Another week has flown by !
It has been a full on two weeks of just dyeing the August clubs for this month. I made it extra hard for myself just using natural dyes, in the theme of the medieval tapestry artwork that inspired the club : the Apocalypse tapestries currently on display in Angers in France. All the club members will of course receive a full bio of the artists and history of the artworks and more. It’s been a wild ride to get every pigment prepped the fibres blended and all the dyeing and drying done. (It’s been a bit cold here so the the whole place has been filled to the brim with fibre and yarn drying..lol) Th epacking was of course another thing and all the extra bits and pieces added to each and everyones club membership which is often something that is either made here or packaged here…) In short: it was a gargantuan task to get everything out this week! All the club parcels have been shipped this morning and immediately it is time to start the September club ! and all the blog updates coming up !!!
Paul has been a tremendous help! He has done all the running around getting all the parcels posted and the shopping to keep me energized … lol With the travel restrictions in Victoria still in full force , I still haven’t ventured out of our property. I think I am starting to believe I am one of those prisoners given house arrest……lol
Not doing too bad though ! I can honestly say that at no time have I been bored or in extreme distress…..I think I do miss catching up with some good friends for a drink and a dinner out somewhere..not having to cook..you know…the little things. All in all, I am doing pretty well and keeping myself extremely busy. I always believe there are people out there doing it way worse than I am. It grounds me. Thinking about how to make life better for other people less fortunate or who are dealing with so much loss at this time gives perspective and compassion. So, please , if you are feeling lost of have a need to talk to somebody: you know you can reach me through facebook , email or Instagram. I know its not like chatting in person, but I am here for you if you need me.
The fibre on offer is from a very rare breed of deer from Korea (and England..don’t ask..lol) …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 , 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.
It has been a full on two weeks of just dyeing the August clubs for this month. I made it extra hard for myself just using natural dyes, in the theme of the medieval tapestry artwork that inspired the club : the Apocalypse tapestries currently on display in Angers in France. All the club members will of course receive a full bio of the artists and history of the artworks and more. It’s been a wild ride to get every pigment prepped the fibres blended and all the dyeing and drying done. (It’s been a bit cold here so the the whole place has been filled to the brim with fibre and yarn drying..lol) Th epacking was of course another thing and all the extra bits and pieces added to each and everyones club membership which is often something that is either made here or packaged here…) In short: it was a gargantuan task to get everything out this week! All the club parcels have been shipped this morning and immediately it is time to start the September club ! and all the blog updates coming up !!!
Paul has been a tremendous help! He has done all the running around getting all the parcels posted and the shopping to keep me energized … lol With the travel restrictions in Victoria still in full force , I still haven’t ventured out of our property. I think I am starting to believe I am one of those prisoners given house arrest……lol
Not doing too bad though ! I can honestly say that at no time have I been bored or in extreme distress…..I think I do miss catching up with some good friends for a drink and a dinner out somewhere..not having to cook..you know…the little things. All in all, I am doing pretty well and keeping myself extremely busy. I always believe there are people out there doing it way worse than I am. It grounds me. Thinking about how to make life better for other people less fortunate or who are dealing with so much loss at this time gives perspective and compassion. So, please , if you are feeling lost of have a need to talk to somebody: you know you can reach me through facebook , email or Instagram. I know its not like chatting in person, but I am here for you if you need me.
The fibre on offer is from a very rare breed of deer from Korea (and England..don’t ask..lol) …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 , 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
+/- 50grams 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!!
June Club
June Club
Note to all International club members:
All international club parcels are now being shipped with tracking and expedited.
There is an option if you want all three of your clubs to be shipped together to save on shipping cost: Just ask me for a postage quote !
There is only a very very VERY limited supply!!
To order: email or message me on facebook, Ravelry or Instagram, quoting the colourway and the quantity you would like, together with your postal address and I will get right back to you with all the payment details.
