Another week has flown by !
There may be a Polar Vortex going on in the States and Canada, but on this side of the planet temperatures have been insane at the other end of the scale!
We have had 44+degrees here and we normally are a cool climate! It’s been especially scary once the thunderstorms started multiple fires all around us but luckily a downpour came straight after so the damage was limited. Saying that: it was such a deluge that part of the studio and the packing area had to be evacuated: Nobody wants soggy tissue paper or wool ! At least the windows and the floors are all clean now and no major damage was done. It was another exciting week here… or as I normally say, Never a dull moment..lol
I have not really had a moment to reflect or relax for that matter and it seems that it has affected my ability to make decisions. Normally I am a cautious but “oh well let’s just do it” kinda person, but January has proven to be a bit exhausting brain wise..I just could not get my act together fast enough to my liking. Especially when the whole diversity/discrimination discussion was at its’ apex and then the week after, when I got so riled up with price wars, it knocked me around a bit. So, Time for a bit of silent contemplation, centering my thoughts and hand blending some precious fibre. I also started knitting custom spinning orders and preparing angora bunny/cashmere and wallaby fibres to become yarn for the upcoming handknitters guild show in May. So much to do , so little time applies there too of course, but there is a substantial difference. Spinning or knitting NEVER makes me anxious! It centres me, makes me focus and there is absolutely no anxiety involved whatsoever. Magic! Pure Magic ! No wonder that mental health studies have found that knitting, crocheting and spinning are good for the mind.
It still remains that there are so many things I still need to do and that there is a lot going on AND a lot is being done at the moment. So much fluff, so little time ! Lots of bunny care for our older bunny ladies and some handfeding for our new baby additions. To keep my mind at ease, I have blended some pretty amazing fluff, as I said before. Because the fibre is so precious and delicate I chose to handblend everything, which of course takes a LOT longer than by machine, but it is so worth it. It is February 1st and I wanted to start the new month off with a fang…..eh….bang ! LOL AND!!! I have also opened the sign ups for the next trimester of IxCHeL clubs (see all; the information at the end of this blog as well as photos of the clubs of 2018 and 2019).
The fibre on offer is from a very rare breed of deer from Korea…Now why am I that into rare breeds? Well, that is a bit of a story really. It started a long time ago....
Through no fault of anyone, and this is so very personal and traumatic, I know…. not now but many many years ago… when I got the verdict that I will never ever will be able to have children, through the simple fact that some cells determined to multiply dramatically to a life threatening point (cancer), that I would possibly not survive either .....Life can be endangered in a blink of an eye….Moreover, I felt more than ever, the importance of focusing on rare and endangered species...
I started to research and fight for all kinds of endangered species, especially the ones that have nice fluffy hair to spin, because you know you can never take the spinner out of me…...lol
Since that time, years and years ago, I started researching the Rare breed adventures I have been offering you for about 6 years now and I look for any kind of way to help endangered species survive, in a sustainable kind way. One that can help species survive with love. Unlike any other way, spinners and weavers and farmers and scientists have a very unique and loving outlook on that. It may start small but through small things big things grow. Through our craft we can ensure that some breeds can stay and live and provide for their young and for us in a sustainable, loving and kind way.
So, through lots of hard work and searching and caring for special fluffy genes, I can now offer you this extremely special update tonight: it is not a sheep..nor is it cheap (read last week’s blog) but it is an amazing animal which has been named anything from a vampire deer to a musk deer to a water deer. It has been almost hunted to extinction by the perfume industry and now it is the time for us to make sure that this animal stays alive to be here and be of beauty and importance and bring life and diversity to our beautiful earth.
The water deer also known as vampire deer (Hydropotes inermis) is a small deer superficially more similar to a musk deer than a true deer. Native to China and Korea, there are two subspecies: the Chinese water deer (Hydropotes inermis inermis) and the Korean water deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus) and there is the Himalayan and Siberian deer also known as the musk deer. Water deer are relatively small in size, ranging in length from 775-1,000 mm. They have a short tail, 60-75 mm length. The guard hair is generally thick and harsh. It is longest on the flanks and rump, with a maximium length of 40 mm is the winter under coat, which can be spun into the super soft yarn.
