Breed Study Episode 5 - Spinning Sheep Breeds Gotland and Herdwick!

[@heatherkather653]

“It’s like spring break with sheep!” 😆😆😆😆

[@enriqueuriel3452]

Instablaster.

[@trishlaliberte378]

Trish, you absolutely crack me up! If being excited by sheep is wrong, I don't want to be right! Thanks for sharing your knowledge with such wit!

[@FiberLoveDiary]

😁

[@LifeinLancashire]

Some info for you that I picked up the other day............Here in the UK we have a tv programme called Countryfile which airs on a Sunday. In Sunday's episode they were talking about herdwick sheep and also cotswold sheep. When talking about the herdwicks they obviously mentioned Beatrix Potter and her love of herdwick sheep. Beatrix Potter wore skirts and jackets made from herdwick wool. When she died and left all the farms that she owned to the National Trust, she had stipulated that there must always be a flock of herdwick sheep on each farm. The programme also stated that the presence of herdwick sheep in the Lake District is under threat because government agencies and landowners keep reducing the number of herdwicks in order to protect the land. The cotswold sheep are now a rare breed in the UK. Hundreds of years ago, the cotswold sheep were prolific and men made their fortunes from the 'golden fleece' as the cotswold fleece was known by. The programme also stated that a lot of farmers don't bother selling many breeds of sheep fleeces and instead put them all on the compost heap. This is due to the low price that sheep fleeces are worth. Plus there is a mountain of unsold fleeces in the British Wool storage facilities, so the wool industry is not exactly safe and it was said that it's time for manufacturers to start using wool again for clothing instead of man made fibres.

[@sheamcintoshford-author5494]

I love that Herdwick was the same color as puppy! 😆❤️ It made it look like you were spinning his fur!😂

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Luther's fur would be soooo much nicer to spin. he has no wiry hairs at all. It's all fine and soft.

[@spincrochetrepeatrcc8961]

The little herdwick sheep looked like he was already wearing a little fluffy sweater! So cute!

[@StephEliotMakes]

I had spring break with a sheep when I was younger. My aunt and uncle lived on a farm. My cousins and I would play tag with their sheep. Yes, the sheep would chase us and tag us back. It was so much fun!

[@FiberLoveDiary]

That sounds like fun memories!

[@LDSVenus]

Love watching your spins, learning a ton. When you said a saddle blanket, I caught myself asking myself if the horse would mind the scratchiness. Made me think of a picture in a cartoon book with sheep jokes that shows a lamb wearing a sweater his mom (ewe) knit him and he’s saying, it itches. 😂😂

[@FiberLoveDiary]

😂 Oh, I sure hope the horse wouldn't mind. I believe scratchier wools are used for that type of blanket quite a bit, but now I'm wondering if poor horses have been tortured!

[@tinaedwardson2208]

Thanks for bringing sunshine to the fiber world today

[@amym5926]

Luther’s such a good boy. ❤️❤️❤️ Thanks for the upload!

[@73lmargaret]

I am exceptionally happy that there are other nerdy fleece people out there! Thank you for your videos!! Fleece hoarding is real.

[@FiberLoveDiary]

I prefer to think of it as "curating" 😂😂😂. Museum curators aren't called art hoarders.

[@karenbroussard2641]

The herdwick’s little fluffy cheeks! ❤️

[@susiewade5394]

I would love to see you spin Icelandic and show us all the options that can be done with it, spinning in the raw. Love your videos.

[@laughingdovefarm3311]

I am loving your channel, you're just what the doctor ordered for a spinner & weaver, and shepherdess like me . I have primarily Jacob sheep, but also Icelandics, Finns, and Gotlands. I process all my own wool for spinning, weaving, and locker-hooking rugs and saddle-pads. You're right about variations... my Jacobs alone are all so different even within family groups. Thank-you for such enjoyable videos !

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Welcome, and thank you so much for saying I'm right! Too often people only comment to tell me when I'm wrong LOL

[@suzi9828]

That sheep is so flippin' adorable.

