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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.

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.

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.

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.

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

(they are XtraTuf!)

🙂

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

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

There are old vines

And lots of sky.

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.

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

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

and Reine.
Reine de Violettes

One of my favorite roses.

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

Other rainy day lovelies-

Dad’s Classic Oak cardigan is well and truly underway

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

My little skewed wheel, Sophie, just loves her.

She’s this weekend’s silver lining.

Peonies!

Roses!

Edgar fleece drying on the breeze-

And my crazy Walla, fresh from a bath 🙂

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

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