Archive for September 2, 2010
A Visit to George Washington’s “Local Yarn Shop” (Part I)
I just returned from 1776 and I am happy to report that I visited General George Washington’s LYS. Seriously, I just returned from a 5-day trip with hubby, kids and all to the “Historic Triangle” – Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown – in Virginia. On the first day, we toured the Wythe House (Thomas Jefferson’s law professor and the only man to serve on the committees for the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights), the Governor’s Palace, and Burton Parish Church where we even attended a candlelight organ concert (my son, the budding concert pianist, even got to “take a spin” on the historic pipe organ).
But, the highlight of my day, was this……
Two skeins of Leicester Longwool Yarn – 100% wool, preshrunk, 2-ply from sheep bred and raised at Colonial Williamsburg – yes, I paid a pretty penny for these but it was well worth it. The colors are beautiful and they’re historic! I am hoping to design or find a period pattern for them. I was told that the yarn would have most likely been used to create blankets…..so, we will see what I come up with.
The history of these sheep is quite interesting. Developed in the mid-18th century by Robert Bakewell of Leicester, England, the Leicester Longwool breed gained popularity throughout the British empire at the time. George Washington purchased this breed for his flock at Mount Vernon. Today, the Leicester Longwool remains a rarity and the folks at Colonial Williamsburg have taken on the task of preserving it and keeping the gene pool of the breed alive so folks like me can oogle over this yarn when we visit.
Interestingly, I discovered while talking to one of the fiber artists at Colonial Williamsburg that the breed is presented each year at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival. I am definitely adding a stop to the “rare breeds” demonstration for next year’s visit to the festival.
Well, I am going to continue to blog about the fiber- and needle arts-related aspects of my incredible trip back in time to the Historic Triangle, so stay tuned for both Parts II and III over the next couple of days. You will never believe who I ran into and what I tried for the first time! 