[@pennygonzalez8309]

The Herdwick is the same color as Luther. That sheep is adorable and I predict you will own a sheep one day! Snap! How fun would that be??!!!

[@FiberLoveDiary]

I think it would be very fun, BUT I also think we are probably going to stay away from farm animals just so we can travel more as we get older. Although I do have to say you just never know!

[@kathycostello4104]

So fun to see you spinning with a breed that we don't usually see. I am learning a lot. Thanks!

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Me too! Actually way more than I expected.

[@seekingtoremain]

I didn’t realize you could spin both kinds of coats at the same time! I would have assumed you had to separate them. So cool!

[@FiberLoveDiary]

With Icelandic, I do prefer to separate them, but I probably won't be able to for the study.

[@taniamitchell604]

Watching this I've realised that when I started spinning, I spun worsted (clutching the fibre really tightly), now I tend to spin woollen. Great video, thanks

[@FiberLoveDiary]

That is SUPER common with new spinners. I would say it's well within normal range. I did it too. It's nice when you start to relax.

[@iknit8b707]

Hi Trish, I like when you spin on your matchless wheel. It would be nice to hear the sound of your wheel when you spin on the videos. That is part of my enjoyment when spinning is to listen to the wheel. Thanks for the education on the different breeds

[@Ahlathein]

Awww i love the Herdwick photo 💕

[@conniebueche3989]

I just ordered your warping board! I’ve been really drooling over it since finding your channel and decided I can’t go on weaving without it🥰

[@FiberLoveDiary]

I hope you love it! I have gotten so much feedback about it being helpful to weavers. That's so cool!

[@conniebueche3989]

@@FiberLoveDiary it JUST came and I remembered what I was going to do this weekend, go buy clamps haha It’s so heavy duty and beautifully built, this is what a one person warping job needs!!

[@conniebueche3989]

OMG best, fastest most enjoyable warping ever! This warping board is amazing!!!

[@beverleylawton6899]

This was sooo interesting again! Thank you so much. I love the look of both these breeds but you’re right, I could see the prickle factor in the Herdwick! Looking forward to the Icelandic and Jacob...

[@WistfulCreative]

I am enjoying this so much! I have spun most of these in the raw fleece sheep study in our guild. Of course, we were rudely interrupted by the Covid virus. We sourced raw fleece and had 2 ounces to play with. I ordered this Wool Gathering sheep study to compare the two. TFS

[@FiberLoveDiary]

That's the type of study I did the first time. I learned so much!

[@melanieo15]

haha, it's spring break with sheep ! The black lambs are super cute!

[@StitchingNana]

I’m on spring break right now but no sheep. I’m learning a lot from your videos.

[@aliciawatt1184]

Cute sheep, cute dog, fun wool! I love learning all this stuff😊

[@sylvanwoods5271]

The Herdwicks are so adorable! Well, all sheep are, but they are particularly sweet, and have such cute little faces. I'd be interested in seeing what you do with your binder, if you feel like sharing it. :)

[@colleenharlan6519]

Truly laughed out loud for "we need a sample of Herdwick" and the Shepherd was like, "WHYYYY?" This is entertaining education :)

[@FiberLoveDiary]

I laughed when I read it, but I get it now! 😂😂

[@JoyfulStitching]

Can you use imagine a baby Hardwick? I’d go into Mom state so bad! It would get 1000 kisses. I like these types of yarns. They have their place for sure and are just beautiful. Thanks! Love this series on breeds.

[@FiberLoveDiary]

They are seriously cute. They look like they're smiling all the time. I would never go inside the house, or they would not be allowed to live outside 😂😂

[@desireevarga7463]

"There's no rules, there's literally no rules." I needed to hear that as a newbie spinner. Great breed study. Can't wait for next week.

[@FiberLoveDiary]

I really stress when I hear spinners present their opinions as rules or facts. I really believe trying things that are outside the box teaches us the most, and helps us be our most creative.

[@KristinMoran]

Spring break with sheep! I love it!

