Loose Ends

Fibre Prep: Herdwick

The Fleece

This fleece was an unexpected acquisition to my stash. I sent a fellow crafter a scanned copy of a vintage sewing machine manual, we got chatting about crafts and it turned out they kept Herwick sheep and wanted to send me some wool as a thank you, so a while later I received a fleece sized package in the post! It’s taken me a while to get round to working with it, so Herdy Lodge if you’re reading this, I hope I’m doing your fleece justice! Herdwick sheep come in varied shades and this one was a beautiful oatmeal with a grey and white overcoat. It wasn’t overly greasy and was fairly free of large VM so didn’t need much skirting before washing.

Washing

I used the suint bath which brought it up well, however I washed this in late summer and the weather turned very wet, so I had to forgo a rinse in fresh rainwater in the interests of getting it dry for storage over winter. I was a little worried that the fleece might retain more of the suint smell when I began working with it; there was a smell slightly different to just sheep, but it wasn’t overpowering or particularly unpleasant and has gone completely after washing to set the twist.

Herdwick Fleece drying after the suint bath

Picking & Carding

Even after washing there’s always a lot of dust, so in the interests of opening up the fibres I decided to put the fleece through the wool picker. I had also decided that I wanted to spin the fibre loosely from a batt and passing it through the wool picker would make it easier to put on the drum carder.

Disclaimer – In the video my wool picker is only clamped to the back of the chair it’s resting on, which is not the safest. If you are using a wool picker please ensure it’s secured safely.

When I began drum carding I found the fibres were getting tangled around the licker brush. I wasn’t holding them back, so turned to the internet and discovered some people had this problem with fine fibres like alpaca and angora, but Herdwick is naturally coarser, so I examined my fleece again. When I looked closely at the undercoat I noticed that the fibres were actually finer than I had thought, an optical illusion caused by the overcoat. Since my drum carder is a standard 72tpi I followed the online advice the slow down my carding speed and this worked well, with the licker brush taking on only nepps and short cuts (which I cleaned off regularly). I began with doing two passes on the drum carder, but there didn’t seem to be much difference between one or two passes and since I was going to be spinning this very loose, I opted for only one pass through the drum carder. The resulting batts were light and fluffy and a significant amount of VM and dust was still dropping out at the bottom of the carder.

As always, let me know if you have any tips/advice in the comments below!

Happy Crafting!

Autumnal Socks in Summer

It’s been a while since I’ve had a finished project to share, but back at the end of March I decided to cast on my first pair of socks. Like a lot of crafters I thought socks were the holy grail of knitting and would be highly complicated, but since I prefer technical knitting to long straight rows of scarves, I wanted to give it a try. I purchased some indie dyed sock yarn from Mamie & Florrie at East Anglia Yarn Festival 2023 – I don’t tend to buy much yarn as I spin so much of my own, but I spotted this gorgeous skein on the stand and I loved that it was geolocated using what3words to the location that inspired the colourway (in my case the Rembrandt Self Portrait in the Rijks Museum).

I wanted to start with a basic sock pattern and since I have wide feet I was also looking for one that was adjustable in some way. I had a Google and several people were giving Winwick Mum’s free pattern a good write up, so I thought I would try that since there were also diagrams on her ‘sockalong’ to help clarify some of the instructions if I got stuck. Knitting it up was a fairly straightforward process, though I realised I had got the width measurement slightly too big as I turned the heel, so I did a few more decreases around the gusset to get a better fit around the foot. This means the cuff isn’t as fitted as it could be (although I haven’t blocked them yet), but I’m not too worried as it gives off cosy autumnal vibes and I do want the cuffs to be able to go over the top of trousers to show off the beautiful colours of the yarn.

How the colours look when the light hits

Overall I can highly recommend both the yarn and the pattern. I think I’ve now finally joined the throng of knitters all telling everyone that socks aren’t as hard to knit as you think (and I’ll definitely be making some more in future)!

Happy Crafting!

Tour De Fleece 2024 – Week 3 Final Wrap-up

That’s all folks! The final week of TDF has flown by and I haven’t really had time to process what I’ve spun. Much of this week was spent working on the zwartbles and finishing one of my spindle projects. The hot weather hasn’t helped my productivity, but I did manage to get all my spins washed and dry to set the twist and the zwartbles is looking beautiful after washing. Below are the final weeks photos and links to the final two challenges on Youtube.

