Carol’s family history is deeply intertwined with the land and the art of working with wool. Her grandfather, a proud WWI veteran, owned a sheep ranch in Montana. His love for his flock was legendary, and he passed down this fondness for the natural world to his descendants. His wife, Carol’s grandmother, was the first married woman to homestead in Montana, a testament to her strength and resilience.

The sheep ranch was eventually taken over by Carol’s cousin, Jeanie, who continued the legacy of providing wool for the family’s crafts. However, when Jeanie’s daughter was diagnosed with cancer, she had to make the heart-wrenching decision to sell the flock to dedicate her full-time attention to her daughter’s battle against the disease. Despite this, the family’s connection to the land and their craft remained strong.

Now, Carol’s daughter is stepping into her mother’s shoes. She’s learning the meticulous process of sorting, washing, spinning, and weaving wool, just as her mother did. With every piece of yarn she spins and every pattern she weaves, she’s not just creating beautiful items, but also carrying on a family tradition that has been passed down through generations.

Anchored by a rich past and looking forward to a vibrant future, the legacy of Carol’s family continues. Through their love for the land and their passion for their craft, they’re keeping alive a way of life that speaks of simplicity, patience, and a deep connection to nature. This is more than just a family trade; it’s a tribute to their ancestors, a gift for the present, and a promise to the future.