April’s meeting at Cross Wind Farm was sort of a “sheep-to-shawl” look at things. First we spent time in the barn looking at Carol Densmore’s flock of Bluefaced Leicester sheep including this year’s crop of new lambs. Then we got the chance to look at a half dozen fleeces that were displayed on tables out on the deck…a great way to see the different variations in fleeces from one breed. In the house was Carol’s hand spinning, dyeing, and knitting work that is almost ready to be submitted to the Master Spinner Program at Olds College in Alberta, Canada. Carol is just completing her Level 1 year (out of six years) homework and wanted to show the group what she’s been working on before she ships it up to Alberta for review.
Moving down the hall to Carol’s spinning room gave us a look at where she spends time with her collection of spinning wheels! They range from antique wheels, great wheels, modern spinning wheels, and her new Schacht-Reeves spinning wheel! One needs never to leave that room. As if that wasn’t enough, Carol took us downstairs to her “wool room” or basement where she has it set up to skirt, wash, and card wool from her sheep. Then we finally got a chance to plop down in the living room/dining area and knit, spin, and talk….ah, o.k., we were doing “some” talking along the way. Here are a few pics:
All in all, it was a wonderful day and great monthly meeting!
