NEXT MEETING: TUESDAY, SEPT 29, 7PM
PROGRAM: THE EVOLUTION OF WOOL , Understanding Fleece from Mountain Goat to Merino with Judith MacKenzie [sadly not in person, but in a great DVD Video] As a kick-off to our Sheep Breed Study this year, Judith on video takes us on a journey not only through the history of the sheep, but also from cut end to tip end of the all important wool staple. We will learn: How individual wool fibers grow Why fleece has changed over the millennia What differences have developed between wild ancient sheep, primitive breeds, and improved breeds What makes some wool soft, some silky and some itchy Also this month: Vilija Deutschman talking about Dorset Horn Sheep and Dorset Down Sheep The Sheep Breed Study Most of us are already somewhat familiar with the "luxury" wool fibers such as Merino, Rambouillet, BFL, Romney, Columbia, Corriedale, and the various crosses. Many times when spinners buy already prepared fiber for spinning, it simply says "wool" or "Merino X [cross]...