in sheep's clothing

Here is a real treat!  A friend pointed me to this film In Sheep's Clothing, made in 1932, which shows Shetland crofters going from sheep to sweater.  I was interested to see how they rooed the sheep, which is plucking the wool off of them, rather than shearing.  I also really enjoyed watching the spinning.  Mrs. Jamieson had such a small wheel, and she was really treadling fast for her long draw.  I was interested to see that her long draw is very similar to my long draw, with one hand as the quality control and the other drawing.  I've sometimes heard people say that "real spinners" long draw with one hand only, and I think that's just not using all the tools in your toolbox.  I also noted when she was knitting the sweater, that it looked as if the yarn was held in her left hand which is contrary to how I thought it was held when knitting with pins, however it might be that my old eyes just can't catch exactly what's happening.  I only wish I could go back in time and ask questions!

Comments

[marta traughber]

That was a sweet little film. Do you think she plied her yarn? It makes me want to do some hand carding.

[Sherry N]

in the 30's wasn't movies in reverse order? so if she is knitting with her left hand it is really her right hand?

[Valerie]

Thank you for the video. I have a small flock of Shetland sheep, so it was great to see a bit of their past.

[KathyH]

Hey, Janel, do you read Fleegle's blog? This post is right up your alley:
http://fleeglesblog.blogspot.com/2011/11/eco-junk.html
-KathyH

[הדברת חולדות]

I was fascinated to see that her lengthy sketch is very just like my lengthy sketch, with one side the other illustrating. I have sometimes observed individuals say that real spinners lengthy sketch with one side only.