Adventures in Yarn Farming: Four Seasons on a New England Fiber Farm

I wanted info on raising sheep for the wool and found this book. The reviews were the reason I bought it. If you are looking for specific info on different breeds of sheep there are other books for that. This is just the experience of this woman. Very interesting read. If you are thinking of or just want to know more about raising sheep this is a great book. There is also great info on things you wouldn't think of. She uses little coverings on the sheep after sheering to keep the wool clean as it grows in. Which makes perfect sense but not necessarily something you would think about when deciding on whether to go into this life. It's definitely not a lifestyle you go into without thinking about all that goes into it. Lambing is a no rest period so if you don't like not sleeping don't do this. Farming in any capacity is not an easy life, but it seems to be a rewarding one. I also looked at this type of sheep raising because I would definitely name the sheep and it would be too traumatic to name something that was going to be on someones plate. Now I do like lamb to eat I just can't know it personally.I don't know if I'd ever get into raising sheep either on this scale or a smaller one, but if I do at least I have a pretty good idea of what I'd be getting into.I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone thinking of raising any livestock. The animals may be different, but the basics would be the same. It's not an easy lifestyle and definitely not for anyone who can't commit, it's not a 5 day a week job.

I decided long ago that I don't have the knitting gene so some may wonder why I would purchase a book about raising sheep for yarn. Good question... for this book is delightful for even those of us who do not knit.I love reading about how things are grown whether it is the food or eat or the yarn which was knitted into my favorite lavender sweater. And this book is the best I have ever read on that subject. The pictures alone would make it worth the read but the author shows a skill in writing as well as yarn farming.I thoroughly enjoyed reading each chapter as we are taken through four seasons of what it is like to raise sheep, especially those whose wool will be used for fine quality yarn. From the birth of the baby lambs, to the sheering of the wool, to what it is like to be a part of a community of farmers and growers, to the challenges of keeping one's livestock warm in snow and ice... this book kept me interested from the start to the end.And if you happen to be a knitter or know one, well then the icing on the cake has to be the beautiful patterns that are given.

I saw this book showcased on one of the many crafting shows I watch and knew right away I needed it in my library. I appreciate how Barbara incorporated the in's and out's of sheep farming with actual patterns for really pretty and usable projects. It's the perfect gift for that serious yarn crafter in your life. The author takes the reader through an entire year of what a sheep farmer must go through, carefully narrating the many aspects of being a sheep farmer. It's a dubious task indeed. I have a much greater appreciation for the farmers of our wool industry. I have an even greater appreciation for all the small farmers who don't make millions, but are in it for the love of the craft. I highly recommend this book.

Where does natural wool yarn come from? All your questions are answered here. The author lays out the process of raising sheep season by season and the subsequent processing of their fleece in lyrical language accompanied by beautiful photography. It will make you want to find a farm and start raising sheep yourself, that’s if you don’t mind all the hard work and dirt involved!

im so glad i bought this book! im not even done with it yet and had to write a review of how much i am enjoying it! I especially love all the great pictures that are included to help illustrate her stories. i am an avid yarnie and have been in awe of sheep and how yarn is created for awhile and this is a great book to help learn about what it takes throughout an entire year on the "yarn farm". the book even includes some patterns for cardigans, mittens, sweaters, etc. what isnt to like?! this book is beautiful from start to finish and a must have! it was well for the wait! :D

I have not read this entire book yet, but I have to say that I have really, really enjoyed what I have read. I am a spinner, knitter and sometimes weaver and my husband and I raise llamas. I can appreciate her love of the animals and fiber and only wish that I had the opportunity to be a full time farmer and live even a small part of her joy in the life she has. My hat is off to Ms. Parry, her joy, her hard work and this wonderful book she has produced.

Barbara Parry paints a vivid verbal picture of the background story of the production of the wool fiber and yarn that we knitters, spinners, weavers and dyers love so much. Parry obviously loves and cares for the sheep in her flock. I am amazed by the year-round daily chores and responsibilities entailed in sheep farming. Parry punctuates her story with vibrant photographs of the farm, flock and related activities through the four seasons of each year. Activities include knitting, weaving, and dyeing. Parry includes sample directions for those, plus a few food recipes. I LOVE this book! And I no longer cringe at the price tag on a hank of fine quality wool yarn. Knowing more about its production makes it worth every penny.

Even if you never plan to raise sheep, this great chronicle is a wonderful and informative walk through living on a farm. This is NOT a textbook! In the end you don't need to know a Merino from a Cheviot, but you will surely appreciate the author's vivid and earthy descriptions of the cycle of life when you actually live and work in an environment wihere you must tend to all of earth's gifts which sustain you. If nothing else, read the chapter on how they wean the lambs - oxymoron, I know, but it's heartbreakingly funny!

Excellent book so much information it was a joy to read

I have to admit that I bought this book because I loved the cover and I was curious to learn about how sheep are raised. I do not have any background in farming or working with fibers, I don't even knit, although the book includes some lovely knitting patterns.I learned a lot while reading this book, and I often find myself leafing through it because the pictures are so beautiful and inspirational.If you are the least curious about sheep and fiber production, this book is a great introduction.

Beautifully written book with awesome photos. The perfect way to get a full behind the scenes look at what goes into the process of making the yarn I knit. I definitely recommend this book.

A thoroughly enjoyable read! I loved the pictures, the knitting patterns and thoroughly enjoyed reading through the seasonal description of the sheep farm.

A fun book to read! Brought back many memories of raising sheep. Excellent service!