[@Kivvrin]

The Herdwick sheep are super cute! I have a bag of mystery wool in my stash that I did not like spinning. It was course and lots of sticking out bits. I still haven't finished spinning it BUT I will now! It's Gotland! Thank you so much for inspiring me! It pushed me to ply and wet finish the Gotland to discover that I actually like the results!

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Yay! This whole thing, and the long ago fleece study have taught me that I like a lot more wools than I thought I did 😂

[@OoOlijfje]

I'm SO glad that Gotland has redeemed itself for you! It is one of my favorites (maybe because I am spinning a lot of it at the moment for a big project). I just love the color, sheen and halo. If it's any consolation, the top I am working with now and have spun in the past also had varying staple lengths. I think it's pretty par for the course with top. I am loving the breed study!

[@FiberLoveDiary]

The stuff that Paradise blended and sent in February is absolutely wonderful! I can't wait to show you guys how it turned out!

[@melaniehuhta8853]

I did the turkey hand plying this week again. I’m getting better. I’m still loving this series so much. So much great information!

[@sandrahageman9955]

I am so enjoying this breed study. I wanted to comment the packaging is different for mine order. Each fiber is in a small ziplock bag. Part of my enjoyment comes from opening the little bag and smelling the sheep. I am transported to a farm momentarily.

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Did you get a different one? Way back when I did the raw fleece study, it came in little bags too. It was really nice.

[@jamijones7206]

Love watching ppl make stuff, inspirational. Decorate that binder

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Thank you! Will do!

[@sadiesspincraft6319]

Thanks again for another cool video I'm loving these breed studies xx

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Glad you like them!

[@wildcottageknitting]

Interesting breeds, fun to see how much ‘bigger’ the Herdwick skein was!

[@FiberLoveDiary]

It really didn't snap back AT ALL

[@chileanchinch]

The herdwick sheep is soooo cute!!

[@redmonika10]

Yipee! Spring break with sheep. Fun day!

[@Carmen-bu3gx]

I wasn't in love with the Gotland until you held up your finished skein... beautiful! I am really enjoying this breed study, I really want to order the box from wool gatherings and do it too!

[@alisonhenry820]

Nothing weird about getting excited about sheep 🤗🐑🧶

[@plansandprocrastination]

Thanks again. I've loved following along with you on this journey. Truth be told I'm not a fan of spinning double coated sheep unless I separate them first, so it was fun to see the results of spinning everything all together! Skeins look fab!

[@FiberLoveDiary]

I really like spinning them separate, but I don't see a way to do it from top that's going to work well. I really like spinning the thel by itself.

[@plansandprocrastination]

@@FiberLoveDiary Exactly :) The tog is basically twine. LOL..... The only way I found to spin it, was to allow some of the thel in there with it, and then all I had was very thin twine or mini-rope hahahah - not worth the trouble. It was interesting to use as an add-in when spinning with a grabbier wool -- double it back on itself, and let it hang down. I used it in a needle felting project of a critter, as hair. That way I didn't have to spin it, but I didn't have to throw it away either.

[@LittleFischies]

Im super excited for next week as i raise icelandics💗! And i may be having a heck of a time enjoying their wool.☹🤷‍♀️🤦‍♀️ we are currently in the middle of shearing our flock, and are planning on shearing again in late sept. Hopefully it will give us a more enjoyable fleece.

[@FiberLoveDiary]

It's a pretty unique wool!

[@dhurd4099]

Fun and educational as always. Thanks for all the hard work of putting this together.

[@katnewman2856]

Happy days! Looking forward to the next one.

[@dmbrown240]

I love watching you spin. 😁

[@katlynkoester]

Whenever you say it is more prickly I just think of it as a rug warping. I need super soft fibers for skin contact!

[@creativitybytrisha6819]

Your descriptions on everything are amazing and make me want to try everything!

[@lindasuppan6027]

Fabulous info! I spun my first half ounce of the Charolais this evening. I have decided to spin half of each sample worsted (short fwd. Draw) and semi-wollen by spinning from the fold long draw (which I need practice doing). I so enjoyed getting started. I will try to catch-up, but no pressure to do so. I had started a breed study about 4 yrs ago with my local guild, and just could not get into it. While searching for my sample size niddy noddy, I found the old set! :) Will add them after doing this group. I will be good at from the fold spinning by the time this is done, and have gained so much knowledge! Thanks for the inspiration!

