Healthy Fleece, Healthy Sheep: Managing Your Flock for Milling Success
Healthy Fleece, Healthy Sheep: Managing Your Flock for Milling Success
Instructor: Jessica Schwab
Day: Friday Afternoon
Time: 2:30pm - 5:30pm
Hours Required: 3 Hours
Maximum Students: 18
Total Class Fee (includes $0 materials fee): $71
Location: Pavilion
Class Description: Join Sarah Pope from Oak Knoll Farm/San Juan Wool Works in Friday Harbor and Jessica
Schwab from Skagit Woolen Works in Mount Vernon to talk all things fleece! Sarah
manages a mixed flock in the San Juan Islands, and is known for her high quality fleece & yarn. Jess has operated a small fiber processing mill with her business partner since 2022 and has lots to share about their experiences in making everything from wool pellets to batting to premium quality yarn. Their combined experience and high standards for quality will make this a great opportunity for beginning fiber producers & processors.
First we'll look at flock management, health, and other tips for creating the best fiber possible from your flock. Then we'll look at how to make your miller happy - what the mill looks for, how to achieve a high-quality end product that customers will love, and more.
This hands-on class is aimed at new shepherds or established ones looking to improve their fiber. Also ideal for fiber artists regularly purchasing raw fleece and anyone interested in diving deeper into the wonderful world of breed-specific wool!
Required Skills: none; best for folks with or considering getting fiber animals, or those in the fiber processing industry
Students Should Bring to Class: notebook & pen for notes
Supplies Provided by Instructor: raw fleeces for examination, finished product samples