This workshop will explore fiber preparation, from skirting a newly shorn fleece, to carding techniques and everything in between. You will explore different breeds of sheep and how the care and health of a sheep affects wool quality. You will learn how to wash a fleece and how to use both hand cards, and a drum carder to create wonderful batts for felting or spinning. You'll leave this workshop with the confidence to purchase and process your own fleeces. Best of all, you don't need to know how to spin to appreciate this workshop, although by the end of the retreat .... you'll want to learn!
The Sachem Farmhouse Bed & Breakfast, overlooking Lake Waramaug provides the ideal venue for this weekend workshop. Guest rooms are elegantly decorated with fine antiques, comfortable reading chairs, and luxurious beds. A leisurely breakfast featuring fresh eggs from the farm and local produce is included in every stay. Here you can take time to enjoy the pastures and sheep as you learn about working and living on a small fiber farm. You may want to spend your free time knitting on the porch that overlooks majestic Lake Waramaug, take a stroll down a country lane or explore the ring road along the Lake by bike. Nearby bucolic villages provide endless shopping and restaurants for dining. As an added bonus, Hopkins Vineyard is just up the street for wine tasting and vineyard walks.
Arrive at 2:00pm (Early Check-in offered, with time to relax and unwind)
Spend the afternoon knitting or spinning on the porch.
5:00pm-6:00pm Complimentary Wine Tasting featuring local wine from Hopkins Vineyard.
Dinner on your own (there are many fine area restaurants to choose from or, get take-out and eat by the lake)
Saturday, June 11
8:00am-9:00am Breakfast on the porch
9:30am-12:00pm Morning Workshop
Different Wools
- Discuss different types of sheep wool
- Discuss other available animal fibers, i.e. angora, llama, etc.
- Discuss animal care and health of fleece
- Selecting fleeces and hands-on skirting
12:00pm-1:00pm Picnic Lunch by the sheep pasture
1:00pm-3:00pm Afternoon Workshop
- Fiber Preparation
- Discuss methods for cleaning wool
- Hands-on washing a fleece
Sunday, June 12
8:00am-9:00am breakfast on the porch
9:30am-12:30pm Morning Workshop
- Hand Carding Wool and creating spinning rolags
- Using a drum carder to blend and create fibers into wonderful
batts for spinning and felting
12:30pm-1:30pm A "working" lunch on the porch if extra time is needed for carding.
Check-out will be extended until 4 pm for those who would like to explore the area or enjoy the lake front.
Fiber Preperation Workshop Weekend Special June 10-12
Lodging cost: Friday & Saturday night, (breakfast included)
$535.00 lake view room with private bath (accommodates two, $40.00 for 1 additional person on rollaway cot) (CT state occupancy tax included)
$335.00 shared bath room (accommodates two) (CT state occupancy tax included)
Workshop fee $175.00 (lunch, afternoon tea & materials included) Accommodations and workshop availability are limited.
For workshop registration and reservation requests: Phone (860)-868-0359 Email: info@thesachemfarmhouse.com http://www.thesachemfarmhouse.com
