Missy the dog tries to lay right behind my feet when I’m spinning, which makes it hard to treadle. So I put her bed to the side, which was an acceptable offering.
I’m currently spinning Teeswater wool on my Ashford Traveller spinning wheel. Teeswater is listed as a critical in the Livestock Conservancy’s list of Heritage Sheep Breeds. I purchased roving from a rancher in Michigan, and I am enjoying spinning the fiber.
When I was up in Michigan I had the opportunity to visit Pitchfork Ranch and pick up some Teeswater roving.
Teeswater sheep, according to the Livestock Conservancy, have a critical status. Because of preference for other longwool sheep, Teeswater nearly became extinct in the 1920s. The long lovely curly locks of Teeswater are often used in needle felting projects that retain the curl. I intended to spin most of the fiber, so was pleased that Pitchfork Ranch had roving available. To read more about this longwool sheep, here is the link to the Livestock Conservancy page, which has a detailed writeup.
Critters and Craft 