Both sexes lack antlers, but the upper canine teeth, especially in the males, are enlarged, forming fairly long, slightly curved tusks. These saber-like upper canines are the most conspicuous feature of the bucks. Theyprotude up to about 52 mm from the upper jaw and constitute sharp, dangerous weapons. The canines of the female are much smaller, scarcely 5 mm on the inner side. A dark spot on the sides of the lower lip behind the upper canines makes the canines more conspicuous. A small scent gland is present on the face in front of the eyes on both sexes; this is the only known case of such glands in the Cervidae.
Despite its lack of antlers and certain other anatomical anomalies—including a pair of prominent tusks (downward-pointing canine teeth), it is classified as a cervid. Its unique anatomical characteristics have caused it to be classified in its own genus (Hydropotes) as well as its own subfamily (Hydropotinae). However, a study of mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences placed it near Capreolus within an Old World section of the subfamily Capreolinae. Its prominent tusks (elongated canines), similar to those of musk deer, have led to both being colloquially named vampire deer in English-speaking areas to which they have been imported.
There are Water deer or Vampire deer currently farmed (read protected) and in zoos. In Afghanistan a few have been spotted in 2014 for the first time after 60 years ! The hidropotes or Water Deer I offer you on tonight’s blog has been harvested just like the bison and qiviut and mink, through hand combing or collecting. No animal was killed or harmed in any way.
Water deer are indigenous to the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, coastal Jiangsu province (Yangcheng Coastal Wetlands), and islands of Zhejiang of east-central China, and in Korea, where the demilitarized zone has provided a protected habitat for a large number…..go figure !!! the Demilitarized zone !! but, They can also be found in Siberia and the Himalayas. They inhabit the land alongside rivers, where they are protected from sight by the tall reeds and rushes. They are also seen on mountains, swamps, grasslands, and even open cultivated fields. Water deer are proficient swimmers, and can swim several miles to reach remote river islands.
Water Deer are now located in France, United Kingdom, Belgium, Netherlands, Argentina, and even some in the United States. Chinese water deer were first introduced into Great Britain in the 1870s. The animals were kept in the London Zoo until 1896, when Herbrand Russell oversaw their transferral to Woburn Abbey, Bedfordshire.
More of the animals were imported and added to the herd over the next three decades. In 1929 and 1930, 32 deer were transferred from Woburn to Whipsnade, also in Bedfordshire, and released into the park very happily bouncing along !
The majority of the current population of Chinese water deer in Britain derives from escapees, with the remainder being descended from a number of deliberate releases. Most of these animals still reside close to Woburn Abbey.
It appears that the deer’s strong preference for a particular habitat – tall reed and grass areas in rich alluvial deltas - has restricted its potential to colonize further afield. The main area of distribution is from Woburn, east into Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and North Essex, and south towards Whipsnade. There have been small colonies reported in other areas. As a conservation issue, the UK population of Chinese Water Deer is considered to be of exceptionally high value to the survival of a healthy global population. There is no doubt that the protection of Water Deer will involve not just the population of deer in their native environment, but also the UK population, which probably now exceeds the population in China, Korea and the Himalayas.
The research that is carried out in the UK by the Water Deer Foundation and others will contribute to the protection of the species as a whole. It may seem that all this breed had going for it to be "valued" was the male musk gland, which is worth more than gold...and no,there is not. there is a sustainable way of keeping this bred alive: fibre. It may not be much you can harvest off one deer (only about 450grams per year) and that the hair/down is short..it is extremely soft and nice. I am able to offer you only a very very small amount of handblended Vampire Deer top.
It is an endangered species and only a very small amount of fibre is harvested per year. In softness it rivals the amazingly expensive and rare Guanaco and Vicuna !
To all my fabulous readers: Please know that you will not only be able to own something exceedingly special and rare , but also, that you will be part of the preservation of a rare species. Let’s not ever have to say…”this was the last of their kind”….
There may be a Polar Vortex going on in the States and Canada, but on this side of the planet temperatures have been insane at the other end of the scale!
