Children and adults get their hands on some fine wool at the sidewalk sale.

Fall-born ewes Niobe (moorit) and Linnaea (mocha silver) represented their breed well on Saturday July 25 at Bethesda Row, showing shoppers and children where the products from their New Zealand cousins begin, for Icebreaker Merino’s product line–exquisitely finewool knit and woven garments that exhibit all the wonderful properties of wool. Their garments (as does all wool) begin on the back of a sheep, who converts sunshine and grass into one of the world’s softest and finest natural fibers.

Steel drum music, dogs of many breeds, and the sights and smells of a busy urban pedestrian plaza were some of the experiences Niobe and Linnaea took home to discuss among themselves and their flock mates. They took it all in stride, and when the truck arrived back at the barn at 8 p.m. Saturday, they were resting in the truck, ruminating on it all, and had to be prodded up and out, back into the pasture.

Thanks to Lilly Hartmetz and all the staff at Icebreaker; it was great to meet you all.