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Wensleydale-X Lamb Raw Fleece Sample & Hog Island Knitted Beanie (from Raw Fleece)
Yesterday, I started sampling a Wensleydale cross lamb fleece that I bought from Cactus Hill Farm (Colorado) several months ago. The fleece is 8.5 lbs, so I washed/scoured about 80 grams of it and I’ve spun 24 grams (appox 59 yds) in a 2-ply sport/dk weight yarn. The yarn is as soft as it looks… Read more
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2022 Raw Fleece to Finished Object: “Weatherwax” Icelandic wool beanie
“Weatherwax” the Icelandic ram (from Ballyhoo Farms, KY) handspun from raw fleece–using Lopi Braided Hat pattern from Halldora J (free pattern on Ravelry). I originally spun a sample of Weatherwax’s fleece during the 2021 Tour de Fleece, but I didn’t have quite enough to knit the beanie until I spun about 33g more that I… Read more
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2022 Weaving: Merino/Brushed Alpaca Scarf
Yesterday I wove a scarf using some of the yarn I bought during the 2021 North Alabama Yarn Skip. I used Queensland Perth (a yarn I had woven with before) for the weft and a brushed alpaca yarn from my stash for the warp, doubled with the Perth. This was the first time I had… Read more
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2022: Knitted Shetland beanie & Woven Finn Wool Scarf projects
This weekend, I started and completed two (small) projects, so I’m hoping that I’m back in the groove. This gets me back on track for my 52 projects a year goal now that I have three projects under my belt for 2022. First weekend project: Handspun Finn wool leno lace scarf (woven on rigid heddle… Read more
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Weaving 2022: Almost there with Kakaw Designs Backstrap Loom
As I suspected, the backstrap loom from Kakaw Designs has been much easier to work on than the one from Trama Textiles. I should say the warp has been easier…as the actual loom pieces have nothing to do with it. After a few hours, I’ve almost completed the warp that came on it. I’m looking… Read more
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(Another) Mayan Backstrap Loom arrived! (Kakaw Designs)
My second backstrap loom arrived (pre-warped) from Kakaw Designs (Guatemala). This loom is just a little smaller than the other backstrap loom I ordered from Trama Textiles. I feel like the warp threads are better quality too. Kakaw Designs also has a blog page that has instructional videos available to anyone, so I liked that… Read more
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1st Project of 2022: Handspun Icelandic/Balwen Welsh Mtn yarn from Raw Fleece Neck Warmer
First project of 2022: Handspun yarn from raw fleece knitted neck warmer sample from “Olwen” Icelandic/Balwen Welsh Mountain cross from Ballyhoo Fiber Emporium (Kentucky). I finally got up the energy to knit a small project from some of the raw fleece yarn samples I spun during last year’s Tour de Fleece. I had about 82… Read more
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2022: Slow Start and Mayan Backstrap Weaving
The day after New Year’s, I fell ill with covid. A few days later, my husband followed. So, any plans I had of starting 2022 off with a bang (fiber arts-wise) was dashed. We were lucky to only have a mild case of it, so I’m grateful, but it has thrown me into a funk,… Read more
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Merry Christmas (and Happy New Year)
I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year! This year has been a fiber adventure for myself to say the least. I spun 20+ new breeds of wool this year, bought over 300 pounds of raw fleece from various farms all over the United States, & knitted, spun, and wove more… Read more
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Pop-Up Shop Last Weekend & Knitted Beanie
Last Saturday, I held a pop-up shop at Artisan’s Cove in Owens Cross Roads, AL (where I also teach classes). It was a first alert weather day–meaning tornado watches and thunderstorm warnings, but most of the bad weather had cleared out by the time I opened at 11am. I had a handful of people stop… Read more
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Another Handwoven Wallace Hunting Scarf & Handspun Wool/Alpaca blend Scarf
After a crazy weekend selling at the Hartselle Holiday Market* (Hartselle, AL), I got a custom tartan scarf order for another Wallace Hunting Scarf (after just finishing one a few days before). Because I ran out of the yarn, I couldn’t begin weaving the second one until the yarn arrived yesterday. Normally, I give myself… Read more
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2021 Weaving/Knitting Projects (as of November 25)
Every year, I attempt to finish at least 52 projects (one project a week on average). This year, I’ve exceeded that goal by a small number as of November 25th. I’m not sure how many more projects I’ll squeeze into 2021, but I’m happy to have surpassed my goal with time to spare. (Many of… Read more
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Finished Objects: GCN knitted beanie & Wallace Hunting Tartan Scarf
