Shepherds are faced with two choices: almost give away the wool clip to the cooperative, or develop a niche market.  Longwool sheep and an interest in fibre arts prompted the decision to try the later.

(more…)

From the sheep to the skein involves a series of steps that haven’t changed much over the years. Most shearing is now done with power equipment rather than scissors, and washing machines do aid with water extraction but the rest of the process remains the same.

The fleeces that grow on the lambs from birth in February to shearing in October, and that of some of the mature sheep, ... Read more