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Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Assembling The Team


I made this needle felted Muffin and Mrs. Pepperpot before Mrs. P was gone.  I knew I would not be able to afterwards...and I still think that's probably right.  I'm crying now as I try to type this.  

I don't think I was really that attached to Pepperpot herself.  I think I was attached to her relationship with Muffin.  Her relationship with me as she watched as we cared for her tiny lamb, continuing as her lamb grew up.  As I cared for her as she grew so feeble, while she continued to care for her little girl to the very end.

In the beginning I had big plans to knit a fancy cabled cardigan from her upcoming spring shearing.  Something very Mrs. P.  We talked about it all that first summer and into fall.  I feel she would have "got it" when it was finished and we had our picture taken "dressed alike". I truly believe some sheep know there's a connection.

In the end, I sheared her myself after Dr. Bridge left and I salvaged what I could. I carefully washed it, combed out all the mess and fiber breaks and then carded it all into batts which I piled up and set on the coffee table and just enjoyed like that all summer. 


It was a less than stellar summer all around and seeing a few of Muffin's tiny black face hairs still mixed in (click to biggify), still laying across her momma's back, was comforting.  I knew our special project was now going to be a blend of both sheep.  Muffin could help her mom still make a sweater.


I really didn't want to take on a huge Iknitarod project this year.  I miss out on a lot of the fun Iditarod coverage when I'm in a big race as well, so I planned to find an easier project for this year.  

However, once stupid spring and summer comes I have very limited time to knit.  Fall is usually a scramble as well.  If I wanted to knit this sweater yet this year...it was going to have to be during the Iknitarod, my last bit of free not quite as busy time.  

I was still hedging on taking on such a big challenge...and then a ravatar popped into my head.  I enjoy creating those badges (scroll down the right side of the blog to see the past years) as much as the final project.  Once seen, it couldn't be unseen...and Muffin, Mrs. Pepperpot and I are off to the Iknitarod.  


I have 16 days to spin a sweater's amount of yarn.  The pattern I picked has four colors, so there will be some fiber blending as well before the last 6 ounces of white and gray are spun.  I'm starting with Muffin.  Pictured here are ten two ounce bundles.  I'm going to try to spin two of those per day, although typing this blog post has probably eaten up one of the bundles for today.  


That's okay.  I'm not panicking...yet.


And it never hurts to have 20 on the team as well ;-).

*     *     *

The leaves in the basket of Mrs. Pepperpot are bay leaves, which I scatter around open wool baskets to help protect from insects..plus they smell nice :-).

I'll announce the pattern and ravatar nearer the start of the race.  Stay tuned.


18 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love this so much Sara! What a wonderful way to honor Mrs. Pepperpot and her bond with her baby, Muffin. I'm looking forward to your Iknitarod project (and of course, the Iditarod).

xx
Bobbie in AK

Laura L. said...

The picture of the felted sheep made me tear up. But I'm very excited to see your project as it progresses. And thank you for typing the blog post, I'm one of those who looks at your FB posts but also looks forward to the blog one too.

Helen said...

I know there are people out there that think sheep are 'dumb animals' and cannot fathom any having a personality, or any person caring about them, but all I can say is those people are missing a big part of life. Thank you for your words about your girls.

Michelle said...

I KNEW I shouldn't click on that link . . . but I did. Shoulda bought stock in Kleenex. You captured the close and tender relationship between Muffin and her mom so perfectly in your wool sculpture; I think I'd cry every time I looked at that, too. Can't wait to see the art and knitting you create to further memorialize their love. Hugs, friend.

katherine littrell said...

Just lovely.😢😢

ElaineChicago said...

Thank you so much, Sara.

sophy0075 said...

So sweet. Gosh, memories happy and sad. And both Mrs P and Muffin have such lovely fleece. You will do Mrs P proud,

I still haven’t figured out what I can make for the Iknitarod. Outside of work, I have almost no time. Maybe a bookmark. Aargh.

Susan said...

I too knew I should not read this post.......you really know how to tell a good story and make us WEEP. But this was so special...Love to you!

Dicky Bird said...

I enjoyed reading this about your sheep! I can't wait to see what your sweater looks like!

Susan (and SmokeyBlue in spirit) said...

I love what you are doing with Mrs Pepperpot’s and Muffin’s fleeces.
Such an honor to them both.
Looking forward to knitting with you during the Iknitarod.
Big Hugs, also to 20.

Karen at longwell said...

Sob..Sigh...

What a lovely memorial to your girls is in the works.

You are one brave lady, Sara. Happy Memory Spinning!

knitski said...

Ahhh I love it! What a nice way to remember a dear one!

Anonymous said...

perfect way to honor mrs. p., the girls' relationship and your lives together. i'll be cheering from the sidelines. go, team! --suz in NE ohio, hoping we're mostly done with the wind/ice/snow/cold now.

Terry and Linda said...

Oh! I am sighing and sobbing all over again. That last loving moment between them is more than special. And the memorial you have created fits the moment beautifully. Sob. Anyway, you are a very good Sheep Mom and for that each and every one of us can hug you close to our hearts!

Grey Horse Matters said...

What a great way to honor Ms.P and her baby. They were so sweet together in that last picture. I’m sure it will be your best Iknitarod ever!

FullyFleeced said...

what a beautiful tribute to their bond. Thanks for sharing this. The needle felted sheep are so lovely.

Far Side of Fifty said...

Perfect:)

Shirley said...

Awww.. lots of feels with this post. Love the felted Muffin and mama.

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