To become a club member just email me on ixchelbunnyart at gmail dot com or message me on facebook or Instagram. More on how to order the clubs and anything from this update later in the blog in the section “how to order”
IxCHeL club sign ups for October-November-December are open !
Here are some photos of the previous clubs , and the teaser of the other clubs. I will be posting the july and august club photos this weekend on instagram and facebook !
June ClubJune ClubNote to all International club members:
All international club parcels are now being shipped with tracking and expedited.
There is an option if you want all three of your clubs to be shipped together to save on shipping cost: Just ask me for a postage quote !
IxCHeL Fibre Club October, November and December 2020
The subscription is for a period of three months and you will receive one special hand dyed and special blended top/roving per month
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 #45 and receive your special hand dyed top :)) for three months (October, November and December 2020) is AU$78 + postage (parcel post or airmail). AND there are good value double and triple serves available !!!
For Australia : single serve $78+$30 postage (parcel post), double serve $150(save $6) +$30m postage or triple serves $225 (save $9!) + $30 postage
For New Zealand : single serve $78+$45 postage (parcel post) double serve $150(save $6) +$45 postage
For New Zealand : single serve $78+$45 postage (parcel post) double serve $150(save $6) +$45 postage
For USA + Canada: single serve AU$78+AU$60 (Airmail) double serve AU$150+AU$60; triple serve $225 (save $9) + AU$60postage
For UK,Europe, rest of the world: Single serve AU$78+AU$78 (airmail) Double serve AU$150+AU$78; triple serve $225 (save $9) + AU$78postage
For Asia: Single serve AU$78+AU$57 (airmail) Double serve AU$150+AU$57; triple serves $225 (save $9) + AU$57postage
If you want to receive a fibre surprise every month then join the IXCHEL FIBRE CLUB #45 now. Numbers are strictly limited ! The October 2020 Club is going to be shipped out end of October. the November club mid Novenmber and the December club early December. Payment via direct deposit or credit card or paypal. Just PM or email me your details.
The IxCHeL Yarn Clubs July, October, November and December 2020
Every month for three months (October, November and December 2020) 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); 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 $96+$30 postage (parcel post) double serve $177( save $15!!) +$30 postage
For New Zealand : single serve $96+$45 postage (parcel post) double serve $177( save $15!!) +$45 postage
For USA + Canada: single serve AU$96+AU$60 (Airmail) double serve $177 (Save $15!!) +AU$60
For New Zealand : single serve $96+$45 postage (parcel post) double serve $177( save $15!!) +$45 postage
For USA + Canada: single serve AU$96+AU$60 (Airmail) double serve $177 (Save $15!!) +AU$60
For UK,Europe, rest of the world: Single serve AU$96+AU$78 (airmail) Double serve $177 (Save $15!!) +AU$78
For Asia: Single serve AU$96+AU$57 (airmail) Double serve $177 (= Save $15!!!) +AU$57
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 October 2020 Club is going to be shipped out end of October, the November club mid November and the December club early december. Payment via direct deposit or credit card or paypal. Just PM or email me your details
IxCHeL Funky Bunny Batt Clubs July, October, November and December 2020
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 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 October, November and December 2020
Price to join the IxCHeL Funky bunny for three months is :
For Australia : $114+$30 postage (parcel post)
For New Zealand : single serve $114+$45 postage (parcel post)
For USA + Canada: AU$114+AU$60 (Airmail)
For New Zealand : single serve $114+$45 postage (parcel post)
For USA + Canada: AU$114+AU$60 (Airmail)
For UK,Europe, rest of the world: AU$114+AU$78 (airmail)
For Asia: AU$114+AU$57 (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 October 2020 Club is going to be shipped out end of October, the November club mid November and the December club early December. Payment via direct deposit or credit card or paypal. Just PM or email me your details.
