Meet Your Farmers
Behind every skein of yarn and pair of hand-knitted socks are two people who believe farming should be done with intention. We’re Peter and Michelle Pitsiokos, and we’re raising merino sheep the old-fashioned way—with care, patience, and respect for the land.
Our Chief Shepherdess
Michelle is our Chief Shepherdess. She’s no stranger to to being a woman in a field traditionally dominated by men.
Michelle is a 30 year veteran of the City of Charlottesville Fire Department, where she is one of a handful of women among Charlottesville’s Bravest.
In addition to being Chief Shepherdess, firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician, she’s a dedicated Mom and wife.
If It’s Good for Our Merinos, It’s Good for You
Naturally colored Merino sheep and first class fine wool are Michelle’s passions. Her specialty is breeeding sheep who grow super strong and silky smooth shades of brown, grey and white wool that is soft enough to be worn next to the skin.
Michelle manages our farm to ensure our Merinos live with the dignity they deserve. Ethical and sustainable care is her primary goal.
Every February, highly skilled and experienced shearers descend on the farm yielding 1,000 pounds of luxurious cashmere-like wool which we turn into yarn, beanies, socks, mittens, pillows, mattress pads and so much more.
Stewards of the Pasture, the James River and the Chesapeake Bay
We are richly blessed to be the owners of a 93 acre lush, green pasture of rolling hills on the James River in Virginia’s Piedmont.
We view ourselves as sheep farmers and grass farmers. We are honored to have been entrusted to carefully and responsibly manage our land. A riverside pasture in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed requires the highest level of care.
We are partners with the Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District and Virginia Tech, following their recommended pasture management practices to enhance the soil and to protect the James River and the Chesapeake Bay.
Virginia Wool, Handcrafted Tradition
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