Turquoise yarn on bobbin

Turquoise yarn spun on the bobbin today, so pleased with the result, so pleased to have a day at home by myself to do some spinning. I am getting better with each bobbin that I do. I am so encouraged and excited at the end of each bobbin, I just can't wait to do more.

First skein of alpaca yarn

From Dahla to first skein of yarn has been achieved. I am very excited about the prospect of being able to turn these lovely animals fleece into something so usable. I don't think I would mind if I couldn't as I truly love these animals and enjoy our small herd, but it is great to be able to turn it into something with my own hands.
Dahla's fleece looks much lighter than the skein but when you part her fleece it is much darker at the skin. I chose to only use the brown and not blend in any white, and it was very easy to separate the colours.

I will be able to get another skein of this size at least, if not a little more, so I should get about 400 grams of brown yarn from her saddle.

Now what to knit..........?

Sebastian and Hippie Bruno

Sebastian recently joined us here, he is a young Suri male. Suris have not really been a focus for us as I am a lover of Huacayas. But My daughter Cate who is a wonderful help with our small herd, just loves them. The girls like the junior handler comps and enjoy helping me with feeding etc so I felt they should be a part of this journey too. Cate picked out a little dark brown male suri wether for her birthday called Bruno (Hippie Bruno to Cate). While at the breeders I found myself with a big soft spot for Sebastian (pictured with Caramella in the background).....who may or may not end up wethered, so we got both.

First Bobbin

My very first bobbin of yarn, spun from Corriedale fleece. I wasn’t sure how I would go learning to spin as my first attempt 25 years ago was not my most pleasing craft pursuit. A wonderful lady who lives just paddocks away offered to teach me. So off I went on Monday afternoon, sure that this was going to be a long process, and two hours later I returned with a small amount of yarn in my hand, REAL YARN. I am so very pleased, now just comes the mastering, haha, they tell me about 100 kilometres and I will no longer be a novice, Yay!

Folded scratchie card

I went along to a workshop with a book and paper artist last Friday. She had some card that she had purchased at Shiploads a reject or discount type store. It was 13x9, a great size.

I needed a card for my uncles 60th birthday on Saturday night, this size was perfect. All I needed to do was make a fold at the bottom edge, fold into thirds, seal the pockets with double sided tape and add some scratchies.

I added (very quickly) a sizzix cut 60, stamped the sentiment on paper and positioned onto the front face. Simple but worked very well.

Brandon's Jacket

Well no paper craft or felt projects at the moment. I have been busy knitting things for my family. We welcomed a new grandson (first grandson) in April so I took to the needles to make him a little jacket.
Now my big son wants a skater style beanie which I have just started. And I have just picked out some colourful wool for a jacket for my four year old daughter.
The needles will have to keep clicking. I cant wait till it is my own animals yarn that I am working with.

Spinning wheel arrival

Wow I finally have my spinning wheel, can’t wait to get started. Although having only ever spun a small amount which feels like a lifetime ago, I am not sure how quick I will be able to master this craft. Possibly therein lies its appeal. I am really pleased with this wheel as it is a simple beginner’s version. It is an Ashford Traditional wheel and is in the lovely blonde wood tone I like. Hope it spins as pretty. Now I just need an expert to show me the tips and tricks.