Located in Rensselaer County, NY. Ancient Threads Farm raises Shetland, Icelandic & Tunis sheep and dyes high quality yarns with natural dyes.
Ancient Threads Farm really started in 1996 with two free sheep of indeterminate breed and a small patch of land in Grafton, NY. We grew this farm to include a Scotch Highland bull, cow, a team of oxen, and occasional calves. A flock of Shetland and Soay Sheep, a bunch of chickens, goats, pigs, bees, and the usual cats and dogs.
In 2003, Ancient Threads formally became a business when we purchased a carder and went into the carding business, processing our own and customers wool and other animal fibers into roving and batts. Later we added dyed roving and dyed merino sock yarn. We got out of the carding business officially in 2006, sold the carder, but continued to dabble in the dyed yarn and natural roving business.
In 2009, we left Grafton and moved to Pittstown, NY where we eventually purchased an old 172 acre farm near the Tomhannock Reservoir. After five years restoring the house and property to a mortgageable condition we have re-engaged with our farming ambitions. When not doing farm chores, Tim works at Battenkill Fibers Carding and Spinning Mill in Greenwich, NY and is a Viking era reenactor with a local group. When not dyeing yarn, Lynda works as a college administrator, knits and spins and recently finished her Ed.D in Educational Leadership.
We are now a shave ‘em to save ‘em participant!
Tim & Lynda Holt
Location
161 Piser Hill Rd
Melrose, NY 12121
ancientthreadsfarmny@gmail.com