Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Outside the Wool Market Vendor Barn

If you think that going to wool market is all about the vendor barn, you are so wrong. There is so much more to enjoy on the grounds. It's a chance to roam through various barns, view unique animals, see contests, smell the fragrant air, and speak with many interesting people from different states and walks of life--all with one thing in common--they love animals and their fiber.
Poor little fellow! He looks so forlorn after losing his coat to the shearer.
We came upon this sheep under the shearer's shears--just plain scissors. She says she cuts the coat twice a year. Now, we stop to visit with this interesting lady.
Eighty (yes 80) years young from Potosi, Missouri. We were viewing her lovely angora goats or Mos that were in the four pens along the front walkway. We commented on her wonderful sweater with goats knitted along the bottom hem. She said that since the weather had been so chilly and she hadn't brought any warm clothes with her, she went to the thrift shop in town and found two sweaters, this one included, for $1 a piece! Can you believe??? After wool market and her return home, she was having heart surgery--now, can we say that she has a true love of animals and fiber.
Up close and personal on angora goat or 'mo'. Below, more of the wonderful ringlet goats.
To show their animals worthiness, ribbons are proudly displayed on gates and fences.
Give a look at this big dude--Rambouillet breed. He was quite regal and wearing his finest coat.
Walking through the aisles you might come upon an owner exercising their alpacas.
In the arms of this new owner, was two week old alpaca.
Okay, just a short detour--off to the side entrance is another smaller tent where bags of fleece are spied! Look at this gorgeous alpaca fiber!
Owners were picking up their fleece after judging. Of course, the question was asked "were any of the fleeces for sale?" Nope, all sold or have intended purposes--ah, shucks!
Nervous animals are place in a true headlock as their owners wash and shear their hindlegs before judging.
Seriously? Yes, suris dominate the show.
We visited with this vendor who was using her loom frame to knit her suri fiber. She had made several scarves and other wearables with this frame. She said she didn't like to knit but loved this form of creating lovely handmade items.
Exiting the one tent, we notice that the rain had stopped but the skies weres till dark and gloomy looking.
On the grounds we find a baby yak being fed. Just like any baby, he moved when his photo was to be taken. There was also a small herd in one of the front outside pens.

Estes wool market is a great place for youngsters to participate and display their showmanship.
The next blog we were discuss the sheep to shawl contest.

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