When I was visiting the Rare Breed Show at Singleton I saw my first Teeswater sheep being shown in the ring. It has taken me since July to track down a fleece but am now the proud owner of a partial fleece. It i
s quite beautiful. The sheep looks like this. The fleece is in the wash but will post pic as soon as it’s sparkly clean.
September 24, 2010
Teeswater sheep
September 21, 2010
Birling Gap and mulberry results
Another beautiful day found us at Birling Gap in East Sussex to collect more sea water for dyeing with. Sue’s previous experiments proved that by using sea water instead of tap water altered the colour quite noticiably. As the tide was on it’s way out, the sand was revealed making it really safe for the boys to paddle about in the water.Not so much rock pooling and no sign of wildlife apart from the limpets & sea weed but a grand day out nevertheless.
My little experiment with next door’s mulberrys proved very successful, I didn’t have very many berries & after cooking & straining, I put the liquor in a jam jar with a handful of silk & left it to sit for about 3 weeks. This is what came out-
mulberry dyed silk
It is such an amazing pink, the little bit of Shetland fleece I put in another jar was disappointing although still pink.
September 7, 2010
New online knitting/crochet magazine
Just came accross this on Ravelry, check it out!
September 1, 2010
Birling Gap
Further to the trip to the Isle of Wight Sue, Loen, Asher & I went off to Birling Gap in search of Iron Pyrite & sea water. After doing some experiments with the iron given to her by a ranger Sue was determined to find some herself. Also the idea of using sea water in the dyeing process seemed to make sense, how would it effect the colours? Armed with huge water container we descended the million steps (felt like it) onto the beach with only two hours til high tide. The boys quickly found the sand & covered themselves in it while Sue braved the cold Atlantic to collect sea water. An hour or so later we went of up the beach looking for the iron, I dont think the boys quite got the hang of the concept but they were happy picking up pebbles & chalk….. Success, Sue found some iron pyrite (we think). As the tide was getting closer & closer we ascended the million steps, me following the boys & Sue followed with water container, DISTASTER, the handle came off in Sue’s hand, water spilled everywhere, Sue was not amused while I had to hide my laughter…about a litre was left in bottom. Ice creams all rounds then off up the hill to see the lighthouse. Boys & grannies worn out-job done.
view from half way up hill
