All Things Wool

I have been working hard the last month or so on a project involving wool.  Well of course :)  BUT this project spans the country.  I have been working with a couple Sheep Producers, Rare Breeds Canada and Wool Growers Co-op to bring the wool industry into the light.  I have seen first hand how wool has be pushed aside and it has come to the point that many sheep producers don't even realize that there is a value in their wool.  I've talked to people who are genuinely interested in the wool show but then say "that wool is nice but I only have Suffolk wool and its not good for anything."   SO not true!!  All wool has a value.

Sheep need to be sheared at least once a year, so not only is wool a natural, renewable resource it is self sustaining as well. With a little bit of work and breeding for good fibre, producers can make money on their wonderful fibre.  Entering fleeces into wool shows is a great start.  Producers receive the judging card back, so they can see areas they did well on and possibly areas that they can improve on for next time.  Depending on the show, there is a good chance of their wool selling to an artisan who is looking for their product.  They can also send their wool off to a mill for production and those who can't spin can buy the yarn spun from their flock.  I often get asked about sources for local wool, yarns and wool products.  

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If I went into the many benefits wool provides, I may be here all night.  It is hypoallergenic, wrinkle resistant and fire-resistant and it makes a wonderful insulator - both in the cold and heat.  Wool is elastic and extremely versatile.  It really is perfection found in nature.  Each month leading up to the show, we will be profiling a different breed so you can see how vast the sheep world is.  We are planning a lot of great events which we will be showcasing at the All Canadian Classic Sheep Show in Winnipeg on June 24 - 27, 2015.  With the Campaign for Wool in full swing all around the world, I'm excited to share this experience with you.  You can keep up with all our plans on ourwebsite at www.all-things-wool.ca, Facebook, Twitter andPinterest.

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I did get some knitting done this weekend.  I finished my chevron cowl which I knit with 8 oz of Merino.  Its got some weight to it and is super cozy!  I need to take pictures in the daylight, (which can be hard this time of year) it's much more vibrant than it looks.

I knit this hat for my sister last year and wrote down my pattern.  I tested it this weekend and I will be publishing the pattern here and on Ravelry ASAP.  It's quite nice because its double thick, especially with the super bulky wool and its almost impenetrable.  Perfect for the Canadian winter - and according to the Farmers Almanac, we could be in for another doozy again this year.  I promise - writing out my hat patterns are next on my list.  I have 3 to share with you. 

I have some wool on my wheel right now, and I am hoping to finish that off this week.  I've been itching to get a whole bunch more skeins done.  I've been working on a lot of projects in my head, I need to get them out and in wooly form.