flora’s headband
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.
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