I have been a nurse since dinosaurs roamed the earth (or at least before programmable IV pumps). I worked for years caring for children receiving bone marrow transplants. I loved my profession but needed outlets to help cope with the stresses that sometimes could be overwhelming.
So- I love people and have never met a hobby I didn’t like. I started out with crochet as a teenager however had little time for it once I started college. My major was music, intending to conduct orchestras. For two and a half years there were classes on music theory, composition as well as instruments to learn. The flute (my main instrument), the clarinet, trombone, drums, piano and bagpipes. The pipes actually were learned in high school. I attended a Scottish themed high school. Our school colors were Royal Stewart plaid. I already played flute in the band and was fascinated by the bagpipes that marched in front of our band, so I just had to learn.
During this time I became a Christian and God, although He loves music, had a different path for me. He led me to the nursing program.
After marrying my amazing husband Bill and graduating from the nursing program, I was pregnant with our first child. My Obstetrician advised that I get a hobby for a creative outlet and not fall into a rut. I took a leaded glass class at our local adult school and LOVED it!!!!!
Next, when my children were toddlers, I had the opportunity to stay home with them. I still wanted to contribute financially and was looking around for something I could do from home. I came across a magazine article that captured my interest and opened up a whole new wonderful world…..of rabbits!
The article was about a woman who raised Angora rabbits and would spin their wool into yarn. I was intrigued. On top of that we just happened to have a spinning and weaving shop in our town called…..wait for it…..Three Bags Full. I enrolled in a beginner’s spinning class and was hooked. My husband (or as I call him, my chief enabler) and I joined the American Rabbit Breeders of America, the AARB. We started going to their shows and learning about these delightful creatures.
Soon, three female rabbits came home with us, selected for their colors. Then a male joined our “herd”, in a separate area of course. We did breed one of our females and she had 9 kits, as baby rabbits are called. “Breed like rabbits” is no joke. Not because they breed readily but at 28-31 days gestation you have almost instant gratification.
Momma rabbits pull out their belly hair to make nests, which also makes it easier for the sweetlings to nurse. Angora wool is six times warmer than sheep wool so it makes a gloriously soft and warm nest in which the kits thrive. Through breeding we grew our herd to 17 adults. The rabbits we didn’t keep were found homes with others who wanted to obtain their own luxury fiber.
Angora rabbits naturally shed their woolen undercoat about every three to four months. I would set them in my lap and gently “pluck” the loose fibers. My rabbits would fall asleep during the process. It was relaxing for both of us.
When my children began going to school, I arranged with their teachers to come into class and teach them about how yarns were made. I would spin directly from the rabbit in my lap. I also brought unsharpened pencils and clay from which the children were able to make their own drop spindles. They learned how to spin wool (sheep wool as Angora is too slippery for beginners) on these improvised spindles. It is amazing how you can ignite interest in the “old skills” with simple hands-on experiences.
Anywho…..I sold spun Angora blend yarns to knitters and unspun Angora fiber to spinners. It was a nice way to make a little extra income and enjoy these lovely creature’s company. Now I want rabbits again…..sorry Bill.
In the following weeks I will share with you further adventures down the rabbit hole of hobbies and interests that have gained my interest through the years. My daughter Liz will also be contributing articles about her love of cooking, baking, and the historical methods of everyday life over the decades and centuries. We will also be creating and sharing YouTube videos in a few weeks. We will let you know when those will start.
Thank you so much for your time and I hope you find entertainment, inspiration and maybe start your own adventure in being a maker.
- Ingredient Propaganda
- Oh, So Twisted
- What’s for Dinner?
- Down and Dirty or the Art of Gardening
- Vintage Cookbooks