tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-305629452024-03-14T03:07:02.094-05:00Becky Utecht Felt & FiberFormerly known as River Oaks Farm & StudioBecky Utechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08809607308191360481noreply@blogger.comBlogger450125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30562945.post-25779598160135857282023-11-06T12:00:00.000-06:002023-11-06T12:00:35.393-06:00Getting ready for Christmas Markets!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_RZCz75_MkxsPSzazbqXPMVHe1c6ma-0HzeOe-vcDygyJlxqgditKM3DLam5WUpTStG4GgqbKhgtEjBKuWqU6TxrDyBfVWc3A7ozbsDIypqssxugZeR-m-7QX9LG37kIOSV-OWDgvf2Tkp1-_lAsiWaRbjLzHCf65VtxRJBgMsUjgssU5bnOh/s1194/rutechtdollypelt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="824" data-original-width="1194" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_RZCz75_MkxsPSzazbqXPMVHe1c6ma-0HzeOe-vcDygyJlxqgditKM3DLam5WUpTStG4GgqbKhgtEjBKuWqU6TxrDyBfVWc3A7ozbsDIypqssxugZeR-m-7QX9LG37kIOSV-OWDgvf2Tkp1-_lAsiWaRbjLzHCf65VtxRJBgMsUjgssU5bnOh/w400-h276/rutechtdollypelt.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>I'll be doing two Christmas markets this year. The first one is at Sapsucker Farms in Brook Park, MN Nov. 18-19th. And the second one is the American Swedish Institute's Julmarknad Dec. 1-3, 2023 in Minneapolis. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs3XaYhA13XwbCiWm6MwMDlhsGXx977xa_rtbsRVM2jr5B3u3PdmnUufHB5CcATGYPfHV5TkXH-wjFO942-nPvBrHbN80RlGRn9Zp5v8XW6dK-bGDmnZhdHM_rt_gJTb_PBrdvnq_PqZV8jxiXzocaclL5cs_3eKhOstUxnOKr4daGLkqc1b0k/s8000/julmarknad%20instagram%20story-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="8000" data-original-width="4500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs3XaYhA13XwbCiWm6MwMDlhsGXx977xa_rtbsRVM2jr5B3u3PdmnUufHB5CcATGYPfHV5TkXH-wjFO942-nPvBrHbN80RlGRn9Zp5v8XW6dK-bGDmnZhdHM_rt_gJTb_PBrdvnq_PqZV8jxiXzocaclL5cs_3eKhOstUxnOKr4daGLkqc1b0k/w225-h400/julmarknad%20instagram%20story-5.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br />I'm saving ten felt pelts I made from my flock to debut at Julmarknad. They all turned out so well! I've needlefelted the sheep's name and the year of shearing on the back of the pelt. I no longer breed my sheep and the ones who are here are it. So I've decided to commemorate their fleeces in a 2023 collection. Stop in to see them! There are fleeces from Juno, Dolly, Yolanda, Maggie, Maisie, Ingrid, Grettel, Smudge, Blue, and Lester. I did Roxie's fleece too, but I'm going to keep hers. She's getting pretty old for her breed and I must have one to remember her by.<p></p><p>I'll have Skinnfell items (ornaments, muffs, couch throws and chair pads), my full line of handcrafted goat milk soaps, ecoprinted scarves and Tibetan lamb boas. And as always, Sid's family recipe spices Toadspit and Lizard Dust. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-bj8kGBEyvdmpJkJvRpQRhHjxaeW5RqgsaOhzYDJXX_mfLR4_3s1Y2yf4ITMjAvimoAk0O5SHgcf3P2TWn-LdNL6I39M1e_UXDw62MQ8GioPbb6tZyKs70OdU2nIuT7ZxOPEUkQ4GV0E8CHgIL31wk2M5Gx8YD-d3Hc9vFjSRffrB_H6hGAB/s1119/Rutechtskinnfellmuff2023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="830" data-original-width="1119" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-bj8kGBEyvdmpJkJvRpQRhHjxaeW5RqgsaOhzYDJXX_mfLR4_3s1Y2yf4ITMjAvimoAk0O5SHgcf3P2TWn-LdNL6I39M1e_UXDw62MQ8GioPbb6tZyKs70OdU2nIuT7ZxOPEUkQ4GV0E8CHgIL31wk2M5Gx8YD-d3Hc9vFjSRffrB_H6hGAB/s320/Rutechtskinnfellmuff2023.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjldCRuZnkDNmaO31t1hMJdiwOhyfZYgxfLSTvV7QdSEMYGpYxMJFe3m78khibDn6QfuXpsNgszMxjxsnvyf4DXX22DLoTeGyOEmdCV_PWjc9RhxwzCsMI9EJ9OXsCZWzJX5Znv1HIpyMxoxnkBkI9ud4WeJwJDRsnafzy4a0ItnAc47JMW8VS_/s1007/skinnfelltomtehearts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="1007" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjldCRuZnkDNmaO31t1hMJdiwOhyfZYgxfLSTvV7QdSEMYGpYxMJFe3m78khibDn6QfuXpsNgszMxjxsnvyf4DXX22DLoTeGyOEmdCV_PWjc9RhxwzCsMI9EJ9OXsCZWzJX5Znv1HIpyMxoxnkBkI9ud4WeJwJDRsnafzy4a0ItnAc47JMW8VS_/s320/skinnfelltomtehearts.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJmZ8lIy5S11o7GBVxCCto3-IYZVHM2FP2CuBYPv7V73VIUeq9UEdtlHaxc5Zz_MlCYGFi3IlSieUOflkvyxxOtxHMIpCBH0quLTCAoG0wYsqZAsYxFIKpEN9ANl42cFUH3-1rsnk261MPlT64e_BWhAsw_4Wlq7oV-7IXeHi8pFiUpLBaiDt/s1098/rutechttomte.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="824" data-original-width="1098" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJmZ8lIy5S11o7GBVxCCto3-IYZVHM2FP2CuBYPv7V73VIUeq9UEdtlHaxc5Zz_MlCYGFi3IlSieUOflkvyxxOtxHMIpCBH0quLTCAoG0wYsqZAsYxFIKpEN9ANl42cFUH3-1rsnk261MPlT64e_BWhAsw_4Wlq7oV-7IXeHi8pFiUpLBaiDt/s320/rutechttomte.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxX1k4R6L2ZObWxxLdcvPbcfSItQ0vF_gyOY8irwnmRsM6i12r_EonUHOR1JSs6yWbyeQK_cJJgjbvAtzKRZelA4OQIbEStswwkyhhoavjr5QJQm0xchRCubSOBJ7KOVV9m887mxQCBVnjbuH9eILMLdX492KX2Wo0ktLU2dwrZrbS6iNlSPi/s4608/utechtgoatmilksoap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxX1k4R6L2ZObWxxLdcvPbcfSItQ0vF_gyOY8irwnmRsM6i12r_EonUHOR1JSs6yWbyeQK_cJJgjbvAtzKRZelA4OQIbEStswwkyhhoavjr5QJQm0xchRCubSOBJ7KOVV9m887mxQCBVnjbuH9eILMLdX492KX2Wo0ktLU2dwrZrbS6iNlSPi/s320/utechtgoatmilksoap.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizBwffiQNk81_Kvpz55swWdNcTafjM_Slh4OlJCaRyFmlqKwHngpglLho6pPtQXVZZ4PFm3Y32hQsvxKEOr_G0ID_vS3keIfa2xNTOJ9p1UZBaUAjlCV4tP2ZnhauZhcPzluWdB1g5JE6FWLDmJt6Hvg7aS5-BgJxxXAQDqww0lhl-w-zaHBmh/s4608/utechthides2023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3298" data-original-width="4608" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizBwffiQNk81_Kvpz55swWdNcTafjM_Slh4OlJCaRyFmlqKwHngpglLho6pPtQXVZZ4PFm3Y32hQsvxKEOr_G0ID_vS3keIfa2xNTOJ9p1UZBaUAjlCV4tP2ZnhauZhcPzluWdB1g5JE6FWLDmJt6Hvg7aS5-BgJxxXAQDqww0lhl-w-zaHBmh/s320/utechthides2023.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Becky Utechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08809607308191360481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30562945.post-32682167614894069952022-04-10T12:07:00.001-05:002022-04-10T12:07:10.858-05:00Another way to Felt locks<p>I belong to a group on Facebook called Vegetarian Sheepskin, which is a strange name for felt pelts, but there are lots of variations on what to call these felt-backed fleeces. Recently there have been a few posts about a way to felt the locks using some type of grid. I thought I would give it a try. So I ordered some plastic poultry fencing with 3/5" openings. It's stiff plastic. I would try a more flexible plastic next time. Some of the posters say they have left the grid in the finished piece for reasons that will become clear later in this post.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-31xtfGJr5cUcxNbHMbb8ssnU1127lyaUrBPEZeq7SRChOLacoQMMOGkWOCx5EeRT9Ksjy_o70pa66jkvg94RkIiPein5z8oOoRkPU0Z6UfKGuTJjEuLFDPloWJpyubdqfSUQ2o4Xtid0L4CaN-RSxJ6yJX6BUdJ-KUC4jwhkI-DpJ29wQ/s851/gridlockthreaded.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="638" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-31xtfGJr5cUcxNbHMbb8ssnU1127lyaUrBPEZeq7SRChOLacoQMMOGkWOCx5EeRT9Ksjy_o70pa66jkvg94RkIiPein5z8oOoRkPU0Z6UfKGuTJjEuLFDPloWJpyubdqfSUQ2o4Xtid0L4CaN-RSxJ6yJX6BUdJ-KUC4jwhkI-DpJ29wQ/w300-h400/gridlockthreaded.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>This photo shows a small sample of washed TeeswaterX locks that have
been threaded through the grid openings. It's a tedious job threading
the locks. I like to have 3/4" of the cut end coming through the grid.
Of course as you get farther along, the locks catch on each other and it
gets tedious trying to keep the cut ends at an even length across. </p><p>To safeguard these long locks from felting together, I placed a piece of
bubble wrap under the grid and over the locks that were hanging out to
one side. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBTlz7tEMGDKivW8CbkI4u8ad6gbGRWmUywqRVMeRY9gW_S_3CbYsOfQwPGPIzXhE55ccPNJRN90OUsBNIu7HlMACWYTrfOscI7Rzs69pXUDWND6pwC-rcb3X6OkMLVVz-PyPXucdUdkqKCeD7W0nQdaZcxpdIih2J3ZAYmO5l9visy8kAA/s1134/gridlockwithplastic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="1134" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBTlz7tEMGDKivW8CbkI4u8ad6gbGRWmUywqRVMeRY9gW_S_3CbYsOfQwPGPIzXhE55ccPNJRN90OUsBNIu7HlMACWYTrfOscI7Rzs69pXUDWND6pwC-rcb3X6OkMLVVz-PyPXucdUdkqKCeD7W0nQdaZcxpdIih2J3ZAYmO5l9visy8kAA/w400-h300/gridlockwithplastic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The next step is to cover the cut ends with roving.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsktnTqMO2lhHyLEl881xqPPDBeiFZfhbmRz21BFnKCJzzcxSLMvmW-v_AprB5DwbgknUImxpdDcTp97Pem8PVYuGWJaK8kArC9kQsXjsyR8i5TLn0nVX-P-_OtwelV87WmYdwvz1LJ9c37e0A1D3Xxno3q8bJis2t2B51CAfmd4MiLJdd3A/s1134/gridlockroving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="1134" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsktnTqMO2lhHyLEl881xqPPDBeiFZfhbmRz21BFnKCJzzcxSLMvmW-v_AprB5DwbgknUImxpdDcTp97Pem8PVYuGWJaK8kArC9kQsXjsyR8i5TLn0nVX-P-_OtwelV87WmYdwvz1LJ9c37e0A1D3Xxno3q8bJis2t2B51CAfmd4MiLJdd3A/s320/gridlockroving.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Then I covered with netting and applied water. This is the wetted down sample.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTSYANswLKKPHqE13UG1njp9fbTpNXZkXDNDFZXrvLmRrezX9fYXRdEDW6xrLWcd03GsSOc5n8yQ8zR2x7A0jq9qpZ7xNyeVCcZZx6AeiloVoEmzqbYuqeogKtO3SZYw8tNQdIEuwZ9zo89x_NoWoM7D61TzwptgH1CmKkjXvyLoJTLuGGqQ/s1134/gridlockwettedout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="1134" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTSYANswLKKPHqE13UG1njp9fbTpNXZkXDNDFZXrvLmRrezX9fYXRdEDW6xrLWcd03GsSOc5n8yQ8zR2x7A0jq9qpZ7xNyeVCcZZx6AeiloVoEmzqbYuqeogKtO3SZYw8tNQdIEuwZ9zo89x_NoWoM7D61TzwptgH1CmKkjXvyLoJTLuGGqQ/w400-h300/gridlockwettedout.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <p></p><p>To begin the felting process, I <i>gently</i> rubbed with a flat palm in a
circular motion for a few minutes with the wool protected by netting.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvaRnUrjy3cm5YM0QSOBBHUbT7gYr3ZyRclSfNHzD8HtJHCt_gEf7nx6nA6gWUjwaLjusUuo0CprAhMu8xxtVtOUqCobargGsViBdFEzooHTQDZkSPAUDHKkHRnBVQxbHRfSDfXUa1H7A4RRSzy1loF8Yp0G86ixjaYfrq-NcxtS0s6xiFg/s851/gridlockrubgently.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="638" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvaRnUrjy3cm5YM0QSOBBHUbT7gYr3ZyRclSfNHzD8HtJHCt_gEf7nx6nA6gWUjwaLjusUuo0CprAhMu8xxtVtOUqCobargGsViBdFEzooHTQDZkSPAUDHKkHRnBVQxbHRfSDfXUa1H7A4RRSzy1loF8Yp0G86ixjaYfrq-NcxtS0s6xiFg/s320/gridlockrubgently.jpg" width="240" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><p></p><p>After a skin had developed with the gentle rubbing, I removed the
netting and applied a piece of solar pool cover (any bubble wrap will
do, but solar pool cover is more rigid so it works faster). Again I
rubbed in a circular motion with flat palms, but with much more force
than before. I did this for a few minutes, maybe five. It didn't take
long to felt those cut ends into the roving. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1XQmlfT9JzQLiO9PkUQCf3FRWHAM3VskC5es1IHdeKQOjac6lbEUp7rA8YIgz-5aZjDeqYOHWcXYwz1KHSvapaucvH3VHfRNUFxOkqh_-t-1raJnnR4_aON7I3sUZoIikRnCW07LW8bqHG3J3OLOX_mGRQ9vfEjgLe9VJGnGqo8RJ-zzhYg/s851/gridlockrubonsolarcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="638" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1XQmlfT9JzQLiO9PkUQCf3FRWHAM3VskC5es1IHdeKQOjac6lbEUp7rA8YIgz-5aZjDeqYOHWcXYwz1KHSvapaucvH3VHfRNUFxOkqh_-t-1raJnnR4_aON7I3sUZoIikRnCW07LW8bqHG3J3OLOX_mGRQ9vfEjgLe9VJGnGqo8RJ-zzhYg/s320/gridlockrubonsolarcover.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Then came the tricky part, removing the locks from the grid. I found
that removing the grid was easiest to do with washed locks or short locks. I also did this experiment
with long raw Lincoln locks and actually had to CUT the plastic apart to
free up the wool! I got so caught up in it I neglected to take photos. Sorry! Anyway, suffice it to say,
carefully and gently work the plastic grid down the length of the locks
to remove it without pulling the locks away from the felted backing. </p><p>Then
dip the piece in warm soapy water and work the felt by squeezing and rubbing until it's
firm. Then dip and lift the piece in and out of the water until the
locks are clean. Rinse, roll in a towel and set aside to dry.</p><p>The
photo below shows my attempts at this. Left to right: raw short-stapled
Gotland locks; and that same Gotland but threaded through the grid AND a
pre-felt backing to limit the movement of the locks from the grid; long
