Monday, June 28, 2010

Wow, now that summer is here the weeds have gotten about knee-high around here.  Mowing is a full time job.  But so pretty and green right now.   If I can just get control of this situation ...     I bought another loom from some friends daughter.  Its a Mighty Wolf by Schacht, also came with a bench, bobbin winder, spinning wheel and lots of other goodies.  No place to put it right now but may end up keeping it in my daughter's shop, which is in the next room to my studio.  It came with a huge bag of yarn and three white garbage bags of wool right off the sheep.   You never know what wool is like until you start going through it, but check out the length of this stuff.  I believe it is Australian Polworth, which a web site said it was Australia's original type wool.  They are known for their beautiful merino.  This stuff is just about as soft.  I've hand washed a bit and Love it.  Here are some of the locks before washing.  Pretty greasy stuff, but it doesn't smell bad and washes up fairly easily ... very hot water with a little Dawn detergent, let it soak for about 30 min.  Then lift it out, more hot water for rinsing.  One batch I had to wash twice, but its certainly worth the effort.  It dried and I can't decide to dye it or not.  We'll see.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

We had a very big day yesterday, visiting the walking marathon for Priest River Animal Rescue, several yard sales, and finally ending up at the Treasures on Foxwood outdoor vendor sale in north eastern WA.  They had the most delicious huckleberry ice cream!  Mostly we just walked around looking at all the goodies for sale but on the way around I happened upon a nice lady with a little two-shaft loom for sale.  I just couldn't pass it up.  She is local, very nice and interested in weaving so hopefully she will be able to come up to the farm and we can try out the little loom!  Its very cute but no name on it.  Could be an old home made model, but some parts seem so skillfully crafted.  I'm anxious to try it out.  Here's a pic.  The rain continues to fall this spring, now summer.  It is beautifully green here and no need to water the lawn.  The goats found out how to get the fence apart and I found them out on the property several times since last Sunday.  Ordered some very cool fasteners from Premier that are so ingenious ... spiral shaped that go from the top to the bottom of the 16' cattle panels and there is no way the little stinkers can get through any more!  woohoo.  My garden is safe once again.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

This has been a very busy two weeks.  We finally got the hand painted yarn warped on the little Dorothy loom.  My friend is taking it home to weave on.  The yarn turned out beautifully although its a little fuzzy, especially for metal heddles.  Whatever it turns out to be (scarf, table runner, ?) I'm sure it will be gorgeous.  Here's a pic of the yarn just started on the loom.  We have had rain nearly every day all spring.  Today is sunny and warmer so out to the yard for some much needed yard work.  I have veggies to plant and flowers that are dieing in the little pots that sure need planting.  The puppy continues to be a nuisance and loves to find my new plants and drag them the around the yard until they are completely out of the pot and spread over the grass.  The riding mower has been in the shop for the 4th year in a row at the start of spring, so we've got so much to do!  I'd love to get a different one, but hate to spend that much money.  More rain forecast for the next three days so we better get as much done today as possible.  No fiber fun for me, at least today.  Darn!