Artist Page: Lynn Born

Artist Biography:

I first got into fiber when I got into sheep! In 2020, I was away at school in an urban area and COVID hit. I felt trapped by the lack of autonomy over my environment and I started researching sheep any chance I got. I grew up on a farm and by the time I finished school and moved back home I had already set up a trip to Connecticut to buy a dairy sheep. I liked that she was triple purpose: milk, wool, and meat from her lambs. So down that rabbit hole I went learning about shearing and processing wool.  My first project plan was to make a pair of socks! I had a friend with a spinning wheel which was interesting but I needed something to start with. So I “youtubed” how to use a drop spindle and carved my own out of some sticks in the yard because I couldn’t wait for delivery. I’ve recently upgraded to a spinning wheel which is a lot of fun. I’m learning how to repair the wheel and I’m having new bobbins made for it. 

My newest adventure is a market lamb production farm! I recently added over 100 sheep to my flock and it feels like I have an unlimited supply of free fiber to work with. My major at school was Management, Economics and Finance and now I work as a full time accountant. I have found that my business background has helped to drive decision making in growing my farm business (Ewe Know It Farms) but for now it is still sort of my side hobby. I am being careful to keep sheep fun so I don’t start to feel burnt out on my hobbies and the things that bring me joy.

I spin, knit, sew, and sometimes paint. I am a member of a weekly knitting club in Oberlin.  I am inspired by the process of making itself. If I make a mistake, I take it out and redo my work (I am a bit of a perfectionist) and I always have several projects going so that I can walk away and take a break if I get frustrated. Fiber is supposed to be fun, not infuriating!