Continuing that thread of thought

To follow up with my last blog post, I have knitted up the fibre we had spun at the mill into socks on my antique circular sock machine and it turned out beautifully. It’s so soft and flexible, I can tell already that it will be an amazing sock. It also worked great on the machine. I’m still new to the ways of 70% wool and 30% mohair but it was such a dream to knit! It’s interesting to look at because I know the sheep fleece was black but the wool turned out a charcoal colour with flecks of white making it look lighter because of the added white mohair.

The heel made on the circular sock machine

The foot made on the circular sock machine

The ribbed cuff made on the circular sock machine

I also decided to dye a skein to see how well the dye took to it. As I mentioned, the skeins are all 70% wool and 30% mohair so it was a bit of an experiment to see how the mohair came out. I was going for a blood red, but I should warn you that my dyeing experience is limited still, and it turned out more of an orangey red than a deep red. It still looks fantastic though.

The finished colour

The wool soaking in the dye, almost completely absorbed.

The skein drying over my wood stove basking in the faerie lighting

I’ve just been a crazy lady lately carting around these socks and dyed skein of wool to show off to everyone. It’s just so exciting knowing where the fibre is coming from and knowing the sheep that created such great fleeces. AND having a hand in the overall process. Everyone has been very excited as well which just amps the excitement level. Luckily I have about 17 other skeins to knit with and show off!