The Dorset Wool Year – January 2021

There is one word to describe Dorset Wool in January 2021 – MUD!  Even the tops of the downs were sloshing with mud.  It made me wish for cold winter’s days and even dream of snow.  As I write we may have some snow over the next week or so, so I may live to regret that dream!

I find January one of the hardest months of the year.  It isn’t too bad, if we get cold, clear, sunny days, but the lack of daylight means that I run out of light most days.  By the time I have walked the dogs and checked on the sheep, there is little daylight left to do much else. With the grey, wet, dark days this year was no exception.  I have struggled to get anything done.

A ram has been visiting some of the girls and it still here, due to the lockdown, but I have enough grass, and nobody seems to be complaining. Let’s hope I have lambs in May (and not too much later!).  I have also been clearing a bank of brambles to plant more Madder for red dye and Woad for blue.  It is a steep bank of chalky soil, so it will be interesting to see how they do.  These dark days, I have also been combing my Portland fibre, creating beautiful, soft nests of fluff ready for worsted spinning.  This will make 3 ply yarn for canvas work, weaving or any other yarn craft.

February has started, this means Woad seed sowing time and getting the veggie patch ready for sowing.  In the wool side, I will be doing a bit of dyeing and designing some new items for the shop.  Looking forward to longer, drier, and warmer days!

Happy Crafting

Jo