Shepherds' Extravaganza

Shepherds’ Extravaganza

I’m Lacy Gray with Washington Ag Today.

The Shepherd’s Extravaganza is going on today through Sunday at the Washington State Fairgrounds in Puyallup during the Puyallup Spring Fair. Every year the Shepherds' Extravaganza showcases local and national sheep breeders, wool growers and craft vendors. Shepherd’s Extravaganza workshop coordinator Amy Wolf talks about this year’s workshop lineup.

WOLF: We have a “shearing on your own” class if you’re interested in learning how to undertake the art of shearing. Then we have a couple of classes that are around how to spin wool - from the beginning part when you buy it raw, to the finished product of actually making yarn. And then we have a knitting class, and an introduction to genetics- the different colors of sheep.

There will also be live demonstrations on how to prepare wool for spinning and even what to do beyond spinning. Wolf explains.

WOLF: Beyond spinning - how to weave, how to knit, how to crotchet. And there’s several different ways of spinning fiber either from the drop spindle or from traditional medieval type spinning wheels, and even some very new style spinning wheels, such as the electric spinning wheel.

Vendors will also be on hand supplying those folks who are interested in spinning and knitting, and sheep in general with fiber and fiber art type products.

Wolf will be back tomorrow to talk about a special treat this year for those attending the Extravaganza - The Northwest Gaelic Association from Seattle will be demonstrating the ancient art of waulking wool.

Back after this.

I’m Lacy Gray and that’s Washington Ag Today on the Ag Information Network.