We often get asked questions about working with raw fleece straight off the sheep and Mary Cooper’s workshop in Sligo sounds like it will have the answers. We got this message from Mary:

“I am running a two day workshop at Markree Castle Hotel,  Co. Sligo on March 9th and 10th.   This will be a hands on and demonstration of  how to get a fleece from its smelly dirty state to a wearable yarn or fibre ready to felt.

It will include washing, dying,  using both natural and synthetic dyes, carding and spinning wool.   Participants are welcome to bring a small amount of their own fleece and any spinning equipment they own if they wish.

The cost is €150 and this will include tea/coffee, lunch on both days and any materials needed.
Hopefully at the end of the weekend you will go home with a little washed fibre,   some hand spun yarn, some hand dyed yarn and lots of new ideas and enthusiasm.

For more details contact me at mary@markreewoolcraft.com or see the Markree Castle Hotel website, markreecastle.ie”