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Events

Sheep Shearing Day

Apr 26, 2013

The Museum of Appalachia will hold its annual spring “Sheep Shearing” on Friday, April 26, with special demonstrations to include spinning, weaving and quilting.

Spring comes alive with gardens growing, heirloom flowers beginning to bloom, native trees putting forth their summer-green leaves—and schoolchildren on end-of-term field trips.

Each spring, the winter’s growth of heavy wool is trimmed from the Museum’s flock of sheep. The process of producing yarn—from shearing sheep to spinning wool and using the batting in quilts—will be demonstrated April 26 from 10:00am-2:00pm at the Museum of Appalachia.

The sheep will be trimmed by master of the trade, John Cooper of Monticello, Kentucky who explains the process to onlookers while using a vintage hand-cranked shearing machine.

Linda Frank and Darlene Laverdure will demonstrate spinning wool into yarn on old‐fashioned spinning wheels. Ruby Patterson will share the historical significance of quilt patterns while she explains the quilting process to visitors, and Lou Ann Robinson of the Tuesday Weavers will weave on the Museums restored loom in the Loom House.

The shearing, spinning, weaving and quilting demonstrations are part of the Museum’s mission to preserve and pass along the Appalachian culture to future generations.

Sheep were common on early Appalachian homesteads. Most families raised a few sheep for wool, which was used as quilt batting or to make cloth and yarn.

In addition to sheep, the Museum is home to chickens, guineas, wild turkeys, peafowl, and peacocks. Mules, Scottish Highland cattle, and “fainting” goats roam adjacent pastures. This time of year children will be delighted to see our new born lambs, goats & baby chicks.

A large craft and gift shop features handiwork from regional artisans, and a small restaurant offers hot southern lunches, fresh‐from‐the‐garden vegetables, and mouth‐watering desserts. Facilities are available for weddings, reunions, corporate meetings, and other events.

The Museum, a 501 (c) (3) organization, is located 16 miles north of Knoxville, one mile east of I‐75, exit 122. 

For More Information

2819 Andersonville Hwy
Clinton, TN 37716

Phone: 865-494-7680
Website: http://museumofappalachia.org/

Nearby Attractions

• Museum of Appalachia, 0 miles away
• Appalachian Arts Craft Center, 0.4 miles away
• Lenoir Museum Cultural Complex, 0.6 miles away
• Skunk Ridge Farm Bed & Breakfast, 0.7 miles away
• La Sierra Mexican Restaurant, 0.8 miles away

Relevant Itineraries

• Great Trip for Kids - Created 04/13/2013