Luba

I found Peter Hagerty when I was cruising the web, looking for instructions as to how to make a simple felted wool ball. Don’t ask me why I wanted to do this; there are just so many fascinating materials to work with, and so many cool things to do. You take wool roving—before wool is spun, but after it’s cleaned and combed—and you get it a little wet, add a drop of liquid soap, and you agitate the fibers until they lock together into a fabric. It’s not hard to do this—my dogs do it with their fur just by walking (minus the soap). And if you do it right, you get a cool little ball, suitable for cats, small children, models of the solar system. You can even put bells in the middle. This is what I wanted to try doing.

Anyway, I found Peter. And bought some felting kits. And then I found Luba. If you have a minute, the story behind peace fleece is interesting. And when you discover Luba, you have discovered a great treasure. I am now friends with a woman who lives south of Moscow. A woman who become a true folk artist. I own her black pulling horse, who I love. And I love Luba, too.

Peter called and said, “Write to her.” All those lonely hours in winter Russia. So I did. And we have sent pictures back and forth, and stories about our families.

I sent her this picture of Sophie and Rachel and Levi.

And two days later, she sent me this portrait, hand felted:

This little horse is a perfect portrait—from the look on the face to the paint spots, to the angle of the lifted leg and the neck and head. Sophie to the life, except that the felt Sophie is a cheerier red.

So Peter Hagerty set out to make a friend in Russia years ago. And because he did this, Sophie is now a red felt horse. And I know a woman in Russia who I think is a hero.

And you know what?  You could write to Luba, too.  The more friends she has, the braver and stronger her heart will stay.  Who woulda thought that cruising the web would turn up something like this?  So if you want her address, it’s on her site, or you can mail me.