It's been 3 years since I posted on my blog.  Time really does fly by.   New things happening on the homefront.  We are now PB Sterling WoolNook & Mill, LLC.  Located at 1327 Byerland Church Rd.  Willow Street, PA 17584.  717-371-4195  www.sterlingwoolmill.com  beth@sterlingwoolmill.com

We bought a mill from New York and relocated it to PA.  We have Belfast Mini Mill equipment and can transform your wool, alpaca, fiber to roving, batts, or yarn.  We also do custom dyeing and blending.

I teach knitting, crochet, drop spindle spinning, spinning wheel spinning, and offer a Wool Study Home Course.

For more information go to www.sterlingwoolmill.com

It's good to be back on the blog.  Watch for more student Wool Study comments in the future..

Happy Fibering.

Beth

Wool Study - Student Comments on Cormo

Wool Study - Student Comments on Karakul

Wool Study - Student Comments on Shetland

Wool Study - Student Comments on Rambouillet

WoolBit:

So what are some of the characteristics of wool you want to look for when going for a spinning fleece?

That is other than, oh that is so beautiful I just have to have it! :-) 

Have you noticed (I'm chuckling to myself since I fall into these categories) you have those who plan a project then look for fleece and those who look for fleece and then plan a project.  

So on to the characteristics:

1. Tensile Strength - how much tension can it take?
2. Elasticity - does it "boing" back after pullling on it?
3. Luster - putting it in simple terms, shiny longwools have less serrated scales duller fleeces have more serrated scales which breaks up light reflection.
4. Color
5. Staple Length
6. Micron Count - diameter of a fiber - generally the shorter the length the finer the diameter.
7. Softness/Pliability - depends on breed, climate, care, scaling of fiber
8. Crimp - finer wools generally have more crimp which increases the elasticity
9. Vegetable Matter
10. Moths/Mildew
11. And one I never thought of, its Hygroscopic(moisture) Quality - how much moisture will it hold - this is a good indicator of dye uptake.

Next WoolBit:  Classes of Fiber.

Information from Hands On Experience with various breed and research from books including Wool by Hart.

WoolBit:

WoolBit: 

Structure of Wool Fiber: There are three defined layers to a wool fiber.

1. The outside or epidermis.  The epidermis consists of the overlapping scales which give fiber their felting and spinning properties. 
2. The middle of the fiber is called the cortex which is defined by it's angular shaped elongated cells.  The cortex defines the elasticity and strength of the fiber. 
3. The medulla is the core of the fiber.  The core is the pathway to which the fiber received it's nourishment.

Wednesday's WoolBit:  What makes up the spinning qualities of fiber?

I am quite jocund today. I read the book: This Is How I Go When I Go Like This by Linda Collier Ligon. I felt like I was in her livingroom having a friendly chat, reminiscing and comparing stories.

Here is a tidbit of the book. Do you relate to this?

Quoted from: This Is How I Go When I Go Like This by Linda Collier Ligon

1. I will not buy any more little bits of fiber (unless they're really wonderful).


2. I will finish spinning each bunc of fiber before I proceed to another bunch (unless I can't help myself)


3. I will rearrange all my yarns and fibers, currently organized by color because they look so lovely that way, by utility. No more fuzzy mohair in with the dish-towel yarn (unless they look made for each other).


4. I will ruthlessly dispose of any yarn that i've had more than ten years and will surely never use (unless it has sentimental value).

Linda writes about her local spinning and weaving guild: "and found my local spinners' and weavers' guild, a hodgepodge of ages, backgrounds, lifestyles, skill levels, and tastes, all tied together with a tenuous thread of interest in an unusual and somewhat obsolete pursuit, that I felt the whole me was completely at home, completely accepted. The only thing the members of my guild had in common was a love of fiber and a love of potlucks."

Can you hear me chuckling LSWG guys and gals? Sound familiar?

And for the real smile breaker that I am 99.9% sure we have all done. "When I feel the urge to weave, I survey my hoard and, more often than not, go out and buy more." :-)

I really felt at home reading this book, and a rejuvenated inspiration to keep "passing it on"; the love of fiber arts, history, tradition, etc.

Definitely a recommended read.

Spring Planning

Visions of herbs and vegetable plants growing in the garden. Anise Hyssop, Chamomile, Oregano, Rosemary, Stevia, Chives......sun glowing down warming the earth. Sunshine warming my face......energizing my entire being...... The smell of fresh lavender wafting through the air.

Visions of sitting on wrap around porch of an estately sized victorian home near the ocean. Sun beams warming my being as I sit rocking and knitting with my friends. The sounds of waves lapping onto the beach, clicking needles, and the creaking of the rockers. The smell of salt water, lemons and wool. Comfort...peace.....friendship....

The stillness of winter, the white snow, warmth of the fireplace, enjoyed once again eventually to wake up and bloom again. The great circle of life. Each season to be savored for its own beauty...not to be rushed.