We have had 44+degrees here and we normally are a cool climate! It’s been especially scary once the thunderstorms started multiple fires all around us but luckily a downpour came straight after so the damage was limited. Saying that: it was such a deluge that part of the studio and the packing area had to be evacuated: Nobody wants soggy tissue paper or wool ! At least the windows and the floors are all clean now and no major damage was done. It was another exciting week here… or as I normally say, Never a dull moment..lol
I have not really had a moment to reflect or relax for that matter and it seems that it has affected my ability to make decisions. Normally I am a cautious but “oh well let’s just do it” kinda person, but January has proven to be a bit exhausting brain wise..I just could not get my act together fast enough to my liking. Especially when the whole diversity/discrimination discussion was at its’ apex and then the week after, when I got so riled up with price wars, it knocked me around a bit. So, Time for a bit of silent contemplation, centering my thoughts and hand blending some precious fibre. I also started knitting custom spinning orders and preparing angora bunny/cashmere and wallaby fibres to become yarn for the upcoming handknitters guild show in May. So much to do , so little time applies there too of course, but there is a substantial difference. Spinning or knitting NEVER makes me anxious! It centres me, makes me focus and there is absolutely no anxiety involved whatsoever. Magic! Pure Magic ! No wonder that mental health studies have found that knitting, crocheting and spinning are good for the mind.
It still remains that there are so many things I still need to do and that there is a lot going on AND a lot is being done at the moment. So much fluff, so little time ! Lots of bunny care for our older bunny ladies and some handfeding for our new baby additions. To keep my mind at ease, I have blended some pretty amazing fluff, as I said before. Because the fibre is so precious and delicate I chose to handblend everything, which of course takes a LOT longer than by machine, but it is so worth it. It is February 1st and I wanted to start the new month off with a fang…..eh….bang ! LOL AND!!! I have also opened the sign ups for the next trimester of IxCHeL clubs (see all; the information at the end of this blog as well as photos of the clubs of 2018 and 2019).
The fibre on offer is from a very rare breed of deer from Korea…Now why am I that into rare breeds? Well, that is a bit of a story really. It started a long time ago....
Through no fault of anyone, and this is so very personal and traumatic, I know…. not now but many many years ago… when I got the verdict that I will never ever will be able to have children, through the simple fact that some cells determined to multiply dramatically to a life threatening point (cancer), that I would possibly not survive either .....Life can be endangered in a blink of an eye….Moreover, I felt more than ever, the importance of focusing on rare and endangered species...
I started to research and fight for all kinds of endangered species, especially the ones that have nice fluffy hair to spin, because you know you can never take the spinner out of me…...lol
Since that time, years and years ago, I started researching the Rare breed adventures I have been offering you for about 6 years now and I look for any kind of way to help endangered species survive, in a sustainable kind way. One that can help species survive with love. Unlike any other way, spinners and weavers and farmers and scientists have a very unique and loving outlook on that. It may start small but through small things big things grow. Through our craft we can ensure that some breeds can stay and live and provide for their young and for us in a sustainable, loving and kind way.
So, through lots of hard work and searching and caring for special fluffy genes, I can now offer you this extremely special update tonight: it is not a sheep..nor is it cheap (read last week’s blog) but it is an amazing animal which has been named anything from a vampire deer to a musk deer to a water deer. It has been almost hunted to extinction by the perfume industry and now it is the time for us to make sure that this animal stays alive to be here and be of beauty and importance and bring life and diversity to our beautiful earth.
The water deer also known as vampire deer (Hydropotes inermis) is a small deer superficially more similar to a musk deer than a true deer. Native to China and Korea, there are two subspecies: the Chinese water deer (Hydropotes inermis inermis) and the Korean water deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus) and there is the Himalayan and Siberian deer also known as the musk deer. Water deer are relatively small in size, ranging in length from 775-1,000 mm. They have a short tail, 60-75 mm length. The guard hair is generally thick and harsh. It is longest on the flanks and rump, with a maximium length of 40 mm is the winter under coat, which can be spun into the super soft yarn.