[@lienenoradotsevi4116]

I really enjoyed this episode, probably also because I tried spinning for the first time!!! I loved it so much and want to do it again soon!!! I spun Polish merino, just because that's what I had available. I really need to learn much more, because I did more of an artsy yarn rather than a proper one, but it was sooo much fun!!!

[@FiberLoveDiary]

I think artsy yarn as your first is pretty normal! I know mine was.

[@rockinrobin1975]

gotland is fun! love the way you plied it

[@abirhussein9781]

This was extremely helpful. I just processed my first fleece and it's a Gotland. I needed to see what it looked like once it was spun just to have a frame of reference. That is true of all the other samples you've finished. I did the Finn last night and a struggled a but at first but it worked out in the end and now I want to spin more Finn 😁. Speaking of a great spin I just finished some Jacob from my stash that practically spun its self if that makes sense. I had a bad experience with a previous Jacob that just fell apart everytime I tried to work it. I'm a visual learner and this exactly what I needed. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@FiberLoveDiary]

All the primitive breeds (Jacob is one) seem to have a very wide variation in characteristics, so it can be tricky. I'm glad you got some that worked for you. I absolutely love it!

[@alisonhenry820]

I've never been this early for a video ever! Neat!

[@FiberLoveDiary]

You rock!

[@judithschram5597]

ANOTHER fabulous episode! 💗💗💗 thank you 🙏🏻

[@jazmin9565]

You added another bright spot to my day! Really loving this breed study! I hope you do more in the future. I’d also love to see you decorate your binder! If you decide to film it. I hope you have a great week and I hope Luther is feeling better🌻

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Oh he is fine! He is just a wee bit high strung sometimes 😂

[@carrietreder8474]

I want that cutie sheep too! Thank you for explaining what double coated means, it’s way simpler than I thought. I hope Luther is feeling better! I am sending him virtual scritches.

[@FiberLoveDiary]

He's fine! He has always been a little bit more anxious than any dog we've had, so sometimes he just gest himself wound up 😂

[@carrietreder8474]

Honestly, so do I. 😁

[@hollyscott8772]

Nothing weird at all about getting excited about sheep, if you are with your tribe. I get this; just now in the process of moving my fleeces to a different area and yikes, do they reproduce? Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm.

[@FiberLoveDiary]

I like to think of my fleece hoard as a carefully curated collection, because it sounds so much nicer. Thanks for being here!

[@lorikula8227]

I have also spun garland and struggled alot, now I know why.. currently I am working o. Weaving my first rug/runner with fabric. Great learning lesson. You always inspire me to learn and try more things Thanks!!

[@lorikula8227]

*gotland

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Sometimes the struggle teaches us the most, but it's still a pain!

[@michelezunker5029]

You inspired me to purchase the breed study so I can try it myself. Looking forward to finding my favorite.

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@ailienrhijnsburger5178]

I knitted a pair of thrummed mittens with Herdwick yarn and bluefaced leicester thrums. I was surprised by the soft downy feel under the guard hairs in the Herdwick. My mittens do shed quite a bit, as the guard hairs are falling out. So I am noticing the mittens are getting softer and softer with use... I would love a sweater with this instead of Lopi!

[@hopefulsnippets230]

Hi! You are way ahead of me, or I should say, I am way behind. I just spun the Eider today😳. But I am enjoying the breed study, thanks for starting it! Now if I could just figure out how to post my final product pictures, I’d be set!!

[@FiberLoveDiary]

The playlist can make it so we're right in the same place! There is a post on FB for some of the videos, and there's a tag for Instagram #fldbreedstudy21

[@sallybischoff83]

I love your sheep shirt.

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Thank you! It's from Madder Root (not sponsored) madderroot.com/products/sheep-tee-shirt-1

[@karenr2874]

I love Herdwick for their connection to Beatrix Potter. I can just see them hanging out with Peter Rabbit :)

[@FiberLoveDiary]

I didn't kno wabout it until it was mentioned here in comments. It's so interesting!

