I am always amazed at the amount of preparatory work that goes into bast fibers. Sheep are so easy! [Esp since I pay $5 a head for shearing. <G> & worth every penny ... don't tell the shearer, but I'd pay $20 a head w/ no complaints. LOL] Ahhh for good slaves... they could pick the nettles & process them, too. ROFL & then I could have the opportunity to spin & weave them & have luscious tunics. Jennifer/Ælfgifu