Spinning wheels in history

No, no, no. This isn't a picture of me. This is a lovely Irish woman around 1900 that I came across on the internet searching for information on the beginnings of the art of spinning fiber of which I knew nothing about. In a nut shell, spinning on a wheel came about in medieval times. Prior to that they used drop spindles for about 9000 years. I have to wonder how they EVER got enough fiber spun to make ANYTHING on a drop spindle.
Hail the invention of the wheel!

All of Sweetpea

I have one black English Angora named Sweetpea that I have had for almost 6 years now and she produces my favorite natural color that doesn't require dying. I have made a scarf and 3 pairs of mittens over the years but sat down in ernest to spin all that I have collected from her. She does not produce a lot as I understand black EA's don't have the density that a white or tort would so every ounce I have is coveted. My guess would be that I have harvested around 1500 yards of spun yarn or approximately 2 small sweater's worth.

This picture is a 234 yard hank of pure Sweetpea. I spun this on my Majacraft spinning wheel which I haven't used in years so the twist is not quite what I wanted it to be but I have learned that it matters little when you knit it.

Here is the finished product- a lovely scarf. For me:)

The verdict is in....

My English Angora tort bun is a.... Drum roll please.... BOY! Yes, he had some of us fooled but I had a sinking suspicion since day one he was, in fact, a 'HE.' When you don't have buns very often it can be difficult to sex them. I am hoping he makes a big splash at the shows this spring.

Morty and the Bunny

Today I got a minute during this busy holiday season at Big Times Kennel to sit down and enjoy my bunny.... And my cat. I think there is some internal magnet that Morty and I possess that compels him to sit in my lap regardless if it is already occupied.

I think Morty is telling the bunny she should go back to her cage.

Merry Christmas!

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas.

5 weeks old!

So cute and so fuzzy.

A gift!

Recently I received a LOVELY gift of FREE fiber from a very thoughtful friend. I came home to a few pounds of alpaca, no kidding. This thoughtful friend was visiting her son who has a neighbor that raises alpacas and she came away with all this fiber for ME! Seriously, is this a good friend or what?!


I believe this bag was 3 pounds worth of first cuts. I think it wants to be a sweater if I ever find the time.



This is a bag of seconds but don't be fooled. It is super soft. It will take a bit of working with to clean it up but it has great potential. Mittens, anyone??