by Sarabeth Parido Looking for meaningful, handmade, locally produced gifts this Christmas? Skip the big-box stores and discover the heart and soul of local fiber arts with the Kentucky Fiber Trail — a year-round guide to some of the best fiber farms, yarn shops, and artisan studios across the Commonwealth.  The holidays are the perfect time to explore the trail and support Kentucky makers who pour their creativity, skill, and tradition into every skein, fleece, and finished

By Sarabeth Paraido As we head into the fall and holiday season, many will start to handcraft their gifts for loved ones.   For those who raise their own fiber animals,  this is a wonderful expression of their creativity and love for both their animals and the ones they are gifting their items with.  One of the most magical parts of working with fiber is watching wool transform—from a soft, creamy fleece to vibrant yarn full of depth and life. Natural dyeing is a craft of tra

Can Western-Style Range Flocks Thrive In The Appalachians? by Sheep Industry News Originally published in Sheep Industry News, July 2022 – Reprinted with permission from the American Sheep Industry (ASI) Before King Coal reigned in the Appalachian Mountains of Eastern Kentucky – and surrounding areas – sheep were a common sight. Patrick Angel hopes the small ruminants can be a part of reviving the region as the country moves away from coal as a primary energy source. The ret