Blog

Tour de Backlogged Fleece

I’ve never done a Tour de Fleece before.

And I can’t claim to have done any preparation.

or serious training

that would make me think that I’m prepared for such an undertaking.

But here I go.

IMAG0622

This is what’s left of Griffs Spring 2011 fleece. About 15 ounces.

I picked it last night, and my goal is to get it all spun up into dk/light worsted weight yarn by the end of the tour, July 22.

I think that this is a reasonable goal for a first-timer.

IMAG0619

Clem is all psyched up about it. He’s pretty hard core, and loves a challenge.

But we’re only about 3 ounces in so far.

IMAG0623

Griff fleece is a little bit of a challenge to drum card, because it’s kind of long.

Not crazy long- but maybe 5-6 inches?

A little bit beyond the drum carding sweet spot.

But I think we’ll make it.

Because I have New Boots.

IMAG0618

And New Boots make you feel like you can do anything!

(they are XtraTuf!)

🙂

East Side Story

IMAG0576

Beauty, no? It’s a wonder of irrigation.

IMAG0578

The contrast between the green of the vineyards and the brown of the hills is dramatic.

IMAG0580

There are old vines

IMAG0583

And lots of sky.

IMAG0590

And we caught some rainbows on the return trip through the stormy mountains.

Managed to get a fair amount of Classic Oak done while on the mini-vac.

I’m about 12 inches in now.

IMAG0592

And no trip is complete without a stop at the local yarn store- where I found this lovely skein.

IMAG0598

But the big score was the wine. Which we will enjoy with fond memories of the Yakima valley.

IMAG0600

The Rain.

and Reine.
Reine de Violettes
IMG_3551
One of my favorite roses.

Isn’t she lovely? possibly even moreso all rain-filled.

IMG_3548

Other rainy day lovelies-

Dad’s Classic Oak cardigan is well and truly underway
DSD_3300

I’d almost forgotten how much I like working with cables.

IMAG0574

and Schoonover Farms “Jenny”- finally washed and carded up from this spring’s shearing-

IMG_3556

My little skewed wheel, Sophie, just loves her.
IMG_3557

She’s this weekend’s silver lining.

Sweet Smellin’ Stuff

Peonies!
IMAG0550

IMAG0551

Roses!

IMAG0556

Edgar fleece drying on the breeze-

IMAG0549

And my crazy Walla, fresh from a bath 🙂

IMAG0568

I did manage to swatch and cast on for the Classic Oak this week, but that’s about as far as I’ve gotten.

IMAG0569

As soon as it starts raining again, I plan to get some stitchin’ done!