In this study we will procure 9 raw fleeces from sheep breeds that are not readily available in Alaska. The fleeces are primarily procured from small farms in England and Scotland. Many of the fleeces are from rare, conservation, and heritage breeds.
We will start with raw and unwashed fleeces, and learn the process to prepare the fiber for spinning. The preparation process includes washing, drying, and utilizing either a worsted or woolen preparation method. Once prepared, the fiber will be spun and brought to our next month’s meeting for discussion.
As you go through this process jot down your thoughts on the characteristics of the wool, what you are enjoying about working with it, and how it compares to other wools you have worked with. We will share this information with each other as we work collectively to learn more about sheep breeds in the broader world around us. Maybe you will find your new favorite!
To offset the procurement costs for the fleeces the workshop will be funded through a subscription program for guild members. Each guild member can chose their subscription and either pay monthly or once for the year.
| VFAG Meeting Schedule | Fleece Description | Weight Options | Subscription Cost |
| September 2024 | Jacob – British rare breed | .5 oz | $5.00 – Plan A |
| Oxford, United Kingdom | 1 oz | $7.00 – Plan B | |
| 2 oz | $10.00 – Plan C | ||
| October 2024 | Leister Longwool | .5 oz | $5.00 – Plan A |
| Virginia, USA | 3 oz | $7.00 – Plan B | |
| 6 oz | $10.00 – Plan C | ||
| November 2024 | Castlemilk Moorit | .5 oz | $5.00 – Plan A |
| Goshill, England | 1 oz | $7.00 – Plan B | |
| 2 oz | $10.00 – Plan C | ||
| December 2024 | Cotswold (lamb) – Heritage Breed | .5 oz | $5.00 – Plan A |
| Virginia, USA | 1 oz | $7.00 – Plan B | |
| January 2025 | North Country Cheviot | 1 oz | $5.00 – Plan A |
| Scotsburn, Nova Scotia, Canada | 2 oz | $7.00 – Plan B | |
| 3 oz | $10.00 – Plan C | ||
| February 2025 | Gotland | .5 oz | $5.00 – Plan A |
| Pennsylvania, USA | 1 oz | $7.00 – Plan B | |
| 2 oz | $10.00 – Plan C | ||
| March 2025 | Manx Loahgtan – British Rare Breed | .5 oz | $5.00 – Plan A |
| Oxford, United Kingdom | 1 oz | $7.00 – Plan B | |
| April 2025 | Dorset | 1 oz | $5.00 – Plan A |
| North Carolina, USA | 2 oz | $7.00 – Plan B | |
| 3 oz | $10.00 – Plan C | ||
| May 2025 | Boreray – Conservation Breed | .5 oz | $5.00 – Plan A |
| Kirkwall, Orkney, Scotland | 1 oz | $7.00 – Plan B | |
| Subscription Costs | Yearly Totals | ||
| Plan A | $45.00 | ||
| Plan B | $63.00 | ||
| Plan C total includes Plan B if | no 3rd option is available | Plan C | $81.00 |
Purchase Plan A
Purchase Plan B
Purchase Plan C
If you have questions, please contact our Workshop Coordinator at Retreatdiva@gmail.com. You can also come to one of our meetings.
VFAG Member Workshop Sheep Breed Study 24-25 handout
Breed Information Sheets