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Deb Robson and Tussah

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« Wool: A bit more on North Ronaldsay | Main | Impromptu drying racks for sample skeins »

May 07, 2009

Comments

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Cathy

I bought a couple suffolk fleeces back in 76 when I lived in Steamboat. The sweater and the vest I still have from them are perfect - still springy and lovely to wear. I don't need more fleece in stash, but oh, those photos are tempting.

Linda Cunningham

oooooooooooooooh! So gorgeous....

Deb Robson

Suffolk can be one of life's great pleasures. It can also be an extreme disappointment. As long as the wool hasn't been completely discounted by the shepherd, yes, it's tempting. If I had time, I would be spinning for a project from this one.

Deb Robson

I think you are referring to the true Suffolk. Yes, it is. I could have happily just kept spinning.

The not-Suffolk is also fun, and I could see weaving a nice rug from it, especially with some subtle overdyeing on that dark color. But not now. . . .

gayle

Back a million years ago when I was a teenager, we raised Suffolks on the family farm. I remember carding wool on hand cards, but I don't remember spinning it. (We didn't own a spinning wheel at that time.)
We sent the wool (in giant gunny sacks) to the wool pool. My job was to tread down the wool inside the gunny sack. I don't have fond memories of Suffolk wool...

Caroline

But what do you suppose the not-Suffolk IS??? I am curious!

Deb Robson

I could see not having fond memories of Suffolk. It can, as you see, be grand. I started spinning with Suffolk and Dorset and the like--it was all we could get at the time.

We had old-style Holstein cows. I *do* have fond memories of them, and cannot make the connection to their genetically engineered successors.

Deb Robson

I'm very curious myself, and maybe some time I'll find out. It could be a crossbred, rather than a breed. There's a LOT of kemp, which should help the tracking, that and the color. I don't have time right now to make a mission out of getting more info. But it'll be in the back of my brain as I collect clues.

Catherine

Hi,
Currently looking at what's out there on spinning Suffolk as I want to use it in a demo class.

Glad to find your post as it shows Suffolk in the light which I think it deserves. The bad comments about it out there are most likely because some have tried to use it for the wrong purpose or haven't spun it in a way which maxes it's potential.
Tks
Catherine .

Deb Robson


Youre most welcome. Suffolk is great. After Im through spinning samples for The Project, I have some Suffolk saved back to spin and knit up, precisely as a demo of what it can be. Thanks so much for your comment!

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