Both sexes lack antlers, but the upper canine teeth, especially in the males, are enlarged, forming fairly long, slightly curved tusks. These saber-like upper canines are the most conspicuous feature of the bucks. Theyprotude up to about 52 mm from the upper jaw and constitute sharp, dangerous weapons. The canines of the female are much smaller, scarcely 5 mm on the inner side. A dark spot on the sides of the lower lip behind the upper canines makes the canines more conspicuous. A small scent gland is present on the face in front of the eyes on both sexes; this is the only known case of such glands in the Cervidae.
Despite its lack of antlers and certain other anatomical anomalies—including a pair of prominent tusks (downward-pointing canine teeth), it is classified as a cervid. Its unique anatomical characteristics have caused it to be classified in its own genus (Hydropotes) as well as its own subfamily (Hydropotinae). However, a study of mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences placed it near Capreolus within an Old World section of the subfamily Capreolinae. Its prominent tusks (elongated canines), similar to those of musk deer, have led to both being colloquially named vampire deer in English-speaking areas to which they have been imported.
There are Water deer or Vampire deer currently farmed (read protected) and in zoos. In Afghanistan a few have been spotted in 2014 for the first time after 60 years ! The hidropotes or Water Deer I offer you on tonight’s blog has been harvested just like the bison and qiviut and mink, through hand combing or collecting. No animal was killed or harmed in any way.
Water deer are indigenous to the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, coastal Jiangsu province (Yangcheng Coastal Wetlands), and islands of Zhejiang of east-central China, and in Korea, where the demilitarized zone has provided a protected habitat for a large number…..go figure !!! the Demilitarized zone !! but, They can also be found in Siberia and the Himalayas. They inhabit the land alongside rivers, where they are protected from sight by the tall reeds and rushes. They are also seen on mountains, swamps, grasslands, and even open cultivated fields. Water deer are proficient swimmers, and can swim several miles to reach remote river islands.
Water Deer are now located in France, United Kingdom, Belgium, Netherlands, Argentina, and even some in the United States. Chinese water deer were first introduced into Great Britain in the 1870s. The animals were kept in the London Zoo until 1896, when Herbrand Russell oversaw their transferral to Woburn Abbey, Bedfordshire.
More of the animals were imported and added to the herd over the next three decades. In 1929 and 1930, 32 deer were transferred from Woburn to Whipsnade, also in Bedfordshire, and released into the park very happily bouncing along !
The majority of the current population of Chinese water deer in Britain derives from escapees, with the remainder being descended from a number of deliberate releases. Most of these animals still reside close to Woburn Abbey.
It appears that the deer’s strong preference for a particular habitat – tall reed and grass areas in rich alluvial deltas - has restricted its potential to colonize further afield. The main area of distribution is from Woburn, east into Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and North Essex, and south towards Whipsnade. There have been small colonies reported in other areas. As a conservation issue, the UK population of Chinese Water Deer is considered to be of exceptionally high value to the survival of a healthy global population. There is no doubt that the protection of Water Deer will involve not just the population of deer in their native environment, but also the UK population, which probably now exceeds the population in China, Korea and the Himalayas.
The research that is carried out in the UK by the Water Deer Foundation and others will contribute to the protection of the species as a whole. It may seem that all this breed had going for it to be "valued" was the male musk gland, which is worth more than gold...and no,there is not. there is a sustainable way of keeping this bred alive: fibre. It may not be much you can harvest off one deer (only about 450grams per year) and that the hair/down is short..it is extremely soft and nice. I am able to offer you only a very very small amount of handblended Vampire Deer top.
It is an endangered species and only a very small amount of fibre is harvested per year. In softness it rivals the amazingly expensive and rare Guanaco and Vicuna !
To all my fabulous readers: Please know that you will not only be able to own something exceedingly special and rare , but also, that you will be part of the preservation of a rare species. Let’s not ever have to say…”this was the last of their kind”….
IxCHeL Handblended Vampire Deer Blend Tops
Vampire Deer, Merino, Yak, Muga Silk, Cashmere
+/- 50gram skein AU$32
I can dye it for you if you like at no extra cost or spin it for you for a fee: just ask !
There is only a very very VERY limited supply!!
Coburg Town hall, 90 Bell Street, Coburg VIC 3058
I'll be there with an amazing amount of new exclusive NEW yarns (and some wool to spin as well) !!!
