After our first shearing last spring, Flora’s fleece was the only one I sent for processing. New to managing sheep and fleece, I was sort of testing out the mill’s work, and I must say I’m quite happy with the roving that arrived home to me, several months later. Though, there it sat, in my bedroom…the first thing I saw in the morning and the last thing I saw at night. I was so indecisive about what to do with 4 lbs of that soft merino roving that I didn’t do anything.
I finally decided to replace the tattered and well-loved headband I made several years ago and has since been delegated to farm chores. Whenever something is ragged or tossable…it becomes farm chore clothing.
Finally, after the holiday knitting wrapped up, I decided to dye the roving in soft blues and aquas. Then I spun 3 singles and made it into 3 ply yarn which is my preferred way to spin wool. I don’t pay a lot of attention to technical things that many spinners do, though I did weigh the headband to get an idea of how much roving to spin.
It can be a long process to make something from sheep to finish, but the rewards are immense. I really enjoy each step of the way and seeing how the wool is transformed into something durable and practical.
My lovely assistant happily offered to model my headband, a Drops design that is quick, simple and very practical. It looks a little big on Sunshine, but she loved how soft it is next to the skin. And my five year old was quick to chime in that “it looks like a slouchy hat without the lid”. Indeed…and certainly keeps the ears toasty warm.
Flora is the Beauty Queen of the pasture with her beauty mark over her lip. She will be a mother in another 6 weeks or so and I trust she is going to be very good…she has natural mothering instincts with the smallest black sheep in our flock.
Ahhh, Flora, she is such a lovely girl. I wonder if she knows I am wearing something from her? What a beautiful connection to my sheep…now, perhaps I should really blend into the flock and make a sweater soon…
*Joining Ginny here
*Ravelry notes here
*A little crafty nest’s give-away closes Thursday at 8pm. Winner announced Friday.
Hello out there, I'm happy you stopped by! My name is Jules and I am grateful to share my family's homegrown adventures here...from homeschooling to homesteading.
This space is my own reminder to savour the beauty amidst the chaos and messes of motherhood...to see the extraordinary in the everyday ordinary. Thank you for joining me.
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12 Comments
Adorable! I am just learning to spin ~ still in that awe stage!
Oh, Lannie, you will surely learn so quickly! Just keep going…I am far from where I want to be but it does keep getting better. Soooooooo addictive. What wheel do you have?
xo Jules
Flora is simply beautiful. Your spinning is so nice. I love that headband. I will have to look for the pattern. And yes – you should definitely knit a sweater!
Thank you, Donna! I do so want to make a sweater from my girls, especially my favourite, Posey. However, I need to spin spin spin. I realize that I was in touch with you recently about purchasing wool! Funny that. My business name is Wool Maiden.
xo Jules
Oh those pictures! Thank you for sharing the whole process from the sheep to the beautiful headband!
Hi Lisa! Thank you for your encouragement! I do love my mini flock of fibre girls.
xo Jules
Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful story and showing us your adorable pictures! Flora is such a beauty and the whole post radiates your love 🙂
Well, thank you for your kindness.
xo Jules
Such a lovely post! It’s great fun to see your process. I’m a hand spinner too (from my parent’s sheep) it’s nice to see someone else go through the steps to make something. I love the color of your yarn – very subtle. That’s hard to do.
Thanks, Jill! I’d love to know what kind of sheep your parents have. I also played with a spindle for a wee bit as it was easy to take anywhere ~ even the beach!
xo Jules
Flora is a beautiful sheep! It must feel amazing to start with sheep and end up with a (very pretty!) headband.
Your daughter is also a beauty, and looks so joyful with the animals.
Thank you! Yes, it is a lifelong dream of mine to have sheep, even before I was a knitter! Even more so, I wanted to be a mama! I am blessed to have both!
xo Jules