[@dananellums2845]

Really enjoying this breed study. As a want-to-be, but afraid I will ruin the fiber, spinner, your videos contain valuable information.

[@FiberLoveDiary]

I know what you mean, but if the fiber just sits somewhere, that is the real waste. There WILL be steps in your success journey that don't look like success, but they're a necessary part! Go for it!

[@juliaawesome555]

Really enjoyed this, you have changed my perspective on gotland fleece and will look out for it at next fibre fest down here in New Zealand.

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Honestly, it kind of changed my perspective too 😂

[@sleepydrJ]

Really enjoying this series!

[@sandrahageman9955]

I received some pygora goat fleece (unprepared). A lot of different types of fibers. Trying to get it cleaned, sorted and usable. I hope to spin enough for several hats. Quite the fiber experiment going on at my house. Really enjoying spinning.

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Oh wow! That is really cool! Hope you're having fun with it.

[@sharonking7978]

Loved it again. I for one have never even experienced spring break much less with a 🐏🐑. And ... I don't think l want to hear that story.🥴

[@FiberLoveDiary]

😂😂

[@barbarareeves9669]

So interesting 🤔 rustic for sure !

[@OopsCrochet]

Really enjoying this series, thank you.

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@avalontampsett5023]

Herdwick are mostly from the Lake District. Beatrice potter, save the breed. I found it very hard to spin. It’s mostly used for carpets. They live on the fells,looking after themselves.

[@FiberLoveDiary]

I didn't know about the Beatrix Potter connection, really interesting!

[@CrazyMountain_Fiberworks]

Herdwick looks interesting

[@FiberLoveDiary]

It's definitely interesting, and unique!

[@dawnuselto8777]

I've got some gottland roving, to spin so I look forward to spinning it to find out if I have the same feeling about it that you do! Lol Should be interesting to find out how I feel about it! Hope you have a blessed day and stay safe and healthy!

[@FiberLoveDiary]

I was really surprised at how much I like it!

[@beckyshook3526]

what a cute sheep

[@joelwilliams5634]

As always great information. Thanks trish

[@ColoringAddict]

Herdwick has a lot of kemp :o I mostly spin Kihnu sheep wool, which is also double coated but usually has less kemp than that. Should try Herdwick, would be a cool comparison.

[@FiberLoveDiary]

I don't think I've ever spun anything with that much kemp before. I've only seen a strand here and there. It was pretty interesting!

[@kathymikulin9006]

Hi Trish I like how you explain why and what you're about to do, I am with ya I don't like mohair. I just received my new ashford kwiw 3 wheel so easy to spin on from my 1963 traditional wheel. Looks like the sheep was smiling

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Thanks! Sometimes it's so complicated, I could just go on and on 😂😂. I felt the same when I got my Ashford Traveler after spinning on an antique - Wow, I was a better spinner than I thought I was!

[@t.williams9849]

I love these videos. So much great information

[@fiberbynature]

You are so funny! Thanks for the info!

[@sarahdzeima5102]

The Herdwick would probably make good rug yarn, yah?

[@FiberLoveDiary]

I would say, and there has been a comment from someone more familiar with them saying that it's mostly used for rug yarn in the UK!

[@lorim.8136]

Another great info video 😃

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Glad you think so!

[@teresayoung4145]

Thanks so much for this video!! I have 4oz of Herdwick. Wasn't sure what to do. Also I have a lot of Gotland and I wanted your input. Yay for next weeks sheepies. Berwick are super cute too!!

[@teresayoung4145]

Herdwick. Lol.

[@annettemixon1264]

Thank you! Oh and did I mention, I’m Danish... 😂 those Vikings.

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Rascals! 😂

[@Hood_Scale_Models]

"Those Vikings, tsk tsk” hahahaha

[@gerryivkovich1857]

I'm learning a lot from this study. Next time can you explain what the micron # tells you about the fleece? Thanks.

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Will do!

[@melaniereising5661]

Not sure that I will spinning these anytime soon.

