So if you read my Part One: The Drive, you would have read my introduction in regards to the fact that I've adventured up to Washington State to live on a farm for a few months. My reasoning you may ask? Well, to be closer to what I love, duh! Fiber, yarn, and of course the animals who feed my addiction; knitting! But working here with the sheep is more than just that. I'm learning about self-sustainability, the importance of a healthy diet and how to take care of something other than myself [and my lovely mother of course ;) ]
So here we go!
Part Two; The Farm!
Animals
Alpine Goats (look at all the babies in the background!) There are also a few Nubians which are quite cute themselves!
What's a farm without chickens? One of my favorite daily tasks is collecting all their eggs! It's like Easter every day. :)
Sheeeeepies!!! (Shetlands)
Meet Mr. Caesar. Isn't he handsome? And a sweetheart too!
The first baby!! A little boy! He's about a month earlier than the season for sheep babies, but I'm happy and he's healthy!
The process of making yarn:
So it's not shearing season just yet, but here's an earlier fleece that we laid out for a quick clean up.
And then it get's the real deal! Dawn dishwasher soap is used to get most of the grease (lanolin) out of the fleece.
The next step after the fleece has finished it's bath and has dried and been sorted, is to card it. This is an electrical carder, but there are several devices to do this step.
And vwa-la! My first two bats! (And a grungy me... Hadn't showed in two days! Amazing for me.)
The first stage of spinning. This is a drop spindle (the easiest way to learn to spin.) just a single ply. This will later be plied together with another yarn for more durability. Pretty good job for my first one! They were impressed. Nice and consistent. :) Later, I'll move on to the wheel.
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Another favorite daily task that I do is collect greens from the hoop house. Got stung by stinging nettles the first few times. I'm now much more careful!
So it's been 5 days on the farm. I'd say I've learned a good deal so far and can't wait to learn more! Stay in tune!
:) Alisha
LOVE this...keep them coming! Wish I was there with you! Moi
ReplyDeleteWow. What an adventure! I see there is even a John Deere tractor with a front end loader to learn to drive - what fun!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are having quite the adventure! How did you hear about this? Is it like the NZ equivalent of Willing Workers on Organic Farms (WWOOFer's)? Here people get free room and board in exchange for their work. Is it something like that? Want to come to NZ for free room and board? We don't have sheep, but there are plenty around! Well, actually, we do have sheep on our property, they are just not ours. Have a great time!!!! Vicki
ReplyDeleteIt's exactly like WWOOF! I work for room and board. :) I did some research and they actually found me! I have a passport now, I'd totally work for you! :)
DeleteAlisha!
ReplyDeleteYaw so glad you're documenting your adventure!! I've added you to my bloglovin so I'll get updates. Love the picture of you, you look like you're having so much fun. Aren't collecting eggs the best. :-) Glad the nettle isn't getting you anymore, that stuff itches.
Best,
Ramona
I am so happy for you I was introduced to spinning when I was in high school I was grounded but my mom gave me a drop spindle and a little wool. I didn't know what to do with the yarn I had spun. Now I knit, spin and weave. It has been a wonderful part of my life for many years I am 53 years old now and have loved fiber and what can be done with it. Enjoy yourself.
ReplyDeleteAlisha,
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed reading your adventures. Keep them coming, we miss you here, but looks like you are living your dream! love Candy
Wonderful to follow along!
ReplyDelete