Sheep Shearing.

First a photo of Maggie in a scarf made by Abby and a hat made by Abby and a tiny purse that Abby gave her. She's cute. Just had to put her in there.
But today was the sheep shearing at my favorite shepherd's farm. We got there a little before the shearer and so had time to visit with everyone. Last year they added some Scottish Blackface to their flocks. It's the first time I've seen these sheep up close and personal. They are smaller than I expected but when i think about it now I don't know why I was surprised. They are along the lines of the primitive breeds with their little horns and dual coat.

They are about the same size as an Icelandic. Stocky bodies and short legs. Their outer coat can be wiry but this flock is more on the medium side. the undercoat is nice but not as silky as Shetland. So cute.
And there were plenty of babies. Four of the ewes had twins but one baby died so there are 7 lambs and they are adorable. 5 ewes and 2 rams. One ram will stay at the farm and the other will be sold when he's old enough.

I have a fleece from the fall shearing of one of these moms in the webstore if you are interested in trying it out.
Then there's Sarah the Clydesdale. I love her. She has to bend down to sniff my head.
A mama Wensleydale with her 2 three day old lambs. Whenever I got closer than this she stomped her feet at me and looked very menacing. I think she could have hurt me so I kept my distance.
The shearer arrived with 1500 pounds of wool he had sheared that day. I wanted to climb into those bags. I didn't but I did pull out a lock. The crimp was lovely and I found out it was from a Shropshire Wensleydale cross....I wanted that fleece but it was not to be.

Everyone looks expectant.

The Jacobs are a little nervous.

The shearer gets right to work.

First most of the white Wensleydales are sheared. Then the blacks. Then the Jacobs. Blacks first then the lilacs. 22 sheep in all were sheared today at this farm.
Cy was the shearer and as far as speed of shearing he is ranked 3rd in the US. And he didn't disappoint today.
I was skirting along with Char who went with me to see all the excitement. This came home with me as well as a few others.
Naked Wensleys mix with the ones still dressed. they will stay dressed until after the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival.
Naked Jacobs are so cute.

It was a fab day and I can't believe that over 20 sheep were sheared, fleeces were skirted and everyone was going home in about 2 hours. Amazing. That even includes sheep jumping fences and sharpening blades!

There will be another shearing in mid March and we are thinking of having a party and inviting a few of you to play. Keep watching for details.