Sheep Shearing Day

I thought perhaps I was nuts to agree to help on sheep shearing day at Lisa's farm this year as the forecast was for humid and 30 C. Well it was humid, but it was only about 24 C. It turned out to be a great day!

A couple of other fibre friends, Helen and Donna, joined me on this adventure. We arrived at 8am under a smoky sky and a blood red sun. Rather ominous!?  

Louis, the shearer, was already there getting into his sheep shearing shoes that are like hunks of thick leather slippers. They give him good grip and keep him from hurting a sheep if he accidentally steps on an animal. Also, there were, friend Val and Lisa's daughter Jessica. 

Jessica and Val rounded up the sheep and put them into the shoot. Louis would take one from the shoot and shear it. Donna, Helen and I helped direct the shorn sheep towards Lisa who would needle them and tag them if necessary. Donna, Helen and I would then gather the fleece in plastic bags. 

Amid all of this chaos, Jessica and Val would gather up lambs to doc tails and castrate males with elastics. We each got to enjoy some lamb cuddles!!

The various animals ready to be sheared.  Not sure why there is a calf here too??!!

Jessica ready with the first two sheep in the shoot.

Louis putting on his sheep shearing shoes.

First sheep to be sheared.  It is interesting to see the sheep get very docile when it is placed on its back.

Val and Donna getting a lamb cuddle.

My turn for some lamby love.

Helen enjoying a cuddle.

Gathering bags of fleece.

Docking the long tail with an elastic.

The outside of the fleece is dirty, but you can see the white undercoat.

This sheep is part Cotswold.  Its fleece hairs are long and kinky.  Perfect for spinning!!

The yellow colour is the lanolin.