wool, it happens when you least expect it
While I was visiting my family in Virginia (in between teaching and book signing adventures), my nephew's nursery school had a sheep shearing program. This wasn't entirely a surprise...In fact, probably when my mom started this nursery school in 1970, she hoped it would always have events like this as part of the program. My mom (now retired) went on to many other things professionally, but she is incredibly proud that all her children and now, her grandchild, are at this special preschool.
A few months ago, I got an email from one of the teachers, asking me to make suggestions about a sheep shearing program. I replied with lots of ideas...and then I forgot about it. After all, it's not like I lived nearby!
It just worked out that the day of the shearing, I was in town. (no advanced planning...) My dad took me out to run an errand and suggested we just drop by. The sheep being shorn were lovely clean Icelandic sheep, part of a small "boutique" flock. I wanted to support the efforts of the shepherd, who worked hard to introduce small children to the joys of a sheep haircut or two. So, when my father pointed out this milk chocolate Icelandic fleece as his favorite, well, I bought it.
As the afternoon went by, my father became more definite about his plans. Now this fleece would be yarn that I'll spin up for my mom to knit a vest or cardigan for him. My mom said "worsted weight, please!" and my dad said, "Oh, and you can maybe give her the yarn when she visits Winnipeg in December!" Oh, right...it's a spinning order now! No problem! Yes sir! (Insert big smile here for the man who drove me to all those spinning lessons at age 12...that deserves instant service, right?!)
The fleece arrived in Winnipeg in a box (with a few other kinds of wool, but that's another story) and as soon as our heat worked again, I gave the fleece a quick wash. Now it's upstairs in my office, and I've started spinning the first bobbin. Never mind the enormous stash that I moved here this summer...this wool is butting in line as per my dad's request! We'll see what I can find time to get done by early December!
It seems like the perfect milk chocolate wool to feature with Halloween candy leftovers, doesn't it?!
Labels: Icelandic, nursery school, spinning, story, wool
posted by Joanne at 11:59 AM
12 Comments:
Isn't that just the way? Certain family members can really cut in line. It sounds like a lovely fleece that didn't need much urging to get ahead of the rest of the flock.
Milk chocolate Icelandic...yummy!
Oh, it's a beautiful and will make lovely Milky Way yarn. Yeah, spinning is a dirty job, so it's very kind of you to do it!
Oh, that's funny: my first reaction to that photo was, okay, putting away the wig for next year's costume now.
--AlisonH at spindyeknit.com
Gorgeous. Rough work, but somebody's got to do it {grin}.
Do we have a clue why, when I use Open ID, I end up as a commenter with a long string of gibberish for a name? Oh, well. . . . It's Deb.
Do we have a clue why, when I use Open ID, I end up as a commenter with a long string of gibberish for a name? Oh, well. . . . It's Deb.
(I usually also have to hit "publish" two or three times before the system believes I mean it.)
Wow! That is some lovely fleece! I'm sure it will make a gorgeous mocha fleece!
I am sure you will do a fantastic job, however as I know have the long term loan of a spinning wheel I wish you were here to show me how to use it!
Love you book btw.It arrived on Saturday & I had a good peep but actually will be a gift for a dear friend as it is SO her!
The fleece *is* a beautiful color and I'm glad to hear that you've got heat again, too. :)
Parents should move to the head of the line....especially parents who have chauffered to countless spinning lessons! Since I'm not a spinner, I can't envision how this will turn into yarn, but I'm looking forward to seeing what you make of it.
mmmmmmmmmmmmmm....halloween leftovers.
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