A Labor of Love

The days and even weeks flew by as we worked diligently to get the facility ready. The landlord had recently bought the building and was prepared to make changes, too. 

The carpeting, which would have been horrible to keep clean with wool processing taking place, came up and was replaced with linoleum tiles. 

 

The wallpaper was removed, the paneling was painted, lights were moved, ceiling tiles replaced, doors widened, etc., etc.   

Some changes were big, while others were quite small; however, every change brought us that much closer to opening. 

 

I knew I would be busy with the wool processing orders, although I also realized that the hand machines would be definitely slower going than the big industrial machines would have been! 

              

But, I wanted to create a retail part of the mill, too. 

A place where we would display items we had made from the sheep wool or llama fiber. 

 

My daughters and I found ourselves knitting, crocheting, spinning, weaving, and felting at a mad pace in order to stock the shelves. 

I have three looms and they were always in motion!

  

 As we grew closer to opening day, my older daughter left to hike the Pacific Crest Trail to raise money for and awareness of Lyme disease. 

She had been planning the hike long before I had gotten the crazy idea to open a wool processing facility! I was supportive of her leaving, but knew I had just lost an employee (or should I say, volunteer)!  

 

My younger daughter graduated from college and was leaving shortly thereafter to do her graduate degree in Europe.   

So, by default, my new business partner became the family dog! She accompanied me to the mill each day as we continued to prepare for the grand opening!

The Dawning of HeartFelt Fleece & Fiber

It has been a while since I have written on this blog and decided that I've missed it. I had hosted a morning radio talk show for a year, and had participated in the NaNoWriMo writing challenge, and I think my words were simply all used up!

The retail portion of the mill

But, now I am back and I have so much to share. In January 2015, I opened a small wool processing facility and fiber studio in the heart of the bluegrass region of Kentucky. I had heard that my favorite, large and wonderful wool mill in Ohio was going out of business, and that would leave me and many shepherds without a place to process their fleeces. I began to brainstorm and daydream of opening my own facility.

Just about the time when the business plan had been accepted and a facility had been found, I got word that the mill in Ohio was going to stay open. While this was wonderful for the wool industry, my dream was squelched. But, in all that turmoil, I realized that I really did want to open a wool mill and work with fiber every day! I began to look at the prospect of opening a mini-mill with all the equipment necessary to process wool and fiber, but on a smaller scale. I called small mills across our country, spoke with owners, and learned from them what was and was not working.  Bit by bit, pieces began to fall into place and I was on my way to opening a fiber processing facility.

Wool arrived in large burlap bags

In February 2015, as I began to order processing equipment, I was contacted by the Kentucky Cloth project, a project that was trying to blend hemp with wool to create a viable fabric. They were hoping that my mill would be functioning by the time shearing season came. They asked me if I'd process KY sheep wool so that it would stay Kentucky Proud. I agreed and weeks later, before anything else was in the building, the wool arrived.

The first thing into the mill was a washing machine and I began washing the fleeces. I will talk about that in another post, but it was a long and arduous task. Ha! I also got a dehumidifier and ran that around the clock to take out as much water as the wet wool around the facility was putting into the air!

More equipment began to arrive, painting was done to the wall, new flooring, and so much more. The mill began to take shape and all that wool was getting closer and closer to being ready to send off to where it was going to be combined with the hemp.

Some of the wool after washed, but not yet picked!

I will tell you that the mill opened in the summer of 2015, and we have been growing stronger each month.

The next several blogs that I write will be taking you on the first year's journey with HeartFelt Fleece & Fiber.  If you'd like to jump ahead and see what we're up to you can go to:  www.heartfeltfleeceandfiber.com and check out our website. Or you may stop by the shop in Cynthiana, KY and visit us!

But, I do hope you'll stay tuned and check back to see the next post.

Thanks for stopping by,
~Pat

A Spinning "Yarn"

                I wanted to share a bit of a spinning “yarn” (story) with you.  

The sheep roving coming onto the spinning wheel
and loading onto the bobbin.

Winter is my season for spinning and quilting.  All summer long I am outside working on the farm every available moment. Fields to mow, jams to make, fields to mow, pickles to make, fields to mow, gardens to weed, fields to mow, fences to paint, fields to mow…..you get the message! 

Lazy Kate with bobbins.
Middle one is new, the other two are left over from previous plying.
(Note various thicknesses)
When I add another full bobbin, I will ply them.
Holds bobbins for 2-ply or 3-ply yarns.

