LACEY – It started with a gift of sheep fleece to the sisters at St. Placid Priory.

Now, more than two decades later, more than 1,200 sheep made of fleece have been handcrafted by the Priory Fiber Arts group, women who lend their artistic skills to support the Benedictine sisters at the monastery in Lacey.

“It’s our signature item,” said Benedictine Sister Monika Ellis, the group’s organizer.

Each sheep is unique, due to the variety of ways the fleece can be spun, knitted and felted. With just word of mouth, the sheep — which have cartoon-like faces — have found homes in nearly every state in the U.S. and in countries around the world, from China to Austria.

Usually, members of the Priory Fiber Arts group gather weekly at the priory, working on their projects as a form of prayer while also enjoying lighthearted conversation. Their work hasn’t stopped because of the coronavirus restrictions, though — group members are working on projects at their homes, Sister Monika said.

Besides sheep, there are seasonal creations — Christmas trees, angels and Santa and Mrs. Claus — that are sold at an Olympia bazaar in November.

“We can easily sell 100 Santas,” Sister Monika said. “We work all year to create them.”

Frauke Donovan uses needle felting in preparation for making a Santa Claus during a session of the Priory Fiber Arts group earlier this year at St. Placid Priory in Lacey. Photo: Julie A. Ferraro

Every item created by the artisans has a spiritual component, according to Sister Monika, whether it’s reflecting the beauty created by God or being infused with prayer.

Katie Callahan, a member of the artisan group who attends Sacred Heart Parish in Lacey, said her favorite task is making crocheted or knitted prayer shawls, gifted to those in need of prayer.

“I pray for the person who’s going to get it,” Callahan said. She knows firsthand the comfort a prayer shawl can bring — she received one when she had heart surgery.

“It’s a way to spread grace,” Sister Monika said. “The prayers get into the fiber.”

Some shawls go to hospital patients, she said, while others are given for celebration of life events, or to people receiving spiritual direction at the priory who are facing challenges.

Sister Monika is also known for using the fleece to make birds. She started with a chickadee in 2003 and has expanded her repertoire to include dozens of birds seen throughout the Pacific Northwest.

“God is a God of surprises, so I do enjoy the surprises that happen in the process of creating art,” she said. “I experience a connection with all of creation when I am making art and I am often surprised by what I create.”

Once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, handcrafted sheep and other items can be purchased at St. Placid Priory, located at 500 College St. N.E., Lacey.