12/13/2024
December 12 marks ten years of owning Gotland sheep! The past decade has been full of adventure from the moment our first Gotlands arrived. We were the first to bring Gotlands into Vermont and the second farm in New England. From the second we off loaded our new sheep, it's been one adventure after another.
There are so many highlights, so many people, so much learned over these ten years. Here is just a glimpse of what fills my heart to overflowing today:
1. Knitting with Gotland wool and Still River Mill which has worked alongside me to work their magic on our wool to process the best product possible. Working with knitwear designers near & far.
2. Our trips to Gotland island where I first saw 100% Gotland sheep and met some lovely Swedish shepherds who poured out their love of Gotland sheep through stories.
3. The honor of shepherding and being shepherded by such a gentle breed of sheep.
4. Time spent with amazing felters in my studio as we worked with Gotland curls.
5. Sharing our sheep with all of you through sheep shows.
6. Expanding my knowledge of fiber arts and then putting some of our Gotland wool into your hands at festivals.
7. Being a part of the 100% Swedish Gotland embryo import team and watching a long time dream come to fruition as we start our 100% flock of Gotlands.
8. Embracing Prinsessa, our first embryo ewe lamb, from whom our little 100% flock continues to grow.
9. And this fall having the honor and blessing of watching Prinsessa's 100% ram go on to win Reserve Champion Ram at the Big E affirming the lovely Gotland qualities and standards these embryo lines are bringing to now not just my own flock but to others as well.