This weekend we
attended the Michigan State Rabbit Breeders Convention held at the university’s
pavilion in East Lansing. This was the
first show I have been able to attend and participate in in quite a while. While I didn’t show any rabbits, I did bring
two skeins of handspun yarn to show at the Michigan Angora Club’s
Wool/Skein/Garment contest. This is an
opportunity I try to partake in every year as it gives me a chance to not only
see how my handspuns compete but also to view other fellow angora owner’s
workmanships.
The contest was
well represented with over 40 entries – the most they have ever had. There was a nice array of colors and textures
throughout the display.
I entered two
skeins of fine, single ply angora. The
first skein is from my smoke pearl French Angora. This was drop spindle spun and weighs
approximately one ounce. It received
Best in Show skein as well as a blue ribbon.
The second skein is from a chocolate agouti rabbit and weighs approximately 1.25 ounces. This skein was drop spindle spun as well. I actually completed this one around August and exhibited it at the county fair where it received a blue ribbon and Best in Show. At this contest it received reserve in show and placed second (to my smoke pearl skein). I was very happy with the achievements and look forward to participating in the club’s contest next year.
The second skein is from a chocolate agouti rabbit and weighs approximately 1.25 ounces. This skein was drop spindle spun as well. I actually completed this one around August and exhibited it at the county fair where it received a blue ribbon and Best in Show. At this contest it received reserve in show and placed second (to my smoke pearl skein). I was very happy with the achievements and look forward to participating in the club’s contest next year.
As for rabbits,
we exhibited some Lionheads. On Show A
Blossom Acres’ Midnight Blizzard received Best of Breed and Best of Variety,
taking a grand champion leg award with him. Blossom Acres' Cornelius and Elizabeth's Edgar also received Best of Variety in their colors. Show B Blossom Acres’ Avalanche took Best of Breed and Best of Variety,
while Show C he received Best Opposite of Breed and Best Opposite of
Variety. He now has 2 GC Legs in his
name. In both Show B & C Blossom Acres' Cornelius received Best of Variety as well.
I acquired two
beautiful rabbits for my breeding programs.
The first is a lovely chestnut agouti doe with high rufus
modifiers. She just turned 6 months old
and already weighs in at 8 pounds. This
young girl has some filling in to do yet but is nice in the body and wool now,
so I have great expectations for her.
I also was able to
acquire a stunning New Zealand White buck for my lone doe. He is built like a rock – so solid, and so
typey. He just turned an intermediate
and weighs in at 9 pounds so I have no worries that he isn’t going to be on the
bigger end, which is one of the goals I was trying to maintain in my herd.
I plan on
breeding my French Angoras – Galaxy (a REW) and Mouse (a chestnut agouti) this
week. If my New Zealand buck displays
breeding interest he will be mating to my doe.
These babies should be available in June.
Hope everyone
else is faring well in this bitter weather!
Spring is around the corner so I have hopes for warmer weather.