Its quite greasy.... (the lanolin), and I can still smell the animal smell as I am spinning. I quite like the animal smell, it is reminding me where the fleece has come from, I like the naturalness of what I am producing.
Jacob is a breed that has its own natural shades, normally black and white or brown and white. The origin of its breed is unclear, maybe America... Jacob sheep have very distinctive horns, most breeds have 4, and they have the image of the traditional Ram. Jacob's are bred in Britain the one pictured below is from Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire.
As I am spinning I am thinking about the field this fleece has come from, and wanting to shear every sheep I say 'hi' to when I am out and about!
The texture is quite bubbly, and because of this my yarn will be have natural nooks and crannies as part of its structure. I can imagine maybe a big winter woolly coat or hand knitted jacket being made from this yarn.
The natural colouring of the breed makes the yarn spin into stripes, Oooooo I can see a brown Starsky and Hutch cardi on the horizon........ for those who are too young to remember Starsky and Hutch, see pic.....
I am finding spinning from a fleece is slower than from natural fibre.
I am also starting to spin more finely.... I am told this happens as you get more experienced..... and even though I can maybe get more from my fleece in yards.... it is taking longer to spin.
My mind drifts and wanders..... I find spinning very relaxing and therapeutic, and I can loose my self in the music I am listening to at the time.
I wonder if this will reflect on my yarn??????? Today on day 2, I am listening to Beautiful Ballet Classics....... maybe this is why its taking longer, as the more I relax to the sounds from my ipod........