But, during the winter, with its shorter days, I find myself able to get caught up with many inside projects while my fields “hibernate”. So, now instead of the noise of my mower, I get to listen to the whorl of the spinning wheel, the beating of the loom, and the hum of my sewing machine.  Maybe I ought to wear earplugs in the winter, too!  J

Light Brown, Grey, Brown- Llama
Whites- Sheep
Note the comparison of thicknesses between light brown and dark brown.

I recently evaluated my wool “stash”, and realized I had a problem. I have POUNDS of wool that I have to do SOMETHING with before spring and the next shearing! So, I began hauling out the bags of clean and processed wool, and put them in the spinning room.  I suddenly felt like the miller’s daughter with a huge spinning task ahead of me!

Icelandic Sheep
Note comparison of thicknesses.
This is an example of "spinning for the project you are making"
These were NOT used for same project.

So, I decided to mark each bag of wool with the project I wanted it to be used for.  Now I have bags for spinning, felting, weaving.  Problem is:  I still have POUNDS of wool that I have to do SOMETHING with before spring and the next shearing!!

Lt. Brown- llama
White- Icelandic Sheep
Note the comparison of thicknesses.
All are excellent for what they will be used for.
I use the light brown for the string hanger
on my felted Christmas ornaments.

I am going to take one large bag of wool and use it as batting for a quilt that I’ve recently finished piecing the top together. The batting will be between the top and bottom and then I will quilt the whole thing.  Wool is excellent as batting, because it breathes.  So it is cool in the summer, cozy in the winter, and if that’s not enough, it’s flame retardant as a bonus!

Batting being made for the quilt.
There is nothing quite like the feel and comfort of a wool batt quilt.

Well, that’s one bag down…..good! But, I still have POUNDS of wool…… (Say it with me this time!)….that I have to do SOMETHING with before spring and the next shearing!

Black on the left is adult llama.
Black on the right is Shetland sheep lamb fleece.
I spun the llama very thinly for one project and
spun the sheep average to thick for another project.
Of each yarn, I had spun over 300 yds.

So, I’ve begun to spin, and SPIN, and SPIN and SPIN!  My fingers needed a break, so I decided to type my blog instead!  J  (ouch!)

Scarf knitted from spun Icelandic lamb fleece.
Incredibly pristine, warm, and comforting!

I shouldn’t complain.  I really do love all that I’ve made in the last few weeks.  I’ve made a few quilt tops, several skeins of yarn, and I about to start an interesting project on the loom (wimpy, but interesting).

Tri-colored yarn. (3-ply)
Used white (llama), dark teal (alpaca), and purple (sheep), all of which I'd spun
very, very thinly. Not a lot of crimp because of llama and alpaca, but very soft.

I still get plenty of outside time….there is morning and evening feedings on the farm, plus water troughs to fill, paddocks to muck, and believe it or not…..I mowed earlier this week! CRAZY! Even crazier is the fact that the Clematis is blooming again, as well as Hydrangea, Weigela, and a few dandylions.  Plus, the Dahlias and Cannas haven’t stopped! I am counting each day like this past week as a reprieve from the winter forecast that I am dreading.

Dahlias just keep blooming.
So pretty to see each day.....!

Spinning is fairly simple. For one thing, even if you don’t spin well, the yarn should be able to be used for something!  But, to make it easier and more enjoyable for you, start with good wool. Half the battle should NOT be trying to make something lovely out of a “difficult to spin” wool or fiber. 

First attempt at spinning.
It was llama fiber and is incredibly soft!
There is some variance in size of yarn throughout,
by no means perfect.

I learned on llama and alpaca fiber. I found it to be SO much simpler than some wool that I'd been originally given. The yarn that I spun as my first project is fairly uniform (by beginner's standard only) and I attribute that to the fact that the fiber was easy to work with. I remember learning to gauge my drafting (pulling the wool) differently when I began to spin sheep wool.  I still enjoy both and would not pick one over the other.  

Spinning Wheel with a few bags
of clean wool waiting to be spun.

I will say that I used to overspin (making it too tight, not as soft as it could be). A friend who is a very talented spinner and knitter would critique my work and send me back to the spinning wheel to fix it.  L   

Yarn beginning to go on bobbin.
The color underneath is the lead thread.
You can see the drive band coming up to meet the whorl.

But, I will say that I learned and am happy with that.  There’s always something to learn and I am nowhere near where I’d like to be talent-wise, but for the time that I can spend on it, I’m content with my skill level (for now).

Red and Green 2-ply yarn that I'd spun for a Christmas project - 2006
Made knitted table mats (wished they'd been woven).
Definitely NOT fancy, but it was my first attempt at
completing a project with yarn that I'd spun.

                       I will share the projects that I do this winter on other posts.

