Gulf Coast Sheep

Excited to work on two new fleece (fleeces?) from Laughing Frog Farm's native Gulf Coast sheep!

One of the patient and wonderful textile people in my life spotted an entire fleece at our local farmers' market last year. Laughing Frog Farm has a herd of Gulf Coast native sheep that are local to our area and have adapted to the heat and humidity since their arrival here with the Spaniards.

I imagine a spring shaving is very welcome to these guys, though the farmer did share with me that they need some extra TLC and a warmer nook when they're newly shorn.

So last year I purchased one fleece and spent the next six months putting together the skills to turn it into a sweater. You, too, can learn all about skirting, cleaning, carding, spinning, and knitting.... or you can follow my plan for this year: find a mill.

This year, I purchased two fleece and am in the process of sending them off to Oklahoma Mini Mill in Guthrie, Oklahoma. I tried to find a closer mill but nobody answered the email or phone, so OK it is.

I've done some skirting and cleaning and am now ready to pack it off. I'll receive back roving in bumps, which will still need to be spun. I use a drop spindle so that takes lots of time and I may look into sending the roving to a spinner.

Learn more about these lovely sheep HERE.