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Barnyard Buddies:  All Things Sheep and Goats  |
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Sheep Mom 2
True Blue Farmgirl
1534 Posts
Sheri
Elk
WA
USA
1534 Posts |
 Posted - May 05 2010 : 11:11:21 AM
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Barb, I will keep your family in my prayers as well. How exciting that your auntie gave you her cards. They will be special treasures for you I am sure.
Save me a spot in your island as well. I've been trying to stay out of the "world at large" for many moons - so many people shake their heads and ask me if I am board or lonely and I just laugh. I don't have time to be board and lonely? Heck - I get anywhere from 5 to 18 phone calls a day from progeny and friends, how could I get lonely?
Hey Grace - I didn't know you live in a log house too. How cool. I like not painting the walls and being able to drive a nail that has purpose. The wind here is better but still cold and blowing. We could even see some snow flurries this afternoon - not normal for May here. Sorry to hear your gale is still blowing.
Hope everyone has a happy, productive day.
Blessings, Sheri
"Work is Love made visible" -Kahlil Gibran |
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Toots
True Blue Farmgirl
68 Posts
Barb
Brussels
Ontario
Canada
68 Posts |
Posted - May 05 2010 : 12:32:02 PM
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Thanks everyone for praying. It means so much to me.
The wind is driving me crazy, what is with it? We just had a thunderstorm come through and cool everything down. I did get another plant of peas, spinach and lettuce in before it come. Hopefully it will be up soon.
Sounds like the island could fill up fast! We could call it misfit island, I know that's what I am. How fun it would be. Gardening, spinning, weaving, I can just imagine!
God Bless
Barb |
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oldfashioned girl
True Blue Farmgirl
2391 Posts
monica
oatman
az
USA
2391 Posts |
Posted - May 05 2010 : 2:38:25 PM
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Barb, I will definitely be praying for your family and especially the kids! YES, you are more than welcome to come to the island!
Grace, We would be like the island of misfit toys, but just imagine how great it would be if we really did get an island!!!!We need pics of what you are working on!! It all sounds wonderful! I am reorganizing my craft area and this weekend it looked like a craft explosion in my front room!! Oh my gosh how sis I collect all of this stuff!! I am finally starting to get it organized! I am actually having fun getting rid of stuff!!
Sarita, You are absolutely welcome too!!! The whole set up with medical is insane! I have seen first hand the utter waste of money with government heath care and it's ridiculous! On the flip side insurance companies are not any better! Years ago I was on disability medical and I could only go to my specialist so when I got pink eye I had to go to the emergency room which cost over $300.00 instead of a $60.00 office visit and have no dental coverage if your are on medical assistance except to pull a tooth so they won't pay for a $50.00 filling but they will pay for a $400.00 extraction! Does that make sense at all??? I also don't understand why pharmaceutical companies have ad on t.v. and in magazines! Sorry to get started on that, but there is so much that lacks any common sense! I use a lot of home remedies when any of us get sick and I try my best to stay away from the doctor unless it's really necessary! We do need to take care of one another!
Monica
farmgirls rule!
www.justducky48.etsy.com
www.justducky48.blogspot.com
www.duckystreasurechest.etsy.com |
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oldfashioned girl
True Blue Farmgirl
2391 Posts
monica
oatman
az
USA
2391 Posts |
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lsarah
True Blue Farmgirl
256 Posts
Lori
Greenwood
Arkansas
USA
256 Posts |
Posted - May 05 2010 : 6:27:50 PM
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I want to move to the island, too! It's gonna take a big boat to get all my critters and family across the water! We live in a town that is very clique-ish and lots of wealthy people, so my kids feel like they are constantly keeping up with the Joneses. My husband and I are praying right now about me not going back to teaching next year. He is in charge of the district's transportation, and they are going to need several bus drivers next year and I am considering driving for him. It would give me the whole middle of the day to work at home. But it sure is hard to give up a good paycheck. We are examining our lives to see what we now consider neccesity that used to be a luxury, so we can cut it out. Funny how you manage to change your level of living when the pay increases. Such a hard decision to make.