I will also have spindles by the amazing Bearded Dragon and lots of fibre tools as well from darning mushrooms to noste pinne, Turkish spindles, Navajo and Mayan spindles, Turkish spindles and needle cases to distaffs.
Get ready for a fabulous SUNDAY filled with lots of craft and YARNIE fun !!!
Go to http://www.sheepshow.com to see what is happening and book your tickets. The Bendigo Sheep and Wool show is the biggest wool show in Australia ! with an amazing amount of woolcraft, indie dyers, a huge amount of tops, yarn, craft, felt and spindles, spinning wheels and anything you need for your knitting,crocheting and crafting.
I will be there with an amazing amount of new exclusive wool blends and yarns, batts, felt and landscape and botanical natural dyes and so much more !!!
I will also have spindles by the amazing Bearded Dragon and lots of fibre tools as well from darning mushrooms to noste pinne, Turkish spindles, Navajo and Mayan spindles, Turkish spindles and needle cases to distaffs, and something amazing for spinners and knitters.
Get ready for a fabulous weekend filled with lots of craft and fun !!!
There is only a very very VERY limited supply!!
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IxCHeL Club Sign ups for the second trimester of 2019 are NOW OPEN !!!
Here is the overview of all the clubs shipped out to all the members in 2018 and January 2019.
Teasers of the February club will be posted on my Instagram, Facebook and Twitter soon !
If you would like to join for the next round just PM me.
Here is a photo compilation of the 2018/2019 clubs to give you an idea what the "Art Journey" Theme has been all about : The interpretation of art into fibre. And I can add 2019 January club to that overview as well now !
Clubs 2019
IxCHeL Fibre Club April, May and June 2019
The subscription is for a period of three months and you will receive one special hand dyed top/roving per month to the value of AU$25 or more.
All the tops will be hand dyed and will be especially made for the members of IxCHeL Fibre Club ! Price to join the IxCHeL Fibre Club #39 and receive your special hand dyed top :)) for three months (April, May and June 2019) is AU$75 + postage (parcel post or airmail). AND there are good value double serves available !!!
For Australia : single serve $75+$29 postage (parcel post), double serve $142+$29 (save $8) or triple serves $214 (save $11!) + postage
For USA + Canada: single serve AU$75+AU$57 (Airmail) double serve AU$142+AU$57; triple serve $214 (save $11) + postage
For UK,Europe, rest of the world: Single serve AU$72+AU$69 (airmail) Double serve AU$136+AU$69; triple serve $214 (save $11) + postage
For Asia: Single serve AU$72+AU$50 (airmail) Double serve AU$136+AU$50; triple serves $214 (save $11) + postage
If you want to receive a fibre surprise every month then join the IXCHEL FIBRE CLUB #39 now. Numbers are strictly limited ! The April 2019 Club is going to be shipped out end of April, the May club mid May and the June club Early June. Payment via direct deposit or credit card or paypal. Just PM or email me your details.
The IxCHeL Yarn Clubs April, May and June 2019
Every month for three months (April, May and June 2019) you will receive: enough hand dyed luscious yummy yarn to make a pair of socks or a lush shawl or scarf of course! (the hand dyed yarn will be exclusive for the Ixchelbunny SOCK-IT-TO-ME Yarn CLUB and will range from a sockweight yarn (a 4ply/fingering weight yarn) or an 8ply / DK weight enough to make a pair of socks ; Every month a sock or scarf pattern, tips and instructions ! Now is that GOOD or is that GOOD ??!
I will even offer a double serve for those of you who like their socks or scarves extra long !
For Australia : single serve $87+$29 postage (parcel post) double serve $150( save $24!!) +$29 postage
For USA + Canada: single serve AU$87+AU$57 (Airmail) double serve $150 (Save $24!!) +AU$57
For UK,Europe, rest of the world: Single serve AU$87+AU$69 (airmail) Double serve $150 (Save $24!!) +AU$69
For Asia: Single serve AU$87+AU$50 (airmail) Double serve $150 (= Save $24!!!) +AU$50
Numbers are strictly limited !
Payment via direct deposit or credit card or paypal . Just PM or email me your details
By the way: you don’t HAVE to knit socks if you don’t want to.. the hand dyed yarn is amazingly nice for scarves, cowls, beanies and even tops ! Anything goes . The April 2019 Club is going to be shipped out end of April, the May club mid May and the June club Early June.