raw Linclon locks; and the washed Teeswater locks shown in the process photos above. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RejN3f-1yo-QDyYT1xLy2xVBUYAWA0sKACTfn3JcuUK3NLg2rYiZQwrquk7l5TS_5F0ZmRXJCta9MBp3jR9ibCnW6MZmCbvTl9WFQwlmaAMAfpE7yMEV6W7IFH1Yre84B3vhGM5BHrI8zojBbo-TrXz1zbNZRs7tt2DHKc07iElI4PbA1A/s1729/gridlocksamples.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="1729" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RejN3f-1yo-QDyYT1xLy2xVBUYAWA0sKACTfn3JcuUK3NLg2rYiZQwrquk7l5TS_5F0ZmRXJCta9MBp3jR9ibCnW6MZmCbvTl9WFQwlmaAMAfpE7yMEV6W7IFH1Yre84B3vhGM5BHrI8zojBbo-TrXz1zbNZRs7tt2DHKc07iElI4PbA1A/w400-h196/gridlocksamples.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p>In my opinion, this method is not worth the extra effort. I just did small samples, there's no way I would want to do a chair pad with this method. One could easily just felt the locks without the grid and if that's too hard, needle felting them to a pre-felt backing and then wet felting is more efficient in my opinion.</p><p>I have seen another version of creating larger pieces where wooden slats were placed in a vice and locks laid across the slat with the cut end protruding, then another slat and more locks, repeating to the desired size and tightening the vice to hold everything in place while the back was felted. Then the slats were removed and the resulted was a thin, flexible fabric with gorgeous locks. I might try that method some day. But by using my method of nuno-felting gauze onto the back of a raw fleece, I can get a very soft flexible fleece too.</p><p>Happy felting everyone! My shearer is coming in two days and I'll have 17 more fleeces!<br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Becky Utechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08809607308191360481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30562945.post-36049042619897229372022-01-30T11:58:00.007-06:002024-02-26T10:51:19.890-06:00Felted Faux Sheepskin Tutorial<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuQo-iGX9XuyWCvG-QC3D5UkfUBJvUiWz7SEZ3CYcHka9XOA_bzIY_8MphuEi05ImDLKUu3bapA_OgjKHPjj-ixIxTIu53fiMmAPu2SomQ_KxcQFlrbMKgF3TzUdeMhm1Ay6lIbFTOvVgpt3wbdHdnR8FzG1-TxeSQMMzSro4gQQBr6-ZsoQ=s4608" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuQo-iGX9XuyWCvG-QC3D5UkfUBJvUiWz7SEZ3CYcHka9XOA_bzIY_8MphuEi05ImDLKUu3bapA_OgjKHPjj-ixIxTIu53fiMmAPu2SomQ_KxcQFlrbMKgF3TzUdeMhm1Ay6lIbFTOvVgpt3wbdHdnR8FzG1-TxeSQMMzSro4gQQBr6-ZsoQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>This is for experienced wet felters. Step-by-step instructions on how to turn a raw fleece into a felted rug or luxurious lap blanket in an afternoon. Eleven pages with process photos. Access to my private Facebook group to ask questions and share project photos. I have taught my method of creating felted fleeces to hundreds of students over the past several years. There are many ways to create felted fleeces (a.k.a. humane sheepskins, eco-rugs, vegetarian sheepskins, faux sheepskins). This method is fast and efficient. It doesn't require a lot of equipment, just a 4'x8' solar pool cover, pool noodle, mosquito netting, and a laundry tub to rinse and full the fleece. You must have previous experience with wet felting (know how to layout fiber, how to felt, and how to full) and have the physical ability to maneuver a heavy, wet fleece. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi851otDftQBhuUc05HzDqltMUL8AZTcLHUVhwMN-2xjecNaNrih0uGC1XHsFG0C4MpwfS1JKqKigkVuB18GpjBY-UI-xVa8-5T9tgwRci9tn8XHHz8T87-4qLZ2coFGmsAqLtuLqXIOEVvIdh0iHNLqURxVlDDFOW0KrRVSYn_UCr6MPQdFw=s1097" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="838" data-original-width="1097" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi851otDftQBhuUc05HzDqltMUL8AZTcLHUVhwMN-2xjecNaNrih0uGC1XHsFG0C4MpwfS1JKqKigkVuB18GpjBY-UI-xVa8-5T9tgwRci9tn8XHHz8T87-4qLZ2coFGmsAqLtuLqXIOEVvIdh0iHNLqURxVlDDFOW0KrRVSYn_UCr6MPQdFw=w400-h305" width="400" /></a></p><p> To order, shoot me an email or contact me through my Square shop which is linked above.<br /></p>Becky Utechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08809607308191360481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30562945.post-72625071717714482122021-12-25T08:36:00.000-06:002021-12-25T08:36:04.818-06:00Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgF3PkrNrtpKXa5f0mdNpQH7aZrYsxQMmKgPYXkRVn4eI2FZCVjagPUGX4ePOSIgCFR1aLAN6sKO_edis5Mye-toKD6Zpy3uvApOJXXSFe5Y-OW-3p-RQXPaQ4i3ThqA5Z2KiJvum5SLUp-EMaNwDrXo_PuYJF6uGoSIuqtCiogyypFU8J1aA=s1632" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1632" data-original-width="1224" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgF3PkrNrtpKXa5f0mdNpQH7aZrYsxQMmKgPYXkRVn4eI2FZCVjagPUGX4ePOSIgCFR1aLAN6sKO_edis5Mye-toKD6Zpy3uvApOJXXSFe5Y-OW-3p-RQXPaQ4i3ThqA5Z2KiJvum5SLUp-EMaNwDrXo_PuYJF6uGoSIuqtCiogyypFU8J1aA=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEia-mcqkzknN69NfNIuKkd6r00_qayx2AS9ZqYPeG1Dyoh2Yu9nBb4J6AMH9Ct29HiSw7PRLpOIJ_kjnaNkzk58bLTQSdS4A8r_EQ5D9xZLfAoOdC8Urd6gIhJjK9D8l727H2wdLVZ3PT29xlL_vfnz8x1YqkmfpZVVkhmffubK0X3oXwiJEw=s4257" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1890" data-original-width="4257" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEia-mcqkzknN69NfNIuKkd6r00_qayx2AS9ZqYPeG1Dyoh2Yu9nBb4J6AMH9Ct29HiSw7PRLpOIJ_kjnaNkzk58bLTQSdS4A8r_EQ5D9xZLfAoOdC8Urd6gIhJjK9D8l727H2wdLVZ3PT29xlL_vfnz8x1YqkmfpZVVkhmffubK0X3oXwiJEw=w400-h178" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWKUcHHz33aSOhqxlgm29173hfElZ-JCp8gbOpuGqM7SOYEses1egmmsBmvQo4-xrBJyS7VnvTnmMEkNhDNgbucF6vCrf900fj79yRkO-jRBCRpDzwGVQk0q74MZbp4npZGqpXOs9UZVDJZDgsnYOSma2Uqlug-wnY0qO-c61Dt5Zv0jHmzA=s4608" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWKUcHHz33aSOhqxlgm29173hfElZ-JCp8gbOpuGqM7SOYEses1egmmsBmvQo4-xrBJyS7VnvTnmMEkNhDNgbucF6vCrf900fj79yRkO-jRBCRpDzwGVQk0q74MZbp4npZGqpXOs9UZVDJZDgsnYOSma2Uqlug-wnY0qO-c61Dt5Zv0jHmzA=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Becky Utechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08809607308191360481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30562945.post-43026280418018799492021-11-28T08:42:00.000-06:002021-11-28T08:42:06.554-06:00Norwegian Skinnfell Traps<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBmCBa8vFSz85w1AsaL5T_X9TxUdQ0fRLUyvVBVMtAJHGUbu6-q41dPEVXGtslbMqgcfgFgEZIugy5iIrFEzEhOYlmrFx_1ERnpo9BvwfisckkXQT8HpFFIST84Lep_WVivXh/s4608/IMG_20211126_151609793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBmCBa8vFSz85w1AsaL5T_X9TxUdQ0fRLUyvVBVMtAJHGUbu6-q41dPEVXGtslbMqgcfgFgEZIugy5iIrFEzEhOYlmrFx_1ERnpo9BvwfisckkXQT8HpFFIST84Lep_WVivXh/w400-h300/IMG_20211126_151609793.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>I got to use my new wood blocks from <a href="https://fjellform.mamutweb.com/subdet22.htm" target="_blank">fjellform</a> Norway this week. They are such beautiful blocks!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTSF_9tIEE5OfWYn4Vh27L-jXzatZPnjtiwxIMzHJ6dwSc_nISnCvWPT7dKokKBHnhuuLlcRcCh8KcS8ka_Mi3rqGMxhxcf7Ii1DqpNloBGf4wXuwrbemcm7Oz6TKYK6cnrOyS/s4608/IMG_20211112_105758911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTSF_9tIEE5OfWYn4Vh27L-jXzatZPnjtiwxIMzHJ6dwSc_nISnCvWPT7dKokKBHnhuuLlcRcCh8KcS8ka_Mi3rqGMxhxcf7Ii1DqpNloBGf4wXuwrbemcm7Oz6TKYK6cnrOyS/w400-h300/IMG_20211112_105758911.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I made this chair cover (trap) using six of the eight blocks I bought. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGL7Q3CiwnBZpkdSUt8GYTM_b69XU0p3p9lgSSAc-SBq9WbYiwWqg24W-tSHAsiY4afdi58780XfGn9-1w6-q_U9sjqQzj1s8sSwgy4W4yphsAiuczd2ocmwH0mVhBd1u6rRB_/s4608/IMG_20211126_152026893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGL7Q3CiwnBZpkdSUt8GYTM_b69XU0p3p9lgSSAc-SBq9WbYiwWqg24W-tSHAsiY4afdi58780XfGn9-1w6-q_U9sjqQzj1s8sSwgy4W4yphsAiuczd2ocmwH0mVhBd1u6rRB_/w300-h400/IMG_20211126_152026893.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>The printing is the fun part, the measuring, cutting and stitching is the work part. But the result is so worth the effort!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIgooOmqKdfxgF_ikGSdshbOFSu6Q2U3TJ098AxRlI_KatwLNWAtPTQHrDxaY18x1ecPQmM-INfCS8a9e1INNJpmxwWHqgpxrfJcaarJ6pybt_1NgYsAdgsklzChdcs9Lo_LUm/s4608/IMG_20211126_151806372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIgooOmqKdfxgF_ikGSdshbOFSu6Q2U3TJ098AxRlI_KatwLNWAtPTQHrDxaY18x1ecPQmM-INfCS8a9e1INNJpmxwWHqgpxrfJcaarJ6pybt_1NgYsAdgsklzChdcs9Lo_LUm/w300-h400/IMG_20211126_151806372.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>I'm making some large traps and some small chair pad sets this week. I will put some in my <a href="https://rebecca-utecht.square.site/" target="_blank">Square shop</a> soon.<br /></p>Becky Utechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08809607308191360481noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30562945.post-48359178354272462382021-11-15T08:40:00.000-06:002021-11-15T08:40:26.485-06:00Felted Rugs!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWs8FE5IQiAtPoWsuKouI2wwJobBDLWMGzY6yLnjRmuPWRfxe29nm8Lpj47k9pfHlB9PsaJsvT2Avd6KonCht_SogoWiUKhmjlhTY9URb_R5s-9AfkFotwbLOKxbnVC4oEbdp/s4608/IMG_20211114_141344972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWs8FE5IQiAtPoWsuKouI2wwJobBDLWMGzY6yLnjRmuPWRfxe29nm8Lpj47k9pfHlB9PsaJsvT2Avd6KonCht_SogoWiUKhmjlhTY9URb_R5s-9AfkFotwbLOKxbnVC4oEbdp/w400-h300/IMG_20211114_141344972.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>I took an online class taught by Flora Carlile-Kovacs on rug making with pre-felts in traditional motifs. Thanks to the Minnesota Feltmakers Guild for hosting this class.<br /></p>I learned some new things that I will definitely use again. I can't wait to make some natural colored rugs for the house!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9LkuJTRRLKEOYZwNLqaET6MRIxCjVSp7xJSTq5zdclQhSOTOw4sE9A8-EODMdI6_J02JNKPnvM482z2ydiWhbJ1K7qj-WHLA3dOeuPaMFsOE9HyCNKJ1AZJ6pI0Bs2hNuRME/s1122/florasclassstarts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="1122" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9LkuJTRRLKEOYZwNLqaET6MRIxCjVSp7xJSTq5zdclQhSOTOw4sE9A8-EODMdI6_J02JNKPnvM482z2ydiWhbJ1K7qj-WHLA3dOeuPaMFsOE9HyCNKJ1AZJ6pI0Bs2hNuRME/s320/florasclassstarts.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making the prefelt. I used Shetland Mule fiber I had dyed years ago. And some dark Indigo Ashford fiber given to me by a friend when she could no longer felt.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwxC93H-qEymom80ti3DolGRoghYgWbRAfFhFjdGo0GCXrgPDo-gVHlGhyB1yU5fO_S7qL3kA-ZkIsBw08iLCc4ZmPsHueh7bs7tb2IJvtnHF59Kd8TFjkRIrUXiqyDIIPvuJ1/s1122/florasclassprefelt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="1122" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwxC93H-qEymom80ti3DolGRoghYgWbRAfFhFjdGo0GCXrgPDo-gVHlGhyB1yU5fO_S7qL3kA-ZkIsBw08iLCc4ZmPsHueh7bs7tb2IJvtnHF59Kd8TFjkRIrUXiqyDIIPvuJ1/s320/florasclassprefelt.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deciding on the design placement<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiprRKFGPiTY59Bbt_JbtJR2fjp_BeVfkOvtRfA2PuPS52sJeDpt3qeEk8cxOmw99zI74325QTONzSPKWl4TIrCgnUBHXi5MFtT1WfFCrlhYu7xt9FrJVKMGtSqhhOcubwEifBr/s4608/IMG_20211113_112027276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiprRKFGPiTY59Bbt_JbtJR2fjp_BeVfkOvtRfA2PuPS52sJeDpt3qeEk8cxOmw99zI74325QTONzSPKWl4TIrCgnUBHXi5MFtT1WfFCrlhYu7xt9FrJVKMGtSqhhOcubwEifBr/s320/IMG_20211113_112027276.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More design decisions after cutting out the motifs. I liked both sides so I had to make two versions, a positive and a negative.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Cq-aZU-k3xieYtyQ69Ag9s3RDUIinW-jJ6c8sy6QqCXolo11R413A_uaMVwd9AqLv7z3R7rvKPLJZM1eX-hLGT1Hg-fB5-12h7vKWnczFNUcVKe5fzOXb4W3ofTZLN0e66Ov/s1122/florasclasssecondprojectstarted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="1122" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Cq-aZU-k3xieYtyQ69Ag9s3RDUIinW-jJ6c8sy6QqCXolo11R413A_uaMVwd9AqLv7z3R7rvKPLJZM1eX-hLGT1Hg-fB5-12h7vKWnczFNUcVKe5fzOXb4W3ofTZLN0e66Ov/s320/florasclasssecondprojectstarted.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Layout for the second rug<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60l0AlpugUtwX1FjuA8Nil2MsuyCHXvzGeNvh-iFw48McXG6erCA4cQGWJwD2IS_IQcrqgU3Bzs-AOb3oV9zq-NE4xj0t6CYiq6YV7R8aC765RLDjVuxEuC9euF-rhyphenhyphenj4zRUP/s1122/florasclass2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="1122" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60l0AlpugUtwX1FjuA8Nil2MsuyCHXvzGeNvh-iFw48McXG6erCA4cQGWJwD2IS_IQcrqgU3Bzs-AOb3oV9zq-NE4xj0t6CYiq6YV7R8aC765RLDjVuxEuC9euF-rhyphenhyphenj4zRUP/s320/florasclass2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second rug, love the edges on this one!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHsOx_SplhXdep27gNNUS09te2JzJm1aZIAPSgOI2ZUsNKxS3nOQb07wfY8CTsWt6zHXU3rcnxZ9VVvYgTl-Melxck9nPbMwRTU2dUjB6wUmKTtZ0DXldN8qO9ElH-UPUBG48F/s1122/florasclass1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="1122" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHsOx_SplhXdep27gNNUS09te2JzJm1aZIAPSgOI2ZUsNKxS3nOQb07wfY8CTsWt6zHXU3rcnxZ9VVvYgTl-Melxck9nPbMwRTU2dUjB6wUmKTtZ0DXldN8qO9ElH-UPUBG48F/s320/florasclass1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First rug, I intentionally wrapped the backing fibers around to the front, I thought it gave it the look of being singed by fire. Maybe the recent fire we had influenced this decision. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDu0GrUelBOQGKIG7UNk0BDifj4iQ4W9aHrH9EiIMakU55CiObu6mkuNg9hpJZnsg9SwfOO7GpgEo5UZ5zTY_kbA1H7KXBJBDSQWi58TVq0QkJfYD_0CW_xZXcWSJzL5DDkSVe/s1122/florarugclassproject.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="1122" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDu0GrUelBOQGKIG7UNk0BDifj4iQ4W9aHrH9EiIMakU55CiObu6mkuNg9hpJZnsg9SwfOO7GpgEo5UZ5zTY_kbA1H7KXBJBDSQWi58TVq0QkJfYD_0CW_xZXcWSJzL5DDkSVe/s320/florarugclassproject.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty comparable in size and thickness. Can't wait to make some bigger rugs!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><br />Becky Utechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08809607308191360481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30562945.post-15212499779368801032021-11-11T08:42:00.000-06:002021-11-11T08:42:41.807-06:00Sheep Fat or Mutton Tallow (from Fat Sheep)<p><span data-offset-key="3rp5n-0-0"><span data-text="true">Here is my
first ever batch of mutton tallow soap. It's sparkling white and leaves
your hands feeling SO good. I've been making soap for about 17 years but
