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| The three cameleers |
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| Night falls |
The storm passed...
Friday, 1 April 2011
Australian Diary part 2
The storm passed...
Wednesday, 30 March 2011
Australian Diary
I am now back home from my recent trip to Australia, which lasted for six whole weeks.
It was indeed wonderful to see my middle daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren again; since they emigrated last May., (and worth all the apprehension about traveling to the other side of the world on my own !!)
It was somewhat unfortunate that WA, and Australia in general, were experiencing the longest spell of the hottest temperatures for over thirty years. The floods in Queensland contributed to the high humidity; and even those who were born and bred Aussies were feeling the heat ! Temperatures only dipped below 30 deg once for a mere twenty four hours. The rest of the time it varied from 32 to 38deg.
A little bit too warm to be crafting with anything woolly !, but we enjoyed lots of chat time, chill-out days, walkabout days, Bbq evenings and socializing. To those new friends who I made, I'd like to say a big Thank You for your warmth and hospitality. To Lu, Craig, Maisie and Jessie; Thank You All for making my visit truly magical.
Life 'down under', is certainly different in many ways...even the way cans of Tuna are opened ! I had been struggling for about five minutes to open the large can. I'd managed to pierce it in several places, but the opener would not turn. Eventually, in desperation I had to disturb Lu, who was on the phone at the time. With phone under her chin, she grabbed the can and flipped it upside down to open it ( only in Oz eh ). We both howled with laughter as the piercings I had made rendered the can a watering can ! And since when are 'thongs' worn as footwear ? Umm.
The native trees are beautiful. The Gumtree ( or Ghost tree, as it's sometimes called), is not a good one to sit beneath. Apparently folk have perished through branches falling on their heads. As the tree matures, the bark falls away taking the branches with it. The resulting trunk is as smooth as silk.
This was the area that suffered the recent fires. Although the fire was started by accident, and tragic that it was; I later learned on my visit, that some species of plant life need fire to germinate and spread their seeds, ie Banksia.
There has been much to do since arriving home, including updating the blog.
I'll continue to update it with photos, which include the Calamunda Camels,and feeding the wild Kangaroos.
Back soon.
It was indeed wonderful to see my middle daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren again; since they emigrated last May., (and worth all the apprehension about traveling to the other side of the world on my own !!)
It was somewhat unfortunate that WA, and Australia in general, were experiencing the longest spell of the hottest temperatures for over thirty years. The floods in Queensland contributed to the high humidity; and even those who were born and bred Aussies were feeling the heat ! Temperatures only dipped below 30 deg once for a mere twenty four hours. The rest of the time it varied from 32 to 38deg.
A little bit too warm to be crafting with anything woolly !, but we enjoyed lots of chat time, chill-out days, walkabout days, Bbq evenings and socializing. To those new friends who I made, I'd like to say a big Thank You for your warmth and hospitality. To Lu, Craig, Maisie and Jessie; Thank You All for making my visit truly magical.
Life 'down under', is certainly different in many ways...even the way cans of Tuna are opened ! I had been struggling for about five minutes to open the large can. I'd managed to pierce it in several places, but the opener would not turn. Eventually, in desperation I had to disturb Lu, who was on the phone at the time. With phone under her chin, she grabbed the can and flipped it upside down to open it ( only in Oz eh ). We both howled with laughter as the piercings I had made rendered the can a watering can ! And since when are 'thongs' worn as footwear ? Umm.
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| Welcome to Australia Nanny Purdy |
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| Aussie Magpie |
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| Gumtree bark |
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| Gumtree |
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| Rolyestone |
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| Serpentine Falls |
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| taking a dive into the falls |
I'll continue to update it with photos, which include the Calamunda Camels,and feeding the wild Kangaroos.
Back soon.
Saturday, 29 January 2011
Warp speed ahead
Well, not a toy really; but rather a very special piece of equipment. The Knitter's Loom.
Being a reluctant knitter, I decided to explore the 'warp n weft ways' of weaving.
However I soon discovered that...the map is not the territory.; I wonder what discoveries lay ahead of me now traveling along 'Weaver Way'... and the map doesn't explain the new language either. Words like 'heddle', 'reed', 'sley', 'shed and counter shed' and abbreviations like dpi and wpi. !!
Just as I was getting my head around 'niddy- noddy's', 'rolag's', 'tpi's', 'length of staple', to name just a few...another set of words and explanations of tools, equipment and techniques, like road signs, loom ( no pun intended) before me.
