Shearing Days

The warmer weather is slowly coming in just in time for shearing. Went out this week to help out at a friends farm. 150+ sheep received their haircut. What a wonderful way to view the fleece first hand. This farm has various breeds and cross-breeds which makes it all the more interesting.

First the haircut.

Then, on to the skirting of the fleece. That's where we remove what's not usable such as larger flakes of vegetation and whatever cannot be processed at the mill; oh, did I mention "pooh"!

Not a baaaaaaad day at all :c)

All Is Green :c)

It's Raining Again - More Time For Spinning!

Eucalan: A Whole New Spin On Laundry

Eucalan is a product which I proudly carry. For those of you not familiar with this brand, Eucalan is a Canadian company which is owned and operated out of Paris, Ontario. Established in 1989, Eucalan is well known throughout the knitting/spinning community as "the" soap for delicate wash - with no rinsing needed to boot! It is totally environment friendly: it is non-toxic, fully biodegradeable, phosphate free, petrochemical free, contains natural lanolin enriched formula - a great eco-friendly alternative to dry cleaning.

Eucalan is also fantastic for bathing dogs and other animals and because of its natural ingredients (Eucalyptus and Lavender) it contains natural flea inhibitors... how cool is that!

Check out the new scents at Eucalan! Eucalyptus, Grapefruit, Lavender and Natural, Unscented.

The 500 ml bottles - $12.00 (tax incl. in price)
Place your order today by contacting me at julie.verge@cogeco.ca

April Showers Bring May Rovings?

Spring is here and I''m loving it! The gazebo is finally up and I've been spinning like a mad woman. My hand spun socks (from Kerry's beautiful rovings) are flying off the shelves. I'm currently taking orders for spun yarns (DK weight) and/or knitted socks (all in these beautiful hand-dyed rovings) for Christmas already, so if you're interested don't hesitate to get in touch with me at julie.verge@cogeco.ca.

Here are my new colors... simply yummy! Just can't wait to spin them all.

Spinning Tales

Here are some latest spins from Kerry's hand dyed rovings; perfect for knitting socks :c)

Louet's Newest Wheel - Julia

Louet’s newest arrival, Julia, is now available and it is literally flying off shelves. This wheel was made available at the end of March and had sold out. The second orders are expected in May.

This is Victoria's big sister (bobbins, flyer and the Scotch tension are the same as on the Victoria). As most of you know, I own and absolutely love my Victoria. Not only is it small in size and practically weightless, it folds up in a flash and comes with an awesome carrying case.

Now, the best way to describe this wheel is a Victoria version of the S51DT. Bobbins, flyer and the Scotch tension are the same as on the Victoria. There are four ratios: from 6:1 up to 19:1. An optional high speed set, which is also the same set as the Victoria uses, provides an extra 27:1 ratio and make it easier to treadle the 19:1 on the Julia. A removable insert provides two orifice sizes (12mm and 8mm). All rotating parts run on ball bearings for smooth operation, while the unit itself is constructed out of beech and birch plywood, smoothly lacquered.

The optional stand-alone Lazy Kate comes with an adjustable brake for the three bobbins it holds. 
As an introductory special, the Julia is being delivered with a FREE stand-alone Lazy Kate, and 1 additional bobbin (for a total of four). Wheels are made of laminated hardwood with a "birch" exterior finish.

This offer will be available until May, 2008, or while supplies last.

The base with treadles can be easily disassembled from the upright with the main wheel (unit does not fold) for easy transportation.

If you are interested in obtaining this gem, please don't hesitate to contact me at julie.verge@cogeco.ca.