Almost a year ago I dyed some of Flora’s merino roving for some peachy pink yarn. I was keen to try a spinning technique called fractal plying where the same colour scheme repeats in a cycle, creating a lovely pattern. I loved making this yarn as much as Sunshine loved the colours. So I spun up two more fractal skeins in blues and in greens and some white wool from our angora bunnies, Lavender and Miss Daisy. The brown yarn is from last year’s ram, Romeo. In my head, a couple of matching Baa-ble hats were taking form for my daughter and myself.
Ahhhh, but things in the mind’s eye are a wee bit different from reality, yes? My homespun yarn is a little thick and thin here and there, so my gauge is slightly askew. Nonetheless, I do think the blue, bubbly shaped Baa-ble looks just right on Forrest, though I meant it for myself. With the pompom on top, the hat doesn’t seem so rounded on top…
Altogether, it was such a fun project, bringing full circle from our beloved sheep to dyeing, spinning, knitting, and keeping heads cozy.
With the melt beginning, we may not be wearing these hats for too much longer this season…they are very thick with all the stranding inside. However, Sunshine doesn’t seem to want to take it off. And she has declared she needs a cowl to match. I just might be able to indulge my girl for some matching accessories.
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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15 Comments
You are so cleaver. I once raised a flock of Romney and spun their luscious fleeces, and dyed and knitted with the wool some too. Therefore, reading your lovely post is bringing back memories…sweet memories. I love your baa-ble hats…great pattern isn’t it? I have my wheel out and have plans to begin spinning again, but I must buy the wool now.
Thank you, Cathy….ohhh, Romneys! I just loved our Romeo’s personality….even when he turned rammy, he was gentle. I do love the Baa-ble pattern, although I want to be more consistent with my spinning to get a better effect. I am a little of a Virgo perfectionist, I admit. What kind of wheel do you have, Cathy? Mine is collecting dust, too….time to dive into a new project!
xo Jules
The spinning is lovely! And the hats are very sweet!
Thank you! I do love my spinning time, but I’m afraid it has been a little too long since I last sat and worked with wool. I’m inspired for a new project, though.
xo Jules
Loving the peachy-pink these days! You are becoming quite talented at dyeing and spinning. What a sense of accomplishment to be able to raise your own sheep, process the wool for dyeing and spinning, and knitting it all into these beautiful handmade hats (with sheep in a full circle, nonetheless). Very fitting!
I find that even when I do end up making something for myself that fits, it almost always is taken over by one of the kids. One day we will have hand knits to call our own. Let’s hope it doesn’t come too fast, right?
Oh, you are so right, Laura! I also would love to just knit my days away but I find so little time to actually put aside to do this. One day…and yes, I don’t wish for it to come anytime soon for all the right reasons. Thank you for your kind words…it means a lot to me.
xo Jules
Those are about the cutest hats ever. Good job!
Aw, thank you, Elisa.
xo Jules
What an amazing feeling, it must be, to make a project like this from start to finish. I spin, but have to rely on other people keeping sheep, for the fleece. Your hats are fabulous. I’m not surprised they want to keep them on. Just lovely. Making me want to get my wheel out now……
Thank you so much, Cheryl. It is such an incredible feeling to feed the sheep, shear the sheep, clean the wool, spin the wool, dye the wool and knit the wool. It is rather addictive. I wish you some happy hours spinning on your wheel…what kind of wheel do you have?
xo Jules
Oh. My. Goodness. Your post is lovely. I’m inspired to spin again- haven’t for several months. And your dying and knitting is simply gorgeous. Along with your sweet models!! Love everything about your post. :))
Hello Deborah…thank you so much! Yes to getting out that wheel!! It is like meditation, yes?
xo Jules
Jules,
I have a Schacht Matchless Wheel I purchased new sometime around 1991. I also have an Ashford that I bought in order to spin at historical events.
Wow I would love to see a project from sheep to hat, that is really amazing! And the hats are super cute! No surprise she wants matching accessories <3
Hi there…just a thought, but you can buy lots of raw fleeces on-line and clean them, card them, spin them up yourself. If you are a spinner, that is. An easier way to go from sheep to sweater without having to own the sheep. Thank you for your kind words,
xo Jules