Diary

The Dorset Wool Year – March 2021

Posted on by Jo Nash
Oak Tree in March with no leaves
09
Apr

So where did March go?  It disappeared in a flash and I struggle to remember what I did or is that just old age?

The Sheep

I know that the ram, Valentine Peeves, went home, which meant that I could move the ewes to a different field.  Currently, I am sorting out the lambing field and the ewes need to be jabbed to prevent various diseases. They will also give some immunity to their lambs.  Talking of vaccinations, I had my first Covid-19 vaccination and felt sick for a day or two, but I am really pleased to be vaccinated.  Now I am waiting for the grass to really get going, March was a bit cold for it to run away.

The Dye Plants

Woad Seedlings
Woad Seedlings

I continued with the clearing and weeding in the garden.  Both the Weld and Woad are starting to go to flower, so more seeds will be produced for sowing next year.  Talking of sowing, I put the Woad seeds in for germination and they have sprouted.  The next stop is potting them on.  I delayed putting anything in the garden and I am so glad I did.  We had a hard frost over the last two nights and tonight is looking like it will be.

At the end of the month, the roof was repaired on the dog kennels, which I use for fleece storage, so that will no longer leak.

Making Seat Pads

Carded Batts ready to be woven into seat pads
Carded Batts ready to be woven into seat pads

On the making front, I have been making more seat pads for a custom order.  I have also prepped enough fibre to make a load for sale in my shop.  The process takes some time.  The fleece is sorted and washed, then sorted again. The really good fibre for combing and spinning and the rest for carding.  I weave the carded batts on the peg loom to make the seat pads.  Alternatively, the batts are used to stuff cushions.

Weaving the seat pads on a peg loom
Weaving the seat pads on a peg loom

Earth Day 2021

I am now looking forward to April and Earth Day on the 22nd April.  This year’s theme is Restore the Earth.  As I constantly aim to be more sustainable, these events are important to me as we try to raise awareness of the needs of the planet.  To this end, I will be offering a 10% discount to customers who sign up to my new newsletter.  I will send out information on a regular basis. Do you want to be the first to know about new products, receive links to my blogs, be inspired, and get special offers? Please sign up here.

Your first few emails will include information about Earth Day.

Let’s hope everything warms up in the next few weeks….

Happy Crafting!

Jo Nash