The puppies still don't have names. I am leaning towards Scarlett and Ginger. I love old movies and GWTW is my favorite (part of my living room is decorated with Gone with the wind - yeah, I'm a goofy person). Ginger Rogers was such an elegant lady, too. Cleopatra with Elizabeth Taylor is my other favorite, but I don't like Cleo and we already have a Lizzie.
Saved the life of a squirrel yesterday. The kids went to hollering when they went to feed the horse. They thought a rat was drowning in the horse's watering trough - one of those 3 foot tall galvanized ones, but turns out it was a squirrel. No telling how long it had been in there. It's back feet could touch the bottom, but there was about 8 inches of water in the trough, and it was struggling to keep its head above water. I got a shovel and lifted it out. It was so exhausted it just sat there for a while. It slowly made its way over to a tree and climbed up to the lowest branch and sat there. I took a banana down there and laid it at the base of the tree. No squirrel this morning and half the banana was gone. I hope it survived okay.
Well, there is ice cream in the freezer calling my name - I must go answer it! Have a wonderful day tomorrow ladies!
~ Lori
She works with eager hands...Proverbs 31:13
http://www.sarahkatefibers.etsy.com
www.sarahkatefibers.blogspot.com |
Edited by - lsarah on May 05 2010 6:29:49 PM |
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Old Spirit
True Blue Farmgirl
1497 Posts
Rae
MN
1497 Posts |
Posted - May 06 2010 : 03:38:34 AM
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Lori nothing strange about GWTW decor, I love that movie! I have read the book a number of times as well. Scarlett would be great as a name I think.
Not going to get to go to the sheep fair this weekend and I am not too happy about it but.... whole big story there  Next year look out cause we are going!!!
Rae
Farm Girl #647
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31
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Keeper of the Past
True Blue Farmgirl
925 Posts
Sarita
Battle Creek
Michigan
USA
925 Posts |
Posted - May 06 2010 : 5:25:49 PM
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Oh Rae, bless your heart...I wish you could go to the sheep fair this week end just so you could give me an update. It seems that I don't get to go to many sheep and wool shows anymore. They are talking like the price of fuel is going to go up again...due to the oil spill in the gulf so my chances will get slimmer the higher it goes.
Minnie and Jimmie, our baby bottle lambs are let out of the pen every day to help me do chores, gardening, etc. But tonight Minnie found my cabbage plants, she wasn't eating the leaves, just trying to rip the leaves off and spit them out. So now My little buddies have to stay in the lot with the other sheep instead of being my side kicks. They are really sweet and I enjoy both of them so much but they are growing and mouthing and chewing on everything.
Minnie's wool is really growing...hope she has nice wool because I can't sell her, even if her wool would be used for carpets!
Oh, I have a problem with the island. I don't like to fly, have this stupid fear of heights, have flown but only if it is an emergency...oh, the other thing is I get very sick out on the water so getting to the island is going to be a problem.
I hear the sheep calling my name...and begging for supper.
Sarita
www.coffmanspinningcfarm.blogspot.com
Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so.....
'Love the people who treat you right Pray for the ones who don't.
"A happy heart makes the face cheerful..." Proverbs 15:13
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Jami
True Blue Farmgirl
1238 Posts
Jami
Ellensburg
WA
USA
1238 Posts |
Posted - May 06 2010 : 6:00:12 PM
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Sherrye, welcome. Sherri, I called the State as I was trying to fill out the paperwork for the feed tax exemption that I got in the mail (we already have one filled out at the feed store and it's still "good") and they told me that I didn't have to fill it out. This wasn't meant for small timers like us? I don't know but you girls got me giggling over the island. That's how this whole thing started ya know!!! Let's all go to that big island across the ocean and live FREE. LOLLL. Oh my but you all got me giggling.
Do like I do...live in your own little world. It's nice "in here". Can be lonely but I've got my critters and you girls, right?
I feel like a drug, er, sheep dealer when we find us a new addict, er I mean shepherdess/fiber artist. Be prepared to be sucked in, girl! I'm bagging up a pound as we speak.  The good stuff too.
Happy trails and hugs to all of you God-fearing, all-American sheep and goatie girls!
