The completion of a project gives the maker a sense of accomplishment. The from the sheep's back basket has been in the making for 30 years. I'm serious. A transfer from Sydney to Deniliquin in 1980gave me an opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture and I did.
Women used the local materials for their creative spirits. Wool, wool and more wool. I learned that there were breeds of sheep each with different qualities. I was patiently taught to spin while being accepted into a new community.
Once I mastered the process of making string the fun began. Colour. Dyes came from everything trees, fungus, bugs, flowers and leaves. Simple recipe boil everything together with suggested chemicals called mordants. Adventuresome dyers over dyed grape leaves with mulberry. Used copper sulphate (blue jelly crystals what are poisonous) we've come a long way now we just use jelly crystals.
All the yarn knitted into this basic shape is from my learning to spin and dye days. It has been slumbering away in a suitcase. While sitting around after Christmas I started knitting a basket using my friend Kaite's http. //kaiteyarngarden.blogspot.com basic directions.
Step1 knit lots
Step2 felt lots or a little I went for mega felting
Step3 attach handles if not knitted before felting
The completed shape was determined by the varying yarns I had and how well the different breeds felted.
I now have a basket of memories. I will think of kind and talented women every time I use it. I am happy I completed this UFO.
Terry
