The Home Stretch

Well, with just the "home stretch" stage 20 from Sceaux-Antony to Paris tomorrow remaining, it looks likely after today's time trial where he finished 3rd, that Floyd Landis will be the winner of this year's Maillot Jaune at the Tour de France -- although, as they say, "It ain't over 'til it's over..." and given the many surprising turn of events throughout (and even leading up to) the Tour this year, we could still see Oscar Pereiro finish on top.  It's certainly turned out to be more exciting than I had originally expected...

I've been remiss in not putting up some pictures of the prize I'm donating to Le Tour de Fleece, but better late than never...

So, added to the already generous donations of those listed in the sidebar, I'm contributing a 250g box of Wellington Fibres Wellington Heather 50% Mohair / 50% Wool roving.  The quality of the roving coming from Donna's new mill is truly wonderful and really showcases the mohair from their Angora goats.  If you're going to be in the Elora area, try to drop by and have a tour of the mill and the shop.

Below are a few photos of the prize, to be awarded by random draw from all those who complete their Tour de Fleece goal.  The draw, for the Wellington Heather and the other prizes, will take place next weekend (the final weekend of July).  Each of the prize donors will be mailing out their own prize, but I'll draw from those registered on the tour and contact folks for their snail addresses and generally co-ordinate it all (Be afraid.  Be very afraid... :-)

The blog button for successful finishers will also be available by next weekend (along with some additional buttons to be announced).

   

I'd also like to announce an additional prize drawing, for those who purchase Tour de Fleece items from the shop on Café Press or who send me donations for Dyana Afghan Women's Fund (DAWF) through the "PayPal Donate" button in the sidebar.

The draw will take place at the beginning of August 2006, from all the people who either purchase from the shop (proceeds to DAWF) or send me a donation for DAWF up to the end of July 2006.

This prize is being given in honour of The Other's *ahem* 50th birthday today (he swears it's a typo on his birth certificate...), and consists of 100g of Fleece Artist hand dyed Wensleydale Top in the Sherbet colourway purchased from Robyn at Redbird Knits.  From what I've heard, the Wensleydale Top is forgiving to spin, making it an excellent choice for beginner to intermediate spinners -- at least I'm hoping that's true, as I've bought myself some in the Greens colourway to try out.

Onward to the end of the Tour!

Comments

[The Purloined Letter]

Finished! http://thepurloinedletter.blogspot.com/2006/07/champs-elysees.html

Thanks so much for this terrific adventure!

[KatyaR]

Thirty minutes tomorrow and I''ll make my goal! And I accomplished my mini-goal today as well by finishing the plying of two bobbins of superwash merino before Sunday. Photos and general rejoicing can be found on my blog.

http://www.plainsgirl.blogspot.com

Look out Finish Line, here I come!

[Helen]

Finished, literally, a minute ago. Does it count that I'm not going to be able to skein until after the end of the race?
Off to work now, but pictures will be up later.

[Wendy]

I think I am going to make it. I have half a bobbin of singles to spin and then plying the last 2 bobbins. I have the drum carded batt and a half ready. At the beginning of the week I didn't think I was going to finish on time.
Back to spinning

[hatboxrose]

Voila! I've made it to the Champs de L'Eysses! What a long hot, wet three weeks for me, and worth every bit. I spun over sixteen ounces and accomplished my first goal and a second. I am now a spinner for sure. Thanks Katherine for a great concept and to all the other participants, it's been great watching/reading about everyone's progress. Treadle/Spindle on!