My new rigid heddle knitter's loom, is however simplicity in itself; not just to warp up, but to weave a whole range of patterns and techniques. I'm keeping it very simple at this stage !
The word 'roving'....does that mean 'to wander', go 'walk about' ?
And 'spinning'...does that conjure up visions of turning ones body furiously round and round ?. ..
Sharing laughter in the chip shop....
Last week....picture this..I'm in the chip shop and the young assistant asked me if I'd had a good day. I replied with a yes thank you, and that I had indeed had a very productive fun filled day. He further enquired what I'd been doing.
"Spinning", I replied.
"Swimming", he questioned.
"No, spinning", I answered.
"What ?, as in exercises and dance", he further questioned.
"NO", I laughed, "Spinning yarn".
"Oh", he exclaimed, "You tell stories ?".
"No", I answered, (I was in hysterics at this point)..."I spin yarn from sheep fleece"
His jaw was almost down to his chest at this point of the conversation, and as he said "Wow", and wrapped up my fish supper, added."That sounds fab. I didn't know that people still did that kind of thing" !!
Ah bless. Yes we do eh.
As he handed me my supper, he asked if I would be spinning that evening.
I replied with a giggle, "No, not this evening because I've got some 'sleying' to do."
I noticed the inquisitive look in his eye, so quickly added " Don't worry, this kind of sleying has nothing to do with what you 're probably imagining !.
Beam me up Scotty.
Wednesday, 5 January 2011
The Story of The Rose
Sun : A Seed.; vibrant in its completeness, solid in its identity and purpose, all knowing and all being, yet restless. So the seed takes on nutrients and water, and seeks to go beyond its shell.
Moon : The seed sends out tendrils, both up and down. Down to consolidate roots, and up to explore posible futures. A little green shoot breaks the surface.
Mercury : The shoot accelerates into rapid skyward growth, the adolescence of the plant.
Venus : The bud forms at the top of the plant, with the protective leaves revealing just the first sign of the luscious leaves inside.
Mars : The rose explodes into a fiery, vibrant, pungent ball of sensation.
Jupiter : The flower expands, and becomes overly showy.
Saturn : The rose loses its petals, naturally or through pruning.
Chiron : The plant knows that in one way it is dying, so prepares for metamorphosis.
Uranus : The rose bush crumbles into winter.
Neptune : The body of the plant dissolves into dust.
Pluto : Somewhere the seed lives on, burying itself in the dark until the return and light of next year's sun; and the whole cycle starting again.
Wonderful thing, nature.
Author unknown
I first read the following when it was pinned on the wall at college. I have been searching for it ever since. Then last week it popped into my e mail in-box via an artist friend who lives on the other side of the world !
She had no idea that I had searched for it for years.
As in all things truly worthwhile in life; love is an art; sketched and painted atop a canvas of mutual respect. Such foundation allows only for the occasional brush stroke to cover a mixed message or misunderstanding, and thus avoiding the use of a paint roller. Take life and love one day at a time, valuing all things with such an openness as to provide not only the proper balance, but to allow for proper action when needed.
Author unknown
Sun : A Seed.; vibrant in its completeness, solid in its identity and purpose, all knowing and all being, yet restless. So the seed takes on nutrients and water, and seeks to go beyond its shell.
Moon : The seed sends out tendrils, both up and down. Down to consolidate roots, and up to explore posible futures. A little green shoot breaks the surface.
Mercury : The shoot accelerates into rapid skyward growth, the adolescence of the plant.
Venus : The bud forms at the top of the plant, with the protective leaves revealing just the first sign of the luscious leaves inside.
Mars : The rose explodes into a fiery, vibrant, pungent ball of sensation.
Jupiter : The flower expands, and becomes overly showy.
Saturn : The rose loses its petals, naturally or through pruning.
Chiron : The plant knows that in one way it is dying, so prepares for metamorphosis.
Uranus : The rose bush crumbles into winter.
Neptune : The body of the plant dissolves into dust.
Pluto : Somewhere the seed lives on, burying itself in the dark until the return and light of next year's sun; and the whole cycle starting again.
Wonderful thing, nature.
Author unknown
I first read the following when it was pinned on the wall at college. I have been searching for it ever since. Then last week it popped into my e mail in-box via an artist friend who lives on the other side of the world !
She had no idea that I had searched for it for years.