IxCHeL Funky Bunny Batt Clubs April, May and June 2019
Here are all the details. Just pm me when you have any questions or want to be part of the funky bunny batt club Movement ;-) Welcome to the blingy dark side ;-D
The subscription is for a period of three months and you will receive one special hand dyed funky bunny batt per month to the value of AU$40 or more .
The batts will range in weight from 140grams to 170grams with luxury fibres like camel , angora, cashmere, silk, yak, llama even wallaby and bison and rare sheep breeds !!!! All the batts will be hand dyed and will be especially made for the members of IxCHeL funky bunny Club ! Every month you will receive a HUGE luxury funky bunny batt !
Sign up now and you will receive an IxCHeL Hand dyed , super luxurious funky bunny batt for April , May and June 2019
Price to join the IxCHeL Funky bunny for three months is :
For Australia : $114+$29 postage (parcel post)
For USA + Canada: AU$114+AU$57 (Airmail)
For UK,Europe, rest of the world: AU$114+AU$69 (airmail)
For Asia: AU$114+AU$50 (airmail)
If you want to receive a fibre surprise every month then join the IXCHEL FUNKY BUNNY BATT CLUB now.
Numbers are strictly limited !
The April 2019 Club is going to be shipped out end of April, the May club mid May and the June club Early June. Payment via direct deposit or credit card or paypal. Just PM or email me
Have a fun week Creating your Dreams!
All my contact details are here:
Please don't hesitate to contact me at any time if you have any questions okay? Always happy to enable. All my contact details are to be found at the end of this week’s blog entry.
Have a fun weekend !!!
Have a fun weekend !!!
Please don't hesitate to contact me at any time if you have any questions okay? Always happy to enable. All my contact details are also to be found at the end of this week’s blog entry.
Have a creative week!
Please don't hesitate to contact me at any time if you have any questions okay? : Always happy to enable.
How To Order:
1. You can email me on ixchel at rabbit dot com dot au or ixchelbunny at yahoo dot com dot au
2. Message me on facebook or
3. Message me on www.ravelry.com where I am ixchelbunny.
4. message me on Instagram where I am @ixchelbunny
I will email you right back with all your order details and payment methods.
Any questions? Any custom orders for yarn or dyeing fibre? : Please don’t hesitate to ask! Always happy to enable.
2. Message me on facebook or
3. Message me on www.ravelry.com where I am ixchelbunny.
4. message me on Instagram where I am @ixchelbunny
I will email you right back with all your order details and payment methods.
Any questions? Any custom orders for yarn or dyeing fibre? : Please don’t hesitate to ask! Always happy to enable.
Dates to put in your Calendar
Handknitters Guild Show, Coburg Town Hall
Sunday 26th of May, 10 – 3pm.Coburg Town hall, 90 Bell Street, Coburg VIC 3058
I will also have spindles by the amazing Bearded Dragon and lots of fibre tools as well from darning mushrooms to noste pinne, Turkish spindles, Navajo and Mayan spindles, Turkish spindles and needle cases to distaffs.
Get ready for a fabulous SUNDAY filled with lots of craft and YARNIE fun !!!
Friday July 19th to Sunday July 21st
Australian Sheep and Wool Show, Bendigo.Go to http://www.sheepshow.com to see what is happening and book your tickets. The Bendigo Sheep and Wool show is the biggest wool show in Australia ! with an amazing amount of woolcraft, indie dyers, a huge amount of tops, yarn, craft, felt and spindles, spinning wheels and anything you need for your knitting,crocheting and crafting.
I will be there with an amazing amount of new exclusive wool blends and yarns, batts, felt and landscape and botanical natural dyes and so much more !!!
I will also have spindles by the amazing Bearded Dragon and lots of fibre tools as well from darning mushrooms to noste pinne, Turkish spindles, Navajo and Mayan spindles, Turkish spindles and needle cases to distaffs, and something amazing for spinners and knitters.
Get ready for a fabulous weekend filled with lots of craft and fun !!!
RABBIT ON !
((hugs))
Charly
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