Sheep and Wool Camp

This month I journeyed to Manitoba, Canada, to learn more about the wool industry from two of Canada’s experts, Anna Hunter and Christel Lanthier.

A rainbow of colors achieved with natural dyes in Anna’s dye studio.

Anna has literally written the book about the Canadian wool industry. The True Cost of Wool is a transparent look at the cost of raising sheep and processing wool. Ever wondered why some farmers charge over $30 for locally grown wool? Read that book!

Previously a yarn store owner, Anna now runs Long Way Homestead, where she has a small flock of Shetlands and a wool mill.

Anna’s flock feasts on hay.

Christel’s farm, Ferme Fiola Farm, is a mile down the road from Anna’s. Together, they run a nonprofit, Fibre & Farm, dedicated to teaching aspiring sheep farmers, mill owners, yarn dyers, and craft enthusiasts about the history of the wool industry and the benefits of domestic wool production.

Throughout the week, both women taught me so much. On day one, we walked the land and learned about soil regeneration and the need to diversify plant and animal species for the health of the land, as well as the remarkable role sheep play in the process.

Next, we learned Sheep 101—how to care for sheep, the importance and timing of shearing, and what it is like to manage lambing season. I had no idea that sheep hooves have to be trimmed like finger nails! Christel told us about her adventures in breeding her flock, a motley crew of Rideau Arcott and Rambouillet.

The mill at Long Way Homestead

The most exciting day for me was the day we spent in Anna’s wool mill. We each got hands-on experience using the various machines, the picker, carder, spinner, etc. My biggest takeaway was the owning a mill is absolutely doable. If Anna can do it, why not me?

Christel demonstrates a method for dying with indigo.

Finally, we spent the last morning learning about natural dyeing. We picked coreopsis and scabiosa flowers from Anna’s dye garden. We prepared dye baths and tried our hand at dyeing with five different natural dyes, including Japanese indigo, cochineal beetles, and madder root.

Overall, my experience at Sheep and Wool Camp has reinvigorated me to start The Wool Project and has given me invaluable experience in the wool industry.

Sheep and Wool Camp has also given me the confidence that I can make my wooly business dreams a reality!