never tried using mutton tallow in it.</span></span></p><p><span data-offset-key="3rp5n-0-0"><span data-text="true"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1wE09otZeEVk7hpTcZOrYjfEYatPj2EtQPtXoGWMOGogqqYBG_ds5oYwl37FD5AvCuwWyABDYZTSv73o9ClufVnxm0T072qCjcwavqPLF5Us0LhXTH9eoA_cnwN3HCFbaTLi/s1122/tallowsoap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="1122" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1wE09otZeEVk7hpTcZOrYjfEYatPj2EtQPtXoGWMOGogqqYBG_ds5oYwl37FD5AvCuwWyABDYZTSv73o9ClufVnxm0T072qCjcwavqPLF5Us0LhXTH9eoA_cnwN3HCFbaTLi/w400-h300/tallowsoap.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /><p></p><p>I guess I have overfed my sheep for a couple years now. Who knew Frankie, my 3.5 year old wether was so fat! I knew he was bossy at the feeder, but never have I seen so much fat on a sheep. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7sEa1I4iF1cBW_nQEw4V0I1FFozupiHc6noSTHPPTTBOV1h0Yd-q96W8lWETJNaIAMWgmxADOovMzJPhGQ1j9Zy4FRPDD4eWiseoQ_GVJvGzeK4zzDNSaUDQWUh9tn95OvWe0/s4608/IMG_20211110_152026162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7sEa1I4iF1cBW_nQEw4V0I1FFozupiHc6noSTHPPTTBOV1h0Yd-q96W8lWETJNaIAMWgmxADOovMzJPhGQ1j9Zy4FRPDD4eWiseoQ_GVJvGzeK4zzDNSaUDQWUh9tn95OvWe0/w400-h300/IMG_20211110_152026162.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> I was thinking of making suet feeders for the birds, but then I read about the wonders of mutton tallow for your skin. <br /><p></p><p><span data-offset-key="3rp5n-0-0"><span data-text="true">I'll be rendering lots more of Frankie's fat and trying different blends and scents in soaps and lotions. The batch above is 100% mutton tallow with Lavender and Rosemary essential oils added for scent. </span></span></p><p><span data-offset-key="3rp5n-0-0"><span data-text="true">I'm cooling down some Mutton tallow/olive oil balm now. I'll whip it up and put it in jars. I've read that mutton tallow is really beneficial for your skin. We'll see. There's always more to learn! </span></span></p><p><span data-offset-key="3rp5n-0-0"><span data-text="true"><br /></span></span></p>Becky Utechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08809607308191360481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30562945.post-69484553131838222572021-08-17T10:35:00.003-05:002021-08-17T10:35:40.254-05:00Icelandic Lambs!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE615bfbUEfW8Lq2XStF4c5NVwWGbPS8iF851Eoe1bvE9kyJ8Hm85vGVf6-UAgzaG1gvdqP9SkAmebzot6zUaHsAv2HM-rGPMnoODS6KcDEuxJfusa0ps53QvxToWQblbuI-mO/s2698/IMG_20210809_094917595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1711" data-original-width="2698" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE615bfbUEfW8Lq2XStF4c5NVwWGbPS8iF851Eoe1bvE9kyJ8Hm85vGVf6-UAgzaG1gvdqP9SkAmebzot6zUaHsAv2HM-rGPMnoODS6KcDEuxJfusa0ps53QvxToWQblbuI-mO/w400-h254/IMG_20210809_094917595.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>I used an Icelandic ram on my ewes last fall and was blessed with 25 lambs this year. 13 female and 12 male. Their fleeces are fantastic! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC2CN02IuuaCGNngcaS5KNttl8bNgbU3Fj4L511qQYSvpjhYRSvRLx40Kh5cPBk_aIyhRnhcsuh4achXU0l8jOpBfmKPWB8EKDpeJBs081eTtDV53bvWPBatKfs9GKmSYykQqr/s806/IMG_20210809_094657401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="806" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC2CN02IuuaCGNngcaS5KNttl8bNgbU3Fj4L511qQYSvpjhYRSvRLx40Kh5cPBk_aIyhRnhcsuh4achXU0l8jOpBfmKPWB8EKDpeJBs081eTtDV53bvWPBatKfs9GKmSYykQqr/w400-h386/IMG_20210809_094657401.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>But I can't keep them all, so if you're interested in a ram lamb or two, let me know. I do have two ewe lambs left also. Thanks to the beautiful ladies who purchased sheep from me this summer. I'm always happy to see my sheep go to good homes. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW2aiogdb_G6oQS1mK8gB51JNsgoQERAMaBfm3DgFN1rzIYDeymyvGo_yl7VXD_RsQEpQyl6THIOZsJnc_GX4IpG71rEujqr3W-FpHo4GPDqEtp6tWpZWyyDSTMC9DIq2J8UAr/s4608/IMG_20210807_103907488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW2aiogdb_G6oQS1mK8gB51JNsgoQERAMaBfm3DgFN1rzIYDeymyvGo_yl7VXD_RsQEpQyl6THIOZsJnc_GX4IpG71rEujqr3W-FpHo4GPDqEtp6tWpZWyyDSTMC9DIq2J8UAr/w400-h300/IMG_20210807_103907488.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Minnesota is in a drought this summer and the hay crop is much lower than usual. I was able to buy 25 big rounds which should be enough to get me through to next summer if I keep my flock down to 10 or 15 sheep this winter. I'm at 23 now, so some will be moving out one way or another. </p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpv5UTs_XHtyg6T3pynXfjIlXG8knOPJM0v3HLRWnMDXpDNb4HbeB0fM0FhpHXbMXaPfUZeTysJUKlpEJFzBLqawCBfGN3jvDUbmd_JYM4C86vU57mhy13XZmDGG3j7A8ZhDGv/s4563/original_25b3e743-4fa5-48e3-b1c1-55eb1bbdb8a5_IMG_20210814_104522995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1975" data-original-width="4563" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpv5UTs_XHtyg6T3pynXfjIlXG8knOPJM0v3HLRWnMDXpDNb4HbeB0fM0FhpHXbMXaPfUZeTysJUKlpEJFzBLqawCBfGN3jvDUbmd_JYM4C86vU57mhy13XZmDGG3j7A8ZhDGv/w400-h174/original_25b3e743-4fa5-48e3-b1c1-55eb1bbdb8a5_IMG_20210814_104522995.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Sid and I did an art festival at our favorite winery this past weekend. It's always fun to see old friends and make new ones. </p><p>I am not teaching as much this year or doing many sales events -- other than the monthly Art & Farmer's Market at <a href="https://www.franconia.org/farmers-market/" target="_blank">Fraconia Sculpture Park</a> in Shafer, MN and the <a href="https://www.minnesotafiberfestival.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Fiber Festival</a> in Cambridge, MN on Saturday, Oct 16th. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIrvTMSty2Kxxwq7QyqATOHgaAEMvj3GNyP1KqhsfZMOEYuayfMgVLp0eE-w59ZgffaP3XRcFMFuHypb0fSfhI25VcPwk7WoUgZbdqforFwNZ5wOsdrDXSq7BPCM9VFYt0P90/s4608/IMG_20210711_170816858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIrvTMSty2Kxxwq7QyqATOHgaAEMvj3GNyP1KqhsfZMOEYuayfMgVLp0eE-w59ZgffaP3XRcFMFuHypb0fSfhI25VcPwk7WoUgZbdqforFwNZ5wOsdrDXSq7BPCM9VFYt0P90/w400-h300/IMG_20210711_170816858.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I cashed in my 401k so we could buy a used RV. We love it! We took it up to <a href="https://northhouse.org/" target="_blank">North House Folk School </a>in Grand Marais, MN when I taught the felted fleece class in July. <br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdfuwBaVMufEWa_wc8dbvwXw-EU2Yc62-OeySIBS-eGcltZl5L5_ZBdfQGAVNdkP2HcaYDVZ9j4Lmdd0svTkyyGtObdtNxh-SW2nkSA-2oP0YY0qJ6GVGv3m9OU1QAtGAln_oW/s1191/grandmaraisclass2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="893" data-original-width="1191" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdfuwBaVMufEWa_wc8dbvwXw-EU2Yc62-OeySIBS-eGcltZl5L5_ZBdfQGAVNdkP2HcaYDVZ9j4Lmdd0svTkyyGtObdtNxh-SW2nkSA-2oP0YY0qJ6GVGv3m9OU1QAtGAln_oW/w400-h300/grandmaraisclass2021.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>It was so nice to just drive and not have to worry about hooking and unhooking a
trailer. The motor home is not as spacious as our travel trailer, but it sure is
convenient! I love having everything we need in a compact package. We're hoping to take it on the road this fall. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3JAAewVs-IJVR2YtOVlTOwLvLbIWaWv76b-hxIR38gEuI052dqf1bdGvSBJT4ZkHhREzHmRNkEM6rdkD3H5C_lVz7hcvlXTy353DHe-PiPlJUBgUpb6ZxwBuxvpM78fnsbXcr/s4328/IMG_20210702_134549781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3246" data-original-width="4328" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3JAAewVs-IJVR2YtOVlTOwLvLbIWaWv76b-hxIR38gEuI052dqf1bdGvSBJT4ZkHhREzHmRNkEM6rdkD3H5C_lVz7hcvlXTy353DHe-PiPlJUBgUpb6ZxwBuxvpM78fnsbXcr/w400-h300/IMG_20210702_134549781.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>And now we find ourselves in August with the garden producing like crazy and lots of projects to finish up before the snow flies again. There's never a dull moment when you live on a farm! </p><p>I hope everyone is having a good summer and staying safe and healthy as the pandemic continues to ravage the US.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1FTtkZvsXaW9dUbuOTjDIxtzXDWwFlgW9sXJIYaKWI641MPsc4kCB-J6G4tcx6loxguXuWAhqBIZ8aqnYfNyR0T6nARk4zBy3F8VsVvaiW2b5icfliOmKVVRsxuLacfTsll2v/s3762/IMG_20210816_094600591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2026" data-original-width="3762" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1FTtkZvsXaW9dUbuOTjDIxtzXDWwFlgW9sXJIYaKWI641MPsc4kCB-J6G4tcx6loxguXuWAhqBIZ8aqnYfNyR0T6nARk4zBy3F8VsVvaiW2b5icfliOmKVVRsxuLacfTsll2v/w400-h215/IMG_20210816_094600591.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p> <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Becky Utechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08809607308191360481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30562945.post-67713057927012081572021-03-22T18:10:00.001-05:002021-03-22T18:10:43.203-05:00Spring 2021 - it's here!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_hfao0CLfWeKcDHuOsyAbrp34dk-d_yMKkW1kylqKNvzYhMTlbI7yixrOpP6IVJ3m4YyHpc0BodPx10a-wXdcqJjARWPZbnfsfD95kHXZLPXuS3C2yavoFrfpZDoN8GBD7Nqw/s935/crocuses2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="935" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_hfao0CLfWeKcDHuOsyAbrp34dk-d_yMKkW1kylqKNvzYhMTlbI7yixrOpP6IVJ3m4YyHpc0BodPx10a-wXdcqJjARWPZbnfsfD95kHXZLPXuS3C2yavoFrfpZDoN8GBD7Nqw/w400-h300/crocuses2021.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>I think it's actually spring time. The crocuses are up already and most of the snow is gone. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYqt2ZUT2oeAsF6WsLSL3Ih_aOv9TOGrtZGXQ9CS_ZgP7B6Je94SM3o5bhkoEF439POK5_5fj3ttTc9E-LiP1f2-fGeLpW1IAa-Lz8jyAK7qRpoo-eKHaPbcZG10IfTRrvddq/s1060/sheep2021b4shearing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="1060" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYqt2ZUT2oeAsF6WsLSL3Ih_aOv9TOGrtZGXQ9CS_ZgP7B6Je94SM3o5bhkoEF439POK5_5fj3ttTc9E-LiP1f2-fGeLpW1IAa-Lz8jyAK7qRpoo-eKHaPbcZG10IfTRrvddq/w400-h265/sheep2021b4shearing.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The sheep are getting sheared this week and then lambs will be on the way in a few more weeks. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkY1NlQrZa_L3FQKw8c-k0lKbUL3CJKfnMzJjERVEcdndIy8xqowbidlDf4h0Vy9ketThC1o7ra8pkF2mNZZ6E89gfEmlI5UcsMpa44P95VcJWu1ZkZG4n4vE-eWVpE4pgk1Bv/s701/tacotuesdaymarch2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="526" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkY1NlQrZa_L3FQKw8c-k0lKbUL3CJKfnMzJjERVEcdndIy8xqowbidlDf4h0Vy9ketThC1o7ra8pkF2mNZZ6E89gfEmlI5UcsMpa44P95VcJWu1ZkZG4n4vE-eWVpE4pgk1Bv/w300-h400/tacotuesdaymarch2021.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Sid and I celebrated our birthdays with our first dinner out in almost a year -- Taco Tuesday, or should I say Margarita Tuesday. :-)<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbgfzEZtg19Uy16ljhV3pmDEieDYzKKErWLvcHdilgRSjgA9fYHi9vNjPIHEV8u9kvyV-hik0nQXtEapWDjxFW6FHCDwld06Svo7-llRePr3o8tcabzyw-bNgJmvP9YtpuTnu/s846/birthdaycheesecakes2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="846" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbgfzEZtg19Uy16ljhV3pmDEieDYzKKErWLvcHdilgRSjgA9fYHi9vNjPIHEV8u9kvyV-hik0nQXtEapWDjxFW6FHCDwld06Svo7-llRePr3o8tcabzyw-bNgJmvP9YtpuTnu/w400-h331/birthdaycheesecakes2021.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>And at home with the delicious cheesecakes Sid made. My boys were here to have a traditional boiled dinner with us, so nice! </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndiDMPKanS8YDSB5nqsS9wA7iwHbd7vSuUUG0Tx87BBGQ6BECS1rjIsLzQADTzQE30xHOr1Rc2yn8VBjxH8lTR__kjE1Qu-JACUlgt5QbddzRSrl-8HaJovbv91rseKhK4hfh/s4608/IMG_20210316_180520428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndiDMPKanS8YDSB5nqsS9wA7iwHbd7vSuUUG0Tx87BBGQ6BECS1rjIsLzQADTzQE30xHOr1Rc2yn8VBjxH8lTR__kjE1Qu-JACUlgt5QbddzRSrl-8HaJovbv91rseKhK4hfh/w300-h400/IMG_20210316_180520428.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>We started watching Outlander on Netflix. It's stressful, but addicting. I'm spinning up a pound of sari silk in Blue Lagoon colorway as I watch. It's my favorite color.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmKL5O9aMJCI_lZk0gzArGH3X_tCWL3mqYag2nYzxB9JirlKJhcXT4UH7E0Z3lqr7WU4fbD2rRRSelah39SaNxy9lhzQj6pcJhZHOuiVDGH-UBtn4dh-EF8AnofFeioNsmiIH/s935/eggsinbator.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="935" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmKL5O9aMJCI_lZk0gzArGH3X_tCWL3mqYag2nYzxB9JirlKJhcXT4UH7E0Z3lqr7WU4fbD2rRRSelah39SaNxy9lhzQj6pcJhZHOuiVDGH-UBtn4dh-EF8AnofFeioNsmiIH/w400-h300/eggsinbator.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>And we put some Legbar eggs in the incubator for Easter Sunday chicks. That feels like spring to me! <br /></p>Becky Utechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08809607308191360481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30562945.post-81259598727888977372020-12-06T09:23:00.000-06:002020-12-06T09:23:14.672-06:00Pandemic Holiday Hygge<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATGWo2Oh53QI3yBzX1MgtvUpjs_2kns3waasEITPN8Ke_AoqDLsUoWfYszK7vSY7Pnz-zPJLR6Ed0NgbU9itA9NGBdfbU3EzOzFeH5RMFhJ73GYuPtvipD435eaDLWONBGzoB/s4608/original_c95ad7fd-6d24-4591-8eb3-c4f7a520c172_IMG_20201205_075106426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2616" data-original-width="4608" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATGWo2Oh53QI3yBzX1MgtvUpjs_2kns3waasEITPN8Ke_AoqDLsUoWfYszK7vSY7Pnz-zPJLR6Ed0NgbU9itA9NGBdfbU3EzOzFeH5RMFhJ73GYuPtvipD435eaDLWONBGzoB/w400-h228/original_c95ad7fd-6d24-4591-8eb3-c4f7a520c172_IMG_20201205_075106426.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>No in-person Christmas market this year due to the pandemic. The Covid-19 cases in our county have been skyrocketing. Sid and I try to stick close to home with only trips into town for groceries, feed, and shipping at the post office. <p></p><p>I've been busy getting ready for the outdoor <a href="https://www.asimn.org/virtual-julmarknad" target="_blank">Julmarknad</a> at the American Swedish Institute. I set up a <a href="https://rebecca-utecht.square.site/s/shop" target="_blank">square shop</a> and have been getting orders. Yesterday morning I was part of a virtual studio tour on Zoom with six other participating artists. </p><p>The fun thing about being part of <a href="https://www.asimn.org/virtual-julmarknad" target="_blank">Julmarknad</a> is thinking of different <a href="https://rebecca-utecht.square.site/shop/holiday-home-decor/7" target="_blank">Christmas items</a> to sell. