Yes, I really am a shepherdess! I am a historian, a museum professional, a historic site volunteer, a reenactor - and a knitter! When I couldn’t find yarn suitable for historic patterns, I made my own. I raise historic breeds of sheep (merino, cheviot & dorset) using 19th century farming methods on my small farm in northwest Illinois, and I sell 100% wool yarn, roving and knit goods at historical events in Illinois, Wisconsin and on my website.

I prefer using vintage patterns. 19th century knitting terms often seem like a foreign language, so I also “translate” 19th century patterns into modern knitting terms. I sell pattern kits that include my Suzy the Shepherdess 100% wool yarn plus the original 19th century pattern, a modern translation, and lots of historical notes.

Learn more about me and my sheep at www.SuzytheShepherdess.com.