

It is true...I am a button hoarder.  Recently my sister called me on it so I had to make something with buttons to prove that I am not just squirreling them away.

Every good project begins with sustenance...in this case vanilla latte!

Adventures in Dyeing

This week I embarked on my first foray  into the amazing world of dyeing fiber for spinning.  So many options for dye sources, many of which are totally safe in the kitchen using your regular dishes.  This was appealing since  I don't have a separate area or studio.  While I have recently ordered a kit of acid dyes (which require much more careful handling because of their toxicity), I decided to start with Easter egg dye, food coloring and also koolaid for these initial attempts.

Corgi tech support

Peg Loom Project

I Love my weaving sticks  and mentioned to my husband that I would like to have a peg loom.

We struck a bargain that would build me a loom and secure him some new power tools!  Seemed like a fair deal to me!  

We just completed the project...my part consisted of sanding the pegs and painting the finished product.  I only mention that since there are those who think that when I say "help" I mean I'm supervising the project lol

There are three rows of pegs different size and distance apart.  

I am absolutely thrilled with the Loom and having finished the last peg this morning I am all set to start weaving!  

Handspun

Stopped at the Yarn Barn in Lawrence Kansas recently...it is a fantastic store and if we are passing anywhere near it we make a detour!  Lawrence is a college town and  there are tons of restaurants, bookstores and great shops.

Picked up some beautiful fiber!  Can't wait to work with it!

Song of the Minstrel

Soon after our trip to Tennessee, where I ordered my Kromski Minstrel from Beth at Three Creeks Farm, it arrived!

I received a pound of beautiful merino wool and a Kromski niddy noddy thatwere included  with my wheel.

Each piece was wrapped in Polish newspaper which I carefully smoothed and set aside for a friend who will love to translate them!  

Unable to wait for the handyman (my husband) to get home and assemble it for me, I  carefully set out each piece.  I actually found  a great youtube video on how to assemble it and used that to complete the project!  Is there anything that is NOT on youtube?

 

There was  a period of getting acquainted and now I am really enjoying this wheel and could not be happier with my choice!

Three Creeks Farm

Many months ago  while travelling thru Tennessee visiting friends and family we stopped in  at Three Creeks Farm in Charlotte Tennessee.  I was in the market for a new spinning wheel and after much research was looking for a Kromski and really wanted to see and test one in person.  The  farm is listed on the Kromski website as a dealer and after making a call we were invited to stop by and meet all the farm animals and of course test some spinning wheels.


After following a winding road and wondering if we might be lost, we suddenly saw the sign!  As we drove up we were greeted by a lovely pack of dogs.  This furry welcome wagon was quite an assortment of friendly creatures.  When I opened my car door a giant head landed right in my lap. That head was attached to one of the biggest dogs I have ever seen and his whole body was wagging as he gave me his sweet slobbery welcome.  I haven't ever seen a mastiff that close up before but he was very gentle.

Upon exiting the car we were greeted by the lady of the farm, Beth,  and as she was speaking I realized that there was snorting coming from the surrounding  pack and right in the middle of it was a little pig.

We were taken on a tour to meet all of the animals then into the little workshop to talk about spinning wheels.  I ended up ordering a Kromski Minstrel and having it shipped home since we would be flying back and not able to carry it with us.

I am thankful to Beth for her graciousness in allowing us to come with very little notice and also her patience in talking with me about spinning.  She and her husband,who is a blacksmith, teach classes, do period re-enactments and demonstrations and also organize the Middle Tennessee Fiber Fair.  I wish I lived closer to benefit from the classes but am hoping to time my next trip so that I can attend the fiber fair!

This post is sadly lacking in pictures I wish I had taken more!
If you happen across my little blog and are interested you can find the website for Three Creeks Farm here:  http://www.3creeksfarm.com/    where you can find information on classes and workshops and farm tours.  They also have a facebook page that often has additional information.

More to come on the Kromski Minstrel!

Woven with Love

I recently made a rug for a dear friend and got the chance to deliver it in person a few states away.  Now that it is in its new home I can post pictures here.

 As usual I had plenty of corgi assistance.











Her home is decorated in earth tones and it was a bit of a challenge to find just the right shades for this project.