It’s really nice when a close friend surprises you. Not that anyone would really say, “WHAT?!” when hearing that Ambika is capable of turning angora from her bunnies into hats. That she even has bunnies, knows where to get them, is bunny breed savvy and builds their cages. Or that she lives in an old creamery and can make the best cured/smoked meat out of her boyfriend’s deer hunt (ok, well maybe that). Ambika’s is talented in many more ways than I know. What surprised me was the work that goes into creating these pieces and the patience, attention to detail and heart she does it with.

A summarized description of this process or what I learned from her:

1. Buy 7 angora bunnies, some German some English. Each bunny = roughly 2 hats. Make a garlic something remedy for the sneezing bunny who hopefully won’t pass his cold to the others. Wait 3 months until wool is long.

2. Place your bunny on a tall table and groom until poo and straw free.

3. Sheer bunny. Careful not to nip it but if you do, don’t worry, bunnies have an extra layer of skin that doesn’t bleed.

4. Use brushes to begin a process called “carding” to create “rolags”. Using a wrist motion I can’t describe, pass wool from one brush to another until wool is layered and fibers are in the same direction. From one end carefully roll wool off brush. That’s the rolag.

5. Take the rolag and feed into spinning wheel. Don’t let it twist and feed evenly. Ever wonder why the yarn that goes from thick to thin is less that the even yarn? Even isn’t easy.

6. Transfer yarn from spindle to ball winder. Crochet hats and many other items that will be warmer and stronger than cashmere.

I realized something while watching her. Real art and true creativity isn’t really accomplished or appreciated until you fully understand what you do. My meditation teacher once said something about getting more out of mastering one thing than being just ok at many things. Well done Bobby.

Once Ambika and her Friendly Furs business is in action I will hopefully be wearing one of her gorgeous creations while posting an update. In the meantime, if you’re super lucky you might be able to get a tour or even take a class on her farm near Rhinebeck, NY.