Blending of Fibers to Create Interesting Textures

In my stash I had white wool fibers all from the same fleece. I dyed them in fall shades for a large tote. After I carded them I realized that the batts all had similar textures. There was not enough visual differences in texture--they were boring as you can see below.



So I took a drive over to Kathy Withers' Ranch to buy some of her dyed uncarded wool locks--a combination of fleeces from different breeds. I then carded these fibers with the above batts to receive a much more interesting appearance--in both texture and shades. See below.




This is the 1st tote that I made. It looks good, yet it turned out darker than I wanted and the photo also makes it also look darker.




I then increased the percentages of lighter shades to the batts and came up with the tote below. I positioned the batts on the resist so that it looks like a local desert scene. Naturally I used lots of mohair locks--just love using them. Right now I am trying to visualize how I want to embellish it. Sometimes that takes awhile especially when the mind is on other uncreative endeavors. The handles will also be attached after the totes are embellished.

This exercise will remind me that it is very important to combine wool from different breeds of sheep to create batts with interesting textures and colors/shades.

For those of you who think that wool is itchy, look below. Kitty loves to lay on whatever is soft. She actually spent the night sleeping there. She was a half wild outdoor cat that came with a property I bought in Colorado. Needless to say, she is now one spoiled and pampered cat that has adapted quite nicely. It sure beats hiding from the foxes and coyotes, which she managed to do for several years before I received her.