Jami
Farmgirl Sister #266
http://cookecreeksheep.blogspot.com
http://cookecreekwool.etsy.com |
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Sheep Mom 2
True Blue Farmgirl
1534 Posts
Sheri
Elk
WA
USA
1534 Posts |
Posted - May 06 2010 : 6:24:55 PM
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Here, here, Jami. I know what you mean. As far as the state goes who knows with them they say one thing one day and another on a different day. I buy so little in the long run I'm not going to mess with it at all.
Sarita - we will just have to hypnotize you into a trance so you can make the crossing.....when you wake up you will be in sheep/goat/fiber nirvana!!
Sorry to hear you can't make it to the Sheep show, Rae. Maybe next year?
I sure wish it would warm up. Are you getting snow again, Grace? I am itching to play in the dirt but the wind is so beastly cold I can't stand out there for long. I just have to content myself with my indoor jungle - my tomatoes need to be potted up AGAIN as they are two feet tall. I am running out of room to spread them out even after shipping two flats off to their new home for hardening off. I am anxious to start skirting and washing fleeces too but it's too windy and cold to even contemplate it. I have been exceedingly lazy as far as doing any real work - sitting and spinning to my hearts content and contemplating a new lace knitting project although I haven't decided just what as of yet. perhaps some lacy socks....
Are you having fun with those carders, Barb? Any sign of the rescued squirrel, Lori? Hope it recovered ok. I have one that bounces around here and throws pinecones at my German Shepherd. If the dog isn't outside the little bugger comes to the living room window and tries to entice him to go outside to play!
Have a nice evening everyone.
Blessings, Sheri
"Work is Love made visible" -Kahlil Gibran |
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oldfashioned girl
True Blue Farmgirl
2391 Posts
monica
oatman
az
USA
2391 Posts |
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Old Spirit
True Blue Farmgirl
1497 Posts
Rae
MN
1497 Posts |
Posted - May 07 2010 : 03:18:19 AM
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I don't fly either, figure I will when God puts wings on my back
I kind of live in my own world as well. We are pretty secluded and to be honest I do like it that way. My sheep enjoy my company and I have all my wonderful new friends via this and the letters I write/receive. More and more people appreciate the way we are living though and that is nice.
Rae
Farm Girl #647
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31
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Toots
True Blue Farmgirl
68 Posts
Barb
Brussels
Ontario
Canada
68 Posts |
Posted - May 07 2010 : 10:30:01 AM
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Oh ladies, I really want the island. I wish I could live more secluded. We are more populated then you all I'm sure.
I am really enjoying my carders. Now I have roving, I want to spin! What a terribly beautiful addiction!
I feel like I have found my creativity again. When I had all of my kids in a short amount of time, I didn't have time for myself. Now they are more independant(which I love) I felt like I didn't know what I loved to do anymore.
I found it! I pray that it keeps growing.
As far as flying goes, there is a natural product out there called rescue remedy. You put a couple of drops on your tongue and it calms you right down. It would work for your flying fears. I'm with you, I really don't like it. Haven't had a lot of opportunity to do it.
Well, I have to go and rinse my fleece.
God bless.
Barb |
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windypines
True Blue Farmgirl
4100 Posts
Michele
Bruce
Wisconsin
USA
4100 Posts |
Posted - May 07 2010 : 1:36:03 PM
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Got my fleece washed and dryed the other day. Now it is raining, and supposed to turn to snow tonight. Got to try to cover up the strawberry and blueberries tonight, as they are blooming. Not much I can do for the apple and cherry trees, cept cross my fingers.
Michele |
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Keeper of the Past
True Blue Farmgirl
925 Posts
Sarita
Battle Creek
Michigan
USA
925 Posts |
Posted - May 07 2010 : 5:56:32 PM
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Michele, hope you can save your fruit. Our temps dropped and the winds kicked up which is a blessing or we could be getting a frost if it wasn't for the winds.
How did your fleeces come out? I was doing real well up to this week end. Had planned to get another 3 or 4 fleeces washed but the temps and wind will keep me from working on them this week end. I did get some fleeces sent off to the processor, I can't wait to get my yarn back. I will keep spinning and washing and selling until then.
www.coffmanspinningcfarm.blogspot.com
Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so.....
