My goal this month, besides lots of knitting, is to learn about the British breeds and to spin a few new fibers that I’ve not really explored yet.
I recently enjoyed a wonderful mini-online class by Deborah Robson, co-author of The Fleece and Fiber Sourcebook, called Know Your Wool . In this class, Deborah explores breed-specific wool characteristics, discusses where and how to look for any type of yarn, and how to determine the right wool for any project. This mini-workshop is free and available online at Craftsy.com. So if you are interested in learning more about different breeds, I encourage to sign-up and Even though this class is short, its packed full over great information!
First on my list to spin this month is Finnish Wool. I like to start small and decided that a sampler pack would be the best way to go to explore this particular wool. There are quite a few shops that offer a variety of sampler packs, but after much searching I found a great sampler pack from Woolgatherings.
This pack features 2 oz each in Black, Brown, Gray, White and Humbug (mix of brown & white). Woolgatherings also carries a variety of other sampler packs as well as lovely hand-dyed fiber. I can say that on first touch, this wool is very soft, so I look forward to seeing how it spins up.
Finnish wool is very similar to Blue Faced Leicester wool in appearance, it is approx 28 – 30 Microns, average length of 80mm, making it a good felting wool. This is available in 4 natural shades. Perfect for hand spinning, hand felting and many other craft uses. – World of Wool
I made my first purchase from a UK shop and ordered a British Breeds Sampler pack from Hilltop Cloud. This pack includes a 1/2 oz each of 4 shades of British Shetland, 2 shades of British BFL (Blue Faced Leicester), 2 shades of North Ronaldsay and shade of British Jacob. Katie has other wonderful fibers in her shop, so be sure to take a peek.
If I spin this well, I will created enough mini skeins to knit Kate Davies Sheep Heid pattern, so that’s my goal!
Sheep Heid Hat Pattern – Photo courtesy of Kate Davies
If you’re interested in learning about different varieties of wools to spin, do be sure to check out The Fleece and Fiber Sourcebook. Before taking the plunge in ordering a ton of fiber to spin, order a fiber sampler kit. This is a great way to learn about the wool, it’s characteristics for spinning and you can create fun mini skeins for various colorwork projects.
I think this month will be a fun adventure in spinning and I’m up for the challenge!
So, what’s on your wheel, spindle or needles?
Look at all that lovely fiber! You are going to have some much fun spinning and experimenting and the fiber you’ve chosen for Sheep Heid looks perfect. I’m looking forward to hearing about your experiences with your new fibery treats!
I have just recently finished spinning 4oz of Finn. It was my first experience with it and I found it very enjoyable. I’ve been having a blast this year trying out different wools.
I really love your Finn Simone and it’s good to know you enjoyed spinning it
Thank you so much, I’m looking forward to my little adventure.
Fabulous! You’ve done it again! I want, I want!! I just finished a sample of stiff Jacob Wool. I’ll have to find a source in the US. Robeson’s book was highly recommended by members of my spinning class.
Just enabling
Robeson’s book is fantastic and check out Etsy.com
My fingers are hungry for new fibers to spin. I’m not sure what I’m going to do with it all, though.
Me too Caitlin
Thanks for the info on the sampler packs!
You are most welcome
We really are twins! That pattern lurks in my library and I have ordered the fibre from Katie too this morn before I saw your blog!!!! Her fibre is gorgeous. How about a spin along…:)?
LOL … we are indeed twins
I would love to do a spin along. Let me know when you want to start!
Oh this sounds like loads of fun to do. Thanks for the info on the sampler packs. I’m spinning some black alpaca and white merino right now, but hope to try some of the sampler packs soon.
You’re so welcome Ginny and your spinning sounds like a lot of fun too – I love Alpaca
I just recently had the Fleece and Fiber Sourcebook from my library. It was a great book. It was so informative about each breed, and they showed so many photos of how each fleece looked when spun up. I think Santa’s everywhere who know a spinner should add this to their lists.
I truly agree, it is indeed a great book and it would make a great gift.
This is definitely tempting!
I’m tickled I’ve tempted you