Wordless Wednesday Weaving

The note card holds the pattern for Bob's (my uncle) baby shawl.
This was done just weeks before he was born! (He's my age)
The photo of the card is taken on
simple weave dish towels that I'd done years ago

I know I usually do Wordless Wednesday; however, when I share the back-story, you will appreciate why I found the need to include my “preamble”.

So many interesting things I was given to go through!
This photo is taken on a simple weave buffet runner that I'd done in 2007.

Late last summer I had a visit from my Mother’s cousin (my second cousin). I hadn’t seen him for almost 45 years-because of living locations, not family feuds!  J  

Gorgeous fine linen cloth. 

Anyhow, he brought with him some of his mother’s (my great-aunt as well as my namesake) weaving and textile items. 

Just beautiful
The threads -refers to how the loom is threaded
The treadle- refers to the way the harnesses move;
Thus, creating various patterns.
Oh, I would have loved to have "played" on the loom with her!

It may not have seemed very exciting to others looking on (a metal card file box with index cards); however, he may never know the treasure I see it as! The cards all held patterns or samples of the completed patterns.

Before doing a large piece, it helps to see how the yarn/strings work together, how colors blend, or how it just "feels". Small sample pieces help the weaver decide BEFORE doing a large piece!

This was a card pattern my great-aunt had done for my great-grandmother!
I feel connected to a group of wonderful and creative women!!

Black and White, so dramatic!

For several weeks now, I have been scrutinizing the files carefully and am planning to make one of her patterns in the near future.

Fall Festive!
Love it!

Very fascinating!
The reed hook is what is used to thread the loom.
Totally cool that she was given this for attending a workshop 54 years ago!

I hope you've enjoyed seeing these old patterns as much as I have. 

Threads were so delicate.
So different from my wool runner that the pattern card is resting on.

Another day we will explore weaving in more detail and I'll share some more things I've created. 

My aunt used to make her own "fabric" and then makes clothing from that.
Example: skirts, coats, suit jackets, etc......incredible!!
Wish I could melt the years and have spent more time with her.

                                    I am still in the learning stages, so don't judge!  (smiles)

Kentucky Wool Festival

Wreath with one pound
Llama fiber - Song's 

For the past two years I have been a demonstrator/exhibitor (not to be confused with an exhibitionist) at the Kentucky Wool Festival in Falmouth, KY. This is a huge festival that has been going on for decades.  It is a success story of something that started out quite small and grew to the amazing event that it is now.  It is quite an honor to be asked to participate with other very talented fiber artists in the Wool Tent.  The artists come from around Kentucky as well as a few of the neighboring states.  Wool/Fiber/Hair from Sheep, llamas, alpacas, rabbits, and goats are what the different artists use.

Dolly Llama's fiber
ready for spinning

Each artist has a booth showcasing her/his specialty.  I am amazed what different and varied things we all do; yet, we are all fiber artists. Some demonstrators have their spinning wheels there and spin all weekend long.  Others have small rigid heddle looms. In fact, one young man makes rigid heddle looms out of pvc pipes and sell them from his booth that weekend.  One artist does the drop spindle and has kits with some wool from her sheep to jumpstart you on your road to spinning. The drop spindles have been hand painted by her with sheep on the whirl.  Some artists knit and carry on a conversation with you without ever looking down at their elaborate patterns; their hands know what to do.

Bear I felted and knitted scarf

While the demonstrators are interesting to watch, it’s more fun to take a step into their booths and see what’s going on.  There are spun yarns, raw wools, clean rovings, felting and felted items, knitted items, woven items, and so much MORE I don’t even know how to cover it all. 

My Felted Llamas
for Christmas ornaments

There are a couple demonstrators who have “related” items.  One does sheep pottery.  She has her own pottery studio at her farm and makes pottery items that showcase sheep.  She also has Icelandic sheep and has specialty gifts made out of their fleeces. Another does weaving, but instead of using wool, she uses recycled fabrics  and makes unique rugs! Fascinating!

Llama- Pillows that I needle felted
and then stuffed

The Wool Festival is getting closer and I need to begin to get ready for my booth again this year. I usually sit out in front of my booth and needle felt so that the passers-by can stop and chat. That way it also encourages them to browse without me following them.

Needle Felting a HeartFelt ornament

 Now about the booth- I have done different things different years; however, I want to attempt something really unique and exciting this year.  Of course, I will still carry my usual items.

 In the past I have borrowed a drum carder from a sweet friend who has been sort of a mentor to me (from a sheep learning viewpoint).  I make individual batts out of the llama fiber.  With these you can spin or felt, or as one little boy said, “I just want one to carry.” They are beautiful and quite soft. I have to package most of them to keep them clean, but I also leave some unpackaged out on the table.  No one can walk by without touching….it’s expected.

