Tuesday, August 2, 2011

And Then They were Naked

Well, it's about time, I know. I've been meaning to shear the sheep since early June but for this reason and that I just haven't been able to do til now, er, one, two weeks ago? Life is a blur at the moment, so don't ask me. Anyway, they're done! I don't have electric shears, not that I would use them if I did, because frankly, they're scary. Maybe next year. I could have bought hand shears, they're cheap enough. But, they're kinda huge and I don't know what I'm doing. But, at least I can admit it, right? My thinking was, smaller shears are going to give me more control and maybe I won't end up taking a chunk of flesh out. Well, by 'smaller shears' I mean scissors, my mom's sewing scissors, to be exact. (I only have one pair and she has two! What?) As you can imagine, this was a painstaking job.
Painstaking! This is going to sound so ridiculous (it does to me, anyway) but each sheep took three and a half hours. Thank goodness I only have two! Rosemary was so blasted wooly! But, man was it gorgeous. Finn, bless his sweet heart... his will be good for stuffing dolls and pillows and things. And he fought us so hard. My poor mama walked out covered in hoof prints and bruises and cuts. But, they're done! (I wore gloves because miss Rosemary isn't wiping properly after she uses the restroom and.. ick.)
Finn, waiting his turn.
Look at that! It doesn't even look like the same sheep. I know they're so much more comfortable.
We learned a ton and hopefully next year they'll be less nervous and so will I.


He's a handsome devil, isn't he?

P.S. Go back one post and enter to win this sweet sprite!

Comments (14)

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Janet Cull's avatar

Janet Cull · 712 weeks ago

Do you think the sheep might be embarrassed by their new do? Did you ever wonder?
3 replies · active 712 weeks ago
I can't see how they wouldn't be! They know the chickens and ducks are snickering behind the backs. And do you know how shameful it is to be ridiculed by a duck?!

This Cosy Life

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I bet they're nice and cool! But unfortunately you weren't - 3 hours for each sheep? Hope that offers you much wool for knitting and other projects.
Seriously! Now, that was hot work!
This Cosy Life

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This is so cool, I dream of having sheep some day.
Ooo, I've dreamed of having sheep and sheering them. Maybe someday : )
You are awesome, Julie!!! That's all I have to say. That, and lucky you to have that wool. . .
For a myriad of reasns, we are putting off getting our sheep until next year- at that time I'm sure I'll be bugging you with questions!
1 reply · active 712 weeks ago
Bug away and thank you!

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look at all that beautiful wool! Id be a bit scared that id nip them with shears so i can understand why you would use scissors for a first try. Do you shear your angoras? Ive so far just been brushing mines fur out as much as possible but im wondering if i should shear him once the weather heats up
1 reply · active 712 weeks ago
Karen,
What kind of angora is yours? Mine are french. The germans won't shed their coat out so they need shearing, but you can 'pluck', by combing with a hair pick the french, english and satins. Though, I am going to have to shear my white buck as his wool felts like crazy and I'm having a difficult time keeping all the mats combed out. Don't know why since my female is super easy to maintain.

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You're amazing, though I truly do think you would be great with a pair of hand shears. Sewing scisors, lord help me!! If you can shear with them you'd be ace at hand shears. The wool looks gorgeous. I would love to have sheep one day. Bless your mama for helping out too.
1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago
Thank you for your vote of confidence, Stacey!

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You did a great job. I wouldn't have the nerve to do such a thing. The sheep look wonderful with their new 'dos.
1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago
Thank you! I'm really glad to have done it, now I know I can and don't have to depend on someone to come out and do it. That's a great feeling!

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