cleaning a fleece

Last weekend I decided to start processing this fleece.  It is an awarding winning fleece that I purchased at SAFF in North Carolina.  Getting to touch all the fiber is always so lovely.  I really do not need anymore, because I have so much to process, but I am off to the Taos Wool Festival this weekend.  More fiber.  More animals.  More mountains.  Possibly some restraint when it comes to purchasing fiber.  Maybe not.

I spent hours picking through the fleece.  Getting straw and dirt clumps out of it.  Because it was such a well kept sheep, there really was not a lot of there crap to clean out.

I washed it in the bathtub with a very gentle soap.

And now it is drying.  Soon it will be dry enough for carding and spinning.  It is another of those meditative tasks.  The problem with this fleece is trying to decide what I want to do with it.  It is just a lovely color and softness that I have too many ideas.  I do have more fleeces to process, even some I can dye.

More experimentation!

made a decision about knitting

I have been exhausted after work this week.  I get home and it has been all I can do not to take a nap straight off.  Yesterday, I caved.  I could probably slept from 3:00 pm until morning except for a few simple needs.  When I woke, my Beloved made sure I got some ginger tea in me for inflammation and food so I would not wake up starving.  I still think I should have just crawled back into bed after changing into my shift.

Today, on errands I stopped for fabric. I had nice coupons.  I picked up another piece of linen so I can make another shift when it is needed.  You will recognize the plaid.  The dress I made from that one got gifted to my best friend on our way to the mountain last time.  She was complaining about clothes and how she wished she had more dresses.  I had her try it one.  Once she had it on and loved it, I gifted it to her.  I will probably be making more for her but with a different neckline so it works better on film sets.

Last winter, I purchased this knitting kit for myself.  I know I have enough knitting skills to make this sweater dress, but I do not have the patience.  After Meg's (from NW Handspun Yarns) compliments about my crocheting, I decided why not.  I pulled the crochet hook that is the same size as the knitting needles that the pattern called for and I am going to go for it.  I saw a cool crochet technique that gives the fabric a definite front and back and does not give it so much thickness.  I am going to try that.

I have noticed I am really enjoying the spinning in the evening.  I have a sweater for Small Mister I need to finish before Christmas.  I know it will be but I have to admit I like making the yarn for his hat and mittens too!  There are just not enough hours in most days.

already started

I seem to be waiting for addresses lately.  As I was waiting for the address for L's quilt, I laid out another.  Every seam I sew, i work on a nine square.  Another form of prayer.  I am a chop wood, carry water type person.

It is all laid out.  The top is actually over halfway sewn this evening.  After work this week, I have been working on it.  Maybe quilting will start next week.  But an adventure that includes jazz has been mentioned and I keep thinking I should head to the beach.  I have been finding a bit of peace there.  There is a lot of sad going on.

This quilt does not have a home yet.  My Beloved has hinted/suggested that I should think about starting a shop and selling it.  It is a thought.

a shawl from Miss D

I finished the shawl for Miss D.  The color is called Weathered Frame and it reminds me of wood.  It is my simple shawl pattern but it gives me a lot of time to meditate and pray.

I made the border extra large and I really like the effect.

Miss D had seen this shawl in progress and just could not believe it.  I hope she likes it.  I have started the next one for another sister.  Two more to go.  Now, if I could just get addresses.  Or I am sending it to her father!  PaPaw will be so surprised to get a box for her!

We are having problems with our internet so posting is difficult.  I will keep trying but I may only have intermittent access.  Sigh . . .   That is life.

L's quilt

I spent afternoons last week listening to the end of audio books from our last trip to the mountain and working on binding L's quilt.

The little one is just starting to crawl so it will be sent at a good time.

I am very pleased with how it turned out.  And I have already started in on another! 

Quilting or beach time (hopefully surfing) will take place this weekend.