Other Artisans

These are the works of other artisans, using the wool, roving, or yarn from My Little Sheep, or from the lambs born here:

Evelyn started with natural white handspun yarn.  She thought it would be interesting to continue using "primitive" methods as she developed her piece.  She dyed part of the yarn using black walnut hulls over a camp stove outside, and then used a vinegar wash to set it. The first picture shows the dyed yarn contrasted with the natural white as they hung drying.

Evelyn played around with several ideas for the yarn before deciding on this amazing piece of her own design.  How is this for versatility and class?

Then she entered her scarf and took first place in the American Heritage-Fiber Arts contest sponsored by the Missouri State Society Daughters of the American Revolution (MSSDAR).  Congratulations, Evelyn!!!!!

Mary Anne has several hand-crank sock machines that she enjoys tinkering with.  Recently, she decided to take on the challenge of using my handspun, natural colored, double-ply Babydoll yarn with one of her machines.  Although I'm sure she had many obstacles to overcome, just take a look at her results!

Mary Anne asked me to wear these socks to give her feedback about them.  Although it was summer, we had a vacation planned to Canada, and I decided to give these socks a real workout.  We hiked almost every day and I wore them constantly, handwashing and air drying them as needed.  When we returned home, they were thrown in the washing machine (inside a laundry bag) and then on to the dryer with the other laundry.  This is how they held up:

They remain cushy, elastic, soft, and comfy!  Very minimal shrinkage, if any.  I am looking forward to Fall weather so I can wear them again.  Thanks, Mary Anne...you have a winner!  (Personally, I think she should make this a home-based business, don't you?)

Susan is a talented artist that I had the privilege of meeting when she bought several lambs from my flock.  Willow, Tansy, and Mr. Cloverfield enjoy Susan's loving care and reciprocate by providing wool for their friend's one-of-a-kind creations.  Sometimes they even get to model her artwork!

This felted wool lamb made by Susan is very special to me and has an honored spot in my dining room:

Susan also used some Babydoll wool yarn I'd spun and dyed, transforming it into a very appropriate hat--three little sheep grazing on their own grassy hilltop.  Susan says that this hat with the three little sheep now have a new home in Oxfordshire, England!

Although multi-talented, Susan mainly focuses artistically on felted wool.  If you would like to see more of her art, you can visit her Etsy store at HeartfeltHandworks Etsy Shop  and if you would like to visit Susan's World including her "lambkins" here is the link to her website and blog:  http://www.heartfelthandworks.com    Thanks, Susan, you constantly inspire me!

Luann purchased some yarn from my Etsy site, and it arrived on beautiful spring day when the air was scented with crab-apple blossoms. Luann was enjoying her favorite first taste of spring--fresh chives from her garden which she chopped and sprinkled on roasted potatoes.

In her blog, she wrote that the yarn seemed to fit the theme of the day.

Luann described the Babydoll yarn as being "lofty, soft-yet-hearty". She felt the yarn would be ideal for Maine Morning Mitts, a pattern she has used for 5 or 6 other mittens.

After completing, Luann wet blocked the mitts by tossing them into a sink full of cool water and some Soak wool wash. She says that, "although the yarn was puffy to begin with, it really bloomed in the bath." The following picture shows the difference the soak made.

The mitts were given as a gift to her son's teacher, who should enjoy having toasty hands this fall when Luann's crab-apple trees are silently releasing their leaves.

Thanks, Luann, for sharing your experience and delightful mitts!

(If you would like your creation shared here, please write me.)