It struck me as funny at first to think of buying a skein of wool in a souvenir shop. Then I started thinking about my favorite mementoes from trips, vacations and events we have attended in the past. Hats, t-shirts and a sweatshirt from a weekend getaway in a canvas cabin a couple of years ago that I’m wearing to threads. One hat in particular is a special item for me because the wool was given to me as a Christmas present from Jason’s mom. The wool was made from sheep on a local farm where they live then spun into yarn and sold to the local folks. I made a hat that is, by far, the most worn items in my cool weather wardrobe. In addition, every time I wear it, I think about Jason’s mother and that particular Christmas.
Suddenly, it made total sense to me to buy a skein of wool in a souvenir shop.
The folks at the Henry Ford Museum in Michigan sent this particular wool to me to review. The wool is sheared from merino sheep raised on the farm at Greenfield Village then is carded and hand spun on site by artisans well versed in the craft of creating great yarn. The result is this skein of 100% merino yarn offered as a unique souvenir in the gift shop at the Henry Ford Museum.
Like other handspun, this yarn has all the texture and character a crochet or knit crafter would expect. The natural lanolin in the wool is preserved in the processing and seriously makes for beautiful work.
Natural wools like this have a wonderful rustic look to them when they are worked up into a finished object. Oh… don’t freak out when you find little bits of plant material here and there. Remember, this was on a real sheep in a real pasture on a real farm not that long ago.
This is a typical handspun yarn with a nice consistency and natural feel that makes it wonderful to work with. While it does not have that next-to-skin softness that would make it great for wearing on the face or neck, a hat and glove set would be a fantastic use for this warm, sturdy fiber. Personally, I’m going to make it into one heck of a hat to keep Jason’s bare head warm… or maybe gauntlets for me! Hmmm…
If you’ve never done a knit or crochet piece before, fear not! This is great beginner yarn. The feel in the fingers and the size of the yarn itself makes it a perfect yarn for beginners embarking on their first crochet or knit experience.
Even if you aren’t buying this for yourself to make your own handmade remembrance of your visit to the Henry Ford Museum or Greenfield Village, consider giving it as a gift to the crocheter or knitter (or reviewer) in your life. This is one of those standard handspun yarns that are a joy to work with and the historical nature of the wool makes it all that more significant.
Here’s the Breakdown:
- Yarn: 100% Merino Wool
- Weight: two-ply worsted weight
- Size: 4oz, 250 yards
- Color: Natural, off-white
Care: As with any pure wool product, hand wash your finished object gently in lukewarm water. To dry, roll your finished object in a towel and press then lay flat to dry completely. If you wash pure wool roughly in hot water, it will turn into fuzz or “felt.” Unless that’s what you are trying to achieve, take care.
General Use: Crochet, knit, dyeing or felting.
Where To Purchase: The Henry Ford Museum Gift Shop. Click here to go to their online store now!
