Favorite sources for wool:
- Marlene’s Felting Madness: Especially for felters! This shop is amazing — felting supplies, felting kits, felting tools, wool — beautiful wool, and tons of information. What I love most about this site is that it’s all about felting! Yes, things can be spun, but it’s first and foremost felting! I love the project pages with instructions and detailed information. Wow. I looked at Marlene’s work — it’s beautiful! Solid construction, great designs, fun colors!
Black Twig Farm: Just a few hours from my home in Richmond, Virginia, and you’ll be in Crozet. This farm is home to weaver (and chef and wedding cake maker!), Rachel Willis. She and her husband have a lovely herd of Navajo-Churro — a breed with a most interesting history. The wool from the Churros has a bit more structure; I feel it is very well suited for larger puppets and for scenery. The fleece is available in eight different colors (just off the sheep — not even dyed!). There is also a bulky weight yarn available in a variety of plant dyed colors.
- Misty Mountain Farm: Located in Charlottesville, Virginia, this is a lovely place with a knowledgeable staff, fabulous selection, books galore, workshops, and more! Someday I hope to have a reason to try out some of the raw materials for the natural plant dyes they carry! I purchased my Strauch Wool Carders here while at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival in 2010. Love the fact that this place is almost local to me (OK, it’s a bit of a drive — but not too bad!).
Heidi, Maggie, and the "Enchanted Forest" Wool
- Maggie’s Farm: I bought some fabulous wool (a blend of Leicester, angora, mohair, and alpaca) from Maggie at the 2010 Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival. It was dyed in a color blend (I loved so many of her dyes!) called “Enchanted Forest.” We are using it in the staging for our new show, “Little by Little.” Maggie has her own flock; I must confess that I love meeting the actual people who care for sheep. Maggie also sells handmade soaps and these great bags called “Bundaflicka” bags that you can store a ton of stuff in!
- Earth Guild: Based in Asheville, North Carolina, this place has it all! Great quality wool and tons of supplies! Did I mention quality? Discounts given for large purchases! Instructions sheets are available for downloading on a wide variety of topics!
- Paradise Fibers: A family owned and operated 10,000 square foot brick-and-mortar shop is located in Spokane, WA. Their farm is located just outside of town with 50 head of furry friends. Their website has lots of materials to choose from and is a great place to get started. The website is full of all kinds of tips and instructions!
