Wool Breed Study: Shetland

This course is for spinners/knitters/crocheters! When registering for this class, please designate whether you are a spinner, knitter, or crocheter after your name on the signup page. 

Shetland Sheep produce an amazing variety of fleeces whose colors range from white to gray and browns to black.  They are considered a heritage/primitive breed because they have been around for 1000 years.  The fleeces can be dual coated which tend to be coarser, but others are so soft they are next to skin soft.  Whatever you are looking for, there is usually a Shetland fleece that will do the trick. We will discuss the history of Shetland Sheep and their evolution (or lack thereof).

This class is for both spinners and knitters or crocheters 

The spinners will prepare a washed fleece to spin with hand combs or a drum carder and spin samples. Each spinning participant will receive two different samples of Shetland Sheep Fleece to take home.

Supplies needed for spinning: Spinning wheel, 3-4 bobbins, a lazy kate, drop or supported spindle. Please bring wool processing tools if you have them.

Spinning skills needed: Must be able to spin singles and ply yarn.

The knitters or crocheters will prepare swatches and begin creating a project of a hat or shawl. Each knitting or crocheting participant will receive wool to create swatches and a project.

Knitter or Crocheter skills and supplies needed: Must be able to knit or crochet basic stitches, cast on/bind off.

Class Minimum: 3 students