Mohair Glitter Yarn

More of the mohair from James' farm in Donegal.  Washed using really hot water and lots of detergent and then dyed.  I didn't find it very easy to get information about dying mohair but one site said not to boil it as it spoils the lustre and that it takes the dye easily.  I kept the water just under the boil but if I wanted an even dye it would be necessary to soak the fibre really thoroughly before putting it into the dye pot.  I wanted different shades of turquoise so it didn't matter that some was almost white.  I then spun two bobbins of 25 grams and plied them with a glitter yarn.  This is 50 grams and about 140 yards.

I am selling the carded batts on Etsy https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/544444850/mohair-hand-dyed-and-hand-carded-batts?ref=shop_home_active_1

Wensleydale Locks

The summer has not been easy here in Sligo.  Official records recorded 29 wet days in August not exactly difficult to work out how wet that was.  I know we are lucky compared to many.  we had no floods but try to dry wool!  The summer should be the time when most of the wool gets washed and dried ready to work on over the winter.  My wool shed is full of fleece waiting to be washed and most of what I have done has had to be dried indoors.  Even taking photos can be difficult.  These I took this morning while the sun is out but it was a little early.  A bunch of Wensleydale locks I dyed last week.
Very soon I hope to be in my new workshop which I am looking forward to.  Attached to our house, the wool shed just outside and all my washing drying all in one place.  I will have a little more space too.

Dyeing with Nettles

This time of the year nettles are freely available and they give lovely fast colours.  Here I  have used two different mordants.  Alum with cream of tartar, to give a golden yellow and copper to give dark green. I think nettles need more recognition as a dye plant as they are one of the easiest to use

Knitted Garment in Irish Mohair

I knitted this wee cardigan using the mohair yarn and size 4 mm needles.  To fit a 6 month old baby and thanks Maria for the lovely buttons they are just the job.  I needed just over 50 grams of yarn to complete the cardigan.  The is finish ultra soft and perfect for baby and childrens clothes

Mohair from Irish Angora Goats

I am working in partnership with Strongs Pedigree Angora Goats.  I am processing the fleece and James is farming the goats in Co. Donegal.  We think they are the only angora goats in Southern Ireland. 
I found it difficult to find out much about processing the wool , only that it needs to be washed using very hot water and lots of detergent.  Rinsed in very hot water as well.  The grease needs to be removed .   I have put up a before washing and after picking photo and produces clouds of white fiber when ready to be carded,  starting with the filthy wool that is in the first photo.
Just to make it clear,  mohair comes from Angora goats, angora from Angora rabbits and Cashmere from the under coat of goats from Kashmir.
I will post some photos of the finished yarn

BlueFaced Leicester Batts

BFL batts that I have processed from the fleece.  A slow but very worthwhile job as they are so soft.  My fibre stash is getting out of hand so I must try and sell some.  I have used some of this fleece to nunno felt and the finished scarf is so so soft.  Listed on Etsy
https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/521228858/bfl-hand-dyed-hand-spun-batts-50-grams?ref=shop_home_active_1

Needle Felted Butterflies

Something new, needle felted butterflies.  These are needle felted onto a pipe cleaner body with wire support in their wings and antennae.  I then gave them little bead eyes.  Each one has a  broachclip on the back.  Fun to make as I can choose any combination of colours and locks.  Sometimes the more random ones work the best.  I first thought of making them in April and now have managed to find the right wire and a good video on line to help me.