Maryland Sheep And Wool

Hey Friends! Sorry I've been MIA for a while, but I've had a busy couple of weeks doing lots of fun things. I promise to share all of them with you. First up is the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival which took place the first weekend in May. According to the website it's a festival that "is sponsored by the Maryland Sheep Breeders Association, Inc., a non-profit organization. The Festival's purpose is to educate the public about sheep and wool." [Hence, the name Sheep AND Wool] So not only are there a ton of vendors selling yarn, but you can also see the cute little animals that produce it. Don't worry none of the animals are harmed during the production of yarn, so it's one of the more sustainable methods of clothing production. I'm a knitter, so this was like knitting heaven for me. Pictures below!

Of course there were plenty of sheep to be seen. I just love the sort of "What up" expression on their faces.


Along with adorable little lambs. So cute!


It was a hot day so I was kind of glad to see their coats shorn and have some relief from the heat.


Close up!


There were a ton of people spinning the yarn into wool as well. It took all of my will power to not pick up spinning as a hobby.


I had to use that will power again to not take up weaving. A girl can have only so many hobbies.


Just a sampling of the yarns available.


And some more. Heavenly.


Of course you can produce yarn from other animals too. Including alpacas...


...and baby bunnies! Of course the bunny yarn was the first to go, so it was long gone by the time I got there. The bunnies themselves, however, were still hanging out and taunting me with their cuteness. Pictured is Sam from Thistle Down Alpacas.


There was also a felt yurt that you could go into. It was surprisingly cool in their and provided a nice escape for the hot day.


The yurt from the inside.


They day ended with an impromptu junk band concert by the kids.


Overall, it was a great day. And while this post is not really fashion related, it's a good chance to reflect on where our clothing comes from. That wool sweater* you're wearing was once on a sheep. Think about it.

*Ok, maybe your aren't wearing the sweater right now since it's almost 80 degrees, but the principle is still the same.