~ The Sassy Ewe ~
Sue Ann Carpenter
For
several years, Sue Ann Carpenter simply admired the Karakul Sheep she
would see at the MSU Rare Breed Livestock shows. In 1988, Sue Ann
finally gave in and purchased 4 karakul sheep. A ram named Fire, and
three ewes, which she named Flame, Fudge & Freckles. These
Karakuls were “off colored”, which means “other than black”.
Later that same year she picked up 5 more ewes and another ram.
The
following year, 1989, Sue Ann's son, Dan, decided he wanted to show
Southdown Sheep in 4-H. By this time Sue Ann had learned to spin and
was becoming more educated about the wonderful characteristics of the
Karakul fibers. The fibers were natural colored, long, and spun
wonderfully.
Remembering
the beginning of her fibery journey, Sue Ann laughs. Then says that
she had a wonderful mentor in Marie McFadden of Marshall, Michigan.
Sue Ann was to discover that Marie had some ulterior motives of her
own. Good Motives, to be certain! Over the years Sue Ann purchased
2 spinning wheels and took over the task of promoting wool within the
Calhoun County Sheep Club.
To
quote Sue Ann, “The more you do, the more you learn.” She
learned to pick (clean the debris/hay from) and wash her own fleeces.
Not all mills are able to process the long fibers well. Each type of
wool has its own characteristics. They feel differently from one
another. Have different strengths, lengths, and specialty uses. For
instance; in addition to spinning Karakul for knitting or weaving, it
felts wonderfully.
Previously she had been paying someone to dye for her. However, the
colors where not what she hoped for. Sue Ann began dyeing her own
fibers. Not only was she able to achieve the colors she wanted, this
helped to keep her costs down. Which results in savings for her happy
clientele. Her colors are bold, deep, rich...they have life. Can
you say YUM-MY?!
Sue
Ann specializes in fibers from both Karakul and Southdown sheep. To
supplement her offering, she also uses wool from various other
breeds; along with other natural fibers. Most often these fibers
come from other local sheep breeders. Sometimes she blends these in
the roving. At other times plys the fibers. The resulting product
is an exceptional experience in color, texture, and earthy goodness.
If you are interested in a truly decadent experience, you can arrange
for Sue Ann to have some of her Southdown made into bats. These
luxurious bats make a an exceptional comforter. Not only are they
unbelievably warm – they are light and airy. No sweating or
suffocating necessary. Southdown wool breathes! It is a heavenly
experience.
Sue
Ann has shown and exhibited sheep at both local and state levels.
Currently she has 9 adult Karakuls, (which includes the 15 year old,
Miss C!) and
6 Karakul lambs. She also has
24
adult Southdowns and 13 Southdown lambs.
Sue
Ann Carpenter, AKA – The
Sassy Ewe
– is a favorite among her peers and the public. She has a
wonderful product. She is a true lady and an exceptional woman.
While out and about, Sue Ann is always happy to share her time and
her knowledge with inquiring minds.
