My first experience with hanks of Shepherd's Wool is that this yarn is extremely soft, beautifully colored, and easy to work up. I am thrilled about my choice of yarn color and the mill that spun it. I could not have made a better choice of my first handspun wools for my first crochet cardigan project.
I recently went to my first Fiber Festival and purchased handspun yarns with the plan to crochet a sweater for myself. Previously, I hadn't had the confidence to attempt crocheting a sweater. Especially, with more expensive handspun fiber yarns. I've decided to jump right in. I researched an easy cardigan crochet pattern and the various vendors that were going to be at the Shenandoah Valley Fiber Festival. I had chosen the yarns from two vendors and only had to choose the yarn colors and weights while at the festival.
I had recently reviewed the Companion Fiber yarn that I purchased during that adventure. Today, I will tell you about the Shepherd's Wool from Stonehedge Fiber Mill, Michigan.
I had gone to the festival with a plan of purchasing yarn from two specific shops. I first bought the hand dyed yarns at Companion Fiber then made my way to the Stonehedge Fiber Mill booth to choose the neutral colors that will make up the majority of my cardigan.
The Yarn: Shepherd's Wool
- Sport weight (2 weight)
- 2.5 ozs - 230 yards
- Worsted Spun Fine Wool ("merino top")
- Hand Wash - do not agitate
- colors - granite and black
I purchased the neutral colors of yarn (black and grey) from Stonehedge Fiber Mill.
The Mill: Stonehedge Fiber Mill, Michigan USA
This family owned and operated mill provides services such as carding, fiber spinning, and fiber evaluation (Please check their site for updates on the availability of these services. The site currently states that they are not accepting new items for services due to their backlog.)
They also offer handmade yarns, batting, and roving from their own flock.
The Stonehedge Fiber Mill is located in the northern portion of lower Michigan (on the Traverse City and Petosky side of the state). If you are not local to that area, and are not able to visit the mill shop in person, they do online orders.
Oh, what lovely yarn! Even though I have been working with yarn my whole life, I have always just taken it for granted, picked colors and/or textures I liked and went with it. Obviously, not the best way to select yarn. Thank you for introducing me to two companies that focus on making quality yarn. With as much time as we spend making lovely items with yarn, we really should use the best!
ReplyDeleteWhat gorgeous hand-spun yarns. And the stories behind them are fascinating. Your reviews of these beautiful yarns are delightful to this yarn crafter. Thanks, Dawn Rae.
ReplyDeleteThe yarns you picked for your cardigan are beautiful, and the neutral color palette will make your creation very versatile. Thank you for introducing us to high-quality artisan yarn makers!
ReplyDeleteI had gotten away from crocheting as I didn't think the yarn, overall, was soft enough. I might have to reconsider.
ReplyDeleteThis yarn looks incredible. I love the colors you chose for your project and I'm sure that the finished product will be warm and cozy. It's nice to see that old fashioned wool producers are able to market their goods and get such lovely reviews. Thanks Dawn Rae!
ReplyDeleteNice yarn is so appealing, this looks very nice - I also like the colors you selected.
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