My Jacob Farm Rug by Michele Camacho
I have recently started a small yarn company. I have been a knitter since I was a kid and a spinner on and off for over 20 years. I have wanted to do a fiber-related business for much of that time, and I came up with the idea for a yarn company that my brother and I could possibly do together. So, we began to do research on whether or not it was a good idea, and/or if it could work.
The "idea" involves the use of wool from rare-breed sheep. Part of the "research" involved going to wool festivals in the area to check out "the competition," as well as to pick up a variety of fleece from which to sample.
At one of the first fairs we went to, there was Judy's booth, with this Jacob sheep rug prominently displayed. I couldn't stop looking at that rug! It was beautiful and it hit home to me because we were looking seriously at the Jacob sheep as one of our rare breed sheep. But, as I told myself, I do NOT need another hobby!! I already have too many as knitting and spinning are not the only ones I do.
Over the course of the year as we did our "research," we kept seeing Judy and her booth at the various fairs that we went to, and there was that rug every time! I kept going to the booth and staring at that rug, and then arguing with myself that I needed something else to do with my hands like I needed another hole in my head!
Well, as you can see, I finally gave in and did the rug. I used Judy's hand-spun as I loved the idea of supporting another spinner's work and of using hand-spun yarn to make a rug. I must say that I don't regret having taken on this project one minute!! It has been a very fun project and a lovely introduction into a new art form which I am thoroughly enjoying!
