Programming
In creating Wool Works, Catherine and Tammy's intention was to offer the general public - as much as the fiber enthusiasts - an opportunity to understand, not only the science of wool, but its stories and what it takes to make it happen.
Keep on reading to discover all the wonderful programming they have put together for your learning and viewing pleasure!
Learning Stations
Under the Microscope – Have you had a close-up look at wool?
Wool is the most commonly used animal fiber. Under the microscope, the wool fiber looks like a long cylinder with scales on it. The fiber is very curly and springy. At Wool Works, you’ll have a chance to get a good look at the variety and unique characteristics of this most commonly used natural fiber.
Weaving – For 12,000 years, humans have been laying threads at right angles to create woven goods, from clothing to shelters and everything in between. Try your hand at weaving or observe to mark the progress throughout the day with vendor Kathleen Fitzpatrick of Tie Up Textiles answering questions and sharing knowledge.
Wool Breeds Around the World – Did you know there are more than 1,000 distinct breeds of sheep? Learn about the wooly wonders themselves by visiting our illustrated and educational posters around the Weave Shed.
Briefly introduce yourself and share something interesting with website visitors. Double click to edit the text.
Demonstrations
Waulking Wool: All Hands On Deck
In this interactive demonstration, you’ll have the chance to help create a ‘living pelt’ of wool. The ‘fulling’ process which finishes blankets and other wool creations requires physical work which everyone can join in on. Tammy White and Lou Bilbe will guide and teach about the ancient technique of felting.
Wool + Natural Dyes
A rainbow of color can be made on wool using pigment from nature. Study the variety of hues and differences of fiber presentations, learn about the plants and other natural stuffs that are adapted for dyeing as well as region-specific foraging and color.
Briefly introduce yourself and share something interesting with website visitors. Double click to edit the text.
Presentations
12 – 1:00 - The Science of Wool: Panel
David Ritchie from Green Mt. Spinnery, Catherine Clark from Brooklyn General, Siri Swanson from Yankee Rock Farm, and Jeri Robinson-Lawrence of Flying Fibers will share their perspectives as industry leaders through design, retail, processing, agriculture and education in the world of wool. Led by Moderator Tammy White of Wing & A Prayer Farm.
1 – 2:00 - Everything but the Baa
Join shepherd and shearer Siri Swanson of Yankee Rock Farm to learn all about shearing, why it’s important, and what we do with all that wool fresh off the sheep. Dig into fleeces of common breeds that call New England home to look and learn about crimp, strength, luster, diameter, color, and how it translates into yarn. While we can’t get any members of the flock to demonstrate themselves, we’ll bring you everything but the baa!
2 – 3:00 - British Sheep Breeds
Jeri + Irina Robinson Lawrence of Flying Fibers in Lancaster, PA have been raising British Long Wool Breeds for more than 20 years. Join Jeri as she gives a detailed presentation about these Heritage Breeds from which many have been introduced to the Americas.
3 – 4:00 - The Cost of Farm Yarn
Tammy White, co-author with Char White of The Cost of Farm Yarn, pub. 2019, Taproot Magazine, will guide you through the beginning, middle and end of taking the fiber from sheep to shawl. Learn about the back story of the yarn on your needles, not just from your Local Yarn Shop or Festival to your home.
4 – 5:00 - The Science of Soft: Micron Count
Lower microns, softer fibers – higher microns, coarser fibers....we’ll discuss the range of softness, what it’s good for, and how it happens. Let’s deep dive into why your sweater is soft, or not! Tammy White and Jeri Robinson-Lawrence lead this presentation with time for questions.
