Sheep to Scarf event a success
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Wet weather did little to dampen the enthusiasm of those taking part in the Sheep to Scarf event at the 157th Northern Maine Fair.
Photo courtesy of Pam Sweetser
LORRAINE FLANNERY and Stephanie Winslow model the scarves they knitted from wool yarn produced during the Sheep to Scarf demonstration at the Northern Maine Fair in Presque Isle.
“The event went very well and we anticipate an even better year in 2012,” said Pam Sweetser, event coordinator.
Despite the drenching rain, Sweetser said the festivities took place as planned.
“We managed to shear two sheep, wash, pick, card and spin the wool to make enough yarn to knit two scarves and provide the weft yarn to weave an additional two scarves — even had a bit left over,” said Sweetser, who washed, carded and spun wool during the four-day activity.
“Peggy and George Allen headed up the shearing, carding and spinning phases. Lana McCurry and some of her 4-H youngsters helped out, with Lana shearing one sheep,” said Sweetser.
Lorraine Flannery and Edie Greiner were the primary knitter and weaver, according to Sweetser.
“Stephanie Winslow also produced a knit scarf. Waneeta Wilson, Robin Donovan and others joined members of the audience each evening and enabled us to transform raw fleeces into yarn,” Sweetser said.
Sweetser said plans are already being made for next year.
Photo courtesy of Pam Sweetser
EDIE GREINER sits at her loom, weaving a scarf with wool yarn processed during the Sheep to Scarf demonstration at the Northern Maine Fair.
“The Sheep to Scarf event went very well; we’re looking forward to doing it again next year. It’s a great opportunity for local artisans to share their knowledge with those interested in learning the process of turning fleece into wool,” said Sweetser.
