Farmer’s Market Inspiration

A photo-tour of my inspiring local fruits and veggies (and the yarns they inspired! . . . → Read More: Farmer’s Market Inspiration

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5 ways to celebrate Earth Day

Celebrate Earth Day with these 5 easy tips! . . . → Read More: 5 ways to celebrate Earth Day

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LocalSpun – Fleece Transformation

The LocalSpun series is my attempt to share the process from fiber (on the animal) to finished yarn. Each is just a glimpse into a moment in the life of yarn and yarnmaker.

Remember these shy little Jacob’s from Rammings Farm?

Well, I bought one of their fleeces, brought it home and stretched it out on an old clean sheet in the middle of my living room (too cold outside!)

I was pretty amazed at how clean this fleece felt. Unlike the Coopworth, it wasn’t greasy at all ! In fact, it didn’t seem to have any lanolin! Since it didn’t feel sticky, I decided to test out washing it in just water and salt – no soap!

I split up the fleece into 3 different pots for washing. The pots were filled up with water and placed on the stove (I’d do this in my washer, . . . → Read More: LocalSpun – Fleece Transformation

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Local Cashmere

Remember the cashmere from Rammings farm?

Jennifer had his fiber blended with a little wool (also from her flock) and it turned out to be a lovely, tweedy gray with just hints of brown.

This color was too rich to dye or card, so I left it natural and spun it with bright colors.

Prairie Sunset is cashmere spun with Hobbledehoy’s Kombucha batt, a fun mix of merino, ecospun and sparkle.

Silver Lining is cashmere spun with handdyed mill-ends (available in the Boutique tomorrow today!)

I have a smidge of cashmere left…what do you think I should do with it? Should I spin it with another color or try dyeing or carding it?

(want to read more about fiber? Check out Alpaca Girl’s Fiber Friday Carnival!)

. . . → Read More: Local Cashmere

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Introducing: LocalSpun Fiber and Yarn Club

All the goodness of Localspun yarn & fibers, straight to your mailbox! . . . → Read More: Introducing: LocalSpun Fiber and Yarn Club

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Eco-Friendly Yarn: Local Fiber

What does “eco-friendly yarn” mean? In the next few weeks I’ll explain the three main tenets of Blonde Chicken Boutique: Local, Sustainable and Recycled. . . . → Read More: Eco-Friendly Yarn: Local Fiber

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