It's been a busy weekend, friends. Nora, who claims to have little knitting or fiber background until recently, has become a fleece broker. She made it known that friends of hers had Icelandic fleeces available for sale. Hmmmm, Icelandic fleeces? Sounds interesting. I guess I could use an expansion of my fiber knowledge.
So Saturday, I ventured west to visit Terry and Kate Moen near Richland Center. I went to pick-up two Icelandic sheep fleeces. I followed Terry's directions most of the way but when I was almost there I decided to take the advice of the woman with the English accent in the box on my dashboard (Garmin Nuvi GPS). Probably not the best Idea I've had lately. Oh, I got to Terry and Kate's all right. It is a DARN good thing I was driving a four-wheel drive vehicle since I took the shortcut they call the "goat path." *sigh* It is a single-lane, gravel and mud track. (At first I was thinking that they *really* live out in the country! Then I was just hoping I would not get stuck.) Turns out the lady in the box told me the worst way and there is a perfectly fine road that I could have taken if I had followed ALL of Terry's directions.) Well, at least I know I can drive in 4WD when it means something. *g* I was going to wash the Jeep anyway.........
Here's what I came to see:
They are a little shy........
But if Terry adds some grain to the feeder and you give them a little room, they will come closer even with a stranger in the barn. Aren't they sweet?
Reflecting perhaps, the new owners in that they are very different but also very similar, are the two fleeces. I like the lighter fleece and Stacey chose a chocolate fleece. What you cannot see, is the deep dark chocolate on the reverse side of her fleece. I think she'll see a nice variation of yarn shades in the finished yarn.
This will be my very first adventure in producing yarn from the source, a fleece. I will certainly document my future efforts in producing yarn. I'm not sure yet if I'll separate the short and long (and I mean LONG) parts of the fleece or spin them together. My first impression is that the fleece is, um, sheepy. *g* It is a natural smell, not quite like wet socks, not offensive, but not quite what my husband considers sexy. A spinner or knitter may have a differing opinion......
The shearer is coming to shear "the girls" at the end of this week. So, there will be five more fleeces available according to Terry and Kate. Let me or Nora know if you are interested and we can put you in touch with the folks with the good stuff.
Happy Birthday, Brother!
Today is my DB's birthday. I have only one brother and I'm very fortunate that I got this one. You all have seen him pictured here lately. He was celebrating his birthday today with both of his sons and he sounded very happy and relaxed when I spoke with him. Happy Birthday, Eric. May you have many pleasant adventures in the coming year. I love you!
Daffodil Sunday
Today was the day the daffodils decided to bloom. I'm glad I was home.
Look at the girls! They are adorable. Those fleeces are something. I wouldn't know what to do with them. Good luck to you and I look forward to seeing your progress with them. Happy Birthday Eric! Love the daffodils.
Posted by: Deborah | Monday, April 21, 2008 at 05:44 AM
Oh, my gosh. I'm so jealous! I've known Terry for 40 years, and I have never met the girls! I have to get over there... they are irresistable! Thanks for sharing the fun!!
Posted by: Nora | Monday, April 21, 2008 at 06:23 AM
HA! I didn't see it that way. :D Good one Angie. Erm. Did anyone else notice there is only one "off-color" sheep? What's with the discrimination against us rebels? HUH!?!? *ahem* Eta Mae! My long lost sister! I'll come save you! (well, once it warms up out there)
Posted by: Stacey | Monday, April 21, 2008 at 10:43 AM
Happy Birthday, Dr. E!
Thank goodness for Jeeps! That'll teach you about listening to strangers in boxes. ;^)
The girls are lovely, and that Stacey picked the fleece I would have. Thankfully, I don't have a wheel... yet.
I can't wait to follow along on your journey of turn stuff off a sheep into yarn/a finished object.
Posted by: Cookie | Monday, April 21, 2008 at 11:13 AM
I wish someone sold a perume that smelled like fleece/wet wool. I love that smell.
Posted by: Kim | Monday, April 21, 2008 at 11:51 AM