Whidbey’s dyed-in-the-wool sheep farmer

A mix of Romney and Romeldale sheep of all shades roam the farm’s acreage.

By Kira Erickson • May 16, 2025 1:30 am

When someone asked Katie Whitlock where she’d rather be if not behind her computer doing statistical research, she responded, “In a field with sheep.”

A few years later, she was able to leave her day job behind in Seattle and began building her flock after moving to South Whidbey with her family.

Five years later, about 50 sheep call the Windy Indigo farmstead in Clinton their home.

“Might have gone a little overboard there,” Whitlock said with a laugh.

A mix of Romney and Romeldale sheep of all shades roam the farm’s acreage, moving together like a mottled cloud, soft “bah”s permeating the still spring afternoon air. A few break from the herd and approach with curious eyes, willing to let their thick, curly wool be patted. Two sheepdogs stand protectively nearby, ensuring that nothing, especially not a coyote, harms the flock.

The mothers wear blankets, protecting their wool from the elements. Sheep at Windy Indigo are shorn yearly, and their fiber is made into various uses, such as raw wool prized by spinners. Some of it is processed and turned into yarn at Skagit Woolen Works. Other material is dyed every color of the rainbow with Kool-Aid, resembling cotton candy. The latter use is best for crafting projects, such as needle felting.

“Whatever you can imagine, you can create,” Whitlock said.

In a world that’s becoming increasingly reliant on synthetic materials in clothing, Whitlock is a big fan of natural fibers. She recalled the strange, itchy maternity clothing she had that was like wearing a plastic bag.

“I have a dream which is wool on every person and in every house,” she said. “I don’t know if we’ll get there. It’s hard to compete with fast fashion.”

She also hopes to create community with The Flock, an online platform accessible through her farm’s website, windyindigo.com. For $15 a month, members can join a weekly coffee chat, watch lambing on the livestream and access an online shop discount code, among other things.

“There are a remarkable number of sheep on the island, but we’re all sort of separate,” she said, acknowledging that because it isn’t a high-profit activity, it can be difficult to connect with others who have jobs outside of tending their flocks.

For those who are considering adopting some sheep, Whitlock has put together seven helpful steps. Growing up with a mother who was a spinner, she has been around many sheep farms in her life. At Windy Indigo so far, she has sold some of her sheep as livestock and others for meat.

Last year, Whitlock started selling at the South Whidbey Tilth Farmers Market. This year, Windy Indigo Farm and Fiber will sell eggs, veggies, pastured lamb CSA shares, wool yarn and knit wares, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Sunday. Whitlock is assisted in her business venture by husband Scott and their kids. Their daughter loves chickens and sells eggs under the Immortal Hen brand.