Sheep (at least my Shetlands) are funny little creatures — they will fight me when I catch them and bring them to the shearing stand, fight when I put their head in the chin rest, then stand (more or less) still for the shearing process. I have a few that will get fussy, but it must feel good to have that 3-5” of wool removed because they settle down once they realize this isn’t going to hurt.
Shearing isn’t easy work, but it gives me some “one on one” time with each animal that I may not get when they are out on pasture with the flock. It’s a good time to check the overall health of the sheep by looking at their fleece. Each fleece is different depending on the age and gender of the animal. Soft, coarse, crimpy, wavy, more or less lanolin, long or short wool — so many ways a fleece can turn out. I’ve already finished shearing 4 sheep, and Faline, one of the yearlings I did today, has some super-soft fleece that is about 4-5” long. I’m looking forward to spinning it – it feels amazing.
Faline’s sheared fleece – such a beautiful color!
I love to watch the flock after one of them has been shorn — they all cluster around that one, sniffing from front to back, making sure it’s the same sheep they knew before. Once they’re satisfied that this is not a new sheep, but their friend, everyone goes back to grazing. And I understand — that sheep looks remarkably different missing 4-6” of wool!
Once all the fleeces are in, the next phase begins. I will pull off the unusable bits (which are usually around the neck, the belly, and the rear end) and start the cleaning process. Then comes the spinning into yarn, and finally knitting or weaving something beautiful!
THE GOOD LIVING GUIDE TO KEEPING SHEEP AND OTHER FIBER ANIMALS
This book serves as a comprehensive and inspiring full-color guide to small-scale fiber farming and wool crafting, from selecting and raising sheep and alpacas to shearing, sorting, combing, and spinning. The proper care of fiber animals leads to a superior yarn product. Lapses in good care can show up in the fleece. As the demand for quality yarn and fiber grows, more people are becoming concerned with the animals’ treatment and care. Give your animals a good home and a happy life, and enjoy superior fleece and yarn products for your own homestead or to sell.
Find it in the GRIT Store or by calling 800-978-7464.