Woolen.....Worsted....Confused?

It's been a while since my last post. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday. May the New Year see you healthy, happy, and prosperous. So Woolen....Worsted.... Let's keep it simple.....

• Worsted PREPARATION of fiber is "combing". Usually performed on longer stapled fibers. Fibers are kept in a parallel formation.
• Woolen PREPARATION of fiber is "carding". Usually performed on shorter stapled fibers. Fibers are NOT in complete parallel formation.
• Worsted SPUN or SPINNING - also known as the "Short Draw". Usually performed with longer stapled fibers or worsted PREPARED fibers.
• Woolen SPUN or SPINNING - also known as the "Long Draw" Usually performed with shorter stapled fibers or woolen PREPARED fibers.
• Worsted WEIGHT yarn - #4 - Medium Weight yarn. Most common WEIGHT yarn. For knitting: Needle US 7-9 Gauge 16-20sts/4" For Crochet: Hook I-9 to K-10 1/2 Gauge: 11-14 sts/4"

I use the word USUALLY when giving definition. I use it for the reason..........SPINNING though at one time very necessary as a way of life is also an ART form.

"Art is the process or product of deliberately arranging elements in a way to affect the senses or emotions. It encompasses a diverse range of human activities, creations, and modes of expression, including music, literature, film, sculpture, and paintings. ..." Wikipedia

Be open to spinning freely.........spinno liberado......

Will speak on yarn weights here shortly. Have a great evening.

Hey I like that SPINNO LIBERADO!!!!!!!!!

Brisk It Is

What can one say. It is downright cold outside here in Holtwood, PA. But though it was cold outside, my day was a warm one. And though this is not fiber related, it is well worth sharing. You know, it's the little things in life that make the world a better place. I stopped at Darrenkamp's to get a few items. It's freezing out, it was a long day, kind of feeling a little blue, and when I returned my cart to the cart return in the parking lot, Ted (Darrenkamp's Outside Services)(and I looked at his name tag) said "Thank you for returning your cart". That kind word actually made me tear up. He took the time while working out in the cold to say "THANK YOU". I got in the car and thought, if he can take the time in this cold weather to say "THANK YOU", I can surely take the time to let him know I appreciated that SMALL ACT OF KINDNESS. So, I pulled up to the front of the store, said "excuse me" and explained to him that his "thank you" meant a lot, and gave him a small token of appreciation (to get a cup of hot anything for working outside).

How different the world would be if we can remember to use our manners, talk nicely, and be kind to one another. Even in tough situations, it can help to be the calm, kind one.

That's it for tonight. Yes I am going to go play in the wool. Got some pickin' to get done.
Stay warm, stay safe, stay dry.............

Tea for Two

Listen to the wind crinkle outside. Cold, crisp, and a good day for tea. Went to a wonderful tea room in Delta, PA and had tea with Santa, and my mother and my daughter. Enjoyed a decafeinated chocolate mint tea, and my little girl had Candy Cane tea. Santa gave each little girl a gift (teacup and saucer, and crayons and goodies). We also delighted in finger sandwiches, cookies and scones. The house we were in was built in the 1890's. It had beautiful wood floors, large or should I say LONG windows and a beautiful staircase. The original owner also owned the bank which still sits across the street, but is boarded up. He also owned a theatre, livery stable, and I believe the slate quarry. It was an enjoyable day.

Washed up some Romney X fleece. It turned out absolutely beautiful. Snow white.

BeforeAfter

Oh how good it felt to touch and smell the wool. A nice lanolin to it, and soft after washing.

Just absolutely beautiful.

Creative Flow

Do you ever have those nights or days where you just can't shut your brain off? My brain has been on overdrive with creativity and I don't have enough time to do it all.
Wool, Roving, Washing Fleece, Studying Fleece, Playing with Fleece, Spinning Fleece, Knitting, Crochet, and all the other ideas I come up with. Oh and I can't forget making my homemade lip balms and soaps. Can you smell the Lavendar? Oh and many more scents.........

I have just finished a CVM fleece, and will be working on 2 Romney Fleeces. The smell, touch, texture of the fleeces. I'm in heaven.

See, my mind is just flitting from here to there.

I really just finished updating my website www.folklorefibers.com Updating the Education page. Offering lessons, and the new Wool/Fiber Study. Also put together an order form to purchase products. Now I just have to get the products posted.

Hope everyone had a Wonderful Thanksgiving. It's only 22 days away from Christmas. Like I said in a previous post. It's here.........whoooosh..........it's gone.

Have a good night.....see ya on the flip side.

