From Shepherdess to Knitted Dress
The Second Annual Sunshine Coast Fibreshed Day was held April 9, 2017 at Fibreworks Studio and Gallery, Madeira Park, BC. The focus was on our local Shepherds & Shepherdesses to show off fibre from their sheep and the steps of shearing through to finished product.
Wendy Gilbertson on her Wilson Creek farm with “Mojo”, a Blue Faced Leister breed.
Wendy brought Mojo, and Rodney, a Romney breed to the event for shearing. Johanna Walker is shearing Mojo while Rodney, pictured here, waits his turn. Folks were very keen to watch.
Mojo’s fleece laid out by Johanna, ready for skirting. The not so nice bits can be used in the garden for mulch.
George Smith is talking with Wendy after Rodney and Mojo have had their haircuts.
Paige the sheep herding dog guards Rodney and Mojo along with Reg.
Anna joined us for the day and took this Suffolk fleece to process for Joan Reeves and Roberta Symons, both spinners and knitters. In back is Lynne Sturm showing many other uses for fleece.
If one doesn’t send raw fleece to a mill for processing then one begins washing, drying and picking by hand as portrayed in this picking circle. Picking removes bits of vegetable matter and opens up the locks to prepare for the next step. It’s a nice time to chat with friends or meet new ones.
Next step is to card the fleece using hand carders or a drum carder. Dorothy Thom is using an electric carder to make a batt for spinning or felting.
Dying with local mushrooms and plants can add brilliant colour such as the new hot colour of the season, Pokeberry Pink. Fibreshed was selling Dyers garden starter kits.
All these rovings come from local fibre which have been dyed by local artisans using local mushrooms and plants.
Dianne Lim is felting a sushi roll while Jean Pataky is felting a bird’s nest. What an animated conversation they seem to be having.
Two teddy bears wearing their special KNITTED DRESSES; finished product by local artisan Muriel Prior using local fibre and natural dyes.
Doreen MacLauchlan is weaving a scarf with her homespun, hand processed yarn. Helene Nissle is talking about characteristics of various sheep breeds.
Deanna Pilling displayed her hand spun, home processed Llama. On the right is her Icelandic yarn and shawl made with ‘Katy’.
Local Shepherdess Ann Fransblow of Roberts Creek, BC showing sheep characteristics and uses at the display table.
Local refreshments included homemade pickles, toasted kale chips, baked salmon, pesto cream cheese spread, local artisan breads, fresh local radishes and more…
Pat and Diane Walker of Christmas Road Farm donated quail eggs.