Working on a trade

Lambing season is coming up. That means more sheep, and I already have one more ewe than the four I want to keep for breeding. Someone needs to go, and sooner rather than later. Although various people have expressed interest, I haven't had success actually selling anyone. And Braveheart needs to come out of the breeding pen.

From somewhere the idea sprang. Would anyone have a wether with nice fleece and personality they would like to trade for Bella? It wouldn't reduce my total numbers, but it would give me a companion for Braveheart and I would be rid of a sheep I have never "clicked" with and least enjoy. So I posted an ad to the NW Shetland List; a response came right away. Another small breeder with only moorits and blacks would LOVE to add an Ag grey ewe to her flock, and she has a scurred black yearling wether she's willing to trade. Even though I didn't say so in my ad, I've been wanting a nice black fleece in my flock to work with! So we're working on a sheep swap, and I'm rather excited about it.

This is Willard. I'm not sure when he will make the trip south from Washington (since she's getting the reproducing end of the deal, his breeder is going to do the driving), but hopefully it will be before lambs arrive.

In spinning news, I have finished the natural-colored U.S. Merino from Kathy's sampler pack, and am ready to start on the white Blue-faced Leicester. Kathy sent me an even number of light and dark fibers, so I will alternate them on the bobbin to make separating them for self-plied yarn easier.

That's it for now at . . .