It's Here............whoosh It's Gone

Holidays/Christmas...............they are here...and they will be gone. How do we slow them down? Or, how do WE slow down to enjoy them? Well, in my structured, organized fashion, I map out the calendar for what I want to get accomplished on what days. I make lists....gift lists, meal lists, chore lists, project lists......then set out to get one item done on a list at a time. To truly enjoy the holidays though, I make sure I set time aside for me. And being the fiberholic that I am, yes, it has to be fiber related. Yes, I even plan that spare moment. I sit and knit or crochet or better yet, spin........hhhhuuuuuummmmmmmm..........yoga for the brain.........whirling whorl....which gives off a nice breeze.......softness flowing through my fingers as the roving passes through it.........and oh yes, a little exercise as I treadle. Enjoy the Holiday Season as it is upon us. In my mind, the Holiday/Christmas Season is a lifestyle I try to keep all year long with a short celebration November/December. We have family, friends, people in need, all year long. Why not be kind to them all year rather than for 30 days from November to December?

Okay, brain shifting gears. This weekend is the SAFONA Fiber Show. Saturday 9-5, and Sunday 9-4. Lancaster, PA http://www.safona.org/ for more information. I will have christmas gifts available. Rovings, Batts, fiber related odds and ends, teas, tea pots, tea cups, books, patterns, etc. I will be available to accept fleeces for processing. Or, just come and join me as I spin and enjoy all the fiber.

Quiet

It's 1 a.m. and quiet. Only the hum of the computer. Just finished working on labeling fiber for the SAFONA Fiber Festival on November 20th. http://www.safona.org/ I enjoy working and creating with the wool/fiber so much I simply lose track of time. And I never seem to get tired when I am one with the fleece. Colors, patterns, ideas always running through my head. A cup of tea (decaffeinated for sure) and a few deep breaths and off to bed. Slow down the brain for a few hours.

"Give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way."
----Native American saying

Mellow

I am still in a mellow mood. Listen......it's raining (here in Holtwood)....the music of the raindrops. Seriously...listen....each raindrop has a different tone. It's saying....go work on your wool.....LOL.... Definitely a nice evening for a cup of herbal tea and hands down deep in a fleece. The sky is gray and calm. The damp cool air says go snuggle....with hands in a fleece.. or in a blanket... with a book... in front of a fireplace..... or with knitting or crochet or oh whatever you do.

Okay then, I'm gonna go play in the wool.......enjoy your evening and remember to.....ssshhhhh.....listen.

A very productive evening. Pickin' wool.

From: To: Rambouillet

and From: To: To: Karakul

Remember to watch my website www.folklorefibers.com for the upcoming Fiber/Wool Study Program.

Also, catch Folklore Fibers and Crabapple Yarns at the SAFONA Fiber Festival in New Holland. Check out their website at www.safona.org

Reflection

I noticed the frost on the grass this morning. The sun reflected off the shiny surface making a rainbow like a prism glistening in a sunny window. Each blade of grass touched by beauty. Silver glistening. Crisp, clean smell of the air. Natures artwork left on my windhield. Look close and see how the ice crystals form pictures. Plants and trees ready for rest after expending their energy when they gave us stunning colors in their leaves, buds, and flowers. Its nap time, but just enough energy to give us colors of the earth to remind us again of where we live and how blessed we are with all the simple things we have been given. The earth.....giving us everything we need to survive. Food, clothing, shelter, medicine, music, art, and yes.....love.

Working on wool. Smell the lanolin...the life of the animal is in that smell. The softness of your hands while working with it. And each one is different, just like us. Each one is different. But each one gives something special.

A night of reflection and thanks.

First Post

My first post. Had a hard time designing this one. The application just wouldn't do what I wanted it to do. The design in my head just would not come out through the application. So this is what I got.



The autumn weather yesterday was stunning, and stimulating to the brain and the body. I felt spunky.....the way a horse does when the weather gets cooler. Jumping around and ready to run through the cool brisk air. My energy in turn was put to good use processing fiber. The smell and feel of raw wool fleece to me are like when a runners endorphins kick in and they get that "runners high". It was a productive day for the most part...... the other part.......well.....the lasagna didn't fair too well. Sadly, the lasagna fell off the tray (omgoodness, Bethy Crocker made frozen lasagna) and all over the oven, cabinet doors, and floor. Oh well, I got to eat out and my wonderful husband cleaned everything up.



Back to the fiber......an order completed. A CVM fleece turned out beautiful. It was quite short stapled, but it turned out soft and the different shades of color blended together evenly. This picture was obviously from 10/12/2010. You should see the pile of bumps when I got the order completed.

Working with the CVM just wasn't enough to give me my fiber fix, so I did some more picking of a shetland fleece. Very soft fleece. Well, that still wasn't enough.......so I readied some samples for the Guild meeting this coming Thursday. (Okay here's the pitch) If you love fiber/wool, want to learn more, want to experience the fiber high, please feel free to join us at the Lancaster Spinner's and Weavers Guild. Check out our website at http://www.lancspinweaveguild.org/ . Okay I'm done with the pitch. Enough for now also. Talk with you on the next blog.