07 Jan Wed 2009
Alaskan winter hobbies
Having just purchased our first sheep in spring of 08, the desire to spin wool even more than before has become very aparant. The spinning of wool became a fun, relaxing activity on them cold winter nights a few years ago using a drop spindle. This year I buckled down and bought a used spinning wheel. Yes, it has a squeek in the foot pedal but it's a rythmic sound that is actually quite relaxing.
With the birth of our first son in 85, I learned to crochet and was really good at it. But I never picked up the nack of knitting. So...I got a simple weaving loom and a knitting loom also this year. I made many gifts for christmas this year using the knitting looms but am still struggling with the weaving loom.
Another favorite hobby this time of year is carving eggs. I use a dremel tool, draw out a pattern on a blown out egg with a pencil and just start carving. I'm not real intricate yet and yes i've wasted a few more shells than i've completed but I know the Lord will provide more supplies for me to work with in the spring.
So, how was your experience raising sheep? We're getting a couple of pigs early this spring and are talking about a couple of sheep for the fiber but I haven't raised them before. Do you clean your own wool? I really enjoyed the photos on your linked page, by the way. What a great family!