I finished the Gulf Coast Native handspun yarn (from raw fleece) knitted beanie over Thanksgiving. This is the second hat I’ve knitted from Freddie’s fleece and I absolutely love his wool. (Freddie is a GCN ram from a local farm in Arab, AL). Freddie’s fleece ranges from pure black to a silvery gray color. I… Read more
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Fleece arrival from Brush Prairie Farms, Three Creeks Farm (NH), & Cactus Hill Farm
Nine fleeces arrived from Brush Prairie Farms (Brush Prairie, WA)–a farm I visited when I was in Washington/Oregon in late October. These fleeces are a mix of Gotland, Finn, BFL, + more. Since I knew I would be visiting the area, I contacted Tara, the owner of Brush Prairie Farms, a month before I visited… Read more
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More knitted things, GCN handspun yarn and raw fleeces from Ballyhoo Fiber Emporium
In two weeks time, I’ll be setting up shop at the Hartselle Holiday Market (Hartselle, AL) and the week after that, I have a pop-up shop at Artisan’s Cove in Owens Cross Roads, AL–so I’ve been knitting beanies like crazy to have something else to sell to those who don’t wear scarves (which is 85%… Read more
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I finally have my own sheep! Meet Tillie & Mocha
Ever since my family moved out to the country (two years ago), I decided that I would eventually have at least a few sheep of my own. Our fenced-in backyard is just under an acre and we have to mow it constantly during the warm months (most of the year in Alabama). After meeting the… Read more
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Gulf Coast Native X Fleeces from Summer Fields Farm (Monteagle, TN)
I totally forgot to mention the nine fleeces I picked up from Summer Fields Farm in Monteagle, TN on October 20th. I had originally purchased three fleeces from this farm on Etsy, but after messaging the seller, I arranged to pick them up in person, since Monteagle, TN is less than two hours away from… Read more
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Duncan Scottish Tartan Woven Scarf & Several Knitted Beanies, and Misc.
Before I left for my trip to the pacific northwest, I wove a pickup stick pattern scarf–more to just experiment with new patterns than anything else. The scarf below is the result of that project. After I returned from my trip, I wove a Duncan Scottish tartan scarf for my friend from Washington, who happens… Read more
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Trip to Oregon/Washington State
I finally got to visit the pacific northwest from October 27-30th…on a trip to meet my son’s girlfriend’s family. While I was there, I visited Brush Prairie Farms (Brush Prairie, Washington) where I checked out her raw fleeces (and am having several shipped to me since I couldn’t bring them on the plane)… and found… Read more
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Finished Objects: Handwoven Pinwheel Scarf & “Finlandia” knitted hat using GCN (From Raw Fleece)
A few days ago, I decided to try the pinwheel pattern on my rigid heddle loom. A weaver on YouTube converted the 8-shaft weaving draft into a pickup stick pattern for rigid heddle, so luckily, I didn’t have to work that part out for myself. I used the merino/cashmere/silk blend yarns I’ve been using recently… Read more
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Honey Festival, Outdoor Market, & North Alabama Yarn Skip
Sunday, October 3rd was the 3rd annual Alabama Honey Festival at Artisan’s Cove in Owens Cross Roads, Alabama. Since I teach fiber arts classes at Artisan’s Cove, I decided to become a vendor at this year’s festival. The forecast predicted 90% chance of rain and thunderstorms, but luckily, it only drizzled off and on throughout… Read more
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Off the Loom & Wheel: Autumn Plaid Scarf + Custom Dyed Roving Handspun Yarn
This week has been filled with dyeing, spinning, and weaving–as well as preparing for tomorrow’s Alabama Honey Festival in Owens Cross Roads, Alabama, where I’ll have a tent set up if it doesn’t rain us out. Off the loom: Merino/Silk/Cashmere Autumn Plaid Scarf. Off the wheel: “Carpo’s Sunset” custom colorway I’ve dyed for the upcoming… Read more
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Raw Fleece Arrival: Scottish Blackface, (more) Dorset Horn, & Shetland
On September 16th, I received a Scottish Blackface lamb fleece from McKinney Sheep Ranch that I ordered from a FB raw wool group. I’ve wanted to try Scottish Blackface wool for a while now, but had trouble finding it in the U.S. Ashley McKinney also sent me a handmade soy candle and a bar of… Read more
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Latest Off the Loom: Handspun Yarn From Lucca Dot Yarn & Cashmere/Merino/Silk Yarn in Autumnal Colors
Two scarves have come off the loom since last week. The first was from some handpainted + handspun BFL in purples and oranges from Claire Cabe of Lucca Dot Yarn–used for both warp and weft. The second scarf was woven from a merino/silk/cashmere blend in three different colors. I wasn’t pleased with the pattern and… Read more