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjej3QEeNP06Go9I6mvixppWuENt2UxTYC1r_-ylZobNnI8o5YYQ00kHZe9YPJaXn6SeKVs8XMGIQtKGYDZ3nnclUAOfQKJLiK7_PP0XWr_BAzCehFn_TveNejaMdf0zUDvFyQT/s4608/IMG_20201130_165658570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2804" data-original-width="4608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjej3QEeNP06Go9I6mvixppWuENt2UxTYC1r_-ylZobNnI8o5YYQ00kHZe9YPJaXn6SeKVs8XMGIQtKGYDZ3nnclUAOfQKJLiK7_PP0XWr_BAzCehFn_TveNejaMdf0zUDvFyQT/s320/IMG_20201130_165658570.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This year I did more of my snowball candles (in soy wax and locally sourced beeswax). <br /><br />And I used small pieces of imported Gotland skins in my Skinnfell stash to make the cute<a href="https://rebecca-utecht.square.site/product/skinnfell-tomte-ornaments/18?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=7" target="_blank"> tomte</a> at the top of this post. They have sold well so far. <p></p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuB4sYZMnMLrwEudlkOoLvfu40O7LhxJa1qoz_8-f0mdIoc6oVSx7t2tZeCadl6Q_HSMfSeu1cKbFJfi7mCIN3Uvx5p26TvzjwKYDnjNRhuvpdb8RvPtaEjw4MrjzKoBDP9ThJ/s4502/IMG_20201205_075246118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3099" data-original-width="4502" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuB4sYZMnMLrwEudlkOoLvfu40O7LhxJa1qoz_8-f0mdIoc6oVSx7t2tZeCadl6Q_HSMfSeu1cKbFJfi7mCIN3Uvx5p26TvzjwKYDnjNRhuvpdb8RvPtaEjw4MrjzKoBDP9ThJ/w400-h275/IMG_20201205_075246118.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><p>I also made some felted tomte from pieces of my felt pelts. I love the pure white one with the red bell nose.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGXlnRnFbm9AHwasILegzO5NfLqjdNr07WqqDy0lO1EKLMYYXGC76p0gZwkglioyQYpUa5JXpCx0yJiL8Y423Q9lCleXrlO2_8kHe-dBSj40pWDSBgZ6ptTk9JAWHZvBIJ1hr/s4608/IMG_20201115_103132415_MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGXlnRnFbm9AHwasILegzO5NfLqjdNr07WqqDy0lO1EKLMYYXGC76p0gZwkglioyQYpUa5JXpCx0yJiL8Y423Q9lCleXrlO2_8kHe-dBSj40pWDSBgZ6ptTk9JAWHZvBIJ1hr/w400-h300/IMG_20201115_103132415_MP.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I put a triplet Icelandic ram lamb in with my ewes this fall. He's been a busy boy. Looking forward to April lambs!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPh2WB47__9JFa8Q8cVK4VBHiTj4usVbUvsDWocSDSPqUkbzSIoThB-N9W1LxCZo6s9KrdkeYOVo6Nl6RED38fJeb76p2Gcw3RpkuHIqslODAhsz-mtmWB3XChIP9tTYjIN-f/s4608/IMG_20201115_103120012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPh2WB47__9JFa8Q8cVK4VBHiTj4usVbUvsDWocSDSPqUkbzSIoThB-N9W1LxCZo6s9KrdkeYOVo6Nl6RED38fJeb76p2Gcw3RpkuHIqslODAhsz-mtmWB3XChIP9tTYjIN-f/s320/IMG_20201115_103120012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>Becky Utechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08809607308191360481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30562945.post-77131246137348619532020-11-15T08:50:00.002-06:002020-11-15T08:57:48.264-06:00Stress relief Knitting <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BKC0we39k-kdzfV9x-9xdg80SyL2ebQkOCfgsJSrt9ehrsNjSDDKNg_jubRt9Qozk0HtGQ1vaz12vFx_RktH84WmVM-ScCB3KnBnf1eF_uR-Al01hT7ylh8nhQsmvLgrDK8n/s4340/IMG_20201027_161220599_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4340" data-original-width="2583" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BKC0we39k-kdzfV9x-9xdg80SyL2ebQkOCfgsJSrt9ehrsNjSDDKNg_jubRt9Qozk0HtGQ1vaz12vFx_RktH84WmVM-ScCB3KnBnf1eF_uR-Al01hT7ylh8nhQsmvLgrDK8n/w238-h400/IMG_20201027_161220599_HDR.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p>Thankfully the election is over and we can breathe a little easier now. The stress of the pandemic and the battle for the presidency of the United States left me with a lot of nervous energy and the inability to really concentrate on my creative processes. </p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-i6D8yWaEB__cE5x81qfiILjZWEQDIg2RL8BvRm4brnqpk9W8uCbE6lxFB0DIHiTZI6vmDBpkSgTNZcMZ3h-3_opSGZLMF2ZRlWGOwB7Ys3i29dlNGlFgssFayHs5OmyBxiYb/s4608/IMG_20201114_102615513.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-i6D8yWaEB__cE5x81qfiILjZWEQDIg2RL8BvRm4brnqpk9W8uCbE6lxFB0DIHiTZI6vmDBpkSgTNZcMZ3h-3_opSGZLMF2ZRlWGOwB7Ys3i29dlNGlFgssFayHs5OmyBxiYb/w300-h400/IMG_20201114_102615513.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>So-o-o-o, I've been knitting these wonderfully easy, but still creative, seed-stitch scarves. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq82CHTcINGjQ4g5wHIi4pV4S1aK_PjbOVk3w7Ik83Lm02UsCz8PqaKS9A6Mnh5mFjGlXu4PEhuaT4bcy9M4eMA4VOVFf6Lqa-wO0mfjbYjGJFq-9E_zhoDMIvxj32jWO94nJs/s1047/scarves.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="1047" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq82CHTcINGjQ4g5wHIi4pV4S1aK_PjbOVk3w7Ik83Lm02UsCz8PqaKS9A6Mnh5mFjGlXu4PEhuaT4bcy9M4eMA4VOVFf6Lqa-wO0mfjbYjGJFq-9E_zhoDMIvxj32jWO94nJs/w400-h268/scarves.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>A couple years ago, I started one based on directions found in the 2002 Winter edition of Spin Off magazine. I finally finished it off in early September this year. But I didn't like the tightness of the cast on edge and the cast off edge. So I ripped them both out and tried several other options. I finally settled on a nice, stretchy bind off and wrote up my own directions. I'm trying to figure out a venue to share them now. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFcuZA-eOOGyWtBePcMx4u3AqlwMAD8eSwojJMc3wYeUrQoA23o06sOLhvC5ZdB4NYQzVX5y58Hd1UGfP61oCaGFISW2Q89-OtMxM9XAmvl9GF3UpRBEav_m_Xx4p6Qa8Ge7T_/s4469/IMG_20201109_084650405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2635" data-original-width="4469" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFcuZA-eOOGyWtBePcMx4u3AqlwMAD8eSwojJMc3wYeUrQoA23o06sOLhvC5ZdB4NYQzVX5y58Hd1UGfP61oCaGFISW2Q89-OtMxM9XAmvl9GF3UpRBEav_m_Xx4p6Qa8Ge7T_/w400-h236/IMG_20201109_084650405.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This is a great project for using up those small skeins of handspun yarn
and leftover yarn from other knitting projects. I haven't fulled these
scarves, but I might give that a try on one of the longest ones. I will
have all my scarves listed in my <a href="https://rebecca-utecht.square.site/" target="_blank">online shop</a>. <br /><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-_9PhAo6d83SrPE2pW_0af6_X1M7JFGMT7zDaWgbKD0GKNPRHPDMPFnS0MGQs4wYS5NYtPVMgd16OAaVB-b8y2sxFUuvxA6uBusntobV74vxGTfxABfE6smPfT4LtKOQ2cbl/s4388/IMG_20201027_161544418_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4388" data-original-width="3352" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-_9PhAo6d83SrPE2pW_0af6_X1M7JFGMT7zDaWgbKD0GKNPRHPDMPFnS0MGQs4wYS5NYtPVMgd16OAaVB-b8y2sxFUuvxA6uBusntobV74vxGTfxABfE6smPfT4LtKOQ2cbl/s320/IMG_20201027_161544418_HDR.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZplOGFh_iN8ModihqvpNN8b7zRAlGfLdEmH8pVeigVbQ5twKVB9yfSu8kJmc61Q8YpfYSzE1CDNo_Kqh9kYT7pR31A1ctQmJe6QoLtGx00nfezNBJfmnDAETKx8PLryUMJFQ2/s3885/IMG_20201027_161427643_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3885" data-original-width="2537" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZplOGFh_iN8ModihqvpNN8b7zRAlGfLdEmH8pVeigVbQ5twKVB9yfSu8kJmc61Q8YpfYSzE1CDNo_Kqh9kYT7pR31A1ctQmJe6QoLtGx00nfezNBJfmnDAETKx8PLryUMJFQ2/s320/IMG_20201027_161427643_HDR.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj83eJqQvzksZ8FHFZaSnX2-629bx1crU5JRh3l3utS7R14Iyrs2wkbk-i_uE7pNve_UkSIRTeshX28a6XSfbPPfV5-FZ0I6RrIB-PPxgpzLIomjpwFnmY5qZ8NPqMptM1aON3_/s3975/IMG_20201027_160548253_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3975" data-original-width="2854" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj83eJqQvzksZ8FHFZaSnX2-629bx1crU5JRh3l3utS7R14Iyrs2wkbk-i_uE7pNve_UkSIRTeshX28a6XSfbPPfV5-FZ0I6RrIB-PPxgpzLIomjpwFnmY5qZ8NPqMptM1aON3_/s320/IMG_20201027_160548253_HDR.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZGGYJpdl8ux4rPrERZryu1-xVILdS6DborTluMlPUuHoAtuAsHghH7J-UjByVE2tm40OJCcINlSP_U0ecwiEF-eufF31hizOKgoHGZG_mDsKAjBvSKvFFzbQ-qcQklQ-D1P9/s4230/IMG_20201027_161059483_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4230" data-original-width="3166" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZGGYJpdl8ux4rPrERZryu1-xVILdS6DborTluMlPUuHoAtuAsHghH7J-UjByVE2tm40OJCcINlSP_U0ecwiEF-eufF31hizOKgoHGZG_mDsKAjBvSKvFFzbQ-qcQklQ-D1P9/s320/IMG_20201027_161059483_HDR.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p></p><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><p></p><p><br /></p>Becky Utechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08809607308191360481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30562945.post-11078972962759080102020-10-26T09:13:00.001-05:002020-10-26T09:13:53.994-05:00Fall 2020 -where did it go?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6DPesACQuY1ZeeM77txGbSEY0LHMa67Dqjzg2aAjv9v4FwH1IN995kwwNA5lXDKMD2mMkKCXWSv9JDfenGxUf9sPtIlXGnzQwGJjU0ZnCVbAv44eduQAVe7QAoIgQm96Umtr/s4266/IMG_20201009_175418791.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4266" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6DPesACQuY1ZeeM77txGbSEY0LHMa67Dqjzg2aAjv9v4FwH1IN995kwwNA5lXDKMD2mMkKCXWSv9JDfenGxUf9sPtIlXGnzQwGJjU0ZnCVbAv44eduQAVe7QAoIgQm96Umtr/s320/IMG_20201009_175418791.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p>The summer went by so fast even though we've been staying close to home because of the pandemic. And fall went even faster. We're in the midst of a winter wonderland in October here in Minnesota.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZILX7wBwWTs9oPvMyq8ZeCWey1nRyjV1OXsJqu3BxprJQIaQ0xOckIbktRsmQr0GtQVdYHO-Od2YeArwt9qFv5VvJx1_lkjXKMkPbC6VhbskNQtYTlfH5RPF4CxPKUQnRdl-8/s4608/IMG_20201020_170939245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZILX7wBwWTs9oPvMyq8ZeCWey1nRyjV1OXsJqu3BxprJQIaQ0xOckIbktRsmQr0GtQVdYHO-Od2YeArwt9qFv5VvJx1_lkjXKMkPbC6VhbskNQtYTlfH5RPF4CxPKUQnRdl-8/s320/IMG_20201020_170939245.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I taught one in-person class up at North House Folk School over the summer, but all the others were cancelled<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEmEEwovJtxhtY3tpDCk_6xzaCq5MBdULxyDRgu6kF9YDcQgDhQdKGsCBMDnux_1SGXG1TGQqDYXy00ZVI4tNCKL90SC4lirrlMToiEypGagOtaEdiWSg-Y2Ppg7AIKhGDfyU/s3963/IMG_20200724_201046863.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2972" data-original-width="3963" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEmEEwovJtxhtY3tpDCk_6xzaCq5MBdULxyDRgu6kF9YDcQgDhQdKGsCBMDnux_1SGXG1TGQqDYXy00ZVI4tNCKL90SC4lirrlMToiEypGagOtaEdiWSg-Y2Ppg7AIKhGDfyU/s320/IMG_20200724_201046863.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIiHcwDzgV74gu4mIUP-Q-DccqTyZkhuBV5tia2r3MQReBLZurkE1v13u9KHr8bMUkbgBgvawpbC76ADotVb3z44yqQ1CvtcLklgQEnOJXQkKYE9LVkSPLuIkO6vZYSa1dTTh/s2193/IMG_20200724_171427547.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2193" data-original-width="1745" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIiHcwDzgV74gu4mIUP-Q-DccqTyZkhuBV5tia2r3MQReBLZurkE1v13u9KHr8bMUkbgBgvawpbC76ADotVb3z44yqQ1CvtcLklgQEnOJXQkKYE9LVkSPLuIkO6vZYSa1dTTh/s320/IMG_20200724_171427547.jpg" /></a></div>Sid and I planted a bigger garden and hatched out lots of chicks, turkey poults, quail, and ducklings. We also participated one local art festival at a friend's winery. <p></p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNeqBzUaP0qCRZZrMV84aGpi0sutf56BMhUXe6ZNLp4CH1LHsn2g6RsQSlKtrYTH-7qEkpBSJRsBtnugTMnX3uKkfOL5RQj5T_xKL79tsrfko8AECW3AenBxDdAnFjXtGomMRe/s4032/IMG_20200801_084419989.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNeqBzUaP0qCRZZrMV84aGpi0sutf56BMhUXe6ZNLp4CH1LHsn2g6RsQSlKtrYTH-7qEkpBSJRsBtnugTMnX3uKkfOL5RQj5T_xKL79tsrfko8AECW3AenBxDdAnFjXtGomMRe/s320/IMG_20200801_084419989.jpg" /></a></p><p>And we did the weekly Isle Farmer's Market selling Sid's sourdough, our eggs, my goatmilk soaps, lip balms, and yarns. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOjZ95htzlcCBjWL_97bYtGLjdSADjbIlj9ynE5RVVAeZcuZnJIGbbMW89W78j5fQweksqBsA_fBsvUjkGFxLFwM33TieNYpaUB3PZ-PvrO_QHclu1cn1kLbduKohTomtLF_7V/s2621/IMG_20201005_164656874_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1144" data-original-width="2621" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOjZ95htzlcCBjWL_97bYtGLjdSADjbIlj9ynE5RVVAeZcuZnJIGbbMW89W78j5fQweksqBsA_fBsvUjkGFxLFwM33TieNYpaUB3PZ-PvrO_QHclu1cn1kLbduKohTomtLF_7V/w400-h175/IMG_20201005_164656874_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We've had a killing frost, so that's the end of the garden. The tomatoes, cucumbers, broccoli, birdhouse gourds and squash did fantastic in the old sheep pen. Lots of good fertilizer in there!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7O6TXTcDvp4ma-HOWt8KQhTIRx58cquzJKIWK9zzpeISKqzMJHhsKbn9Uqw8i15c6ngwFNnvTMjO1BLWvch0E2q09F9aIt1bJPGTDma6sw8ySs9cZpMnUVgxpA-40Oov8bwQk/s4608/IMG_20201007_170902140_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7O6TXTcDvp4ma-HOWt8KQhTIRx58cquzJKIWK9zzpeISKqzMJHhsKbn9Uqw8i15c6ngwFNnvTMjO1BLWvch0E2q09F9aIt1bJPGTDma6sw8ySs9cZpMnUVgxpA-40Oov8bwQk/s320/IMG_20201007_170902140_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>I finally got back in my outdoor studio space getting some felted fleeces done in September. We had a bee's nest out there and bumblebees took up residence in Spooky's fleece. I let them have it until after the frost. They didn't do much damage. I love bumble bees.