Amish sheep keepers process wool by hand. From shearing to finished yarn — four stages.
Shearing
Once a year, spring. Hand scissors (not electric). An experienced shearer removes the fleece whole — one 'coat.' Wool quality varies by body part: sides — best, belly — coarse.
Washing
Wool is dirty and greasy (lanolin). Soak in warm water (not hot — it felts) with soap. Change water 3–4 times. Don't rub or twist — gently rinse. Dry on a rack in shade.
Carding
Two brushes with bent teeth (carders). Place wool on one, draw the other across. Fibers straighten and align. Repeat 5–10 times. Result — a fluffy batt ready for spinning.
Spinning
Drop spindle or spinning wheel. Draw fibers from the batt while twisting. Thread forms by fibers wrapping around each other. Beginner: 50 meters/hour. Expert: 200+.
Lanolin
Wool grease is a valuable byproduct. Amish women use it as hand cream: a natural moisturizer indistinguishable from expensive cosmetics.