'Love the people who treat you right Pray for the ones who don't.
"A happy heart makes the face cheerful..." Proverbs 15:13
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windypines
True Blue Farmgirl
4100 Posts
Michele
Bruce
Wisconsin
USA
4100 Posts |
Posted - May 08 2010 : 04:38:29 AM
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We got snow here, on the grass and trees. And I just looked out and it is snowing again.
Sarita, my black fleece, or should I say silver now, looks pretty nice. The white I am unsure of. Jack had so much little vm in his, I don't know if it will be worth doing or not. I do love the difference in the wool after you wash it. It smells so nice and clean! I hope you can get all of yours washed up. My Jill, looks just like your Miss Lizzy, maybe a touch lighter on the body, and Jack looks just like your miss daisy.
Michele |
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Old Spirit
True Blue Farmgirl
1497 Posts
Rae
MN
1497 Posts |
Posted - May 08 2010 : 08:57:10 AM
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Snow here too!!! Got between 3 and 4 inches but is melting, thank heavens! Not my idea of a good time. Sun is out though so that will help. Sheep weren't too thrilled as stayed pretty much in their house.
Rae
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!
Farm Girl #647
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - May 08 2010 : 11:31:51 AM
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Hi Ladies - well I had snow last night and some this morning but it is blowen away - Yep, those horrible winds are back. I was busy baking for the Mother's Day Brunch we are having at my son's house but I still had to put on the long johns and winter hat this morning...
I am pleased how the alpaca Felt sheets turned out - now they are drying and I will steam them later. I finished setting the twist in the yarn I spun - not bad but I am still not happy with what folks call carding and roving - they really need to work harder at skirting and picking... Finished dyeing the bamboo roving last night so it is drying for the carding process hopefully soon. I tell you I can't believe how far I get behind when I am planning to be off the farm for a day. I am also struggling with my sewing machine - it is not letting me do free motion work for a gift I had hoped to have done for my Daugther in Law for tomorrow. I guess I will never learn to get things done earlier...
Well, hope everyone will have a wonderful Mother's Day and that you get time with your four legged kids too. Special pancakes for everyone tomorrow morning...that is for my four legged kids..
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
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Toots
True Blue Farmgirl
68 Posts
Barb
Brussels
Ontario
Canada
68 Posts |
Posted - May 08 2010 : 1:25:46 PM
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You all sent snow this way! We have high wind warnings out and it is cold! Our 4H group had a bbq fundraiser today and we froze our butts off! The club made 138.00 so it was worth it. We are doing a horticulture club this time and it is really hands on. They love it!
I have a washing question. How do you wash leister without it felting? I have a fleece from a friend and it is dirty, so I soaked it and washed it but, it gets matted easily. Is there anyway to avoid this?
Happy Mothers day to all.
God Bless!
Barb |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - May 08 2010 : 2:30:17 PM
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Hi Barb - I so know what you mean - I have spent 17 years as a 4H leader and I think there is still parts of my body that has not recovered from the outdoor events, fairs, camp outs and fund raisers but congrat's on the $$$'s..
The biggest thing to avoid felting is not to have temp changes and do not move that fleece much. One way I do fleece that might get to felting is to place the fleece in room temp water with soap, then place the pot on the burner or in the stove and gently bring up the temp. Do not soak too long - it is better to do this several times then to have the fleece become water bound. Then I place a square collendar in the sink and slowly pull the fiber from the pot with tongs. Don't pour it because all you will do is get the dirty water back thru the fleece then run the same temp water into the sink while keeping the fiber in the collendar. Slowly move the collendar up and down to get the rest of the dirt off and if need be repeat but remember to always have the water the same temp as the fleece. When that is clean then just press down the fiber gently with your hands while still in the collander, water drained from the sink and then lay out on sweater racks flat. This method I have used for years with everything from very feltable baby bunny fiber to those tender wools breeds to even PacoVicunna - it really works. Good luck and remember felt is change in temp of the fiber and motion of fibers.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
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Old Spirit
True Blue Farmgirl
1497 Posts
Rae
MN
1497 Posts |
Posted - May 08 2010 : 5:27:04 PM
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Grace I got the blade today for shears, THANK YOU!!!