</p><p></p><p>I was accepted for the American Swedish Institute's Julmarknad again this year. It will be online (people will be directed to <a href="https://rebecca-utecht.square.site/" target="_blank">my online shop) </a>and I will be sharing an outdoor booth with my friend Sue Flanders the weekend of Dec 13-14 in the courtyard at the Institute. Should be a fun weekend if the weather is nice. <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Becky Utechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08809607308191360481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30562945.post-12359566508876048742020-05-17T09:30:00.001-05:002020-05-17T09:31:41.646-05:00New Orchid blooms, Farmers market, and Felting with Paper<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwhwUV_MmgrTGFEJPjw9zgYbzP7E8i9E8IFjT9cpeZEPuY_JTbE9zcwLWbWOBANZduT_IoipJPWVolCy4J3aaZsz9Jxh7RxWnk_3pxHM2UVgUo9Flu6HAYkHdhIAN43HNxgNAd/s1600/orchidfromLaurie.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="723" data-original-width="929" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwhwUV_MmgrTGFEJPjw9zgYbzP7E8i9E8IFjT9cpeZEPuY_JTbE9zcwLWbWOBANZduT_IoipJPWVolCy4J3aaZsz9Jxh7RxWnk_3pxHM2UVgUo9Flu6HAYkHdhIAN43HNxgNAd/s400/orchidfromLaurie.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm loving this orchid that was given to me a few months ago! Such gorgeous flowers!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4akws5Ry96UW3OVzbn60a7YJ2V7kJ-PcwIlx1I6AMGNgjlWTRa91AJBNkKCXIzt1CMiYVSQOiZVCJsze0pZ0WnWMHRUNI1FlqX4LtD_baGUOFJ-OXYFjLJvIuPUAWFgCck41/s1600/orchidfromlaurie1.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="975" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4akws5Ry96UW3OVzbn60a7YJ2V7kJ-PcwIlx1I6AMGNgjlWTRa91AJBNkKCXIzt1CMiYVSQOiZVCJsze0pZ0WnWMHRUNI1FlqX4LtD_baGUOFJ-OXYFjLJvIuPUAWFgCck41/s400/orchidfromlaurie1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was thrilled with the first blossom.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSy2stuF8jffaHLJ8CHtL6qN_Ku4IlW2Psh9M_Eh1ffCerMOBWpGe-m_iT33xhYsl4JlO0SGxeaax_q7QIGo2fghyzA0O_Wt0RrCrwIYB5lur9YP1OZ2E3CTggJWW7foNvuKw8/s1600/sourdoughbread.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="635" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSy2stuF8jffaHLJ8CHtL6qN_Ku4IlW2Psh9M_Eh1ffCerMOBWpGe-m_iT33xhYsl4JlO0SGxeaax_q7QIGo2fghyzA0O_Wt0RrCrwIYB5lur9YP1OZ2E3CTggJWW7foNvuKw8/s400/sourdoughbread.jpg" width="350" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mother's Day flowers and four loaves of sourdough bread for the Farmer's Market. Sid also made some whole wheat loaves and whole wheat focaccia. He's all about sourdough these days. Yes, that's a kiddie pool in the background, lots of baby chicks, ducklings, and turkeys hatching around here. </td></tr>
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I've been taking Fiona Duthie's online Felting with Paper class. It's wonderful, she's a great teacher with so much knowledge to share. But the paper I got was different from the usual paper in the brand she recommended. So I fell way behind when it wouldn't perform the same way. Fiona sent me a sheet of her paper and it made all the difference! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7zPyx2PtIC2xufqUhV0vwtJ871kQqfaB82zag51hL_yUXmRMmslDKfH6XON7w68MoKU6wn1rZex6nl40dDCFk9geq70-R48ajoa4um09qmHl2cVNFPibEJ2Oi9Rc-pYjEAUVM/s1600/badpapergoodpaper.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="781" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7zPyx2PtIC2xufqUhV0vwtJ871kQqfaB82zag51hL_yUXmRMmslDKfH6XON7w68MoKU6wn1rZex6nl40dDCFk9geq70-R48ajoa4um09qmHl2cVNFPibEJ2Oi9Rc-pYjEAUVM/s400/badpapergoodpaper.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sample on the left was made with the uncooperative paper, the sample on the right is so much nicer made with the correct paper I got from Fiona and black merino wool. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1JgxgIplTgFtEYzlKALSZGX5FRKoTEhwqGUQ_MYdheyM4rkjmh_lnq-ymeWXCNKZdRA44IlNzFA3aWVuHXhqMTMgjI0cV0Q0dy_0LmKgS4n1esOZ7ZJWkecXrwyVbXmmzJMA/s1600/rutechtpaper3dandtext.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="781" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1JgxgIplTgFtEYzlKALSZGX5FRKoTEhwqGUQ_MYdheyM4rkjmh_lnq-ymeWXCNKZdRA44IlNzFA3aWVuHXhqMTMgjI0cV0Q0dy_0LmKgS4n1esOZ7ZJWkecXrwyVbXmmzJMA/s400/rutechtpaper3dandtext.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another sample with white merino wool, permanent ink and cut-out paper shapes. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjphWX0N-yruVnTKoht-isUX7u3MwnSXYLF3m5OyFp-9OnXwdxhuevxqee6mbSkFWp-mc4Fj50acvvDoHuLDoCoU84EvUHwu0pAunlhsz4iuCWE9nPCTNiUTFOI1TPQN7VF-DOB/s1600/spunlacefelt.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="669" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjphWX0N-yruVnTKoht-isUX7u3MwnSXYLF3m5OyFp-9OnXwdxhuevxqee6mbSkFWp-mc4Fj50acvvDoHuLDoCoU84EvUHwu0pAunlhsz4iuCWE9nPCTNiUTFOI1TPQN7VF-DOB/s400/spunlacefelt.jpg" width="368" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I experimented felting some spun lace (was a dye blanket in medium printing) and white merino. This combination will make excellent lampshades.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2UL6bNygoL4HxRRv5qpwRUOpbtoPxh97UGwvml_awdBIRtlzoTcTN1h4m9dMLLso4kc4E3x-suFjQTz6p71Z784Yk6bYSgHof5hgV-uWhwE8Lj1m0dD9Imjw7snuVFlSUUe3/s1600/IMG_20200515_154401632.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1087" data-original-width="1486" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2UL6bNygoL4HxRRv5qpwRUOpbtoPxh97UGwvml_awdBIRtlzoTcTN1h4m9dMLLso4kc4E3x-suFjQTz6p71Z784Yk6bYSgHof5hgV-uWhwE8Lj1m0dD9Imjw7snuVFlSUUe3/s400/IMG_20200515_154401632.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The drake waits while the duck sets on her eggs. He's a lonely guy these days with both the duck hens setting on eggs. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDm7TQtyVJ1OsA7f645yJIP7geviwTHd_YSR9jkj06YAVZAs1sjndVhBy7QIJvXHpwSWs6EOHKYuXNIBxssnlJWImqI02FA4q9u1m6XpgN911SwHd4Uj4NhQe5deHvdnU1Xam/s1600/IMG_20200506_102920832.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzDvQ7QqIL2NySpp_OkWXpGsDDGkB1Y7zsSoPmRPHH6aABveM1zb2H8JNeSlVGXULxJWKPZiljCeu6RIKq72p6PMPxnSTibNfYaOLTIapOCi3h5BRkHDGHM2HV7eKhdN85lyKn/s1600/IMG_20200512_202031693_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzDvQ7QqIL2NySpp_OkWXpGsDDGkB1Y7zsSoPmRPHH6aABveM1zb2H8JNeSlVGXULxJWKPZiljCeu6RIKq72p6PMPxnSTibNfYaOLTIapOCi3h5BRkHDGHM2HV7eKhdN85lyKn/s400/IMG_20200512_202031693_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This little deer was pretty interested in me the other evening when I took a walk.</td></tr>
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<br />Becky Utechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08809607308191360481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30562945.post-13740369560558611832020-05-08T09:41:00.001-05:002020-05-08T09:41:20.184-05:00Still Sheltering in Place and Spring Additions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQK7y5UWKJSYPPuHvIGk7i4qj1wKGS3lDckulJQTqAbb71dP6DrOkj9M-hXoAFO7qcJd1oelGrWhB7GPpfTDcKBxWtJVwgP86-DhTDkFaT9COHGg92G_MutemQvUiiAPmwCxn7/s1600/8937.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="1249" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQK7y5UWKJSYPPuHvIGk7i4qj1wKGS3lDckulJQTqAbb71dP6DrOkj9M-hXoAFO7qcJd1oelGrWhB7GPpfTDcKBxWtJVwgP86-DhTDkFaT9COHGg92G_MutemQvUiiAPmwCxn7/s320/8937.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
Sid and I are hanging in there, trying to stay home as much as possible these days. The days are full of all the projects we get ourselves into. Lots to do now that the weather is getting nicer. <br />
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Not sure if I mentioned that I sold my 40" FeltCrafts felt rolling machine in March. I'd had it for 10 years and didn't use it all that much. A friend was in need of a rolling machine for her work with veterans, so I let it go on the spur of the moment.. She loves it and has gotten a lot of use out of it already. But when I decided to make a large project for Fiona Duthie's "Separate Yet Connected" online exhibit, I began to regret that spur-of-the-moment decision. I spent three days in my studio creating a large piece with pre-felt inclusions (photos to come after the exhibit opens). It was then that I really regretted selling my old stand-by.<br />
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I saw an ad for the Gentle Roller and a friend's FaceBook post about using hers. And it just so happened that we closed on 20 acres in mid April to settle my dad's estate. So I had the funds and I went for it! I ordered the 48" width with the fulling drum. <br />
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It came last week, all the way from China (I ordered it from the designer in Australia). I've put it together and found a place for it in the front studio. I hope to actually try it out today.<br />
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I've done three felt pelts this week for a friend. They were big fleeces. I started off with the 4 pound one above (had to toss half of it out due to excessive VM). Then I did the 6.5 pound one below (I skirted out the entire topline).<br />
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And I did the 8 pound monster yesterday. It's still wet in this photo,it will look whiter when dry. Plus I will shake out a lot of the VM. I didn't skirt away the topine after seeing how well the VM shakes out when these fleeces are finished.<br />
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I've got one
more of my friend's fleeces left; that one will be for me. It's from her ewe named Tina. I did Tina's fleece last year (shown below) and asked if I could have her 2020 fleece. I'm so excited to make one for myself!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQT4K9WOUNnXNsxEuhdpuf6cauSxZ_RqwNTjDkyuk-zZEpyGWd8AkMhZWW5-XTvFvIrg9c3FT20Usgwx2na203bblpgI4Ky1KxExFyWRvvlpSafE592An_qWxb3263fhkvQzGK/s1600/michellespelt1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="708" data-original-width="798" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQT4K9WOUNnXNsxEuhdpuf6cauSxZ_RqwNTjDkyuk-zZEpyGWd8AkMhZWW5-XTvFvIrg9c3FT20Usgwx2na203bblpgI4Ky1KxExFyWRvvlpSafE592An_qWxb3263fhkvQzGK/s400/michellespelt1.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7F_pos9hCX1nbdeRrE-LymfDtijkgsS96iYY0gJTq8r2qfZ_uJB6dXAxOiFGVwGGPrr5HCpk5OhANJPpikK8BjJaBKA5nPGZl5N26JiKUvAVpfkHGsfMhf3eRIo-5kOjWUAUJ/s1600/michellespelt3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="797" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7F_pos9hCX1nbdeRrE-LymfDtijkgsS96iYY0gJTq8r2qfZ_uJB6dXAxOiFGVwGGPrr5HCpk5OhANJPpikK8BjJaBKA5nPGZl5N26JiKUvAVpfkHGsfMhf3eRIo-5kOjWUAUJ/s400/michellespelt3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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They are wonderfully
dense and thick fleeces! Polypay/Clun Forest with a little bit of
Icelandic in the mix. I MIGHT breed a few ewes in the fall and I'm
thinking I might use an Icelandic ram. But now I am also checking into the
Clun Forest breed. <br />
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We've been hatching lots of babies -- quail, turkeys, ducklings, and chicks.<br />
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We have two broody turkeys, two broody chickens, and one broody duck.<br />
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And the chickadees have been back checking out the felted birdhouse right outside our upstairs bedroom. Spring is definitely here!<br />
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<br />Becky Utechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08809607308191360481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30562945.post-78409187629743743622020-04-05T16:35:00.002-05:002020-04-06T08:39:23.014-05:00Staying Home and my First Felt Pelt of 2020<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Spring is coming, the crocuses are up and blooming.<br />
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The sheep have been shorn.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQ3TeUxe2fnNlwpG-B0lcpgn7fH9jFSG_xvYHv5MqfWzuYxZY2N2aLc0Vm3cnCbi-oQoZEi4icpIwq7lOcIhJRaomcnSOa_PjEeVQydW_KGsdOvRUavJIvKWxno-ENWoD69S1/s1600/IMG_20200321_090815876.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1411" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQ3TeUxe2fnNlwpG-B0lcpgn7fH9jFSG_xvYHv5MqfWzuYxZY2N2aLc0Vm3cnCbi-oQoZEi4icpIwq7lOcIhJRaomcnSOa_PjEeVQydW_KGsdOvRUavJIvKWxno-ENWoD69S1/s400/IMG_20200321_090815876.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roxie getting sheared.</td></tr>
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Thanks to some beautiful weather, the fleeces are all skirted and the first felt pelt of the year has been made. <br />
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It's 7 year old Roxie's fleece, she's half BFL and half Finn. I've never been able to do her fleece before because it's always been too dirty or too felted. This was the year and it's so soft and beautiful!<br />
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Sid and I have been staying home due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. My youngest son has been staying with us too. He does his work online now that the law school has gone to all online classes.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shortcakes, sourdough English muffins, and ideas for supper tonight.</td></tr>
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Sid has cooked up some fabulous meals and sourdough English muffins and bread, so he's keeping busy with that and with hatching quail. His restaurant customer is closed down now so we have LOTS of coturnix quail eggs on hand. Into the incubator 500 of them went. The babies (and hatching eggs) have been selling like crazy. We meet people on the porch to do the transactions. We've got turkey and duck eggs in the incubator now too. And we have a broody hen out in the barn.<br />
