Monday, May 17, 2010

Book Review: "In Sheep's Clothing" by Nola and Jane Fournier


Now, this will be a break from my normal blogging in the respect that I rarely give my opinion on a book or tool. But I just had to share this book. I had been lusting over it for a while after seeing it on multiple occasions at fiber festivals throughout the state. Ever looking to learn, I finally picked this up on Amazon to study, and I am so glad I did!

I don't own sheep, nor do I live in a part of the country where sheep are raised for their wool. So, I find it difficult to compare the fleeces of animals. Rabbits, I have, sheep. . . no. The beauty of this book not only lies in the thorough knowledge of sheep, but actual photographs of the different breeds locks including characteristics and applications for their wool. For example, it'll tell you that this breed's wool is good to spin worsted style and knit for rugs.

After all this, it goes into preparing wools. Yes, you can YouTube many techniques, but sometimes a book that explains the "why" is what I'm looking for. Why do you hand card rather than drum card? Unlike other online sources, books must be edited to make sure that the information is accurate. It's not about an opinion as much as fact. Don't get me wrong, there are books based on opinion, but this is more like an encyclopedia.

Have I confused you yet? : ) Well, if you are a spinster like me, and really want a great book that will give you the in depth answers you seek, you must check this book out. It's a keeper!

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Um, yea, I've been a bad poster.



Well, it's been one of those crazy weeks of dyeing, drying, staining, painting, and carding. I went out to the Tulsa Spring Fiber Festival last weekend and worked my butt off. It went splendidly I must say. The barn was beautiful. The patrons were nice. The roses were blooming, no really, they were.



So, afterward, I noticed my stock was low. Normally this wouldn't be a problem. There are usually months between festivals for me to take my sweet time putting things together. Well, not the week. This Saturday is Route 66 Rendezvous in Edmond, OK. I have no drop spindles and 2 hanks of lace yarn. So, serious work must be done. Once again, normally I can get myself together and time crunch to get it all done. Except. . . I planned to teach a class on evening and had charity knit night another. Ug.

So here I am, one day away from the Fiber Festival, trying to get everything sorted, labeled and packed. I've carded a dozen batts, made 2 dozen drop spindles, and dyed another dozens hanks of yarn. Whew!

So thanks for reading my rant, and enjoy the rest of your day. I'll be here manning the drum carder. ; )