I T I N E R A R Y | S H O R T H O P S
Island Fibers on Lopez Island How two local artisans support island agriculture through the Slow Fiber Movement .
Skeins of dyed yarn hang on a tall drying rack , displaying the rich colors Maxine and Debbie create . Below , sheep wait to be sheered at a small farm on Lopez Island .
THERE ’ S A RURAL BEAUTY TO Lopez Island , a slowness that ’ s earned it the nickname ‘ Slowpez .’ This is thanks in large part to the generously flat terrain , where gently rolling hills are studded with farms and speckled with artisans . While the locally grown offerings are diverse — including beef , pork , and berries — the quaint 29.5 square-mile agricultural community is perhaps best known for its sheep .
Lopez Island wool products , in particular , are heralded throughout the United States and beyond for their exceptional quality and beauty . This is in no small part thanks to Maxine Bronstein and Debbie Hayward , founders of Island Fibers .
The couple know not only the island ’ s sheep farmers , but the individual sheep . They track how much wool each sheep produces , its individual crimp and luster .
“ The farmers here are excellent . They really look after their flocks , giving
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