What kind soap should I use when I get around to attempting to wash my fleece??
Rae
Farm Girl #647
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31
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Toots
True Blue Farmgirl
68 Posts
Barb
Brussels
Ontario
Canada
68 Posts |
Posted - May 09 2010 : 04:28:16 AM
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Happy Mothers Day to all! I hope everyone has a wonderful day!
Grace, thanks for the info. What if the ends of the fleece are really dirty? That is what is happening. The body fibre is great, but, the ends are still dirty with manure,almost matted. It is a beautiful long fiber, but I just can't seem to get it clean.
Dealing with this stuff, I make sure that my girls are kept clean!
Have a wonderful day everyone.
God Bless
Barb |
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oldfashioned girl
True Blue Farmgirl
2391 Posts
monica
oatman
az
USA
2391 Posts |
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Sheep Mom 2
True Blue Farmgirl
1534 Posts
Sheri
Elk
WA
USA
1534 Posts |
Posted - May 09 2010 : 5:35:34 PM
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Happy mother's day to all - my son and DIL just left. they brought me 2 new chickens that someone had bought as an Easter boo boo (I think it should be illegal to sell chicks that way) Anyway, we put up a small chicken wire enclosure in the corner of the chicken house and put them in there to hopefully keep them safe from the big hens until all become acclimated. I keep Rhodies and these are bard rock's that are about a month or so old. We'll see....I haven't always been lucky mixing chickens - they can be territorial. I don't have a rooster right now and that does help.
Hope everyone had a great day.
Blessings, Sheri
"Work is Love made visible" -Kahlil Gibran |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - May 10 2010 : 08:23:35 AM
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Hope all had a great Mother's Day
Congrat's on the chick's Sheri - it is sad that folks still sell chicks and bunnies as Easter play toys.... However, they have found a great home with you - they are blessed.
Barb - If that was my fleece I would clip the tips so I would not run the risk of felting since they seem to be pretty bad. That way you can get on with the fun parts. I have cut many tips in my life and still come out with fantastic fiber to work with..
Rae - glad the blade got there - again sorry for being so long. The soap I use is one that over the years I have created but you can use Dawn, depending on the organic state of your farm. I have also used some of the organic liquid soaps on the market was some sucess but I must say I love the soap I make...
Well, off to work - we might be getting snow in the next day or so - I must say I am getting a bit tired of this stuff. Way too many outside chores waiting for my attention. Have a great day all...
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
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Keeper of the Past
True Blue Farmgirl
925 Posts
Sarita
Battle Creek
Michigan
USA
925 Posts |
Posted - May 10 2010 : 10:04:22 AM
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Barb, I know what you mean about the Leicester wool felting easily. I shake the fleece really well and hand pick as much of the vm out of the wool while it is still dry. I often put the wool between my two tables for skirting and let the wind blow through. I also put small amounts in my nylon bags prior to washing. I let the bags just settle down in the water, no agitation what so ever. I pull the bags out and let them drain as much as possible without squeezing them. And like Grace says...no water temp changes. I also take the wool out between washing and rinsing and I shake and fluff it good. Sometimes if I don't plan on selling or sending to a processor, I use a little hair conditioner in the last rinse.
Hope everyone had a nice Mother's day. My was very quiet...just like I like it with each of my children calling. 2 of my 3 live out of state and the other one lives about 1 hr away. I just needed some down time. It was so windy Saturday and we covered all the plants for a frost and lite the burning barrels in the fruit trees and thankfully we did not get any frost and then on Sunday it was sunny and about 60. Today it is cold and rainy and the weather people talk like we could see some bad storms pop up. Cold and rainy now.
Sarita
www.coffmanspinningcfarm.blogspot.com
Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so.....
'Love the people who treat you right Pray for the ones who don't.
"A happy heart makes the face cheerful..." Proverbs 15:13
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Barnyard Buddies: All Things Sheep and Goats |
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All Things Sheep and Goats
