The spring in New Jersey has been unseasonably warm and dry making the job of skirting fleeces and enjoyable experience. I was very fortunate to get a head start on skirting process when the sheep were shorn in March. With the help of my friends from the North County Spinners Guild, they were able to get the first round of skirting done. Careful handling during the shearing process is critical in keeping the fleeces clean. There is nothing worse than finding a clump of manure tags or hay in the middle of a fleece. I was lucky to have experienced friends helping out.
One of the reasons why I had so much help with skirting the fleeces was I had donated two of my Jacob fleeces for two sheep to shawl demonstrations.
The first one was held at the Leigh Valley Zoo on April 7, 2012. Jenny Jump Isabella’s fleece was so soft and spun up easily. The shawls will be auction off as a fund-raiser for the zoo later this fall. The second sheep to shawl demonstration will be held at the Easton Farmers Market on May 19. Hope to see you there!
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- Spinning yarn
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- Gaye spinning yarn
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- Fleece on skirting table
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- Ready to skirt
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- Elinor knitting the shawl
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- Jill plying yarn
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- Jean carding wool
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- Jenny Jump Isabella who donated her fleece
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- Jenny Jump Fria
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- Crocheting a shawl
