‘Sheep to Shawl’ begins Sunday at Tilth Farmers Market


May 8, 2012 · Updated 5:19 PM 

The revitalized Sunday Tilth Farmers Market is planning a “Sheep to Shawl” event beginning Sunday, May 13 and continuing the second Sunday of each month from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. until October, for a total of six Sundays of fiber.

The first step of the process, sheep shearing, starts at 11 a.m., May 13. Constance Wiseman will demonstrate how Whidbey sheep are shorn each spring producing raw fleeces for island hand spinners and felters.

After Wiseman completes the shearing, hand spinners will sort the fleece, discarding parts that are too dirty or have too much vegetable matter, such as straw, weeds and seeds.

The discarded wool can be an effective mulch around fruit trees. Visitors will also see Whidbey alpaca and llama fleece, maybe even mohair from goats at each stage of the summer fiber event.

Mark your calendars: May 13, shearing; June 9, washing and dying; July 8, carding; Aug. 12, spinning; Sept. 9, weaving, knitting and crocheting; Oct. 14, finishing garments.

Email Molly Peterson at flyingfennel@gmail.com with questions.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.

So keep your comments:

  • Civil
  • Smart
  • On-topic
  • Free of profanity

We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters. We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please refer to our Terms of Use for full detail on participating on our site.