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I tried a new-to-me felting technique the other day. I'd had seen Ildi Kolozsi's beautiful pieces on Facebook. She shows photos of the layout of her design in line then how she fills in the elements with colored wool and then adds a backing. So I thought I'd give it try. I made the fatal mistake of using handspun yarn for my outline. It looked great, but it doesn't felt in as quickly as the roving, so next time I will use a thin strip of roving for my outlines.<br />
Here are some photos of my experiment. Lots of changes will be made next time around!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My geometric border mysteriously turned into a goose head, so I went with it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filling in the goose with Finn top. Next time use pre-felt shapes?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding kettle-dyed batting for the back ground. Then added two layers of grey batting. Nest time 4 layers of backing. Then I wet it down and felted it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It looked good at the pre-felt stage, but the yarn wasn't adhering. So off it came. Next time thin strips of roving for outlines.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-felt without the yarn border. It looks like a pastel!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fulled felt, the grey backing came through. Now it needs some detailing and highlights. Maybe I will add the border lines back in now that it's firm. Also, I cut the excess on the right side which caused it to have a thinner, more flared edge. The other side was tucked under. No cutting next time.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Update: I added the outlines back in with needlefelting.</td></tr>
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Okay, now I'm off to make some face masks for the family. I have lots of flannel and pretty cotton quilt fabric. The thing that worries me now is Sid says he will have to shave his beard to get a snug fit with the face mask. I'm not sure I want to see him without a beard. I remember the week after Stan and I got married he had to shave off his mustache for meat cutting school down in Pipestone, MN. Holy moly, it was like I was married to a complete stranger! God only knows what Sid will look like without his facial hair. :-)<br />
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<br />Becky Utechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08809607308191360481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30562945.post-71381236286075523742020-03-19T09:51:00.000-05:002020-03-19T09:52:43.951-05:00DIY Face Mask - Life in the Coronavirus Pandemic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well life has changed a LOT since my last post! Schools, restaurants, bars, salons, gyms, churches are closed. We are now staying home and practicing social distancing. Such a difference in the past week when Sid and I celebrated our birthdays by going out to dinner and I did a luncheon presentation for the Sons of Norway. Now people can only get together in groups of 10 or less here in Minnesota. We did attend a St. Patrick's Day party of nine people, but now we are definitely hunkering down at home.<br />
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We're lucky to have freezers full of lamb, pork, chicken, duck and quail. And even a little venison thanks to the deer Matt hit last May. We're not so lucky in the toilet paper department though. I don't know why everyone decided to hoard toilet paper. We do have plenty of handmade goat milk soap too. And spring in on the way so we can start some vegetable seeds. I have enough hay to last until July -- I think.<br />
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I recently discovered <a href="https://www.lovenotions.com/" target="_blank">LoveNotions</a> downloadable patterns and started sewing clothes again. I love the fit and the ease of sewing using their patterns. Anyway, I stocked up on knit fabric and made some tops earlier this year. So I was all set when I saw a post on FaceBook this morning for making face masks. Here's the link to the pattern: <a href="https://turbanproject.com/patterns">https://turbanproject.com/patterns</a><br />
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I haven't felt the need for using a face mask yet, but if we get sick, we'll definitely need to wear them and they're very scarce, even for the hospitals and medical establishments. Someone on the FaceBook post suggested making a little pocket and sliding in a coffee filter to make them more effective at filtering the air. <br />
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Here are some more links for information about the effectiveness of DIY facemasks and what materials work best. We all need to do our part in this pandemic, and hopefully more of us will make it through.<br />
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<a href="https://smartairfilters.com/en/blog/diy-homemade-mask-protect-virus-coronavirus/?fbclid=IwAR0kvCSgENPliIosU1abUtji-ozrz3Webuiz6mkoQKwYxrb9AMQf7JuyN98">https://smartairfilters.com/en/blog/diy-homemade-mask-protect-virus-coronavirus/?fbclid=IwAR0kvCSgENPliIosU1abUtji-ozrz3Webuiz6mkoQKwYxrb9AMQf7JuyN98</a><br />
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<a href="https://smartairfilters.com/en/blog/best-materials-make-diy-face-mask-virus/?fbclid=IwAR1199xc_O06KkM2t2lkmGzksJDWt4yiGMNaQAy7-czxHBbhGc7kRvM5zHs">https://smartairfilters.com/en/blog/best-materials-make-diy-face-mask-virus/?fbclid=IwAR1199xc_O06KkM2t2lkmGzksJDWt4yiGMNaQAy7-czxHBbhGc7kRvM5zHs</a><br />
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I've got about 30 pounds of washed wool to ship out to Zeilinger's by the end of the month. And I plan to do my taxes. And hopefully we can get a nice garden in this year. Shearing is scheduled in two days, too. I will definitely be busy here at home!<br />
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Take care everyone and stay home if you can. Becky Utechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08809607308191360481noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30562945.post-71226414003969375782020-03-09T09:20:00.001-05:002020-03-09T09:20:36.578-05:00Thinking Spring! 2020 Class schedule<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The trumpeter swans are back which means spring is right around the corner. And my flowers are blooming -- including my Lady Slipper Orchid!<br />
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Since our master bedroom is like a greenhouse, we've had grape tomatoes all winter. <br />
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And I planted some zucchini and cucumbers. They are blooming like crazy up there already. <br />
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And with the time change this weekend, the clock in my studio is back to the correct time again. Yay!<br />
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I've got a date set with the shearer in less than two weeks. It won't be a minute too soon. The sheep are getting their fleeces dirtier everyday.<br />
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I got a new-to-me 2008 EL King Ranch Ford Expedition a couple weeks ago. I just love driving it! We will have no problem pulling our travel trailer with it this summer and it's a very comfortable ride. Not to mention with the extra length it can haul all my stuff when I do a vendor booth or teach a felted fleece class. My Envoy couldn't quite hold it all. And it's got tons of bells and whistles, even the running boards are automatic!<br />
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The contacted printed nuno felt tunic class at North House Folk School went well. Each one was unique with the students bringing in a favorite top to use as the basis for their resist pattern. And the colors they chose were fun to see.<br />
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And Grand Marais is always so beautiful in the winter. I love the Blue Water Cafe for breakfast and the Voyager Brewing Co. We lucked out with our hotel too. We got 20% off the room for being North House participants PLUS two nights FREE after Sid repaired the toilet in our room. It pays to travel with a handy man! <br />
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I've got some new dates set for classes this summer and fall. I will be teaching a smaller version of the felted fleece class. It's easier to do a smaller version because most places don't have the proper facilities for doing the full fleece class. That class requires LOTS and LOTS of hot water, a floor with drainage or an outdoor covered space, a MINIMUM 4 x 4 foot workspace for each student, and temps above 50 degrees. At this point, I'm only teaching the full felted fleece class at <a href="http://northhouse.org/" target="_blank">North House Folk School</a> (July 23-24, this class is full, but you can join a waiting list) and in my home studio by appointment (see contact info tab).<br />
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Thankfully I got a teaching grant from the <a href="https://www.asimn.org/" target="_blank">American Swedish Institute</a> last summer which makes it possible for me to teach the felted fleece technique on a smaller scale to a lot more people. We can work in trays so that means we can work indoors with no worries about the weather being too cold or too windy. I will be teaching this class at the <a href="https://www.asimn.org/" target="_blank">American Swedish Institute</a>, Mpls, MN on Saturday, July 11 and at <a href="https://www.threeriversparks.org/location/gale-woods-farm" target="_blank">Gale Woods Farm</a> in Minnetrista, MN on Saturday, Oct. 3.<br />
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I'm also developing instruction for new, more artistic applications of the process so that people can use it for wall hangings as well as rugs, pillow tops, and chair pads. I will be teaching this version of the class at the <a href="https://www.midwestfeltingsymposium.com/" target="_blank">Midwest Felting Symposium</a> in DeForest, WI, Aug. 3-5. Be sure to check out link to see all the cool classes that will be offered that week.<br />
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Also, I am planning to have a fiber booth and teach something (maybe Tomte, nisse, or gnome and/or Knitting with Longwool Locks) at the newly created <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/Minnesota-Fiber-Festival-107540457505558/about/" target="_blank">Minnesota Fiber Festival</a> in Cambridge, MN on Saturday, Oct. 17. And I plan to teach Knitting with Longwool Locks at the <a href="http://northhouse.org/" target="_blank">American Swedish Institute</a> in the fall also. <br />
Becky Utechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08809607308191360481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30562945.post-56960688860672966702020-02-12T12:59:00.001-06:002020-02-12T13:05:18.076-06:00Making Contact Printed Nuno Felt Tunics!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've been getting ready to teach a Nuno Felt Tunic class this weekend at North House Folk School in Grand Marais, MN.<br />
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I've made some nuno felted medium printed projects in the past in workshops with Olga Kazanskaya. The process was so much fun. I enjoy unrolling the bundles to see how the prints come out. So in this class, students will design their own tunic and then have the option of kettle dyeing it, contact printing it, or medium printing it. Stay tuned for photos of how it all turns out. :-)<br />
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Becky Utechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08809607308191360481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30562945.post-59642798642942693182019-12-14T10:16:00.000-06:002019-12-14T10:16:38.901-06:00Felt Pelts (a.k.a. Humane and Vegetarian Sheepskins)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I had a great time at the American Swedish Institute's annual Christmas Market, Julmarknad, last weekend. Thanks to everyone who stopped by the booth, the staff at the Swedish Institute for all their help, and all the other vendors who were so kind and supportive. It's a really nice family event complete with photos taken with the coolest Santa ever.<br />
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I hope to return again next year with Sue Flanders of Kilns of Flanders. She is the best booth partner!<br />
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I sold quite a few of my Felt Pelts, thanks so much to all who purchased one (or two!). I've posted the ones I have left on a new tab on this blog, <a href="http://riveroaksfarmstudioblog.blogspot.com/p/felt-pelts.html" target="_blank"><i>Pelts for Sale</i></a>. I accept PayPal or credit card payments and can ship them out in time for gift giving. The sheep are busily growing more wool and I'm looking forward to doing their fleeces again next spring/summer.<br />
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We've had a lot of snow which the sheep don't mind at all. But it's kept Sid and I busy shoveling and plowing. And the cover on the turkey pen is sagging dangerously. I was so involved in Julmarknad, I forgot all about my T-Post/Tarp hoop house since the sheep aren't using this winter and it caved in. <br />
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We adopted a kitty that came around in heat. All of our
male cats are neutered, but we were surprised that they accepted her.
