Black is the new White
Denise >
Today was even warmer than yesterday. And it was the day for Wool Grading 2017 – Hebrideans. Yes, black is the new white!
Credit is due to photo-phobic J : he pulled on shades and hat and set to work : but no shorts and sleeveless tops for him!
I did wonder, though, whether there was some kind of hidden agenda : there was a constant stream of comments, from happy-sounding mumblings to gasps of astonishment, all on the theme of these being the best Hebridean fleeces we’d ever produced, the best Hebridean fleeces he’d ever seen, the best quality of fleece known to man, and general expressions of heartfelt gratitude and admiration for the person who had wielded hand-shears with such skill and dedication. I wonder who he’s referring to there.
Hah! – only joking! To be fair – and strictly accurate, he did mention, a few times, that he thought this was indeed our best ever clip from our own Hebridean sheep. And, for the record, I think he’s right: Quantity up ; Quality up ; No secondary-cuts at all, and most fleeces still in one continuous piece, textbook fashion … I have to say they really are something to feel a wee bit of satisfaction in.
Anyway, he seemed to be doing a good job : so, as yesterday’s stint with the Cheviots was mine alone, I decided to take some time out and watch the sky in case any alto-cirrus drifted by. It didn’t.
Tabatha was enjoying the shade under the grading-bench. The two of us exchanged smiles: a purrfect day.
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It sounds like the one at a time clipping might have made a difference?
J > There are other factors we’re sure would have contributed, but the shearing strategy is for certain the most important.
Is good to find joy in the wee things of life. Too easy to take them for granted. Sounds like a day of splendid moments!!
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A good combination of working very hard and then taking time to rest and watch the sky!
J > One looks down, the other up. I’ve done a lot of looking, over the years: left, right, behind – sometimes I’ve even been known to look ahead! But one way I’ve never looked – I’ve never looked cool! ;~)
I love basking in the sun without worrying about things to get done. Even though the ‘things’ are right there.
Living the good life! Enjoy, enjoy your time in the sun.
J > Are you having continuing wet weather?
We had a day of rain yesterday, but the sun is out today. All in all, it’s been a pretty nice summer in Maine.
Congrats on the perfect wool and the wonderful weather.
Does the blending begin now?! At what stage do you create your lovely greys?
D > Jacalyn, we won’t be making greys this time. Cheviot DK ; Heb DK ; and a marl of Heb and Cheviot (one ply of each) also DK. Possibly some DK Lambswool Heb as we have a lot of really lovely soft dark wool available; but then we do still have a lot of Lambswool yarn in stock from last time.