Our mission is the conservation of endangered heritage sheep breeds and the preservation of ancient textile practices.
About the farm & our work
Skirting wool on shearing day
Welcome to A Woolen Forest Farm & Studio! My name is Alejandra Sanchez, I am the fiber artist, shepherd, and conservationist behind A Woolen Forest, located in Minnesota. The focus of the farm is the preservation of wool crafts and textile arts through education and through the conservation of heritage sheep breeds. The farm is home to a herd of Angora rabbits and a mixed flock of heritage breed sheep which include: Soay, Jacob, and Leicester Longwool. Each of these breeds have a fascinating history and grow wool with unique characteristics.
I fell down the wool rabbit hole over 7 years ago when I brought home my first pair of angora rabbits and started to learn how to spin. As I tended to these magical creatures and peddled along on my wheel something took root. I was immediately captivated by the meditative practice of spinning and the textural feeling of the wool turning into yarn as it moved through my fingers. But what I did not expect was the deep connections it would provide me. Through this practice of the ancient art of spinning, I was rooted to the animal that grew the wool, the land on which it was raised, the animal’s shepherd, and magically to history. By spinning wool I am rooted to all those before me who have practiced this art for centuries and supporting its preservation.
It was this overwhelming feeling of connection, history, and preservation that inspired me to raise heritage breed sheep and to support others interested in fibers arts. My greatest passion has become to share these ancient crafts with others and to establish a community that supports these endeavors. Thus I began offering classes in spinning, wool processing, and natural dyeing. In late Spring and early Summer I also offer plant starts for sale, featuring various herbs and plants used for natural dyeing.
A Woolen Forest Farm & Studio is a member of the Livestock Conservancy.
Our recovered Soay flock - 2021
THE SHEEP
In late 2019, A Woolen Forest expanded to include a flock of rescued Soay sheep, a very rare breed from the British Isles known as the most primitive sheep currently in existence. It took many months and tremendous care to re-establish the health of this flock, which had experienced long periods of severe malnutrition and starvation. We were able to ensure that all the ewes who arrived already pregnant had fruitful and uncomplicated deliveries. In the Spring of 2020 we welcomed a total of 8 new Soay lambs to the flock!
The farm is now home to three different heritage sheep breeds: Soay, Jacob, and Leicester Longwool. Each of these breeds have a fascinating history and grow wool with unique characteristics, each deserving of their own spotlight, which I will provide on the sheep page.
A Woolen Forest Farm & Studio is a member of the Livestock Conservancy.