Day 16: Second Challenge Day – Spinning on two wheels at once – click the image to watch the video on Youtube

Reflections

This is my fourth TDF and this year I’ve managed to spin for 3.5km (that’s the length x3 to account for spinning two singles and plying) which is not too far off last year’s 4.8km. In previous years, I’ve used TDF to finish off a previously started project, so this year is the first time that all my TDF projects have been started during the challenge. It’s also been the first year when I’ve simultaneously been working on important non-fibre related projects, so I haven’t had as much time to spin, although I have still made good progress overall. I set myself a to-do list at the start of the challenge, so let’s see how I got on:

Zwartbles – Although I had hoped to process a whole fleece from scratch, I think it was slightly wishful thinking! The fleece was still drying on day 1 but had retained quite a lot of it’s lanolin, so I did get to experiment a little with spinning in the grease (I was quite pleased with how it turned out, my hands are now very soft, but it does mean all my spinning equipment is now sticky with lanolin!). The zwartbles has been a real pleasure to spin – it’s so fluffy and has fulled nicely after washing. I have a commission project to work on with this yarn before it turns cold again here in the UK, so although I haven’t yet spun the whole fleece, I have enough yarn to get started on that (and I’m already thinking of all the other things I can make with it!)
BFL/Camel Roving from Yarntings – I got halfway through this roving on days when I was away from my wheel and it spins beautifully, the different tones of mustard yellow where the dye hasn’t taken all the way through are really pretty. I’m going to save the rest to take whenever I need a portable project over the rest of the summer.
Shetland Sample – This was the one project I completed. I combed and spindle spun the sample, while the combing waste was carded and used in my third spinning challenge.
Spinning Challenge Sunday’s – A new element of my challenge for this year and something I had a lot of fun with – I hope they were enjoyable to watch (all videos will remain available on YouTube via their links). All were very silly but made good technical challenges, although editing the videos did take up quite a bit of my spinning time on Sunday’s. I really enjoyed doing these though, so will definitely consider bringing them back next year (perhaps with some follower set challenges next time? – if you have any ideas let me know and I’ll make a note of them).

Overall I’m happy with the progress I made over TDF this year and it shows how much spinning can be done even with limited time. Before TDF I completed several projects and am in the process of writing up and editing the videos for these, so although my non-fibre projects will keep me very occupied over the next couple of months, there will be more fibre adventures forthcoming!

If you’ve been joining in with TDF I’d love to hear how you got on – feel free to let me know in the comments below. Happy Spinning!

For more information about this years tour de fleece challenge my introductory blog post is here and you can find Weeks 1 & 2 by clicking the links.

Tour De Fleece 2024 – Week 2 Wrap-up

Well that’s a wrap on the second week of TDF! It’s been hectic and I’ve not been at home much this week, so have taken spindle projects with me but have not always managed my 1 hour target. I’m feeling a little behind where I would normally be at this point in the challenge compared to other years (in the past I’ve been plying from week 1), but with lots of other commitments this month, spinning time has been in short supply. However, I’ve continued to make some progress with the zwartbles, my spindle projects and had a lot of fun with my second Sunday challenge (like last week, you can view the video by clicking on the image).

Day 9: Second Challenge Day – Spinning while Tap Dancing – click the image to watch the video on Youtube

If you are also joining in with Tour de Fleece (whether part of a group or going it alone like me!) I’d love to hear how you’re getting on, let me know in the comments below!

Although I usually like to post on a Sunday, next week’s wrap up (the final wrap up for TDF 2024!) may be posted on Monday 22nd to allow time for me to edit and upload the final challenge video that will coincide with the final day of TDF.

Happy Spinning!

For more information about my tour de fleece challenge my introductory blog post is here. I’m also posting my progress photos daily on my instagram.

Tour De Fleece 2024 – Week 1 Wrap-up

The first week of TDF has flown by and I haven’t got as much spinning done as I’d hoped. I had quite a few unexpected commitments, but did manage to spin for at least 1 hour per day, often continuing spinning after posting my daily update. Looking at my pictures for the week, I think I’ve still made good progress considering, and I’ve been enjoying doing the Sunday challenges (if you click the image of Day 2 it should take you to the video of my first challenge).

Day 1: Began spindle spinning this Merino/Camel Braid from Yarntings

If you are also joining in with Tour de Fleece (whether part of a group or going it alone like me!) I’d love to hear how you’re getting on, let me know in the comments below! Until next week…

Happy Spinning!

For more information about my tour de fleece challenge my introductory blog post is here. I’m also posting my progress photos daily on my instagram.

Tour De Fleece 2024

Hello everyone, It’s that time of year again! This year Tour de Fleece is happening from the 29th June – 21st July.

Last year I made myself a to-do list for TDF and found it really helped to keep me organised and more productive, so I’m making one again this year. I was going to pick a couple of fleeces from my stash to work my way through, but I was fortunate enough last month to obtain some gorgeous Zwartbles fleeces from a local farmer whom I promised some knitted hats as part payment. Since I want to make sure he has them before it turns cold again, I will be focusing on processing Zwartbles this TDF so I can knit some hats over the summer. For a bit of fun, this year I’ll also be completing 4 challenges set by friends and family, so look out for those every Sunday.

