We've returned from our annual wool buying trip to the Navajo Nation. It always takes us a few days to digest the experience, a little time to develop perspective on our time there. This year was a totally new experience, and one we'll not soon forget. For the first time, Peter did not join us. He misses haying on his farm nearly every year for this buy, and he wanted a chance to revel in his retirement and get that hay in while the sun shines. He was dearly missed by the buying crew, and the Navajo folks who remember his jovial spirit and friendly demeanor. 

The buy began following a different route this year than previous years. Stanley began by taking wool on commission in Window Rock, a stop usually reserved for the end of the trip. We all met the next day in Crownpoint, New Mexico to begin the rest of the buying. Trucks were in line beginning early in the morning, and we arrived early afternoon. We were greeted by furious winds and dry sand whipping through the parking lot of the Dine College center. We met Stanley, from Mid States Wool Co-op, Teddy and Lynn Varndell, the Mohair buyers and Lisa and Jenn, ever faithful volunteers. We traveled together the entire week, which was a total pleasure. 

We also took a special trip into the Canyon De Chelly with our fantastic tour guide Urvin. He usually joins us for the wool buy, and recently got his tour license for the Canyon. We couldn't pass up the opportunity to see and learn about this mesmerizing place where he grew up. We explored ruins and saw petroglyphs, inscribed on canyon walls.
We were joined in Pinon this year by the Black Mesa Water Coalition, who hosted a whole day of educational events, demonstrations, and a raffle. It was a wonderful resource for the shepherds and community to come together and experience everything 'sheepy' that the BMWC had to offer.

The Rambouillet sheep gets its name from the Rambouillet Estate in Northern France. In 1786, King Louis XVI imported around 360 Spanish Merinos after the relaxation of the export of sheep. Through modifications of breeding, the distinct Rambouillet sheep began to appear through crossing with English Long wool breeds.

In 1840, These sheep were first imported to the US, with strong numbers settling in the west. In this harsh climate, the sheep did well because of their hardiness and ability to thrive on sparse vegetation. They also were less susceptible to predators because they flock closely, especially at night. The fiber they produce also adapted to this harsh climate, with more disorganized crimp and more length, allowing the fiber to trap more air and produce more warmth. This added strength bumps it slightly out of the super fine range, but makes up for it with added durability. 

The Rambouillet that have been introduced to the Navajo are very specific to the needs of that community. They are breeding a nicely bodied meat merino, to create a sheep that can be used dual purpose. The Ram rental program at the Dine College sources the finest Rams, healthy, with good fiber and good conformation. They then arrange for these rams to be rented out for the breeding season to various farms to improve the quality of the coming years lambs. This program helps the Navajo families improve the prices received for their wool, and increases their meat production as well. Peace Fleece is working specifically with several families that are part of the Ram Rental program, and will be documenting the year to year statistics in terms of fiber quality and production, and general improvement to the lives of the Navajo families involved.

Create an easy tassel from our worsted weight or DK yarn for gift garnishes, ornaments, garlands, and more! 

Supplies:

Peace Fleece Worsted or DK Weight

Scissors

Tapestry needle

Let's get started!

1. Start by holding a tail an inch or two longer than your hand width.

2. Wind the yarn around your fingers twenty times.

3. Cut at least six inches of yarn to tie the top. 

4. Pull the tie through the yarn, remove from your hand and tie in a square knot tightly.

5. Hold the tassel taut away from the tie. 

6. Cut a new piece of yarn 12-15" long, leaving a tail about 4" long. Wrap five times around the head of your tassel, about half an inch down from the tie made on the top. 

7. Tie the ends together.

8. Take each end of your knot and thread them one at a time through a large needle. 

9. Insert the needle through the head of the tassel, and pull out the bottom.

10. Trim your ends to an equal length. 

11. Ta da! All finished with a beautiful new tassel to decorate your next yarn project.