Our farm is located in central Missouri. We run a cow/calf operation of angus cattle. The farm has been in my husband's family for over a hundred years, and at one time, the farm sustained over 400 sheep. (As seen in the photo above). As ownership has been passed down, cattle replaced the sheep.
After we were married, and came to live on the farm, I began dabbling in fiber art. I first learned how to crochet from my aunt. And then I learned to knit. I was exposed to beautiful yarn that was handspun, and It was all downhill for my husband after that! I was fascinated by the thick and thin yarn and loved the idea that I could create my own. I began taking classes and workshops and learned how to spin wool on a spinning wheel. Then I learned how to weave on a rigid heddle loom. I started dreaming about owning a little fiber flock to feed this addiction that was forming. Looking back now....it seems appropriate that my college degree ended up being in agriculture with a minor in art!)
Our flock began with 3 registered American Miniature Cheviot ewes which we acquired in 2013. I chose that breed to start with because of their size. I thought the smaller stature in sheep would be easier for my daughter and I to handle as we were first starting out. We also didn't have as much pasture we could allot to the flock because of the cattle, so the smaller breed allowed me to retain more sheep per acre. I loved the idea that I could dye the white wool any color, but I also loved the beautiful natural colors some sheep produced as well. I did some research on smaller, natural colored breeds and decided that Shetlands were the best for what I wanted to accomplish.
In 2014, I contacted Nancy from Barakel Farm about purchasing a few Shetlands to grow our flock. She graciously offered to lease us some of her breeding stock for two years so that I could get started in the wonderful world of shetland sheep! They have quickly become my favorite breed and have the most beautiful colored fleeces and such pleasant demeanors! I bred the Cheviots to a Shetland ram and they gave me some pretty cute cross breeds called Shetliots. Although by appearance they favor the Cheviot breed, I am hoping some of the Shetland fiber traits have been passed down to these little cuties. I have purchased a Shetland ram lamb from Belle Manor Farm who will come to live with us this fall. He will be the stud ram for all the lambs that were born this spring. It should be interesting to see what next year's Shetliot lamb's fleeces will be like!
My initial goal was to be able to create something from scratch...Something completely handmade. It is very satisfying for me to be able to help bring a little lamb into this world. To care for it, love it, and in return, it provides me a bountiful harvest. The spiritual aspect of working with one's hands and every little fiber is magnified when you know the name of the sheep the wool came from. The finished product makes the sweetest gift as well.
Blessings to you,
LeAnn
After we were married, and came to live on the farm, I began dabbling in fiber art. I first learned how to crochet from my aunt. And then I learned to knit. I was exposed to beautiful yarn that was handspun, and It was all downhill for my husband after that! I was fascinated by the thick and thin yarn and loved the idea that I could create my own. I began taking classes and workshops and learned how to spin wool on a spinning wheel. Then I learned how to weave on a rigid heddle loom. I started dreaming about owning a little fiber flock to feed this addiction that was forming. Looking back now....it seems appropriate that my college degree ended up being in agriculture with a minor in art!)
Our flock began with 3 registered American Miniature Cheviot ewes which we acquired in 2013. I chose that breed to start with because of their size. I thought the smaller stature in sheep would be easier for my daughter and I to handle as we were first starting out. We also didn't have as much pasture we could allot to the flock because of the cattle, so the smaller breed allowed me to retain more sheep per acre. I loved the idea that I could dye the white wool any color, but I also loved the beautiful natural colors some sheep produced as well. I did some research on smaller, natural colored breeds and decided that Shetlands were the best for what I wanted to accomplish.
In 2014, I contacted Nancy from Barakel Farm about purchasing a few Shetlands to grow our flock. She graciously offered to lease us some of her breeding stock for two years so that I could get started in the wonderful world of shetland sheep! They have quickly become my favorite breed and have the most beautiful colored fleeces and such pleasant demeanors! I bred the Cheviots to a Shetland ram and they gave me some pretty cute cross breeds called Shetliots. Although by appearance they favor the Cheviot breed, I am hoping some of the Shetland fiber traits have been passed down to these little cuties. I have purchased a Shetland ram lamb from Belle Manor Farm who will come to live with us this fall. He will be the stud ram for all the lambs that were born this spring. It should be interesting to see what next year's Shetliot lamb's fleeces will be like!
My initial goal was to be able to create something from scratch...Something completely handmade. It is very satisfying for me to be able to help bring a little lamb into this world. To care for it, love it, and in return, it provides me a bountiful harvest. The spiritual aspect of working with one's hands and every little fiber is magnified when you know the name of the sheep the wool came from. The finished product makes the sweetest gift as well.
Blessings to you,
LeAnn
