Elmlea Farm

Hello Everyone, it's me ....Patrick Babydoll, today I will start to tell you about all of us fibre bearing animals at Elmlea Farm!  Each day I will tell you about a breed of animal and post a picture.  You will learn about our fibre, it's strengths and weaknesses.  When you have met everyone I will tell you about the process of how this fibre is gathered and made into a finished product!

First here is  some housekeeping.

The store will be closed the month of November due to the fact that Lee will be participating in a few shows.  However, if you would like to drop by the store and maybe see me too!  Just send us a note or call 705-778-2070 to arrange a time to browse the selection of fibre goods.  Eggs, meat, poultry are ALWAYS available.  It is also a good time to order your fresh Christmas turkey there is a limited number and we sold out at Thanksgiving!

This weekend November 8-10th is the Wendy Mahoney Christmas Show and Sale located at 292 Concession Rd. East, Warkworth 5 km north of Warkworth on Godolphin Road.  Friday and Saturday from 9-7 and Sunday 10-4.

Today's Animal Lesson

There are four sheep at Elmlea farm.  We are all Olde English Babydoll Southdown and we are registered just like one of those show dogs ya hear about!  What is great about us babydolls is that we are calm in nature, we are grazers, we are smaller in size compared to a regular sheep and we are great pets!   Wineries and orchards are starting to use babydolls to clear the weeds and keep grass "cut".  As for personality well I myself am exceptional! Baaa
Babydolls are considered a multi-use sheep...meaning we are good for wool and (PARISH the though) meat....psst...not here though!

Our wool is considered medium quality.  
Properties of wool in general:
Positives...good memory, inexpensive(relatively speaking) wool has strength, and warmer than synthetic, usually not as soft as exotic fibre
Negatives...sensitivity of wool for some people, not as warm as Alpaca or Mohair