[@FiberLoveDiary]

I wouldn't blame you if you skipped them, but I did learn a lot.

[@dominiquemichaud7945]

Yes. Sheeps are cute. ^_^

[@QuzieSuzieQ]

I don’t mind mohair if I am knitting lace patterns with bigger needles. It makes a cute scarf. I have some for a brioche project that I am waiting to start until I finish some projects.

[@brendabacon1613]

I’ve heard several spinners on KZbin use the terms woolen and worsted. How do you spin your fiber to get a woolen yarn and a worsted yarn? What techniques are used? Thank you for teaching us. You’re amazing ☺️💜

[@FiberLoveDiary]

I'll add that to my Q&A list, because it is a very complicated topic. It could be a video all on its own!

[@brendabacon1613]

@@FiberLoveDiary thank you so much

[@Laurie_in_Maine]

I hate "hairy yarn". And Kemp. These are both NEVER care to try, I think. (Mostly) Hated Icelandic until I just "let it go!" and spun bulky. Made a lot of felted tote bags to use it up. I need to see if you've done Shetland yet. Have it my head I want a fleece to try this spring. Missing the fairs & frolics so we can lay hands on wool up close.

[@FiberLoveDiary]

It's good that you're finding out what you never want to try from the study 😂. That's valuable info too. I'm going in alphabetical order, so not up to Shetland yet. There is a HUGE variation in Shetland fleeces, so I would want to see it in person too if I could.

[@CloTricots]

Do you have any idea of what you might make with all those beauties?

[@FiberLoveDiary]

I do have an idea, but I am really not sure yet. As I keep spinning, my idea is evolving a little bit. I do promise to show what I do with it when I get there!

[@HirschfeldHandknits]

I bet my husband would love a herdwick sweater. Seriously he would wear steel wool if I'd spin it. I liked the Gotland I dyed better than the natural grey... like I haven't finished it because I just don't dig it....

[@FiberLoveDiary]

I'm halfway through spinning my Gotland blend and I LOVE it. I did the natural grey first. I liked spinning the Herdwick, so maybe you would too, then he would get his lovely prickly sweater 😂

[@HirschfeldHandknits]

@@FiberLoveDiary I feel like the gray/black gotland shed so much compared to the white one that I dyed... I still need to soak the grey too. It seems overtwisted. Oops!

[@sheenargh]

I keep think that breed studies can be fairly misleading if the fibre isn’t processed in the way that’s best suited to it. Do you lean towards a certain prep, just out of preference?

[@FiberLoveDiary]

I do kind of agree, that's why I have been thinking that a raw fleece study would be more accurate or maybe a more thorough learning experience. But for someone that never intends to process their own, this is probably more accurate, because this is what they'll get if they buy their wool already processed somewhere (hope that makes sense). I don't lean towards any particular prep, but I do think each type of fleece lends itself to particular ones (mostly) Or the yarn I want at the end will be easier to achieve with a particular prep.

[@katlady1019]

I have some Herdwick- waiting until I can spin outdoors cuz it’s so messy!!! No idea what to do with the yarn tho!!!!

[@FiberLoveDiary]

It was crazy how much just fell out during plying. I can't remember seeing anything quite like that before.

[@jacquelinepirotta]

your videos are soooo good!!! i have what might be a dumb question - is it possible to buy top with the nylon in it so you can spin your own sock yarn?

[@bluescoop3132]

Want to see you embellish!👍🏼

[@FiberLoveDiary]

It'll be pretty soon. I'm hoping to find some time this weekend to get it done and filmed.

[@bonniemcgee6648]

How is your hands after spinning this rustic fleece.

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Good question, but they didn't mind at all. I kind of liked spinning it, but wouldn't know what to use it for.

[@dawanariley4183]

I don’t have any Gotland. I want to get some. Yeah I got my e spinner. I do have question. Why do I kill the fiber with right hand holding it ? Lol using inch worm and pull back and still killing the fiber

[@FiberLoveDiary]

It's pretty normal when starting out. Congratulations on your ESpinner!

[@KristinMoran]

I don't like spinning mohair either.