Shave ‘Em to Save ‘Em Sponsors

SHAVE ‘EM TO SAVE ‘EM (SE2SE)

Shave ‘Em to Save ‘Em Initiative recognizes fiber artists who use wool from breeds on the Conservation Priority List while connecting shepherds of heritage breeds with customers.

Endangered breeds of livestock need jobs. In the case of wool sheep, we need to start using their wool again. When you use wool from rare breed sheep, you help the bottom line of a small farmer. With improved profitability, these farmers make it through another season and over time their farm income stabilizes. With enough repeat sales, shepherds can expand their flocks. When you knit, weave, felt and create art with rare wool, you save rare breed sheep!

Explore wool and fiber with a variety of textures and colors. Try different techniques and learn which wools and techniques pair best. On this page we’ve provided you with some resources to learn more about the fiber from each breed. Have fun!

How does it work?

Enroll and receive a “Passport” to document your journey with rare wool.
Buy a minimum of 4 oz of eligible wool from enrolled Fiber Providers. They will send you a sticker to put in your passport.
Join the Shave ‘Em to Save ‘Em conversations on Facebook or Ravelry groups. Ask for advice, share patterns, project photos, and more!
Create a “project” for each breed – spinning, weaving, felting, knitting, crocheting, etc. The more breeds’ wools you try, the more “stamps” you collect, the more you will learn and experience, and the more breeds you will save.
See Official Rules for complete program details.

How will Fiber Artists find Fiber Providers?
Through The Livestock Conservancy’s online breeders and products directory

How do you get listed in the directory?
By joining The Livestock Conservancy and registering as a Fiber Provider.

Why are sheep breeds endangered?

The diverse collection of breeds on the Conservation Priority List were bred for specific traits and characteristics by many generations of farmers. While this has given us varied and remarkable wool to work with, these breeds do not fit into today’s “modern” agricultural model. Additionally, cheap petroleum-based synthetic fibers have replaced wool in many of today’s clothing and textile markets. Although these fibers are cheaper, heritage breed wool is far more sustainable and fiber artists are rediscovering the vast variety of uses the different breeds offer.

Please note: the Shave ‘Em to Save ‘Em Challenge is only available to participants in the United States.

Making a Difference

“The SE2SE program is the most worthwhile fiber arts program I’ve been involved in. Participating as a fiber artist has given me experience with a broad range of sheep breeds and I’ll be using that knowledge to make the best selection of fiber for all my future designs. It’s also given me membership in a vibrant network of shepherds, wool and yarn vendors, and other fiber artists. All in all, a huge benefit from a very small investment.” – Margaret Radcliffe