Blizzard Brings on Lambing Season
January 2025 Newsletter ❄️
Hey Friends! I hope you are staying cozy and warm this winter!
Here in Virginia, we are never quite sure what winter will look like. Will it be mild with very little snowfall or will we get several feet of snow? As a born and raised Virginian, I love the surprise.
I know everyone has their preference on whether they love the snow or dislike it. As for me, I love the snow! The sun glistening off the snow brings a much needed bright cheer during the seemingly long winter months. I am the type of gal that would much rather do outside chores in the snow and ice, than in the slippery wet mud! Plus, snow is so good for the soil. Hello nitrogen!
Ok, now on to the lambs!
Lambing season kicked off on January 8th, two days after the snow came in. I glanced out my bedroom window where the sheep are enjoying their winter paddock, and much to my surprise I saw my favorite Jacob ewe, Ada, in the shelter licking a freshly born lamb! I ever so calmly walked down the hallway and announced to the children “Umm guys! There is a lamb out there!” All five of the kids booked it down the hallway to go peek out the window.
I head outside to just observe Ada, watching as this first time mama’s instincts took over and the attentiveness she had to this sweet little life she just gave birth to. I watched for a few minutes to make sure the lamb was attempting to nurse before I headed up to get a comfy spot set-up in our sheep shed.
With snow on the ground and a few of our ewes being first-time lambers, we wanted to make sure they had their own little spaces to stay warm and get alone time with their lambs.
As I was getting the nursery area all fixed up, my kids came running out of the house! (They had been at the window this whole time watching Ada and her new lamb.) “Ada had another lamb!” They announced.
All I could think was ‘‘What?!’’ Ada barely showed and I had just noticed her udder starting to fill that same morning. I was shocked she had two little lambs hiding in there.
I slowly went back down to see and sure enough there was another speckled, wobbly-legged lamb. I let Ada and her two adorable twin ram lambs get acquainted for a little while before moving them into the shed.
Two days later, Miss Lucy lambed at midnight. Our only sheep so far on the farm to lamb during the night. I had a feeling all day that one of the ewes was going to lamb. I even set alarms on my phone that night to wake up and check ( I had never done that before). Well just before midnight, one of my sons woke me up because he had a bad dream. I got him tucked back into his bed and then figured I might as well glance outside.
Well wouldn’t you know it, out there in the field shelter was Lucy licking a sticky wet lamb. She must of just gave birth to him because he hadn’t even stood yet. So outside we went at midnight to make them a spot in the nice warm shed.
Two weeks went by before we had another lamb. I am thankful that our experienced ewe Sarah held on until we passed the really frigid cold nights. On a much warmer friday morning I went out to give hay and noticed Sarah wasn’t very interested…..first clue to lambing for her because she loves her food. Sure enough, two hours later, she gave birth to two beautiful ewe lambs.
Now we have a small break before expecting any more ewes to lamb. Then our adventure in milking sheep will begin. I can’t wait!
In the Shop:
There is still a few handwoven wool shawls available in the shop. Perfect to wrap around you on these chilly winter mornings. We also have a brand new item listed, Jacob roving! If you are a spinner or felter and have never tried Jacob wool before, you should give it a go. You will not be dissapointed! Jacob sheep have a versatile wool type that makes it perfect for so many beautiful projects.
The Diamond Ridge Throw will be restocked in new colors coming soon! You, my sweet subscribers, will be the first to know when they go up on the website.
As a big thank you for being a subscriber, please use the code: “Winter5” for 5% off your next order!! Thank you for all your love and support. ♥
Upcoming Workshop:
Local friends! I am excited to announce our upcoming workshop!
Join us for a day of learning and hands on fun! You will learn the process of skirting a raw fleece, scouring (washing the wool), carding and combing, and then finally spinning. You will be using drop spindles to spin on, with demonstrations on a spinning wheel. At the end of the workshop, you will go home with your very own drop spindle and handspun skein of yarn.
You can find out more information and sign up over on our website at: https://homespunroots.com/workshops
Things I am currently loving:
• Sock Knitting 🧦 Socks have never been one of my favorite things to knit...until now! Knitting two of the same thing use to be a struggle, but I am currently knitting socks for some friends of ours and I am now a fan! This pattern: The Beginner Socks pattern by Darling Adore has been great for handspun yarn.
• SNOW ❆ The snow has stuck around for awhile and I am loving it. Although I have a feeling, by the looks of the weather forecast, that it will probably all melt this week and then it will be mud season. 🫠😆
• Lamb snuggles! Who doesn’t love some sweet fluffy hugs?! Oh, how those little doses of lamb hugs put a smile on my face and brighten my day.
Until next time friends,