Before beginning any large project it’s worth doing a practice run or sampler. I intend to make a large sheep shaped door stop so making a smaller version that could act as a paper weight seemed a good idea. First the resist.
The silhouette looked good so I began the laying out. The black for the legs is black Shetland and the body is White Welsh.
It really needs some texture don’t you think? These Blue Faced Leicester curls are the perfect scale for smaller items, I have some Cotswold fleece I’m keeping for the larger version.
Once it was off the resist and beginning to shrink I decided to add a few facial details. I’m not entirely sure that trying to needle on eyes and mouth on wet wool whilst standing up was a good idea. Definitely not one to repeat unless I want a crazed or cartoon type face on the larger door stop.
The shape has worked out very well so all I need is a larger version for the door stop. I would change the ‘legs’ section of the resist to make it much deeper. The extra depth would allow for the fact that it needs a large area to stand on to keep it stable. It will of course be weighted but a stable base is essential.
I didn’t add ears but I’m not sure it needs it, what do you think?
Oh he is is gorgeous – I love the way he is wistfully looking out of the window. I think at that size, you could have a whole flock!
I love it. The curls have worked so well. Personally I’d love to see it with ears. I think you could create a rare breed flock! Maybe a Herdwick with her lovely teddy bear face and ears next. No pressure!