For the first time Saturday and Sunday, Kathy Withers opened her spring shearing to the public, offering a chance to see how wool and mohair are harvested from her sheep, goats, alpacas and llamas.
For the past five years, Withers Ranch at 4010 W. Palo Seco and the fall shearing have been open as part of the Tucson Wool Festival, but this year she decided to add the spring work to her schedule as well.
"A lot of people have never seen the animals. They just never have," Withers said. "A lot of people don't know what's involved. They're amazed at the amount of work it takes before you get to the yarn."
Breeding, raising, feeding, watering, shoveling and shearing are just some of the responsibilities involved before the material is cleaned, dyed, carded and spun — before yarn ever touches needles.
Withers said she plans for the spring shearing open house to continue her efforts to teach about knitting, crocheting, wool and felting.
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"I like people being able to see and learn," she said.
