Fifth Anniversary

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We think every issue of Wild Fibers is special but our Fifth Anniversary was unquestionably extra special. After almost two years of research and travel, we finally present the fascinating yet disturbing story of the Soay sheep on St. Kilda's island in Scotland.

Next, we literally zoom to New Zealand for our story of "On the Lam in Paradise". A minute by minute account of a sheep rescue by helicopter in the Southern Alps that puts a whole new spin on herding.

We also settle down with a group of weavers in Morocco who both delight and frustrate Torie Olson as she learns about doing things the Moroccan way.

And finally, we have a very special feature on Schacht Spindle Co. who celebrates their 40th year! One afternoon with Barry Schacht and you will know why we call him "This Old Hippie".

On the Lam in Paradise

In the alps of New Zealand's South Island, where trampers tramp and sheep do roam, four renegade woolies eluded capture for nearly five years until a helicopter arrived and scooped them up. The sheep won't be the only ones hanging when you read this modern-day tale of high country farming Down Under.


Barry Schacht's entree into fibers began with an order for wooden doorknobs that he subsequently turned into 200 drop spindles. One might be tempted to say "and the rest was history", but in truth, the rest was all Barry! Schacht wheels and looms are among the industry's very finest, and best of all they are 100% manufactured in North America.


Fifty miles into the frequently angry seas of the North Atlantic, a tiny island more than a half a mile wide sustained an industrious but isolated population for centuries. Now, all that is left is an abandoned village and a flock of critically endangered Soay sheep. (Photos courtesy of Kathy Miller. Archive photo courtesy of the National Trust for Scotland.)