As in all things truly worthwhile in life; love is an art; sketched and painted atop a canvas of mutual respect. Such foundation allows only for the occasional brush stroke to cover a mixed message or misunderstanding, and thus avoiding the use of a paint roller. Take life and love one day at a time, valuing all things with such an openness as to provide not only the proper balance, but to allow for proper action when needed.
Author unknown
Monday, 3 January 2011
Happy New Year
As we say goodbye to 2010, and welcome in 2011, I'm sure I'm not alone in recalling the year that has gone by, and asking myself 'What did I learn' from last year (on any single or several layers of being.)
On a creative level , this time last year I was up to my elbows in cold wet clay. I had received some lovely and inspiring books that Christmas in 2009. All about sculpting, and the various techniques that individual ceramic artists use, i.e. pinch, coil, slab; and sometimes a combination to build their sculptural forms.
I remember feeling not happy with what my hands were creating. I remember leaving my sculptures on the table and going into a quiet space with my drum. Beating a slow and steady rhythm, because I felt as though I'd lost my own personal rhythm. It was a while later that I returned to the works in progress, but they were not worked on. Instead I took up a fresh handful of clay and just held it in my hands...and asked what it wanted to be. (I also remember chuckling quietly to myself as I realised that I was talking to a lump of clay !)
I had a vague idea in my head that I wanted to build some sort of head that would include facial features. That was it. Nothing else.
This was the result...
Half sheep / half human ? Bit weird !...but hey...all in the name of art !
It was also this time last January that one of my friends showed me a book about handmade felt. I remember getting a little buzz from seeing the vibrant coloured textiles, (such vibrant colours that I struggled to get into my ceramic work ). However, I needed to remain focused on ceramic slip-castings for a craft market in March.
The felting book was put on the shelf.
It was one evening in mid January that I eventually looked at the book properly. Later that month I was sent an invitation to attend a 2hour felting workshop. The month of February, whilst searching google for sculptures, an on-line demo for needle felted sculpture popped up!
I haven't touched any clay since. !
March brought the craft market; which was a financial disaster, but I returned home at the end of the day richer in so many other ways. I met the local spinning group who were (and are) a wealth of knowledge and good hearted ladies. I asked my friend Mo 'What shall I make with this fleece fibre ?'. 'Listen to it', she replied. 'It will tell you what it wants to be'.
I remembered the ceramic sheep sculpture.
Ah it was so comforting to hear her say those words. Perhaps I'm not the only crazy one then !
It's amazing what we can achieve when we get out of our own way.
Wow what a year. My ceramic kiln and all things clay have been replaced by spinning wheel, peg loom, felting equipment and mountains of fleece. It's been an amazing journey into the world of all things woolly. I accept that this is just the beginning of a wonderful adventure....and so for 2011... Never mind the destination...just enjoy the journey.
Happy New Year everyone
x
On a creative level , this time last year I was up to my elbows in cold wet clay. I had received some lovely and inspiring books that Christmas in 2009. All about sculpting, and the various techniques that individual ceramic artists use, i.e. pinch, coil, slab; and sometimes a combination to build their sculptural forms.
I remember feeling not happy with what my hands were creating. I remember leaving my sculptures on the table and going into a quiet space with my drum. Beating a slow and steady rhythm, because I felt as though I'd lost my own personal rhythm. It was a while later that I returned to the works in progress, but they were not worked on. Instead I took up a fresh handful of clay and just held it in my hands...and asked what it wanted to be. (I also remember chuckling quietly to myself as I realised that I was talking to a lump of clay !)
I had a vague idea in my head that I wanted to build some sort of head that would include facial features. That was it. Nothing else.
This was the result...
Half sheep / half human ? Bit weird !...but hey...all in the name of art !
It was also this time last January that one of my friends showed me a book about handmade felt. I remember getting a little buzz from seeing the vibrant coloured textiles, (such vibrant colours that I struggled to get into my ceramic work ). However, I needed to remain focused on ceramic slip-castings for a craft market in March.
The felting book was put on the shelf.
It was one evening in mid January that I eventually looked at the book properly. Later that month I was sent an invitation to attend a 2hour felting workshop. The month of February, whilst searching google for sculptures, an on-line demo for needle felted sculpture popped up!
I haven't touched any clay since. !
March brought the craft market; which was a financial disaster, but I returned home at the end of the day richer in so many other ways. I met the local spinning group who were (and are) a wealth of knowledge and good hearted ladies. I asked my friend Mo 'What shall I make with this fleece fibre ?'. 'Listen to it', she replied. 'It will tell you what it wants to be'.
