Knitting, spinning, and carding are all steps in the production of wool. I love what I do with wool and with my sheep. These hobbies or crafts keep the mind and body active and full. Starting with a bundle of raw fleece you just got off your sheep and watching it become something beautiful.
Wool is the most resilient fiber. It is fire retardant, cool in the summer, warm in the winter, wicks moisture away, and hypoallergenic. Environmentally friendly and self-sustainable.
Sheep keep me busy between feeding, fencing, lambing, and shearing. When I’m having a bad day, I go out and visit them. Just watching them eat removes the stress or bad day feelings.
There’s nothing better than watching the fleece go from a pile to spun yarn, to a beautiful sweater or socks. It took time to learn how to do these steps but it has been worth every minute.
After I had my stroke in 2010, I needed something to do. I couldn’t read because the stroke affected my memory. I was unable to follow the story. I would forget what it was about when I turned the page. So, I started crocheting. I’m not a fan of crocheting but it was something to do. Then I decided to learn how to knit. I knew the basic stitch so I just kept practicing. As my memory began to get better I decided to make a pair of socks. It took me a year to figure out how to read, interpret, and apply what I was reading. I finally got it done and I am so happy making socks.
As the years passed, I decided I wanted to learn more about the whole process of the wool. I got a spinning wheel and like the socks, it took a while to learn to spin. Even though there were no outward signs, the stroke had left me with a deficit in figuring things out. It also affected my memory. It made it difficult to learn.
Six years ago I decided to buy sheep to raise. I ended up with five ewes and a ram. I learned how to take the fleece from just sheared to skirting, washing, picking, carding and finally spinning. It is quite a feeling to know you can be self-sufficient.
I watched many videos and visited many websites. Without them, I don’t think I would have been able to learn what I did. I thoroughly enjoy knitting. I’ve made lots of socks, sweaters, vests, hats, scarves, and mittens. I sell my fleece, yarn, and socks. It has been great therapy. I would suggest it to anyone who is going through a rough time to get some yarn and start learning. Knitting got me through my sister’s heart surgery and stroke.
Starting a new hobby is good for the soul. To get your mind off of your troubles and find something fun to do. There is no age limit to start something new. It doesn’t have to be knitting, but find something that makes your heart sing.