UNTAMED
No. 1
Birthed from 100% Border Leicester sheep residing at Steam Valley Fiber Farm in Trout Run, PA, lovingly raised by holistic farmer and fiber artist, Phylleri Ball. The natural 'calico' shades, specifically originated from Cookie, the ewe pictured below. Julia processed all fiber by hand-- picking out vegetable matter, 'skirting' to choose the best sections of fleece, and washing to clean the fibers before spinning. She hand-dyed certain sections of fleece, choosing fuchsia and chartreuse inspired by the playful mood of Phylleri's farm during lambing season. With the texture of Cookie's fleece and memories of leaping lambs gliding through her fingers, Julia intuitively painted the different colored fibers into a bulky hand-spun yarn. The final hand-knitting for the sweater was completed in four, free-form panels. Julia listened, allowing the materials to speak through her hands, as they guided the final composition.
Click to read the sweater's poem...
Knitting time, approx. 8 hours | Dyeing time, approx. 4 hours | Spinning & Fiber Processing time, approx. 15-20 hours
Shepherdess, Phylleri Ball, at Steam Valley Fiber Farm
Pregnant 'Cookie'
Cookie's tri-colored raw fleece.