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Off the Wheel: Art Batts & Rolags from ‘The Spinning Wren’ + more
My spinning wheel (a double-treadle Lendrum) has been working overtime over the past two weeks, so I thought I’d post some of the recent handspun yarns that have come off the wheel. I’m only showing finished yarns here, but I’m currently spinning a Merino/Sparkle blend from Frabjous Fibers. Two of the fibers below were rolags… Read more
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‘Loom & Spindle’ A newsletter for fiber arts lovers
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September 2021: Latest off the loom
Latest handwoven scarves off the loom: Barclay Dress Tartan Scarf (commissioned), Log Cabin Scarf in Grays, Alpaca/Silk/Wool/Linen/Mohair blend striped scarf, and Purple & Gray cotton blend scarf. All scarves were woven on my 32″ Kromski Harp rigid heddle loom using an 8 dpi reed
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Chiengora Fiber: Corgi Dog Fur Project
A friend of mine from Washington State has a Corgi named Samwise and wanted me to spin some of his fur into yarn. So when she came to visit last week, she brought about 38g of Corgi fiber with her and I got to work. The first bit that I spun was 100% dog fur,… Read more
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Off the Loom: Handspun Wool/Alpaca Scarf
A few weekends ago, I bought some handspun wool/alpaca yarn from Thread in Florence, AL. The spinner wasn’t listed on the tag, but I’m assuming it was a local who spun the yarn. I had just enough yarn to weave a scarf from the handspun and I’m pleased with the results.
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Finished Objects: Icelandic Handspun Knitted Neck Warmer/Shawlet
The week before last, I finished a “raw fleece to finished object” knitting project using some of the raw fleece from Akoya the Icelandic ram (Ballyhoo Fiber Emporium, Kentucky). The project started as a traditional Icelandic shawl, but it seemed to be taking too long, so I made a neck warmer/shawlett instead since it was… Read more
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Raw Fleece Update: 200+ pounds and counting
I only thought I was finished buying raw fleeces for 2021… I’ve added at least a dozen more since the last time I posted about my raw fleece stash, mostly CVM, CVM/Merino, Icelandic, and Gulf Coast Native fleeces–but I also have at least one more on the way (an impulse buy off FB marketplace). So,… Read more
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Off the Loom: Solar Dyed Osage Yarn Scarf
Solar Dyed Osage Scarf is off the loom using yarn from indie dyer/hand spinner Flamingmeatloaf Fibers: Fingering weight yarn (Colorado fiber/locally milled), solar dyed with Osage. Check her out at http://www.Flamingmeatloaffibers.com From Flamingmeatloaf Fibers: “Dyed during the hottest days of the summer using the heat from the sun and Osage to create a bright color… Read more
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Recent Projects finished + Stash additions: Woven Scarves, New Yarns & a Dog Sweater
The last couple of weeks have been a bit wild, but now that I’m on the other side, I can post my latest finished projects + latest yarn additions to my stash. If you’d like more details on any of my projects, check out my portfolio on Ravelry. My username is ‘southernemma’. Yesterday’s natural dyeing… Read more
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Pre-Autumn Weaving, New Hand Combs, Drop Spindle from Greensleeves Spindles + Icelandic Raw Fleece Sampling of “Weatherwax”
This week’s weaving project used a merino/cashmere/silk blend tweedy yarn in autumnal colors. I was going to weave a solid color for warp/weft, but after getting it on the loom, I decided a second color was needed. I used the same yarn blend for the second yarn, but it was a different weight. I also… Read more
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Raw fleece sample from “Olwen” Icelandic/Balwen Welsh Mountain cross
Handspun raw fleece sample from “Olwen” Icelandic/Balwen Welsh Mountain cross from Ballyhoo Fiber Emporium (Kentucky). 47g; 82 yards of worsted/Aran 2-ply yarn. 🐑 This yarn is next-to-skin soft—something I wouldn’t have expected from an Icelandic cross fleece, but that just goes to show how different each fleece can be from the next. Olwen is the… Read more
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July 26: Monday Weaving Project with Hand Spun Jacob Sheep Yarn
Yesterday, I wanted to work up a quick weaving project using some of my handspun yarn from before the Tour de Fleece. Since I had plenty of yardage, I chose the Jacob humbug yarn that I spun in the spring. I bought the fiber from Hearthside Fibers along with several other wool breeds I hadn’t… Read more
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Weaving with Superwash Merino Yarns
Both of the scarves below were woven using Round Mountain Fibers Superwash Merino handdyed yarns, but the twist on the second yarn was much tighter and the resulting scarf was much rougher to the touch than the first one. I have a boatload of these yarns, but I’ll be knitting with them in the future.
