Our Maine Street's Aroostook Issue 28 : Spring 2016 | Page 56

Shepherdess
Reflects on
Spring
by Sandi MacDonald

Ahhh, spring in Northern Maine.
No one looks forward to the signs of
spring more than us Yankees who have
endured frigid temperatures and lots
of snow. This winter was easier than
most, but a farmer feels the stirring of
a new season before many residents.
We even have been know to throw a
shovelful of snow onto patches of bare
ground to hasten the melting.

decide what weight of yarn I want for
my knitting /weaving projects, plus
what the customer will desire. I carry
different weights of yarn, so once
again record keeping is important.

Nightly barn checks occur during the
last month of pregnancy. At each 2:00
A.M. check I am always amazed at the
stars and the peacefulness. As I quietly
approach the barn I pray: “Please
At Spring Valley Farm in Bancroft God, no lambs tonight.” I have been
(located in Southern Aroostook) we doing this for over twenty-five years
have mixed feelings. The leisurely days and think nothing new can happen.
of just feeding the sheep along with WRONG! Especially at 2:00 A.M.
the wood stove are coming to an end.
The knitting/ weaving of projects will Yarn arrives in hanks. Always a thrill
slow down, and items made will be to open a box and smell the yarn.
placed in our shop.
Spring means replenishing the dyed
yarn. The first batch that I will dye
First item of spring business for a will be from the young ferns. This dye
sheep farmer is the appointment of is a unique and beautiful green. It is
the sheep shearer. I prefer this to be such a busy season that I never have
done in late April BUT the ram got time to make an ample supply. There
loose! I expect at least three ewes are is a lot of satisfaction in using natural
pregnant. Sheep shearing is exciting dyes, but they must be harvested at
and busy. After each sheep is sheared, the proper time.
a number that coincides with their ear
tag is added to each fleece. This act Visitors and customers arrive during
enables me to grade the quality of the summer and fall. Ninety percent of
fleece.
people think what an idyllic life. I too
think that thought during the long
Within a few days I will “skirt” the winter months as I am enjoying the
fleece. The fleece is spread out, dirty heat from the wood burning stoves,
parts removed, crimp checked, and the preserves served during the meals,
given a grade. Fleece may vary year feeding the sheep the hay that was
to year due to health, lambing, etc. harvested during the hot summer days
By keeping yearly records, I get an and, of course, knitting/weaving with
accurate account of fleece, if the ewe our beautiful, soft Rambouillet yarn.
is a good mother, and other pertinent Ah, yes spring. The heart, body and
information. The last step is put the soul awakens as we start a new cycle of
fleece in cardboard boxes, take to life. It really is a blessing to be a sheep
post office and mail to Vermont to be farmer.
spun into yarn. During the winter I
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SPRING 2016

To learn more about Spring Valley Gift
& Yarn please log onto Greater East
Grand Lake Chamber of Commerce
as well as our Facebook page @Spring
Valley Gift & Yarn.