Value-added…

“Value-added” is a common buzz word these days. It typically means getting every last bit of profit available out of your product. 

Having added sheep to our farm this year I was a bit curious to explore all the possibilities. I was presented with an exciting opportunity to attend Fiber Mania last weekend.

Fiber Mania is a gathering of folks who represent the entire scope of fiber production, starting with the breeding and raising of animals (yes, live animals—  llamas, alpacas and angora goats on display); the folks who shear, clean, process, and dye the fiber; those who spin and make yarn; and on to the ladies who use looms to weave masterpieces; and the crafters who turn simple fiber into art—they were all there.

You may wonder what all that has to do with sheep. Well, my two favorite Jacob sheep farms hosted one of the many vendor booths. I got to see first hand what amazing things can be created from sheep, and also the many ways wool can be used creatively.

Cooking healthy and nutrious lamb meat was my original goal. Let me share some of the many other value-added options I witnessed this weekend.

First up Mud Ranch, Joan was selling pelts and fleeces:

I fell in love with this pelt! It is not the usual Jacob sheep color pattern of white with dark spots or patches but beautiful none the less, and WARM too!

Next up a beautiful fleece—it was sheared, skirted and bagged. It now awaits sorting, washing, and processing. I loved the many color variations in this fleece. That covers the basic right-from-the-sheep options, now onto to some of the many other possibilities.

This is where work transitions into FUN!

Next up at Kenleigh Acres, Shannon had an amazing assortment of items. Just to name a few: lovely felted bags, nuno felted scarves (gorgeous), felt covered soap, craft supplies and kits, pillows, how-to books, and more.  My favorite picks:

Kits for making needle felted sheep and needle felted flowers. The sheep are adorable as you will see in the next photo.

Yes I loved a whole herd of them home with me. The picture does not do them justice.

No fiber event would be complete without attending one of the many beginner to advanced level classes offered. My choice was beginning needle felting. You use processed wool, and a long needle with barbs on it to craft just about anything you can imagine. This day I learned the basics of ladybug sculpting. 

Value-added is not only financially rewarding, but at times can be most enjoyable on a personal level as well. To Joan and Shannon, thanks for a wonderful day!

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