For years I’ve fondled the end product of the chain that primarily begins with fiber on the hoof, toe or paw but never really seen a concentration of the start of it all. As I understand it, most fiber festivals have some sort of “sheep to shawl” demonstration and the Michigan festival was no exception. Without further ado, say hello to a few of my fleecy (but noisy, bleating) friends:
Some ewes have been shorn, others not. None seem too pleased.
I am Blue-faced Leicester. Adore me-e-e-e!
This polled (hornless) ewe may be an Icelandic cross-breed.
I’m Icelandic all the way, bay-bee!
My Angora sister and I have some of the softest mohair curls in town!
There were lots of barns and pens and competitions going on but I didn’t have the energy to visit them all. That’s why I missed the Angora bunnies and probably the Alpacas and whichever other fiber-bearing creatures deigned to call during the week.
But wait! I failed to mention any purchases. Witness one tasty 1200 yard hank of Briar Rose “Celebration”, a 60% merino /40% bamboo mix in the blue-green shades of the sea. Briar Rose’ owner, Chris couldn’t be nicer.
Other than some aromatic goodies, that’s all I bought. The point of the trip wasn’t to spend money so much as to get away from the knit cave and medical issues and the city for a spell. To that end, the deal was done, and in spades. Thanks for coming along with me for a taste of the Michigan Fiber Festival.
Love all the sheep! I’m looking forward to getting my sheep fix at WI Shep & Wool in a few weeks.
Gorgeous Briar Rose yarn — I was bummed not to see her at Stitches Midwest.
I like how the different sheep varieties have such different looking fleeces. Gorgeous Briar Rose yarn!
That yarn is beautiful. I bought some Briar Rose at a Fiber Festival recently too and I found them to be so so nice.
Love the animal pics too! 🙂
YUM-MY! LOVE that Briar Rose!
(((hugs)))
You were much stronger than I, in the purchasing restraint! What a perfect choice, too. Briar Rose fibers fill me with longing . .
The sheep were amazing, too – the icelandic was cutest, but I know I love the bluefaced fleece best. They seemed so individual, too, from voices to attitudes. One little sheep I saw was the *image* of frustration, being pushed around by a little boy!
I can’t wait to see what you make with your purchase too! It’s beautiful.
Such cute sheepsies! You have great self-control for not trying to smuggle one home with you. 🙂
Karen —
That was a great photo of you at the festival on Bonne Marie’s blog! You look like you were having a wonderful time!
Peace,
Chris.
it’s always fun to bond with sheep! and i hear you on getting out of the urban jungle for a little while. 🙂 glad you had fun.
We don’t have anything like that here, or at least not that I know of. We do have lot’s of sheep though and cows of course. How difficult will it be to turn cows hair into beautiful yarn?!
I have always wanted to go to a fiber festival, but have not yet made it there. I have recently started a dabbling sort of interest in spinning, so I should double my efforts to get there. The yarn you bought looks beautiful, and I can’t wait to see what you do with it.
Be well and happy knitting!
Out is good. The time to worry is not when the walls start closing in, it’s when what’s inside the walls becomes your world.
Every time I meet sheep I’m so *glad* that someone invented soap. I mean, I really like wool, but I wouldn’t want to smell like that 🙂
That blue will be STUNNING for the stole! 🙂
Looks like great fun! And that Briar Rose is yummy.
What fun sheep pics. Also, love the yarn that you picked up – look forward to seeing you knit it up. 🙂
I love the ‘Sheep’ portion of the Sheep and Wool Festivals! It is great seeing from whence my yarn springs and I love the yarn you bought!
I totally get you on your oating goal. Getting outside yourself is just so important, isn’t it? And I think you chose a fun thing to be doing.
Looks like you had a great day. We have sheep out here in the country, not mine, but a neighbor, I think they are meat sheep. I’ve never seen such beautiful fleece on them that is for sure. Glad you had a good day, I’m off to look at some Briar Rose.
Look at all the sheepies! They’re so BIG! *gasps*
That Briar Rose yarn looks divine. And you were so good with your purchases. I really admire your fortitude. I’m so glad you got a chance to take a mini-break.