Spring time in California

We've had a wonderful, wet winter, the grass is already tall and rich and all the springs have been replenished and the ponds are full. We got our brandings done early this year so the calves have had a great growing season and it will be weaning time before we know it. These raining days have given me a lot of time to be at my looms and I've had a productive winter. I have a good supply of blankets to take to the Californio Event in Reno April 30, May 1 & 2. I had the dye pots simmering between rain storms and have some rich, fun colors in some of my blankets. I also have some beautiful natural colors from Cotswold sheep fleeces and these blankets are thick and soft. Hope to see all of you in Reno!

Here are a couple of pictures of the ranch. That's my pet longhorn steer, Joaquin!

New colors from the dye pots

I got so busy at the looms I failed to update you on all the recent colors from the dye pots. It has been a productive time spinning and dyeing all the beautiful Cotswold wool and the colors have been outstanding. Pictures to follow show a rich brown from pecan husks, light browns from oak galls and many shades of red and mahogany from eucalyptus leaves and stringy bark. I recently completed a blanket for Marilyn Golden in Centennial, Co. using all those colors. I also finished a blanket for Emily Kitching using natural tans and browns accented with orange derived from marigold flowers. This a favorite time of year at the dye pots so I have many more colors "brewing." Walnuts, fruit tree leaves, dried tomato vines...the possibilities are endless and the colors from nature never clash so it's great fun trying new combinations. Check out the photos.

Back to work!

Where does the time go? It's been five months since my hand surgery and I'm just getting back to the looms. In the meantime I have accomplished major amounts of spinning and at this time the dye pots are boiling and producing many great colors. I've acquired some outstanding fleeces from the Cotswold sheep breed and the wool is thick and lustrous. Combined with the natural plant colors I have a good supply of beautiful wool and I'm excited about creating all my orders. I'm slowly getting back to my looms and appreciate all your good wishes and incredible patience! For those of you waiting for your blanket you'll be personally hearing from me soon. In the mean time take a look at the new fleeces in their natural state right after shearing, spun wool hanging to dry, and look for dye pot pictures coming soon. For those of you wanting to place new orders...give me a call.