Let’s Clean Raw Wool

This hands-on workshop will guide participants through the full process of cleaning raw fleece, making it ready for use in fiber arts such as spinning, felting, or weaving. Each attendee will select a whole raw fleece—provided by Sparrow Lark Farm, a Kentucky farm specializing in Gotland and Gotland-cross sheep—and work through each stage of the cleaning process, including skirting, scouring, and drying.

All cleaning materials and tools will be provided and are included for participants to take home, allowing them to continue processing wool confidently on their own. This workshop is beginner-friendly and ideal for anyone interested in working with raw fleece or deepening their understanding of wool preparation.

Friday, 9 AM to 10:30 AM
Workshop Fee: $180
Materials fee: none. Workshop fee includes cost of one bag of raw wool selected by student to use during the workshop and take home with them.

Artist Bio: Bethany Mattingly is a Kentucky-based farmer, educator, and fiber artist behind Sparrow Lark Farm, a Gotland sheep farm focused on producing high-quality, locally sourced fleece. She brings a hands-on, approachable teaching style rooted in real farm experience, guiding students through the full journey from animal to finished fiber. She has taught this workshop at Seneca fiber festivals in Indiana and in private instruction in Kentucky. With over 10 years experience as an ag teacher, she meets students of all ages where they are and help them build skills to where they’re going.