They usually run off any intruders. She was shy and wouldn't let us get
near the first time. Then a couple weeks later she was back. This time
she ate the food we put out for and even came in the house. When she stayed
in the house overnight we figured we had a new cat. So I made her an
appointment to be spayed before she came back into heat.<br />
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She had her surgery on the 10th and it was then that we found out she had punctures in her spleen. Some of which were still bleeding, so they sutured them up. The poor thing must have had some blunt force trauma to cause those internal injuries and the scratched cornea in her right eye. Now we have to give her eye medication which she hates.<br />
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Thanks to our friend Bonnie in California, we have lots of Meyers lemons to enjoy. Yumm!Becky Utechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08809607308191360481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30562945.post-45968993228925728072019-12-04T22:08:00.000-06:002019-12-04T22:08:07.639-06:00Julmarknad! at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We got over a foot of snow this weekend, there was a lot of shoveling to do, but it looks like a winter wonderland out there.<br />
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The snow comes just in time for the <a href="https://www.asimn.org/" target="_blank">American Swedish Institute</a> in Minneapolis' annual Christmas Market (Julmarknad) this weekend. I will be there, sharing a booth with my friend, Sue Flanders (Kilns of Flanders pottery). We had a great time last year and are excited to do it again this year. The weather forecast is good, no snow until late on Sunday. Yes!<br />
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I've got over twenty felt pelts to sell. This includes several of my Gotland cross lambs' fleeces and some large Icelandic fleeces, imported Spelsau fleeces with LONG locks, and a huge white Dalesbred fleece. <br />
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I've also been making tomtes, goat milk soap, hair conditioner bars, lip balms, and other woolly goodies. Still lots to do to finish up. <br />
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If you're in the area, Sue and I would love to see you at the <a href="https://www.asimn.org/" target="_blank">Swedish Institute</a> in Minneapolis this weekend, Dec. 7-8. There will be lots of activities and vendors, a bake sale, and of course, the beautiful Turnblad Mansion exhibits to explore. Becky Utechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08809607308191360481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30562945.post-85430904417528094792019-10-27T10:14:00.000-05:002019-10-28T18:15:55.302-05:00Classes! Taking and teaching them.<br />
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I spent two days this past week at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts
attending training for teaching artists through the Minnesota State Arts Board presented by Aroha Philanthropies.
The theme was creative aging and how sequential arts programming can be a
catalyst for mature (55+) students to re-engage in life and develop
social networks. Such an important thing for continued health and living
life to the fullest. I learned a lot about incorporating social
interaction as an integral part of teaching. I feel lucky to have been
able to attend, although driving in rush hour traffic in Minneapolis is
not my cup of tea. I love living (and driving) in the country!<br />
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This is my new tractor. It was my dad's tractor for many years and now I
will have it. I always wanted it. It runs like a top from what I hear. <br />
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I
was happy to see the sun shine for a couple days in the last few weeks (after the
snow fall). I took advantage of some nice days to make three Icelandic
felt pelts and a large Dalesbred fleece I picked out at the class I taught in Maryland last month.<br />
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In late September I taught my felt pelt class again for Sherry Tenney in Maryland.<br />
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It's always fun to share the magic of felt pelts and traveling is a great way to meet some very interesting people.<br />
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Thanks to the students for the lovely gifts. I love the peach soaps from Georgia! Most of the students in the
class had never felted before and had no idea what they were in
for, but they were anxious to make another rug on the second day of class.Lots of beautiful rugs were made. The students will continue to full their backing until it shows the strong pebbly texture that is the tell tale marker of a well-felted pelt.<br />
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After returning home, I did three respite
sessions with area seniors and their helpers through an East Central Regional Arts Council grant written by Lakes and Pines Community Action Council.<br />
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We did wet felted pumpkins and eye glass cases. The seniors seemed to be delighted with their
projects. <br />
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Next are four
sessions with Head Start kids, 3-5 years old.I'm adjusting the project after the first session proved to be too much for the kids and the teacher. :-) Hopefully by starting out with some pre-felts, the project will match their attention spans better.<br />
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We'll stick with the pumpkin theme for Halloween this week, but allow for creative use of colors, etc. <br />
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Oh, there is still room in the <a href="https://textilecentermn.org/product/raw-felted-fleece/" target="_blank">Raw Felted Fleece Chair Pad or Pillow Top class</a> I am teaching at the Textile Center in Minneapolis on November 9th. Here's a link to sign up if you're interested. https://textilecentermn.org/product/raw-felted-fleece/ I have lots of Cheviot fleeces that will make for some nice cushions, but students can bring their own raw fleece too. <br />
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Have a great week everyone!<br />
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<br />Becky Utechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08809607308191360481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30562945.post-77726236517006910702019-08-25T16:58:00.001-05:002019-08-25T16:58:22.139-05:00Twins for Smokey, hay for winter, peafowl, and classes<br />
Sure enough, Smokey had her twins while I was teaching up in Grand Marais. They are already a month old and still very black. <br />
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She delivered without any problems, thankfully. My son, Matt, did a great job getting them settled in. Thanks to my neighbor, Denise, who came over and made sure all the lambing protocols were followed: jug the family; clip (the cords), dip (the navels in iodine), and strip (the wax plus from the teats); and some Karo syrup water and good hay for the new mom.<br />
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We got 16 big rounds in the barn yesterday. It feels good. We're hoping to get another ten. Then we will be good for a whole year.<br />
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We are looking into Silvopasture. We have woodlands, not pasture. So we need to convert our woods into pasture, which involves clearing and getting some grass to grow, but still leaving trees. Sid and I are signed up to take a workshop in mid-September. But in the meantime, we've started clearing a bit of land east of our barn.<br />
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We hatched a peachick in July, it was so cute. <br />
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But fox problems necessitated overcrowding in the chick pen and our precious little peachick died. We were heartbroken. He was such and intrepid little bugger. That's him in the foreground above with turkey poults and chicks.<br />
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We went out and bought four more, because we were bitten by the peafowl bug. They are shown above at about 4 weeks old. Shortly after we bought them, the friend who gave us the original egg we hatched, gave us 5 more eggs. Four of them are good and due to hatch over Labor Day weekend. So we could have lots of peafowl if all goes well. They are so pretty.<br />
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I taught a couple more felted fleeces classes. One at North House Folk School in July and one at the American Swedish Institute last weekend. So fun!<br />
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Because I was teaching, I wasn't able to take the Skinnfell class taught by Britt Solheim of Norway and her daughter at the Vesterheim Musem in Decorah, Iowa. However, I was able to take their <i>Making Small Sheepskin Items</i> class. It was great! We made lots of things over four days.<br />
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These are stitched and wood block printed on beautiful soft sheepskins tanned in Sweden. I bought two large Gotland skins to work on a large skinnfell at home. Sid and I invested in a desktop CNC machine so we can carve custom wood blocks.<br />
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What a nice town and what a great class! </div>
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Sid and I camped nearby at the Pulpit Rock Campground. Such a beautiful setting.<br />
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Sid fished for trout while I was in class. They were delicious with some locally grown corn on the cob. <br />
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We stopped at Seed Savers on the way home. We definitely need to go back and spend more time there. <br />
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I just found out that I've been accepted to the American Swedish Institute's Julmarknad again
this year! I'll be sharing a booth with my potter friend, Sue Flanders. It's time get
started on my felted Tomtes! <br />
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<br />Becky Utechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08809607308191360481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30562945.post-44580418448029391422019-07-11T23:54:00.003-05:002019-07-11T23:59:58.346-05:00Lambs on the Way! And chicks, poults and ducklings.Well, we will have some lambs after all. And they're due right when I'll be out of town teaching up at North House.<br />
It was a cold and blustery day at the end of February when I was busy preparing for my dad's funeral service, the boys' hay net was empty and frozen to the ground. I thought I could combine the boys with the ewes since it was almost March. I hoped the ewes weren't cycling anymore and I was pretty sure the boys weren't fertile since we had crimped the last of them in October. But after three days of them being together, it was clear that Smokey was cycling and the boys were VERY interested. Sid and I did the rodeo on March 1 getting the boys separated from the girls again and crossed our fingers hoping for the best. But it was pretty clear by mid-May that Smokey was starting to bag up. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smokey and her 2018 Gotland-cross daughter, Blueberry, on July 7, 2019</td></tr>
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I'll be down to 23 sheep tomorrow after bringing four wethers and two non-wethers to the processor. Slowly but surely I'm whittling down the flock to a more manageable size for our limited pasture. It looks like Smokey will have twins, so that is going in the wrong direction. But at least no one else is pregnant.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWnIGDzg1hYfHH3oEx6VSFpzVaUIG2WwRsMmp9VcXUsLhPdKogG0BW4M3xDgpsBxSwSLZb6WWgf72EF0_HdmRQa-4Iq3ZzQ3Tw1G8-N2eXZwDAhD-xO0-7zAxX2JXvnMv79_H/s1600/llamafeltpelt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="629" data-original-width="978" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWnIGDzg1hYfHH3oEx6VSFpzVaUIG2WwRsMmp9VcXUsLhPdKogG0BW4M3xDgpsBxSwSLZb6WWgf72EF0_HdmRQa-4Iq3ZzQ3Tw1G8-N2eXZwDAhD-xO0-7zAxX2JXvnMv79_H/s400/llamafeltpelt.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Llama felt pelt and chair pad.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I was given a llama fleece a couple weeks ago. And I decided to try a felt pelt with it since it was holding together pretty well. I have to say, it felted pretty fast, but there is some shedding of the long fibers. There was a lot of fiber that I skirted away due to VM, but I saved it to comb out. It's very soft llama fiber.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4b72J4H4dSdBwtK6vk0SukExMXGMXunnEMO1s8gABW9uNz7oXgyDV_XcVgjoRoX0HYU9Y8wYxIh2QFzmA8udth2Ro4As5APDTiJbzB7zB90QQQm2zvLgOJU-u8IRv2jrbap8M/s1600/marylandclassphoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="974" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4b72J4H4dSdBwtK6vk0SukExMXGMXunnEMO1s8gABW9uNz7oXgyDV_XcVgjoRoX0HYU9Y8wYxIh2QFzmA8udth2Ro4As5APDTiJbzB7zB90QQQm2zvLgOJU-u8IRv2jrbap8M/s400/marylandclassphoto.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I taught a couple felted fleece classes in the last few weeks. One for Sherry Tenney in Winchester, Maryland and one here at my studio in Ogilvie. It's always fun playing with wool and sudsy water outside on sunny day!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinguXsKuPmktOcWb_qBDV8tV5RAR-UVMZfBcOnOc1VkV9qQ7Yu90YeQj0gA78l0f7QSdOPU_-mMU_59ekNGvRwo6M-NSxphsCR_J1tfbzhnN7e6m6O0CB-LtkvjgnK7Cxmxvoq/s1600/feltedfleeces07012019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="580" data-original-width="977" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinguXsKuPmktOcWb_qBDV8tV5RAR-UVMZfBcOnOc1VkV9qQ7Yu90YeQj0gA78l0f7QSdOPU_-mMU_59ekNGvRwo6M-NSxphsCR_J1tfbzhnN7e6m6O0CB-LtkvjgnK7Cxmxvoq/s400/feltedfleeces07012019.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I was able to get four yearling Lincoln Longwool fleeces from Robin of Pirate Sheep Co. I got one done so far. Those locks are so long and lustrous!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmBDy7Tww6IgcVdY-JqgeLOYUsTvm3p-V-fGiNlcdZsdwor2lHs2b_uPY0oDUc2pfUG_folxkqP6DcmNz1X-fqHZutpOUoGDEjWDHV7b7wdWIqJKyBpPBM7YGySycug5zKcRSt/s1600/lincolnlongwool07082019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="548" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmBDy7Tww6IgcVdY-JqgeLOYUsTvm3p-V-fGiNlcdZsdwor2lHs2b_uPY0oDUc2pfUG_folxkqP6DcmNz1X-fqHZutpOUoGDEjWDHV7b7wdWIqJKyBpPBM7YGySycug5zKcRSt/s320/lincolnlongwool07082019.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