Jenna's Wool- Shetland
after it's been cleaned

I also have rovings from both the sheep and llamas.  It’s fun to talk with customers about the personality of the sheep or llama that produced the roving they are purchasing. I love it when they share the stories telling what they hope to create with it.  Many people spin or weave, not everyone has the animals.  So, I guess they have to buy their supplies from some place. I am thankful when they choose my farm!

Stella's Wool -Tunis
before it's cleaned

Last year for a new twist, I made earrings with Swarovski crystals and wool balls.  I thought they were beautiful….so did my customers. 

I have felted wool fabric.  It is wool that has been needle felted into pieces of “fabric” that you could use for sewing, or as is for a blanket.  I made wool bags, purses, and pillows.  I also had some knitted scarves.

I have felting kits that have everything included to needle felt a few projects.  In other words, I have tried to have a little something for everyone, but this year, I want something REALLY unique.  I’ve begun formulating ideas, and will share what I did AFTER the festival.  I hope you’ll check back and that it was worth the wait.

          Otherwise, come to the Wool Festival!Click here to link to the Festival's Sheep and Wool Tent.

It's All About the Clan!

The Celtic music is playing in the background as I begin my blog today.  The penny whistle (tin whistle--so many names) is so spellbinding to listen to.  It actually begins to stir up many memories, and the topic I was going to write about today gets tossed aside until another day to make room for a fond memory today.

Yep! That's the Clan....1970 something---don't judge!

I am Scot-Irish by descent, and my brother takes his “Clan Tartan” and slogan, “ora et labora” very seriously.  Through the years, the women in my family each had a kilt that was the clan’s tartan.  I think the men in the family must have been slightly envious, because for years my brother really wanted something out of that woven wool.  Hmmmm, should I analyze this?

He has a plaque hanging in his home that is the tartan, with the emblem and the slogan.  I guess this still wasn’t enough.

This is the tartan color we wear for "hunting".
We have a red one for everyday use.

One day about six years ago, while I was shopping at an Irish boutique in Frankfort, KY, I happened upon a man’s driving style woolen cap that was our clan’s tartan.  It was definitely more than I normally spend for my brother, even at Christmas; however, this was so perfect, so HIM, that I decided to buy it!

I wanted to give it to him early. I couldn’t handle the excitement of trying to wait for Christmas, but wait I did.  And while I was waiting, I began to think that I ought to weave a scarf to match the cap, and still of our tartan! I don’t know why I hadn’t thought of it sooner, but I was still new to weaving and spinning at that time. 

This is the FIRST thing I'd ever done on a rigid heddle.
Not the tartan, just a simple dresser scarf.   It's old now.

I had a rigid heddle table top loom back then, so it was a simple weave. I didn’t have a tartan book at the time (I do now) so I didn’t have the directions for threading nor a plan for how the colors intersected and created different colors.  I studied both my kilt and his cap for a long time and worked backward to figure out the threading.  Now when I remember how seriously I thought about it, I laugh; but, at the time it seemed to be a bit daunting.

I was going to spin the wool, then dye the yarn, then weave the scarf.  After much deliberation, and spun skeins of black and white wool completed, I decided he really wasn’t worth ALL that time, so I bought the woolen yarn. (I know….the “B” word. We don’t say it in our house.  “Bought” yarn just doesn’t have the same connection for us; however, it sure was EASIER!) I tried to assuage my disappointment with my course of action by trying to convince myself that he probably wouldn’t like it anyhow, and then it would’ve been a waste of my time.

The Tartan has Red, White, Black, and Yellow in it.
Here is some of my hand spun Black and White
...slow going!

I warped the loom, took a deep breath, and began.  I hadn’t completed too many rows before I was sure that I’d love the finished product. I knew he would, too. It took a few hours to complete- not too arduous, but still, it required me to sit in one position and focus!

The floor loom I use now....very different!

When the scarf was completed, I took it off the loom, gently washed it in warm, sudsy water so that the wool would “full”, and then blocked it for drying. It handled so nicely, looked so sharp, and felt so wonderful.  I was just certain that he’d love it.

Well, I gave it to him that Christmas, and he put them on Christmas Day……and later that spring, he still hadn’t taken them off!  His wife is a principal at an elementary school in Maryland and one night, near the end of the school year, there was an event at her school that he was also going to attend to be supportive .  Her words to him that morning, as she left for work were, “See you at the school later tonight without your cap and scarf!”  It never happened; when he showed up with his cap and scarf on, he claimed he never heard those words!

You know it’s a HeartFelt Gift when it’s appreciated and loved that much!