Black Sheep Gathering

We used The Black Sheep Gathering as a handy excuse for a road trip, and we were not disappointed! After a ritual stop at Village Spinning and Weaving, we headed north, had a great time with old friends in Sacramento, and dropped into Oregon.  A couple of days at Crater Lake turned strange when we drove into a snow storm.

The lake was entirely invisible the first day.  Therefore, we had to simply enjoy the wonderful amenities at the lodge.  I enjoyed watching the icicles form on the edge of the roof.

It broke clear the next morning, and we went for a short hike to see the view.  On our way out, the clouds returned and covered the lake again.  At least we got a glimpse.  From there, we continued to Eugene.

Yes, I bought some Cotswold fleece from Bear Hill Farms.  Very clean and soft! I just finished washing it and it's drying in San Diego's 95 degree heat.  We spoke at length with Art and Kathy, who were very interested in our living history activities in Old Town.  In addition to the barns full of sheep, there were many vendors and demonstrations.  I met Galina Khmeleva, Robina Koenig (Tumble Creek Farm BFLs), and Ken and Carol Ledbetter.  Galina graciously signed my copy of her book, Gossamer Webs.  I also visited Thompson Romneys and purchased roving to dye.  What a wonderful event, and the weather in Eugene was great.

Then, on to Healdsburg with a side visit to Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park.  Since we visited on a weekend, the water wheel was working and the mill was in full production.  The park is operated by volunteers, due to budget issues with California State Parks.

Eventually we wound our way back to San Diego where I am busy washing the fleece and spinning more cotton.  I can't wait to do more weaving with handspun cotton yarn.  Stay cool!

Handspun Cotton Scarf is Done

The cotton scarf only took a couple of days to weave.  It is 56" long without the fringes, which are 4" long at both ends.  No broken warp threads, which is great news.  I really like the way that the green and dark brown came out.  And I have plenty left over for another project.

I am carding some reddish brown ginned cotton into punis.  That is, when Frida lets me.  She is sitting on a bag, inside a bowl.  It was a challenge for her to squeeze herself into the bowl, but she managed to do it.  On the left, you can see some ginned white cotton that I am spinning on a Bosworth suspended spindle.  The spindle weighs 0.5 ounce and works just fine for this cotton.

I think I will try knitting with the yarn made from the ginned cotton.  It is not as fine as the yarn I made from roving.