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Dorset Horn Handwoven Scarf: Handspun yarn from raw fleece
Raw fleece to finished object: Dorset Horn scarf from Tour de Fleece handspun yarn off the loom this morning (68g; 160 yards (DK/Worsted). 🐑 I really enjoyed spinning Dorset Horn from the raw fleeces I bought from Fiber Curio. I’ve ordered more from another vendor and I’ll post pics upon arrival. This scarf wove up… Read more
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Classic knit hat with Tour de Fleece handspun yarn (CVM/Merino)
First project from Tour de Fleece handspun yarn: Classic Knit Hat Classic knit hat pattern by Haley Scarpino (free on Ravelry) 27g ; 96 yards (2-ply fingering/sport weight) of CVM/Merino-cross raw fleece from Cactus Hill Farm (Colorado).
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Tour de Fleece 2021: Days 1-23
The 2021 Tour de Fleece ended yesterday (July 18), and after 23 straight days of spinning yarn, I’m ready for a (small) break. My goal for this year’s Tour was to sample some of my raw fleeces and work on raw fleece from the ‘Shave ’em to Save ’em’ project too. Breeds Spun: Shetland, Icelandic,… Read more
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Tour de Fleece 2021: Days 22 & 23
Since I didn’t take rest days during the Tour de Fleece, I decided to spin very small samples on the last two days. Day 22, Florida Cracker & CVM samples: 18 yds; 21 g; 2-ply bulky BFL from Cactus Hill Farm (Colorado); 42 YDS; 18 g; Sport 2-ply Tour de Fleece, Days 1-21 : All… Read more
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Tour de Fleece 2021: Day 21
Day 21 of Tour de Fleece: Florida Cracker wool (washed/carded from raw fleece) from Silver Bullet Farm (Florida): 32g; 42 yds 2-ply bulky weight.
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Tour de Fleece 2021: Day 20 (July 15)
Day 20 of Tour de Fleece: Gulf Coast Native blend from drum carded leftovers (washed/carded from raw fleece) from Alchemy Farms & Yellow Bell Farmstead. Yield: 33g ; 62 yards Aran weight, 2-ply
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Tour de Fleece 2021: Day 19
Day 19 of Tour de Fleece: Florida Cracker wool (washed/carded from raw fleece) from Silver Bullet Farm (Florida): 21g; 62 yds single-ply Sport weight.
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Off the loom: Peruvian Highland wool baby blanket
One of my cousins is having her first baby in late autumn, so she asked me to weave a baby blanket. She specifically asked for wool, so I chose Peruvian Highland wool that I had woven with before…to keep the cost of yarn low. Ideally, I would’ve woven a wool baby blanket with merino, but… Read more
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Tour de Fleece 2021: Days 17 & 18
Day 17 of Tour de Fleece: Jacob/Columbia cross wool from Middleton, Tennessee. (washed/carded from 2019 raw fleece sample) 20g; 60 yds 2-ply Sport weight. Day 18 of Tour de Fleece: Gulf Coast Native (washed/carded from raw fleece) from Alchemy Farms (Alabama): 29g; 85 yds 2-ply Sport weight.
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Tour de Fleece 2021: Days 1-16
🐑Tour de Fleece, Days 1-16 : All from raw fleece (scoured/combed or carded) 11 sheep breeds: Icelandic, Shetland, Gulf Coast Native, American Tunis, Navajo Churro, California Red/Romeldale, CVM (California Variegated Mutant), CVM/Merino, Dorset Horn, Shropshire, & Hog Island. Yarn yield = 3,133.4 yards of singles; 676 grams (23.85 ounces) of wool. 🧶
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Tour de Fleece 2021: Day 16 (July 11)
Day 16 (July 11) of Tour de Fleece:Rustic-spun Shetland wool (washed/carded from raw fleece) 26g; 33.4 yds 2-ply Bulky weight. This small sample was rough spun from some carded bits that weren’t conducive to consistent spinning, so I just treated it like bulky art yarn. I’ll probably use it in a woven piece for texture.
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Tour de Fleece 2021: Day 15 (July 10)
Day 15 of Tour de Fleece: CVM ewe wool from Cactus Hill Farm , Colorado (washed/carded from raw fleece sample) 20g; 70.4 yds 2-ply Fingering weight.
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Tour de Fleece 2021: Day 14 (July 9)
Day 14 of Tour de Fleece: CVM/Merino ewe wool from Cactus Hill Farm , Colorado (washed/carded from raw fleece) 34g; 120 yds 2-ply Fingering weight.
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Diary of a Yarnophile 