Floofing So Far

From Fleece to Fabric: My Wool Journey So Far

When I first brought home a fleece, I wasn’t entirely sure what I was getting myself into. It was raw, earthy, and full of potential—still carrying the story of the sheep it came from. What I didn’t realise then was how much I would learn, not just about wool, but about patience, process, and creativity.

The first lesson came with washing. Wool needs care—too much heat or movement, and it felts into a lump. With gentle soaking, I learned how to coax out the lanolin and dirt while keeping the softness intact. From there, carding turned the loose locks into neat, cloud-like batts, each stroke of the carder preparing the fibre for what comes next.

Spinning was another turning point. At first, my yarn was thick and lumpy, but it was my yarn—full of character. Each bobbin taught me something new about twist, tension, and rhythm. Over time, the yarn grew smoother and more balanced, ready to be transformed into something new.

Dyeing opened up a world of colour. Watching wool soak up rich hues—sometimes bold, sometimes subtle—felt like painting with nature’s palette. No two skeins ever come out the same, and that unpredictability is part of the joy.

Now, I’ve reached a stage I couldn’t have imagined when I first picked up that fleece: weaving my own handspun yarn. To see threads I washed, carded, spun, and dyed come together on the loom is deeply satisfying. It feels like closing a circle—fleece becoming fabric, fibre becoming story.

This journey is still unfolding. Each fleece teaches me something new, and each project deepens my love for wool and the traditions around it. I hope by sharing this process, you can see the care and craft that goes into every piece I make—and perhaps feel the same appreciation for the beauty of fibre.