A lady knits sweaters from dog hair

Judith: I was a big knitter once. I don't think I'm particularly talented. All my skills were based on relationships, counseling, and giving advice. Now it's hard for my poor little fingers at the moment.

I raised and raced Samoyed dogs for years. They are gorgeous big, white, fluffy dogs.

Interviewer: How do you get into that?

Judith: Well, I've always liked dogs. I'm a dog person. We had them growing up.

Knitting got me into Samoyeds because Samoyeds have long fur and a long coat. You comb it from the dogs and knit it. So, I did a lot of knitting with Samoyed hair. People found out about it. I've made yarn out of Pomeranian hair, Husky hair, and Afghan Hound. It is really hair, not fur. So, a lot of people brought me hair from their dog’s sheddings and I spun it up in the yarn. Boy, does it make warm clothes. That's why dogs never freeze to death. You wear a coat made of dog hair, and you will be warm for life. 

I did train the dogs to race. That was fun. 

Interviewer: That seems very interesting. I would have never thought to make a sweater or yarn out of dog hair.

Judith: The hair’s got to be long. I had a spinning wheel. You can make a double-ply string. It's amazing. 

I used to demonstrate spinning it at the Burlington Mall. It would always draw in a crowd of people. Once a little boy said,” Lady. You're spinning the hair from the dog. Is that right?” 

I said “Yes.” 

“The hair is in the bag?”

“Yeah, it is.”

“When do you shave them?”

(Chuckles) I don't shave them. They just shed, and I collect it. I always had one of the dogs with me and sometimes the puppies. I enjoyed that. It was fun. 

Interviewer:  Now, do you feel that it is harder to pick up new hobbies?

Judith: I mean pushing 90, I don't think I’m going to get into a new hobby. The arthritis in my hands isn't too bad -- but a new knitting project I’m not sure if I could take it on. I'm not sure I would finish it. I don't like starting things I don't finish. 

I don’t think I ever took on a paid or volunteer job that I didn't completely finish. Got to finish what you start. I don't drop things once I take them on. 

Retirement means change - but you don't just drop things if you take responsibility.