This year I am planning to make my wool lock scarves lighter and shorter. I was wearing a collar style, wool lock scarf to fairs. I was wearing that one because I had messed up on one of my longer scarves and I made that one work. But customers were always complimenting the scarf I was wearing and asking if I had more of them. So this season I’m giving the people what they want. Look for them at coming fairs and email me if you are interested. Each one is unique and so very special!
I usually have all the sheep sheared in June and have done so since I got them 6+ years ago. This year, under the advisement of my wonderful shearer John Sanchez, I had them sheared in April. This has given me a 10 month growth coat instead of the regular 12 month growth. I have lost a considerable amount of length in my locks because of this. In some cases up to 3″ less.
I am concerned that hand spinners won’t be as drawn to these locks now because they are shorter staple. Even though I have to say they are the cleanest fleeces I have ever gotten from my flock. I will be selling the washed and picked locks as I have before online at my Etsy store. I am interested to see how these shorter locks do compared to the long ones of last year.
If they are as well received I might like to move even to two shearings a year to get cleaner wool and more of it from my fiber sheep. But I also definitely want to keep my hand-spinning and fiber enthusiast customers happy. I will post the responses I get. Fingers crossed.
Plum Blossom Farm