Sheep & Wool School: Fiber Processing for Funsies! - Amy Ross Manko - Fri. 8/8

Friday, August 8
10:00am - 1:00pm (3 hours)

About the Class:

Ever gone to a fiber festival, somehow blacked out and found a fleece in your car when you got home? Have you wondered a fleece show and seen an inexpensive fleece and thought "it's so cheap! I could totally process that myself!", only to shove it in the garage because it was a daunting task and you lost your nerve? Join us as we discuss the what, where and how of fleece selection, and then practice scouring wool together. We WILL likely get wet, so wear old clothes, but we WILL have fun discussing methods for scouring and getting confident with the process of removing lanolin without accidentally creating felt. Students are encouraged to bring samples of fleeces in their collections to discuss with the class. Have a problem fleece you're trying to save? Maybe we can help! Just need someone to ooo and aaaah over it so you get motivated again? We can do that too! Seriously, bring a chunk of the fleeces you have!

About the Instructor: Amy Ross Manko travels the country (and now the world) teaching, researching and writing about her favorite topic - Rare Breed Sheep! You may know her from her feature series in PLY Magazine too – “Sheep on the Edge” or her breed profiles in the U.K’s KnitNow magazine. When she’s not on the road, spreading the gospel of critically endangered livestock, she’s managing her historic farm with her son Drew, which raises 9 breeds of heritage and rare breed sheep, as well as cattle, draft horses, mini-donkeys and poultry. She is the owner of Ross Farm Mercantile Inc and provides love and shelter to homeless fiber equipment in her small fiber studio in Hudson, Ohio.

Skill Level: Beginner

Homework: None

Required Materials:

• Clothes and shoes you don't mind getting a little dirty/wet, a sample of fleece (if you have one) and a love of wool!

Please note - Marketplace tickets are not included in the class price and will need to be purchased separately. You can find marketplace tickets here.

In order to allow our instructors to prepare for their classes, we are not able to refund class purchases if your plans change. However, we are happy to transfer them if you find someone to take your place!