I remembered the ceramic sheep sculpture.
Ah it was so comforting to hear her say those words. Perhaps I'm not the only crazy one then !
It's amazing what we can achieve when we get out of our own way.
Wow what a year. My ceramic kiln and all things clay have been replaced by spinning wheel, peg loom, felting equipment and mountains of fleece. It's been an amazing journey into the world of all things woolly. I accept that this is just the beginning of a wonderful adventure....and so for 2011... Never mind the destination...just enjoy the journey.
Happy New Year everyone
x
Thursday, 9 December 2010
Weaving amidst the winter's chill
As we in the UK shiver in freezing temperatures; those of us who have fleeces stashed away...have been making the most of working with them, and keeping warm in the process !!
However, just before the cold really began to bite....
Mo and I braved the November fog to attend the craft fair held at the Manor House School.
The stalls of the farmer's market were outside, amidst the historic ruins of the castle at Ashby De La Zouch.
This craft fair at Bedworth Folk Festival became the last one of the season for me. Sadly the cold weather and dangerous travelling conditions affected many planned events that were cancelled ( which had included two more for me) but....
I have found time to play with some new toys...
A work in progress on the peg loom, using the Lincoln Longwool locks that I washed and prepared back in the summer, and more recently Mo kindly hand dyed for me. These locks have not been carded or spun, but have been teased apart and woven. Just the pastime for a chilly winter's day.
Bbrrrr...Season's Greetings everyone
However, just before the cold really began to bite....
Mo and I braved the November fog to attend the craft fair held at the Manor House School.
The stalls of the farmer's market were outside, amidst the historic ruins of the castle at Ashby De La Zouch.
 |
| Castle ruins |
 |
| Bird sculptures |
This craft fair at Bedworth Folk Festival became the last one of the season for me. Sadly the cold weather and dangerous travelling conditions affected many planned events that were cancelled ( which had included two more for me) but....
I have found time to play with some new toys...
A work in progress on the peg loom, using the Lincoln Longwool locks that I washed and prepared back in the summer, and more recently Mo kindly hand dyed for me. These locks have not been carded or spun, but have been teased apart and woven. Just the pastime for a chilly winter's day.
 |
| Hoar frosted Willow |
Bbrrrr...Season's Greetings everyone
Thursday, 11 November 2010
All Change....again
I know.... it's been ages since I wrote in my blog.
There have been many happenings (and not happenings) since September.
Just a couple of weeks after collecting my spinning wheel; symptoms of frozen shoulder returned with avengence. My physiotherapist advised me to do as little crafting as possible. No spinning, weaving, knitting, felting. No computer work, no housework ( I can cope with the latter).
She doesn't seem to think it's freezing up this time; but just grinding and grumbling through overuse...probably all that stabbing with the needle felt, and rolling the wet felt, and spin, spin spinning !
It's all a bit of a 'b' really, especially as the seasonal craft shows season is upon us.
I managed to spin a few skeins of BFL / Silk .....
....This is the 'Meobius'. test swatch. One continuous ring with one twist. It has one edge and one side.
Mind boggling ! However, I still have the silver ring that I designed and made whilst at college; and had no idea at the time that it was a Meobius; which I could have sold several times over. The ring of infinity. No beginning, no end.
Change is the watchword of Progression,
When we tire of well-worn ways, we seek for new.
This restless craving in the souls of men;
Spurs them to climb, and seek the mountain view.
(from 'The Year Outgrows the Spring' by Ella Wheeler Wilcox)
There have been many happenings (and not happenings) since September.
Just a couple of weeks after collecting my spinning wheel; symptoms of frozen shoulder returned with avengence. My physiotherapist advised me to do as little crafting as possible. No spinning, weaving, knitting, felting. No computer work, no housework ( I can cope with the latter).
She doesn't seem to think it's freezing up this time; but just grinding and grumbling through overuse...probably all that stabbing with the needle felt, and rolling the wet felt, and spin, spin spinning !
It's all a bit of a 'b' really, especially as the seasonal craft shows season is upon us.
I managed to spin a few skeins of BFL / Silk .....
And although I'm rather a reluctant knitter; I did conquer the art of knitting on a circular needle....
