Raising Wool

Photos by Blake Kroeger

At Apple Creek Merino’s, every strand of wool begins with a lamb, a name, a tiny sweater, and a gentle hand. Follow Laurel Stone as she spins love into thread.

A sheep peers through the gate of a holding pen, moments before being reunited with its flock.

A sheep peers through the gate of a holding pen, moments before being reunited with its flock.

Stone’s favorite sheep, Banana, receives a gentle moment of care after grazing on the field.

Stone’s favorite sheep, Banana, receives a gentle moment of care after grazing on the field.

Bundled in colorful coats, twin sheep lounge in a pasture near Veneta at Apple Creek Merinos, where their wool is carefully protected.

Bundled in colorful coats, twin sheep lounge in a pasture near Veneta at Apple Creek Merinos, where their wool is carefully protected.

Stone demonstrates the texture of a raw wool sample, fresh from the flock.

Stone demonstrates the texture of a raw wool sample, fresh from the flock.