Saturday, May 30, 2009

Sheep and Wool Festival

Saturday, May 30, 2009
This afternoon we went to the sheep and wool festival at Farm Country in Thanksgiving Point.  It was quite educational as I learned a few things I didn't know about sheep.

They produce in their wool, natural lanolin, otherwise known as "wool fat."  I'm sure most of us know that lanolin is used as a base in cosmetics, lotions, soaps and ointment; however, I did not know it's used as a lubricant to prevent corrosion and rust and preserves leather.  Boats also use lanolin to create a slippery surface so that barnacles cannot adhere themselves to the propellers.  

The gentleman who was shearing this sheep (above) said you can't get more fresh lanolin than that (see my hand....lanolin grease).  

Also, sheep are sheared once a year.  To clean the wool, it is placed in very, very hot water....surprisingly, it comes out quite white/yellow and clean, ready to be woven into yarn.



0 comments:

LinkWithin

Blog Widget by LinkWithin