To become a member just email me on ixchelbunnyart at gmail dot com or message me on facebook or Instagram. More on how to order the clubs and anything from this update later in the blog in the section “how to order”
To order: email or message me on facebook, Ravelry or Instagram, quoting the colourway and the quantity you would like, together with your postal address and I will get right back to you with all the payment details.
IxCHeL Tweed fingering weight yarn
Super soft lambswool 70% and Kid Mohair 30%
Spun singles, fingering or sock weight yarn
+/- 200meters/218yards
50grams 1.76oz
AU$16
Great Barrier Reef
Leafy Seadragon
Flying Fox
Airlie Beach
Sea Mist
Amethyst
Kata Tjuta -sold out-
(an intense pure red that goes well with the Kookaburra and the Wattle and the Amethyst colourway and soooooomany others)
Kookaburra
(a beautiful silver grey with ochre accents that complement the dingo colourway)
Dingo
( A beautiful warm honey ochre with pops of royal bluebell, kingfisher and kangaroo paw)
Grevillea
(a gorgeous raspberry base with pops of royal bluebell, flowering gum, grey and daintree)
Fern Forest
( a deep forest green with accents of bright red, dusky purple and daintree) )
Jacarandah
( a fabulous deep purple with accents of royal bluebell, daintree, grevillea and kingfisher )
Wombat
( a fabulous deep walnut brown with accents of dingo and kookaburra)
Kangaroo Paw
( a fabulous warm orange with accents of fern forest, royal bluebell and grevillea and dingo )
Royal Bluebell
( a deep blue with accents of flowering gum, kookaburra and fern forest )
Wallaby
( a warm light brown with accents of soft blue and kookaburra)
Daintree ( a soft green with accents of fern forest and dingo)
Kingfisher
( a fabulous Turquoise blue with accents of fern forest, kangaroo paw, Jacaranda and Grevillea)
Want to dye your own with easy to use acid dyes? I have been selling these Landscape dyes at my workshops and shows for a long time : They are extremely easy to use and come in great shades.
Wattle
(A beautiful sunshine yellow that goes so well with the kookaburra the silver grey)
(A beautiful sunshine yellow that goes so well with the kookaburra the silver grey)
Kata Tjuta -sold out-(an intense pure red that goes well with the Kookaburra and the Wattle and the Amethyst colourway and soooooomany others)
Kookaburra(a beautiful silver grey with ochre accents that complement the dingo colourway)
Dingo( A beautiful warm honey ochre with pops of royal bluebell, kingfisher and kangaroo paw)
Grevillea(a gorgeous raspberry base with pops of royal bluebell, flowering gum, grey and daintree)
Flowering Gum
( a gorgeous medieval warm red with bright red, kookaburra and fern forest accents)
( a gorgeous medieval warm red with bright red, kookaburra and fern forest accents)
Fern Forest ( a deep forest green with accents of bright red, dusky purple and daintree) )
Jacarandah ( a fabulous deep purple with accents of royal bluebell, daintree, grevillea and kingfisher )
Wombat( a fabulous deep walnut brown with accents of dingo and kookaburra)
Kangaroo Paw ( a fabulous warm orange with accents of fern forest, royal bluebell and grevillea and dingo )
isn’t it gorgeous how the Kangaroo paw knits up?! )
Royal Bluebell ( a deep blue with accents of flowering gum, kookaburra and fern forest )
Wallaby( a warm light brown with accents of soft blue and kookaburra)
Daintree ( a soft green with accents of fern forest and dingo)Kingfisher ( a fabulous Turquoise blue with accents of fern forest, kangaroo paw, Jacaranda and Grevillea)
Landscape dyes
100g tubs AU$12
250 g tubs AU$27
250 g tubs AU$27
Just contact me with the name of the colour you are after and I will get right back to you.
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 !!!
How To Order:
1. You can email me on ixchelbunnyart at gmail dot com 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.
Keep your eyes out for any news on the
ixchelbunny Instagram feed and the IxCHeL facebook page!!
RABBIT ON !
((hugs))
Charly
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