My spinning group, R&R Spinners, demos at the Cumberland Fair every year. A request went out to actually enter some of our hand spun, hand knit items in the fair for judging so I ran these two items over. The silvery shawl in the glamorous studio shot above, is spun from my friend Beatrice's own Shetland sheep and is the natural color of the wool. This Shetland fiber spun up like a dream so I was able to get a nice fine singles that double plied up to about a fingering/sport weight. I love this shawl and was loathe to part with it for the week that it will be at the fair, but I sacrificed for my group.
And here is the second item. This vest was also spun from local wool that I acquired through the R&R Spinners group. It is a rare and lucky thing to have access to so many fine female farmers and their products. Living in Portland I am not allowed to have sheep myself, but I am grateful to know some women who have small flocks and are willing to share. The rosy background color is dyed over a light brown Coopworth, and the contrasting band is made of small samples of mixed local fibers -- maybe 8 half ounce skeins in all. I love this vest and wear it constantly through the fall, winter and early spring.
Patterns for both will be posted in the near future. I'll let you know when they go up.
Patterns for both will be posted in the near future. I'll let you know when they go up.
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