As per usual, I’m going to aim to spend at least 1 hour per day on my challenge, but won’t be too strict about it, some days I may spend more time, some days less. I’m also including fibre prep (carding/combing) within my challenge, but I have done some prep beforehand, so I’m hoping to remain spinning focused. This years’ to-do list is:

Zwartbles – carding/combing, spinning & plying 1 whole fleece (I also want to experiment with spinning in the grease using this fleece too).
BFL/Camel Roving from Yarntings – I bought this at EAYF with the intention of spinning it on my Turkish spindle. This should make a good travel project from when I’m away from my wheel.
Shetland Sample – Spin and ply on my other spindle – this will form another portable project.
Spinning Challenge Sunday’s – Each week I will attempt a new challenge using yarn and wool already on my wheel/spindle.

Hopefully these projects should give some variety to TDF this year, even though my focus will be on one breed and should also give me some flexibility should I be away from my wheel. As usual, I’ll be posting daily updates on my instagram and weekly updates here (the first update will be on Sunday 7th July).

If you are also joining in with Tour de Fleece (whether part of a group or going it alone like me) I’d love to hear how you get on – feel free to share your progress/goals in the comments section and if you want to find out what I got up to last year I’ve included links to my wrap-up’s below.

Happy Spinning!

A Little About: Herdwick

Herdwick Sheep
*Photo Credit Herdwick Sheep Breeders Association*

History

Herdwicks have been around in the UK since the 12th century and there is significant debate over how they arrived; some stories say they came from a shipwreck from the Spanish Armada, while others suggest they originated in Scandinavia and came to England with the Vikings (the name is believed to have come from the Norse herdvyck or herdwyck, meaning “sheep pasture”). Either way, today’s Herdwicks are one of Britain’s hardiest sheep, adapted to living in the rugged landscapes of the Cumbrian Lake District.

Fleece Research

Herwick’s handle is considered ‘harsh’ by the British Wool Board, with a staple length of 10-20cm. As a hardy fibre, it is used commercially for durable items such as carpets and insulation, though if the soft undercoat can be separated, it can be used for making outer garments. The fleece has multiple components a soft undercoat, kemp fibre and heterotypic hair which changes consistency with the seasons, giving the fleece a textured look. The multiple components of the fleece make it quite unique and Robson & Ekarius say this presents a challenge for fibre preparation, but happily their recommendation in Fleece & Fibre Sourcebook is to experiment and just ‘go for it’!

Since I want to showcase all the textures, I won’t be separating out the different fibre types or dyeing the wool (due to the kemp hair it will not take dyes evenly anyway). I also want to link my project with the more commercial use for this fibre, so I have plans to turn the fleece into a rug, but to spin the fibres loosely so the different fibres show through to put my own handmade spin on it.

Romney: Breed Study Square 2

A long time ago I decided I was going to catalogue the sheep breeds I work and the projects they were used for in a blanket/wall hanging project made up of individual squares. I made the first square from my Ryeland fleece two years ago and have been occupied with finishing other big projects since, but before TDF begins and I get carried away with other big projects, I wanted to tick off some of the smaller tasks that have been on my to-do list for a long time.

I made a Romney cowl back in 2022 inspired by the Owler’s of Romney Marsh and decided that I would scale down the pattern to make a knitted breed square. The pattern is adapted from the Cable Button Collar from the Wensleydale Sheep shop and I reduced the stitch count to 32 stitches and only knitted one repeat of the cable pattern. Because my handspun yarn isn’t always an even diameter (the Romney certainly wasn’t!), this square turned out oblong, but after blocking it was slightly more square – I’m not too worried about this since I would much prefer the finished project to be whimsically irregular anyway. I do still have quite a bit of Romney yarn left over for further projects, and will probably try to get this cable pattern into them as I think it’s a prefect homage to the story of the breed.

This project will be ever evolving, but I’m going to make more of an effort to try and make a relevant breed square after each major project, so I don’t have a lingering to-do list!

Happy Crafting!

Witchy Gotland Gloves

I’ve jumped straight to a finished project post today, mainly because I haven’t processed the fibre completely from a raw fleece so there isn’t a great deal to say about the fibre prep and spinning. I will get around to doing an ‘about Gotland’ post when I work with a larger quantity of this fleece in the future.

