A few months back, I was contacted by the folks at Ross Farm about hosting a trunk show. I had seen their yarn at Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival and was intrigued by the single breed yarny goodness that they sold. But it was the caller ID that grabbed my attention most – the number was from Washington County, PA…where my father’s farm and many other of our family farms are located. When I asked where they were calling from, Amy responded “Pittsburgh.” I said, “yes, but where?” She said: “Washington County.” I replied, “Yes, but where?” I then explained that our family was from that area, and we realized that Ross Farm sits just a few miles from my parent’s house! I had seen their animals from the road on my drive back home to visit family. (The miniature donkey’s are particularly adorable).

While supporting a farm close to home is a bit exciting, the fibre itself is also rather exciting! Clara Parks recently gave a lovely review of the Ross Farm’s offerings at Rhinebeck Sheep and Wool festival:

But I was particularly struck by The Ross Farm’s offerings. Not only could you find a wide range of expertly spun breed-specific yarns, but you could trace the source of your skein back to the precise sheep that had provided its fibers, with its name and photo on each skein. This is Amy. Her family has been farming the same land in Washington County, PA, since 1910. Her focus on what she calls “heritage breeds”—along with a keen eye for twist and ply—bodes well for her generation and beyond.

Mark your calendars for the November 21st Trunk Show here at the shop. You will find yarn from 12 different breeds of Heritage and Rare Breed sheep – all minimally processed, naturally raised, 100% wool from their farm.