Mind boggling ! However, I still have the silver ring that I designed and made whilst at college; and had no idea at the time that it was a Meobius; which I could have sold several times over. The ring of infinity. No beginning, no end.
Change is the watchword of Progression,
When we tire of well-worn ways, we seek for new.
This restless craving in the souls of men;
Spurs them to climb, and seek the mountain view.
(from 'The Year Outgrows the Spring' by Ella Wheeler Wilcox)
Friday, 17 September 2010
the wheel turns
And so the wheel of the year turns.
It seems only a very short time ago that we were enjoying the days getting longer; and now they are getting shorter already !
I generally like to let days unfold as they will; but once the dark evenings descend, I prefer to get some kind of task order into the day. Using the daylight for handcrafting, and thus leaving the twilight hours for computing / research (and you'll note that there is no mention of housework / gardening in there !) tee hee!.
A small group of us went to Melton Market last week.; where there was, among other animals, a fabulous collection of different sheep breeds. The local spinning group were demonstrating. There was also a chance to purchase fleece from a variety of breeders. (I only bought one small bag of Shetland back with me), although I was very tempted to push my luck with him indoors, and bring back a small flock of live ones !
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| "I am not a number!" |
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| High Street |
As I've become more involved within the realm of textiles; one of my dearest friends lent me one of her wheels to play with....
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| Louet Victoria |
One bobbin full of humbug BFL...and my head is really spinning.!!
And spinning some 'designer yarn' with some of the Lincolnshire Longwool fleece.
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| nice hair, wink wink |
With all this spinning going on, I suppose it was inevitable that I would want a wheel of my own. After much research and talking to 'them folk what know about such things', me and him indoors took a trip up to Wentworth, South Yorkshire to visit Wingham Wool Work where there was an opportunity to try out a few wheels.
Here are a few photos from around the village, that were just too good not to share...
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| Paradise Square |
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| Victorian Postbox |
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| The Church |
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| Rush hour ! |
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| Pentagram ? These villagers were well protected |
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| Me and 'Cookie' across the road from Winghams |
Alan at Winghams was very helpful with my final choice of wheel. I wanted a double treadle, that would fold flat for traveling. It also needed to be fairly compact when assembled, and pleasing to the eye. Most important though was how it felt as I treadled, and would it spin the types of yarn that I was looking to spin ?
Modern wheels have come a long way, and although they all basically do the same thing, they do vary in size and design. Some have a very contemporary style (which are nice) while I prefer the ageless/timeless/classic look.
Ashford (New Zealand) wheels are always spoken highly of, and research had provided lots of positive comments about the Kromski (from Poland) wheels. Visiting Winghams gave me the ideal opportunity of trying both.
The Kromski Sonata ticked all the boxes for me.
Although this photo doesn't show it, there is a built in 'lazy kate' which swings out from the bottom right-hand side, holds two spare bobbins, and is used when plying. The photo below captures the Polish newspaper that was wrapped around some of the parts, and this write up would not be complete without a mention that the instructions for assembly are written in Polish...Ummm...Cudowny ! They did have clear photos though (just as well !!)...and hooray for t'internet, managed to find them in English.
So, here is a picture of my new wheel complete with some 'homespun' and roving, and the Polish newspaper.
This photo has not been 'staged'. Our house always looks neat and picturesque like this...uumm..yeah right...NOT !!.
Blessed be. May your harvest be a bountiful one... and happy crafting.
The wheel turns.
Monday, 23 August 2010
New Layout
Last weekend was a busy one.; and the final county show of the summer season for me. Designing and making for these shows was a challenge, but such fun, and I made lots of new friends, and returning customers.
I can now relax for a few weeks and re-charge my batteries. Not that I'll be any less creatively active of course !
There are so many techniques in textiles that I want to experiment with; and so the next couple of weeks I'm planning some real fun play time. My sketch book and scribbled down thoughts on design ideas is brimming over.
One of those 'scribbled down thoughts' was about re-vamping my blog page.
So fellow bloggers...here it is.....
I can now relax for a few weeks and re-charge my batteries. Not that I'll be any less creatively active of course !
There are so many techniques in textiles that I want to experiment with; and so the next couple of weeks I'm planning some real fun play time. My sketch book and scribbled down thoughts on design ideas is brimming over.
One of those 'scribbled down thoughts' was about re-vamping my blog page.
So fellow bloggers...here it is.....
Tuesday, 10 August 2010
Home-spun
Enjoying the journey....
Cross patch, draw the latch,
Take up your wheel and spin.
