Shetland Sheep: Rich in History, Rich in Textiles

Shetland Sheep: Rich in History, Rich in Textiles! Our farm mission is to enjoy and promote the wonderful diversity of the Shetland breed by fully utilizing to the best of our ability all they have to offer historically. We believe the best preservation and management of this breed includes it's full spectrum of history. We encourage old and new shepherds alike to join in the fun by engaging in fiber arts, especially spinning and knitting, as this breed is so intimately linked with those aspects of the arts.

Friday, February 4, 2011

Pretty bobbins full of yarn!

As promised, here are the pictures of pretty bobbins full of yarn I've made lately, as well as Wilbur and his fiber/yarn.


Pretty roving, fun to spin (Coopworth)

Next is silly Wilbur's fiber. For those new to our blog, Wilbur is a Shetland cross wether we purchased to be a buddy for our then ram lamb, Wooly Bear. They have been together ever since and get along great for two reasons: first, Wooly Bear is a very gentle guy, and second, Wilbur is bigger! Wilbur acts as the "Lassie" of the farm...in fact, some days we can let him loose when we are around gardening and doing things, and he follows us around just like a collie. It's fun!
Wilbur's fiber close up
Notice the light tips? I really like that in a yarn. Fun!

Wilbur last spring, with Honey behind him

Wilbur...got his name from Charlotte's Web...

Next comes the yarn. Below is some Coopworth roving (dyed) two-ply, spun at about four stitches per inch for a project, and natural Cormo fiber. Watch out! Felts fast!! Otherwise, Cormo is lovely to work with. It seems best for items not worn much between the fast felting, and the extreme fineness of it, making it less durable. But very pleasant to work with.
Cormo and Coopworth (dyed)

Now comes more Coopworth, and Wilbur's yarn in the middle (all singles yarns). His natural colors are very pretty, creating that beautiful variegation I love so much. I do find it fascinating when a fiber has white, glossy tips, then color changes down the staple the closer you get to the skin side. Fun!
I know, I know...I'm a chronic bobbin over-loader....!



Hope you enjoyed seeing what's been on my bobbins most recently!

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