I did the animal chores as usual, but today was rotating day. The sheep actually followed me to their new pasture. I actually felt like a shepherd.
Then I packed up my/their fleeces,
And brought them to Pacific NW Wool for processing into batts. And we got a tour of the 1922 carder, originally from New Bedford, Massachusetts. Here is the front,
And here is the back.
Here are obligatory Ryeleigh and Steve videos.
What a beautiful day!!!
How does the carder work? I always look forward to your posts! Nice to know someone in medicine who has hobbies!
It is basically like rolling hard brushes that separate and align the fibers. Here is a video of a different one in action: https://youtu.be/YxMFfiVUHUg I am glad you enjoy my posts. My hobbies are my attempt at staying sane.
I love the thought of the sheep following you! It must have been a lot of fun for you, especially.
When I saw the pictures of that 1922 carder, I was hoping to get to see it in action. Or is it non-working now? It looks really complicated! Thanks for the videos of the woofies, too! Really cute.
How long will it be till you get your wool batts?
She said less than 2 months. I plan on making more felted fleece rugs with them and hopefully will have extra for spinning. Donna
It is fun having the sheep follow. At the beginning of the rotating year, they seem to forget the routine but they gradually remember and (I hope) trust me. It wasn’t in action. She doesn’t have all of the guards you need to have it running with the public around (I think). It is working now and will process my wool. It is complicated. Tom was enthralled. We have seen others in action in the past. They have always been really loud, but she says this one is pretty quiet. I am glad you are still enjoying the dog videos. Donna
oooh! now THATs a carder! (swoon)
It is. She says that she will be selling it in the next few years. Hint. Donna
It must be very cool to have the sheep follow you. You should have a pretty pink and yellow dress and a purple shepherdess staff to prance through the field!
That is funny! Not my usual barnyard attire, I am afraid.
You’re probably not wearing the little satin slippers either…