Background & Design

A couple of years ago I knitted a friend some long gloves inspired by Gandalf’s from The Hobbit and instantly thought they would make a really good base for embellishment. That idea sat in the back of mind for some time until I found the perfect combination of fibre. In my 2023 EAYF adventures I purchased some Gotland roving from The Threshing Barn; whole Gotland fleece usually holds quite a premium because of the gorgeous locks, so I thought this roving would be a good experiment. I began spindle spinning and plying the fleece during a university field course and finished it during TDF last year. Gotland has quite a long staple length and the prepared roving was quite slippery, so I found spinning from the fold gave me more control over the diameter of the yarn. Shortly after, I attended a local yarn fair where a vendor was selling small quantities of raw Gotland locks and I remembered my idea of embellishing gloves.

In a happy twist of fate I discovered that Stansborough Grey’s (the sheep belonging to Stansborough Mill in New Zealand who provided the wool fabric for costumes in LOTR) are a breed genetically derived from Gotland sheep, so I felt it was meant to be! While I waited for some wool to dry for my Victorian Jumper over the festive season, I cast on…

Making

I wanted to put my own wool-witchy spin on the gloves, so opted to add beads to the cuffs. The pattern was a simple stocking stitch with ribbed cuff knitted in the round, divided for the thumb and cast off in an Icelandic bind off. I used 3.5mm mini circular needles which I’d never used before and I’m not sure if I like them – they were fiddly to hold and had a tendency to make my hands ache. I might save them for if I’m travelling with a small knitting project as it was handy not having to worry about dropping stitches when putting them aside.

To jazz up the cuffs I decided to add little beads at random intervals. Since I didn’t know how many beads I would use, I couldn’t pre-thread them onto the yarn, so opted for the method of placing a bead onto a crochet hook and then hooking a stitch and sliding the bead onto it before placing it back on the needle to be knitted.

**The start of my knitting and little bowl of beads**

After knitting I washed and blocked the gloves before considering how to add the locks. I’ve seen various methods of securing locks from weaving/knitting them in directly to attaching them using a latch hook, but none of these seemed like they would be very practical for gloves. My handspun Gotland had seemed a willing felter during washing, so I wondered if it might also needlefelt. I placed the glove over a felting brush and used a crochet hook to pull the end of a lock through a stitch and then needlefelted the end of the lock to the glove. It worked surprisingly well, so I continued to place locks across the wrist line on the top half of the glove (I felt the locks would have been impractical on the bottom).

I’ve made a video of the process below and a special shout out to my wonderful friend leanagibsonphotography for taking some stunning pictures!

I am so pleased with how these turned out, they were such good fun to make and even more fun to wear (and I now want to add locks to the cuffs and collars of all my clothes!).

Happy Crafting!

Fibre Haul: East Anglia Yarn Festival 2024

I had a lovely time yesterday at East Anglia Yarn Festival 2024 chatting wool with lovely people and feeling very inspired. Since I have a lot of wool waiting to be spun (and quite a lot of handspun waiting to be used), I was on the lookout for patterns and haberdashery that I could use with my handspun, rather than buying more yarn.

Links to vendors websites are provided for reference and are not affiliate links.

Fibre/Yarn

The Wensleydale sheep shop had some raw Wensleydale wool which will be useful for project plans that need long locks, and while I was there I also picked up some scraps of yarn as they come in handy for repairs and embellishment. I bought some beautiful roving from Yarn Tings which is a BFL/camel blend. I haven’t tried spinning with camel before, so plan to use this as an easy spinning project during tour de fleece this year. I also purchased some naturally dyed silk embroidery threads from Allium Threads and some silk/wool threads from Wild Field Fibre as a gift for my mum this year.

Knitting

I was on the lookout for knitting patterns, but can be quite fussy when it comes to designs. I loved the look of hirismakes falling leaves sweater and thought it might be a good fit for the Castlemilk moorit fibre I have waiting to be spun. I bumped into Jenn Monahan from fibreworkshop who was one of the first fibre vendors I ever met and purchased her new Drover jumper pattern inspired by the narrow roads sheep used to be transported along. I also treated myself to a handmade glass cauldron stitch marker from Flame Knits.

Miscellany

I paid a visit to Lilliput Wight‘s stall for some buttons and saw a card by Tilly Flop Designs that ‘matched’ the one I bought last year. I bought a linocut postcard from Beccy Mundy and finally some madder root and logwood chips from Burnt Fen alpacas which will come in handy for dyeing adventures later on.

Despite coming away with lots of new project inspiration, I do have to tackle some of the smaller projects that have been on my to-do list for a while now that my Victorian jumper is finished (some of them using supplies I bought at EAYF last year!). Much of my time is being taking up studying at the moment, but I hope to be able to have more time to spend crafting soon.

In the meantime, if you have any recommendations of yarn festivals or events then let me know in the comments below.

Happy Crafting!

The Fleece

Washing

Picking & Carding

Reflections

History

Fleece Research

Further Reading

Background & Design

Making

Fibre/Yarn

Knitting

Miscellany