On Saturday Nov. 16th the Nottawasaga Handweavers and Spinners Guild had the pleasure of a visit from author and shepherd, Barbara McLean. Barbara was invited to share her new book and her knowledge on raising Sheep for fibre in Ontario. Before Barbara started reading, she had her audience's attention on arrival. The guild was enamored with her wonderful handspun and handwoven coat, which Barbara mentioned was a covid project. Barbara also enticed all the fibre enthusiasts when she passed around a bag of white Border Leicester roving and brown Border Leicester wool. There was a debate on who would get to take it home.

Barbara read several passages from her latest book, Shepherd's Sight. The book covers a year on Barbara's farm with each chapter representing a month of the calendar year. Barbara chose several passages to read that related to sheep and wool, as she knew her listeners. We were all entertained and even though she read some passages representing the difficult side of farming, many of us wanted sheep by the end. Many bought a copy of her book and will live vicariously through her stories. She also has an earlier book, "Lambsquarters" about starting her farm and flock.

The guild would like to thank Barbara McLean for taking the time to share her wonderful book and experiences with us.

There is a TVO Agenda episode about Barbara if you would like to learn more.
www.tvo.org/video/what-does-it-take-to-run-an-ontario-sheep-farm