And we've had chicks, turkey poults and ducklings hatching like crazy lately. Lots of Crested Cream Legbar chicks which are fun because you can tell males from females at the hatch. And the turkey poults are just so sweet and fun to watch. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQtcRTn8MQFMajqpOgA43L5CXMKW82fCj1K4sPmJxGEp1AUnqCo_oGDAso4ztU6Xiw9ZuC4VHyh9JVNMNU_jmy_EQTz57PoATg4yQBu5tAM0sZDZWqUsTaBZvjlJYVhUtYt4z/s1600/creamlegbarbroody.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="974" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQtcRTn8MQFMajqpOgA43L5CXMKW82fCj1K4sPmJxGEp1AUnqCo_oGDAso4ztU6Xiw9ZuC4VHyh9JVNMNU_jmy_EQTz57PoATg4yQBu5tAM0sZDZWqUsTaBZvjlJYVhUtYt4z/s400/creamlegbarbroody.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Broody Crested Cream Legbar with eggs and chicks.She has 14.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTDXHj1-EB7iDGNVcfZ8oaj_S3dQ90YzOWnB6IoydJ_yHlM3ITbZjhnuGwZnVe9bU5fWlHFYkfLePjGJPsaGrh-tPN6m2Zae790d7_Ck5OzGtytmUrsQFTQcI0G4U0skBVT3S/s1600/creamlegbarchicks1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="977" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTDXHj1-EB7iDGNVcfZ8oaj_S3dQ90YzOWnB6IoydJ_yHlM3ITbZjhnuGwZnVe9bU5fWlHFYkfLePjGJPsaGrh-tPN6m2Zae790d7_Ck5OzGtytmUrsQFTQcI0G4U0skBVT3S/s400/creamlegbarchicks1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Incubator Cream Legbar chicks and a few turkey poults.</td></tr>
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Not to be outdone, the Orpington hen went broody and has 12 barnyard mix chicks too. <br />
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The worst part is that we are having a fox problem (we lost 6 hens, four turkey poults, a nest of duck eggs with two broody ducks mauled, all in one day). So now all the poultry have to be penned up 24/7. I'm trying to keep the two broodies and their babies in the barn during the day, but the Buff Orpington has a habit of flying over fences and going out in the sheep pen. Hopefully she'll stay close to the sheep and the fox won't get her. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZV1GwYCYywtZdzp6KvzcmTueGTbpB0ZFMlSKsKgbPxzKOnuk8spp0GaaqHqR_0USYD9OAyCaNElN8hzaRdjmtUqFniE9LibT0VwESw49_ZZQBVKgmzeouOkOjaYa6ihlDHPk/s1600/ducklings072019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="658" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZV1GwYCYywtZdzp6KvzcmTueGTbpB0ZFMlSKsKgbPxzKOnuk8spp0GaaqHqR_0USYD9OAyCaNElN8hzaRdjmtUqFniE9LibT0VwESw49_ZZQBVKgmzeouOkOjaYa6ihlDHPk/s400/ducklings072019.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three Pekin ducklings and a Narragansett turkey poult are the latest to hatch.</td></tr>
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There's only one egg left in the incubator now. It's a peafowl egg from our friend who raises them. He brought over 13 eggs that weren't being sat on. Seven started to develop, but only one has made it to the end. I am keeping my fingers crossed that it will hatch. We'll put it with the littlest turkey poult, who did not like being with those messy ducklings. Becky Utechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08809607308191360481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30562945.post-76462139404019486242019-04-22T10:23:00.002-05:002019-04-22T10:40:40.884-05:00Lots of New Felt Pelts!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-WA5Ega3HIcN77EKumTLNv-h9ss7lpEgkKtX-WFxjRCqy8JMIKgiyPNeSZ477XR0HGXe1bIujOWvXUjhD_uywkbL7TYxP6Xt-dpbIImvyW6xI9TmncBO9aRlQxDKaZYNNAB6/s1600/IMG_20190417_105319777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1037" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-WA5Ega3HIcN77EKumTLNv-h9ss7lpEgkKtX-WFxjRCqy8JMIKgiyPNeSZ477XR0HGXe1bIujOWvXUjhD_uywkbL7TYxP6Xt-dpbIImvyW6xI9TmncBO9aRlQxDKaZYNNAB6/s400/IMG_20190417_105319777.jpg" width="258" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mugwort relaxes on a Gotland cross felt pelt that I was working on.</td></tr>
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Since I sold out of felt pelts last December, I've been taking advantage of any warm days to get outside and make more. That and the fact that most of my fleeces were clean enough to make into felt pelts thanks to using hay nets to feed the sheep this past winter. I am so happy with the fleeces from my Gotland lambs from last spring! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1dvxLD2ygTKB_7mgZHNixzi1ggHjpRyq8bzganORSMtqT_b7uEXRJQ8lFNPINl81rst305zWY6rIaIgq3kah08YQmpb-kNnyfhTLtl9Ay_r_F20SG2tWMGb69dp7JQqp8l7F9/s1600/IMG_20190408_153923401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="860" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1dvxLD2ygTKB_7mgZHNixzi1ggHjpRyq8bzganORSMtqT_b7uEXRJQ8lFNPINl81rst305zWY6rIaIgq3kah08YQmpb-kNnyfhTLtl9Ay_r_F20SG2tWMGb69dp7JQqp8l7F9/s400/IMG_20190408_153923401.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left to right: Shetland, Shetland, Gotland/Teeswater, Teeswater/Wensleydale felt pelts.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA9aL0NrLoo4KKOQbmOUd3pYyeGIQF6ABXu9nlL4gGCP3KQrjcUs_BlIYSmvTsv7ot-xkVdIi5_cdHwJy0NN1jwkC0_005qMdPZZtT6UXL-ApEJl7rk0DrrkMMcH2t039-rkmr/s1600/IMG_20190420_235728583.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1146" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA9aL0NrLoo4KKOQbmOUd3pYyeGIQF6ABXu9nlL4gGCP3KQrjcUs_BlIYSmvTsv7ot-xkVdIi5_cdHwJy0NN1jwkC0_005qMdPZZtT6UXL-ApEJl7rk0DrrkMMcH2t039-rkmr/s400/IMG_20190420_235728583.jpg" width="286" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandy's fleece, he's a Gotland/Teeswater cross lamb</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhodjgcA0qFbpt31FcvJTipb4aQoioTk3iK4ui2eXKSJENExrOZE8htBlk5vTKoM70J86cc8VTQSyjDpB70Av7z1ckHa7H0_INpr7IQRW6DLRMY5rDkT5hQ-zjWZQwYkv96RIvX/s1600/IMG_20190420_235759712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhodjgcA0qFbpt31FcvJTipb4aQoioTk3iK4ui2eXKSJENExrOZE8htBlk5vTKoM70J86cc8VTQSyjDpB70Av7z1ckHa7H0_INpr7IQRW6DLRMY5rDkT5hQ-zjWZQwYkv96RIvX/s400/IMG_20190420_235759712.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gulliver's fleece, he's a Gotland/Teeswater/Shetland cross.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpNZV0GM-Tg2ov2UHbcTK42TKvgj0i6MWkIvWPPSU7n9gy_yza-1Tu7Vynq68cJFMtQXNQ3aZWDsgcxQrJ0k2hQ0Q_OaVo3wKuJVxVQL8n0vD-MX8ARyY6rLv372xzaqY4e88z/s1600/IMG_20190416_171544689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1359" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpNZV0GM-Tg2ov2UHbcTK42TKvgj0i6MWkIvWPPSU7n9gy_yza-1Tu7Vynq68cJFMtQXNQ3aZWDsgcxQrJ0k2hQ0Q_OaVo3wKuJVxVQL8n0vD-MX8ARyY6rLv372xzaqY4e88z/s400/IMG_20190416_171544689.jpg" width="338" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arnie's fleece, he's a Gotland/Shetland cross</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA7nKikstV4lIU6zD5oOYa4IN0jWW0_lWF58IZGgS8XPJAve5AjkLldzlI9p2wuvxV2TgCkSojHN_N8RXwJLNvl3xAjvSwqI6WsCC9U3Hxt6ndkofGECxXdvP5alQSehNlrCmZ/s1600/IMG_20190408_153826049_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA7nKikstV4lIU6zD5oOYa4IN0jWW0_lWF58IZGgS8XPJAve5AjkLldzlI9p2wuvxV2TgCkSojHN_N8RXwJLNvl3xAjvSwqI6WsCC9U3Hxt6ndkofGECxXdvP5alQSehNlrCmZ/s400/IMG_20190408_153826049_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wilbur's fleece, he's a Teeswater/Wensleydale cross</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_rRjeBqC6mhGrCK-OFjy1zngyEVyXuXGDzZpP63BADAJakZ3cqWDrQjTBuRvODhWnuUf2zPw7jBXEyKP6-ZQBuUhgpKMuuBSqw4CwsworjT53mIQAXpUO_u8CM5xUyRW_PSK/s1600/IMG_20190407_204627421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1273" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_rRjeBqC6mhGrCK-OFjy1zngyEVyXuXGDzZpP63BADAJakZ3cqWDrQjTBuRvODhWnuUf2zPw7jBXEyKP6-ZQBuUhgpKMuuBSqw4CwsworjT53mIQAXpUO_u8CM5xUyRW_PSK/s400/IMG_20190407_204627421.jpg" width="317" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wilbur's fabulous fleece</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />Becky Utechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08809607308191360481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30562945.post-66817282162405825062019-03-31T09:37:00.003-05:002019-03-31T09:37:54.863-05:00Preparing for Classes, RIP RP, and Hay Nets <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRx8vppyXOV-Idf8XkQzAAn51-0M6tVAxNtGE01KAGVg3aXGtIp1aVv9yMzm9e3dV2IntHIkajDfX9W5JfG_s_L9sNaOhIZ7QpIt3dnPqZakUWKaiMeCvS3ORLDaGpdah_5ZvA/s1600/IMG_20190331_075114157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1282" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRx8vppyXOV-Idf8XkQzAAn51-0M6tVAxNtGE01KAGVg3aXGtIp1aVv9yMzm9e3dV2IntHIkajDfX9W5JfG_s_L9sNaOhIZ7QpIt3dnPqZakUWKaiMeCvS3ORLDaGpdah_5ZvA/s400/IMG_20190331_075114157.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORIRZKMKjfcBVU4mn_KLwZRkOj99UeOG4tlj0t8U0MeVPIwlm6-9ZfR590v4MF25UaDX9LMi4486RFAcMwkBN3XTnNYs-0jQMZPnNaAwnmSJL5ZLeF9KM34LrHUs5TQM2n47k/s1600/IMG_20190331_075154557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1375" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORIRZKMKjfcBVU4mn_KLwZRkOj99UeOG4tlj0t8U0MeVPIwlm6-9ZfR590v4MF25UaDX9LMi4486RFAcMwkBN3XTnNYs-0jQMZPnNaAwnmSJL5ZLeF9KM34LrHUs5TQM2n47k/s320/IMG_20190331_075154557.jpg" width="274" /></a>I've been working a small project for an introduction to felting class
tomorrow in Minneapolis. I want to use wool from my own flock, so I picked
this beautiful black shetland combed top. I don't have much left since
I've sold all but two of my Shetlands -- and they aren't black. Anyway,
this little tablet pouch only took 3/4 ounce of combed top.<br />
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I added some pieces of felt from a rug I cut up and some scraps of
Margilan silk. I think this felt would make some beautiful scarves or
even a jacket.<br />
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So today it's back to the drawing board, I think I will
switch to Shetland Mule and Teeswater cross top. I want more stability
for a felted tablet pouch or hot pad or coasters. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEielabcRzubVkC1YTSF82oCImIbzK21xWlG2jT8bR5mzXo8bH80kLrJKJ-hOxR_uD6ZG_ZivFGFlKQi11rXrH6rZ3mOnUhSWDoyAmLXMjT9dbx1C5-5KjinVcY0XUiX3CPwaeTs/s1600/IMG_20190331_075121126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1140" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEielabcRzubVkC1YTSF82oCImIbzK21xWlG2jT8bR5mzXo8bH80kLrJKJ-hOxR_uD6ZG_ZivFGFlKQi11rXrH6rZ3mOnUhSWDoyAmLXMjT9dbx1C5-5KjinVcY0XUiX3CPwaeTs/s400/IMG_20190331_075121126.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm teaching a new class at <a href="http://shepherdsharvestfestival.org/festival-info/2019-classes-at-a-glance/" target="_blank">Shepherd's Harvest</a>, knitting with longwool locks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mU-3UEk6BuSg7fx7MQ0c3n220loMnCB_wz5nQ94oNIub9-6_FPzfNG1gs0aE6fGuz7X4be7SyZzfsvfsSNsV6NX94DWn5Lp2R5wLzdlcW6uWpfWRKr2ztZ4nAclbRjMxA4zv/s1600/IMG_20190321_172000717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1367" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mU-3UEk6BuSg7fx7MQ0c3n220loMnCB_wz5nQ94oNIub9-6_FPzfNG1gs0aE6fGuz7X4be7SyZzfsvfsSNsV6NX94DWn5Lp2R5wLzdlcW6uWpfWRKr2ztZ4nAclbRjMxA4zv/s400/IMG_20190321_172000717.jpg" width="341" /></a></div>
It's only a 3 hour class, no water or towels or plastic bags involved in
making this wooly locks scarf, boa, cowl or cuffs. I will be washing up
lots of my Teeswater cross locks so I'll have plenty on hand. Registration
starts April 1st. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-l9bJlp2YxgtsnRjWgJguPbIwJqD7cppvGOgAPjU-GDNhZZAqv1mdcz4HW7zxeiaDBsIy-cJjqyC4aPfwWVFAC9B3wn4BRa_vW0TTjYtMOM-B-FTaGTQllg2kB_fleti1i64s/s1600/IMG_20190321_171147780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1320" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-l9bJlp2YxgtsnRjWgJguPbIwJqD7cppvGOgAPjU-GDNhZZAqv1mdcz4HW7zxeiaDBsIy-cJjqyC4aPfwWVFAC9B3wn4BRa_vW0TTjYtMOM-B-FTaGTQllg2kB_fleti1i64s/s400/IMG_20190321_171147780.jpg" width="330" /></a></div>
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I'm also teaching the felted fleece class in August in Minneapolis at the <a href="https://www.asimn.org/programs-education/events/nordic-craft-workshop-raw-hand-felted-fleece-becky-utecht" target="_blank">American Swedish Institute</a>. I'm hoping for good weather, we'll be working out in their beautiful courtyard for the wet portion of the class.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjehsHVn1_eGExB0UJQcCVub1bQdNDIVtC3xjZoAiZaCaHM2jv3g2Y1UbDQD1kp-iwhQXl8BxwVfVDWXVOEmF9NKFxSukERTEkosNeY4YOKidgdSkmel4kYe-QVXqTS0cEGIbWE/s1600/IMG_20181212_151243062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjehsHVn1_eGExB0UJQcCVub1bQdNDIVtC3xjZoAiZaCaHM2jv3g2Y1UbDQD1kp-iwhQXl8BxwVfVDWXVOEmF9NKFxSukERTEkosNeY4YOKidgdSkmel4kYe-QVXqTS0cEGIbWE/s400/IMG_20181212_151243062.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I'm pretty sure there are still openings in my classes in Hanover, PA in June and September too. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/667774617/rug-class-tenneys-fiber-group-june-22nd?ref=shop_home_active_12&frs=1" target="_blank">Sherry Tenney is taking registrations on Etsy</a> for those. Last year's class was so much fun and Sherry's selection of the raw fleeces was fabulous!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOm25HWhh3SiMxNOeaf6vXvRXklvvEm52NdR3m-I_dpzuLCtRJzIe3deKKNhUI3c5Rkp4CO53EUt_uUyFWEC321oFzXupPvXLvmMyW854PVzuyH_c1nwxBH-GxLP4Tr8ziq5wR/s1600/feltedfleececlassinPA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="540" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOm25HWhh3SiMxNOeaf6vXvRXklvvEm52NdR3m-I_dpzuLCtRJzIe3deKKNhUI3c5Rkp4CO53EUt_uUyFWEC321oFzXupPvXLvmMyW854PVzuyH_c1nwxBH-GxLP4Tr8ziq5wR/s400/feltedfleececlassinPA.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
My felted fleece class at <a href="https://northhouse.org/search/results/49793da6c7178d900adf6fae124ad074" target="_blank">North House Folk School</a> is full but they are taking names for the waiting list. I also teach occasional classes in my home studio by appointment, just shoot me an email and we can talk about it.<br />
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We said goodbye to our dear Richard Parker last week. He lived a long life for a cat diagnosed with Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. He was the fearless defender of our realm.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8eb6gqc61yRgnWpUJQbXZn9HIiA_QXe1LLHPOLzTfo3urBi3GFxtGFRLmwLoFls7ZIYsmtzmIFPnyBjXwOUOa7RJWVf24_N7fX4InM9sNPn3sGzVmq5CDUUMLAKlQ4LmWpshX/s1600/IMG_20190203_093851948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1528" data-original-width="1600" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8eb6gqc61yRgnWpUJQbXZn9HIiA_QXe1LLHPOLzTfo3urBi3GFxtGFRLmwLoFls7ZIYsmtzmIFPnyBjXwOUOa7RJWVf24_N7fX4InM9sNPn3sGzVmq5CDUUMLAKlQ4LmWpshX/s320/IMG_20190203_093851948.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Okay, now for a sheep photo,look at those sweet little Gotland faces.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROZKoAfTee4JdQ9AuGM_BixR12OaH0JxSHMCi_05pCZXqOaPklrcKGvqAcJBQrSSL4aomDxB-726GV-JWhNYEYEdExtMrIpGqzyyirnn7N7jvbdygj8Cj4d-IMP-A5s5p9hdL/s1600/IMG_20190324_192359925_BURST000_COVER_TOP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1600" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROZKoAfTee4JdQ9AuGM_BixR12OaH0JxSHMCi_05pCZXqOaPklrcKGvqAcJBQrSSL4aomDxB-726GV-JWhNYEYEdExtMrIpGqzyyirnn7N7jvbdygj8Cj4d-IMP-A5s5p9hdL/s320/IMG_20190324_192359925_BURST000_COVER_TOP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I've skirted all 33 of my fleeces this year and even washed 4 or them already. I will be making lots of felt pelts from my own flock thanks to using HayChix hay nets this year. I have to feed hay year round because we are in the woods here, not much pasture. My fleeces were noticeably cleaner this year. I use the big round nets and the small nets for feeding small squares and flakes. Love them! <br />
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<br />Becky Utechthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08809607308191360481noreply@blogger.com2