Wool, wool and more wool

A couple of weeks ago Mikey, a colleague of Jim's from Ireland, came over for supper as well as Ben.  Mikey brought some wool over from Ireland from the Kerry Woolen Mill.  Jim bought four pound of Jacob wool in three grays and white and Mikey bought two pounds of white to black.  That was a very big surprise, as Jim thought I had too much wool (spun and unspun) in my stash.  Each of the colors has bits of other natural colors, which give the wool a wonderful rustic texture when spun.  I decided to send it through the carder for manageable batts and began to spin the single in light gray.

Batts of Jacob wool from Ireland

Nice texture and color

Last Thursday I took a class at the Textile Center in Minneapolis, The Color Wheel in Wool.  I did not take many photos because we were busy during the whole time we were there.   It was interesting to see the results of the dye with yarn, felt and wool fabric (I had the wool fabric).  The dye kit was a cool palette so the red is pinkish.  I was pleased with the results and have leftover dye to play with when I have time this week, although I need a pan that would be used only with dye.  Time to visit Goodwill!

Steaming wool fabric and yarn

Dyed fabric soaking in Synthropal, removing any excess dye and washing the fabric.

Left to right: my wool fabric, wool felt and wool yarn.

Instructor Susan Antell, master dyer at the Textile Center, checks out Angie's felt squares.

Twelve, 12-inch squares--so pretty!

Current projects in progress are a sample for Blue Sky, the Advent mittens (I hit a mitten wall and have to catch up), the Lopi cardigan re-work and the Japanese vest from Folk Vests.  

Re-working the collar and bands of a Lett Lopi cardigan.

Baa

I had such fun on sheep shearing day at Shepherd's Choice. I was spinning under the trees and took time to tie dye a dress and skirt. That's always fun to do. The sheep and llama were very cooperative models, too.
The tweed cardi (#994) is going quickly. Top down construction is great because it's nice to be able to try on the garment as it's knit and then adjustments are easier, if needed. I think I may go shorter on the length. I'm going through my button stash to see what would go and I'm liking red buttons. The yarn reminds me of sock monkey socks. Speaking of the yarn, I like this quite a bit. I've made a cabled Aran from the traditional cream color, but I think the new tweeds and brown solid are much nicer. I may have to get some brown tweed for another basic sweater. The price per skein is great and there's so much yardage per skein. I am just now into the second skein and the body is over 22" long! At $8.99 per skein, that's a bargain.
Today is going to be fun. Carol from the LYS invited me to go to a felting class at the Textile Center in Minneapolis. I've wanted to go there since forever and doing a class is icing on the cake. We'll have so much fun. I'm taking the camera and hope to get some photos of our creations!

I can't forget the chicken! I finally got a good photo of it.