Shearing Sheep

[SparksBird]

With spring quickly arriving, we have started shearing our Merino sheep. However, I do have a question. We are an 1880s site, and wool would have simply been taken to the mill. Without sounding backward, what would be a good modern way or period alternative to have this wool spun? Any recommendations on who to take it to? We are not doing this as a demonstration, I just simply want the wool for our own purposes.
One of the reasons we want wool to use, is that we are in the process of firguring out our original Lamb's Family Knitting Machine, patented 1863. I am fortunate enough to have the original crate it came in, as well as the directions. Interesting enough, the directions give instructions for the following knit garments:
Ribbed socks
Balmoral Stockings
mittens
gloves
gent's Ribbed undershirts
gent's ribbed drawers
leggins
breakfast cape
wristlets
Little girls dresses
gent's traveling shawl
fancy web for shawls
summer shawls

Pretty neat!!
Rick Musselman
Buckeye Mess
GHTI

[Spinster]

Re: Shearing Sheep

The nice folks at Zwilengers http://www.zwool.com/ will take your raw wool from just sheared to finished yarn, or any step in between, for various prices in the processing. Pricing depends on the volume of wool, the time of year, whether or not you skirted the fleece yourself, whether you pay by card or check, and so forth.

All the pricing is a bit confusing, and you'll want to spend some time on the site, then phone them--they are kind and helpful in a confusing process.

Here's a rule of thumb though--I sent 5+ pounds of realllyy greasy stinky llama to them, and got back about 4 pounds of high light fuffy clean llama roving, ready to hand spin, for a total, with shipping both ways, of $10 a pound. Currently, high quality llamma roving is starting at about $30 a pound. Llama costs a good bit more than sheeps wool to process.

Everybody ought to wash a fleece once in their life, so they'll know what work is (just as they ought to do a day of plowing or cotton picking). I've done my one fleece, nearly put myself in the hospital doing it, and take great comfort in knowing those nice Yankee ladies up at Zwielingers will do it for me henceforth. High quality work from real nice folks

[DGregory]

Re: Shearing Sheep

Mr. Mussleman- I heard about a farm instruction you held a year or two ago and that there was substantial handout. I live a ways off and not a member of the GHTI. Is there any way the handout could be posted for the benefit of all of us?

[SparksBird]

Re: Shearing Sheep

Don,
The easiest way to read the articles in the GHTI Farming Packet that I put together is to go the Buckeye Mess website: www.buckeyemess.homestead.com. I decided not to do a workshop this year, as I don't want to run it in the ground. However, I am figuring we will do one next year. Hope this helps.
Ms. Lawson, thank you for the information, that is exactly what I needed to know. I will contact them right away. By the way, we should have our knitting machine working in the next couple of days.

Rick Musselman
Buckeye Mess
GHTI

[Spinster]

Re: Shearing Sheep

[QUOTE=SparksBird]
. By the way, we should have our knitting machine working in the next couple of days.

I want you to know that I'm envious beyond words at your machine---I nearly pulled a 1920's era Automatic Sock Knitter off the display at the Craker Barrel a few months ago when they would not sell it to me--only my inability to run when burdened with that much weight caused me to rethink my larcenious tendencies. :tounge_sm

Should you ever decide to explore the world of growing brown, or other colored, cotton, we've also access to a small custom processing mill that can deal with the various problems associated with ginning and combing those heirloom fibers. Nearly 10 years after growing a bale each of red, brown, and green cotton under license from the State Cotton Council, our fiber guild has only lately managed to use it all.

[Kate Vogel]

Re: Shearing Sheep

Absolute brain fart, didn't realize Terre had posted the exact same things. So much for reading comprehension!

[MrsArmstrong]

Re: Shearing Sheep

Rick,
Would it be possible to post the directions for the "ribbed socks"? I would love to know "how" socks were knitted on a machine. Having just finished knitting a pair of cotton socks I would like to see what the difference is. Thank you.
Susan Armstrong

[SparksBird]

Re: Shearing Sheep

Mrs. Armstrong,
It might be kind of difficult to explain if you haven't used a machine. Some of the terminology for different parts is spread out through it. However, if you want, I can transcribe it and send it to you.

Rick Musselman

[Canton Zouave]

Re: Shearing Sheep

Rick,

If you could....once you have some items made, or even if you have some experimental samples, post some pics of the items.

Many of the machine knitted socks I have seen are actually off of a WW1 vintage machine. Would be very interested in seeing your work.

Next time I am in Montgomery County for work...I want to stop and see the farm as well.

[SparksBird]

Re: Shearing Sheep

Actually I found this link, which has pictures of a later model version(1870) of the Lamb Knitting Machine. http://www.victiques.com/Knit_Museum/Amuseum.htm

Rick Musselman
Buckeye Mess
GHTI

[MrsArmstrong]

Re: Shearing Sheep

Rick,
Would love to know how the heel and toe are done in the directions.
Susan Armstrong
chas_armstrongatmsn.com