The 2011 Sheep Shearing.....

Actually this took place a week ago Saturday but this week has been a blur.......

Here are some pictures from the 2009 sheep shearing  and this is a video put together by Annabel's very talented son from the 2011 shearing. He did a wonderful job of catching all aspects of the shearing. The shearing has become an annual event for many. This year Annabel had people come from several hundred miles away. Everyone brings something for a potluck dinner, and it's enjoyed by all.  Many of the local spinners guild members attend and offer their handcrafted goods, as well as demonstrations of; cleaning, carding, spinning, felting, etc....

                                 Looking on as if to say, " Here we go again!"

            These are  very pregnant ewes and very heavy. Poor shearers are soaking wet by the time they
             are finished shearing all of the sheep.

            There is a method, first the belly is sheared, then starting with the legs they work their was
around until the wool is off.

                 Not smooth and pretty like being clipped for a show. Look at that belly!

                    Putting the fleece on the table to be gone over and cleaned up a bit.

           All manure, anything wet and hay/ straw are removed by hand picking and shaking.
            I've helped do this a couple of times but never know if I've done a good enough job
            or maybe I've taken away to much.

                         Once cleaned the fleeces are folded in half and roll up. This particular fleece was
                         sold at the day of the sale. The fleeces now sold to individuals are bagged in the large
                         tube bag in the video.

                      Thankfully it was a nice day in 2009 as well as, at this years sheering.
                     
                      Thank you Annabel and Paul for the pictures and the great video and allowing
                      us to share it on our blog..