1st sample of dog wool made into hat ...

The first sample of spun dog fur (the mixed GSD fur) which produced a yarn rather like a slightly fluffy DK.

Coarser & thicker than I really wanted, I decided it was ideal for a knitted ribbed hat - this is the result (left as finished - right with brim turned up).

NOTE: Colour differences re yarn & hat are result of photography

Using Dog Fur ...

Over numerous years, I have collected 'combings' from our long-haired German Shepherd with an intention to use it in some way.  Having a double coat, generally after combing, the contents looked like this close-up:

Over a 14 year period, I had collected over 1.5kg & decided to get some of it spun (click here to find out details) after sorting the 3 main colours of the fur into light, medium & dark shades:

Light fur - generally from belly, inner legs & 'GSD trousers'

Medium fur - main body sides & ruff

Dark fur - upper back

Apart from knitting the yarn, I also intend to make some of it into felt.

Kaleidoscope patchwork ...

I've finally finished this Kaleidoscope patchwork sample. Initially begun a few years ago, the last triangle was finally added.

In total 7 different fabrics were used: 3 patterned, 1 stripe, 3 plain.

Unfortunately there was only sufficient fabric for the sample hexagon - made from 6 triangles (as below).

7 strips were made randomly, then joined together to form a triangle. 6 triangles were then joined to form the hexagon above.

It was a "surprise sample" begun to see what happened when patterned fabric was formally patchworked together. The result was very inspirational!

Lace mesh in progress ...

 A 'lace' mesh is also underway - more details @ the Stitcherydoodaa studio

Mess or mesh !!! ...

Some scraps & off-cuts have been free machine embroidered to create a 'mesh' - other images can be viewed if you click here