Take a cup, and drink it up,
Then call your neighbours in.
Or so the old nursery rhyme goes.
There are many variations and suggestions of the use of words in this old rhyme. One school of thought is that she that worked alone, which often made her feel cross in doing a menial job for a pittance.
Another suggestion is that the 'cross patch' referred to the woman who would mend and make do with whatever materials were available at the time. The last two lines suggest a time of celebration with friends.
Time has changed; and with respect to the above...for the better.
The spinners and other craft people whom I've come into contact with are well respected and a cheerful bunch !
I have quite recently discovered , (through researching our family tree ) that my ancestors were frame-smiths and frame-masters., living and working in the town where I now live myself.; right in the hub of the old stocking frame area. Incredible !
More information has come to me that involves craftsmen in engraving, authors, teachers, artists, designer /makers; and for those of you out there of a 'certain age', you may remember your bicycle saddle having the name of Brooks on it.
Ooo wer !
The small ball of single yarn was just enough to knit this simple cuff.
Enjoying the journey, and meeting lots of interesting folk; re-connecting with those from generations past and those very much in the now.
Yesterday is history,
Tomorrow is a mystery,
Today is the gift,
That's why it's called the present.
Cross patch, draw the latch,
Take up your wheel and spin.
Take a cup, and drink it up,
Then call your neighbours in.
Or so the old nursery rhyme goes.
There are many variations and suggestions of the use of words in this old rhyme. One school of thought is that she that worked alone, which often made her feel cross in doing a menial job for a pittance.
Another suggestion is that the 'cross patch' referred to the woman who would mend and make do with whatever materials were available at the time. The last two lines suggest a time of celebration with friends.
Time has changed; and with respect to the above...for the better.
The spinners and other craft people whom I've come into contact with are well respected and a cheerful bunch !
I have quite recently discovered , (through researching our family tree ) that my ancestors were frame-smiths and frame-masters., living and working in the town where I now live myself.; right in the hub of the old stocking frame area. Incredible !
More information has come to me that involves craftsmen in engraving, authors, teachers, artists, designer /makers; and for those of you out there of a 'certain age', you may remember your bicycle saddle having the name of Brooks on it.
Ooo wer !
 |
| my first ball of hand-spun yarn |
Enjoying the journey, and meeting lots of interesting folk; re-connecting with those from generations past and those very much in the now.
Yesterday is history,
Tomorrow is a mystery,
Today is the gift,
That's why it's called the present.
Wednesday, 4 August 2010
Fleeces and Spinning
Well, I suppose it was inevitable that I would eventually want to have a go at spinning !
'Having a go', being the operative word !
Ummm !
The 'ladies wot spin' make it look so easy.!
These are the locks from the Lincolnshire Longwool. Considered amongst some spinners, to be not a 'beginners' fleece., and the staples are indeed long !; but it does have a beautiful lustre. It took me the best part of a day to separate the locks and wash them. They looked so pretty hanging out to dry; and the more they dried, the whiter they became. I'm not sure what I will create with them., but I have some projects in mind that involve felting and weaving.
This is Portland fleece
And here it is after washing and drying. A huge white fluffy cloud of white fleece. Scrummy.
This does not wet felt easily. It needle felts though., and is one of the favourites among spinners.
My first spun cord of Lincolnshire Longwool., spun on a drop spindle. I don't think I'll be knitting anything with it ! More practice needed me finks.
Not worrying about the destination, just enjoying the journey into this wonderful world of fibre art.
'Having a go', being the operative word !
Ummm !
The 'ladies wot spin' make it look so easy.!
These are the locks from the Lincolnshire Longwool. Considered amongst some spinners, to be not a 'beginners' fleece., and the staples are indeed long !; but it does have a beautiful lustre. It took me the best part of a day to separate the locks and wash them. They looked so pretty hanging out to dry; and the more they dried, the whiter they became. I'm not sure what I will create with them., but I have some projects in mind that involve felting and weaving.
This is Portland fleece
 |
| Portland |
And here it is after washing and drying. A huge white fluffy cloud of white fleece. Scrummy.
 |
| Washed and dried. Scrummy and fluffy |
This does not wet felt easily. It needle felts though., and is one of the favourites among spinners.
My first spun cord of Lincolnshire Longwool., spun on a drop spindle. I don't think I'll be knitting anything with it ! More practice needed me finks.
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| first spinnings on the wheel |
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